Some people are born with abnormalities in the veins, arteries and other structures. These conditions may become cosmetic concerns. At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, board-certified dermatologist, Jill Waibel, MD, FAAD, treats vascular malformations in men and women living all over the world.
What are Vascular Malformations?
Vascular malformations involve the veins, lymph veins or arteries and are categorized as:
- Venolymphatic malformations (veins and lymph vessels)
- Lymphatic malformations (lymph vessels)
- Venous malformations (veins) appear as lumps under the skin and can be painful
- Arteriovenous malformations (arteries and veins) stress the heart to work harder to move blood through the body and may cause discomfort
These malformations are present at birth; therefore, they are considered congenital. Some of these conditions are inherited while others are more random. Hemangiomas [LINK] are a common type of vascular malformation.
What Causes Vascular Malformations?
Vascular malformations are errors of embryonic development of vessels that consist of vascular lesions ranging from skin discolorations to large devasting distortions. Lesions that are present at birth and appear to grow at the same rate as the rest of the body are usually called vascular malformations. Vascular malformations persist throughout life and may develop nodularity during adulthood. Vascular malformations may be localized or diffused and may occur during embryonic development.
