Progression of Ben's Birthmark
We did not see Ben's birthmark at birth. It has progressed as he ages and "new" visible spots are showing up all the time. All PWS's are present at birth, and usually noticible immediately. As you can see in these photo's...Ben's was not apparent when he was a baby. Ben's birthmark has always been pink or light red.
The First Year
2 Months Old with a little red spot on his nose
5 months old with the same red spot on his nose, a couple of pimply red spots on cheek
8 months old, and a slight "blush" on the right side of his face
The Second Year
12 months old and the "blush" has become permanent and moved up his temple
- 17 months old and we're starting to see some overgrowth in the cheek and nose
- (2 laser treatments)
- 22 months and the PWS is darker
- Ben's eye is starting it's permanent swelling, and the right face continues to get larger
- (4 laser treatments)
- Ben's eye is starting it's permanent swelling, and the right face continues to get larger
The 3rd Year
The laser is starting to break up the appearance of his birthmark.
- This a good example of how mild his swelling (hypertrophy) is. He's in a cool air conditioned store. When he's cool the swelling isn't as pronounced. (6 laser treatments)
- 34 Months Old. His birthmark remains splotcy. It is now appearing on his upper eyelid and inner brow. It continues in a "strip" beyond the temple up to the top back right of his scalp.
- (7 laser treatments)
The 4th Year
My 3rd Birthday! Cupcake frosting on my face. 6 days after my embolization.
- 40 months. We're starting to get concerned about the eye. His pressure test is fine but the hypertrophy keeps it permanently half closed looking. (8 laser treatments)