Welcome to VBF!

Ask the VBF Experts

Dr. Gregory Levitin, Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon
Dr. Levitin will answer your questions regarding the surgical treatment of all vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Stuart Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director and International Port Wine Stain Laser Specialist
Dr. Nelson will answer your questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Port Wine Stains.

Dr. Martin Mihm, VBF Co-Medical Director and Research Director
Dr. Mihm is coordinating and directing research regarding vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Aaron Fay, Hemangioma and Malformations Eye Surgeon
Dr. Aaron Fay will answer questions concerning eye problems and birthmarks.

Dr. Roy Geronemus, NYC and International Laser Specialist
If you have a question or concern about laser treatments in general, contact Dr. Geronemus.

Dr. Barry Zide, NYC Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon
If you have a question or concern about hemangioma and vascular malformation treatment in general, contact Dr. Zide.

Dr. Darren Orbach, Pediatric Neurointerventionalist for AVMs and PHACE
VBF is proud to welcome Dr. Orbach!

Corinne Barinaga, VBF Family Services Director
Corinne Barinaga, our Administrative Director, will answer emails concerning family advocacy, treatment questions, or physician referral.

Dr. Robert Rosen, Vascular Lesions of Arms and Legs Interventional Radiologist
Our expert for all non-brain AVMs and vascular lesions of the arms and legs, Dr. Rosen welcomes your questions.

Brian Bolinger, Esq. Director VBF Advocacy Alliance
This alliance is being formed to coordinate legislative, legal, and insurance related issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and tumors.

Dr. Anne Comi, Sturge Weber Syndrome Specialist
One of the leading experts on Sturge Weber Syndrome, Dr. Comi will be responding to your questions concerning this syndrome.

Dr. Alex Berenstein, Malformations and AVM Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Kami Delfanian, KTS Treatment Specialist
Send your questions concerning KT Syndrome to Dr. Delfanian

Dr. Gary Giangola, KTS Treatment Specialist
If you have questions concerning the surgical treatment of KTS or other vascular lesions of the arms, legs, or trunk, contact Dr Giangola.

Basia Joyce, VBF Insurance Appeals Specialist
Please send your questions regarding your appeal or request for out-of-network treatment to Basia.

Dr. Joseph Edmonds, Lymphatic Malformations Surgeon
Ask Dr. Edmonds your questions related to Lymphatic Malformations.

Dr. Thomas Serena, Wound Care Specialist
Please send Dr. Serena your questions regarding wound care for an ulcerated hemangioma or other vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome that requires wound care.

Dr. Orhan Konez, Interventional Radiologist
Questions regarding reading and interpreting films and treating malformations with sclerotherapy or embollization can be sent to Dr. Orhan Konez.

Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Airway Surgeon
Email Dr. Mouzakes with questions regarding airway hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the airway (throat area).

Dr. Steven Fishman, Internal Lesions Surgeon

Ask Dr. Fishman your questions about liver and other internal vascular lesions.

Dr. Susie Astner, European Laser Specialist
VBF's Ask the Laser Doctor offers expert advice on laser treatments for all vascular birthmarks by Dr. Susie Astner.

Dr. Denise Metry, PHACE Syndrome Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this syndrome, please ask Dr. Metry.

Dr. Stavros Tombris, European Surgeon
Fr. Tombris treats all forms of hemangomas, port wine stains and malformations.

Dr. Stevan Thompson, Military (Tricare) Surgeon
Dr. Stevan Thompson has joined us to answer questions concerning the treatment of vascular birthmarks in the military.

Dr. Helen Figge, Pharmacist
If you or your child has a vascular birthmark and you have a question regarding a prescription drug, please ask Doc Helen Figge.

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF President and Founder
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon is the leading lay expert in the world on the subject of vascular birthmarks.

Lex Van der Heijden, CMTC Foundation

If you or your child has CMTC, please contact Lex with your questions.

Leslie Graff, East Coast Developmental Specialist
Leslie is a trained developmental specialist. Send questions concerning port wine stains and this topic to Leslie.

Elissa-Uretsky Rifkin, Midwest Developmental Specialist
Elissa Uretsky- Rifkin, M.Ed. CMHC
is a trained developmental specialist and is on the board of VBF. Send questions concerning hemangiomas and this topic to Elissa.

Kymberly Stephens, Licensed Associate Counselor
Ask our expert Kymberly Stephens about issues stemming from prominent birthmarks, disfigurements, or image related issues associated with genetics, trauma, burn or accident situations.

Nancy Roberts - Make-up Specialist
Ask our expert Nancy Roberts, Co-Creator of Smart Cover Cosmetics (www.smartcover.com), your questions about make-up.

Linda Seidel - Make-up Expert
Ask Linda Seidel your questions about make-up.

Zeina Tannous, M.D., Laser Dermatology Expert
Ask our expert Dr. Tannous, your questions about laser dermatology.

Anna Duarte, M.D., Florida Expert
Ask our expert Dr. Duarte, your questions about receiving treatment in Florida.

Alicita, Spanish Expert
Ask our expert Alicita, your questions in Spanish.

What Our Families Are Saying About Us

"We relied on the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to provide us with the information, the contacts, the resources, and the support that we needed to get through this difficult time. Their theme, "We are making a difference" couldn't be more accurate. For us, it was all the difference in the world."
Jill Brown

Hi Linda
Just a note to say how wonderful I found the interview of you and Capital 9 news. Thanks so much for your devotion.
Gina

Recent forum threads

Visit the forum

2010 Physician of the Year

VBF is proud to announce that our 2010 Physician of the Year is Dr. Gregory Levitin.

CONGRATULATE DR. LEVITIN

Dr. Gregory Levitin is a board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Levitin earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He then completed his residency training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Combining his talents as both an Otolaryngologist and pediatric plastic surgeon, Dr. Levitin served as Co-Director of Surgical Services alongside Drs. Milton Waner and Alejandro Berenstein at The Vascular Birthmark Institute of New York before relocating his practice to California. Drawing a patient population from the greater Los Angeles area, nationally and internationally, Dr. Levitin specializes in the medical and surgical treatment for children and adults for all types of vascular birthmarks, including hemangiomas, venous malformations, lymphatic malformations, port-wine stains, and other vascular tumors. Dr. Levitin is often consulted by his peers to evaluate patients with complex and advanced disease, and works closely with each patient to develop an individualized plan of treatment combining the the safest, most advanced and minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Levitin is active in a number of professional organizations and humanitarian efforts. He is a member of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and volunteers as a surgical expert for the Vascular Birthmark Foundation. He also volunteers for the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Charity, providing free medical care for families in need. Dr. Levitin was recently selected as one of “America’s Best Doctors” for 2009, and is honored to be recognized by his peers as a leader in the diagnosis and management of vascular birthmarks. He is the author or co-author of several book chapters and national journal articles in the field of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, and has presented his work at several national and international meetings.

Dr. Levitin was first drawn to the specialty of vascular birthmarks after one of his twin daughters was diagnosed with a large hemangioma that required medical and laser therapy, and ultimately surgical treatment. Combining this unqiue personal experience with his extensive training, Dr. Levitin is one of just a handful of specialists across the entire country that is trained to treat vascular birthmarks.

REGISTER TODAY

VBF 2010 Conference in NYC Oct 9!

2010 Conference Sponsor

REGISTER TODAY

VBF 2010 Gala in NYC Oct 8!

2010 Gala Chairs
2010 Physician of the Year

Bands for Birthmarks Event Photos

VBF President and Founder wins MORE Magazine Reinvent Contest

VBF Launches 1st Hospital Based Support Group

VBF Launches 2010 DOA
We need 25 families

JOIN OUR TEAM

Microskin - Birthmarks Latest
Dr. Geronemus on Dr. Oz

CHARITYBUZZ DONATIONS FOR VBF

VBF Participates in SEFA

GO TO VBF FRONT PAGE NEWS

VBF's Honorary Chairs, Frank and Barbara Catalanotto, join the Milwaukee Brewers

FRANK MAKES METS !

Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon: The Founder and President of VBF Tells Her Personal Story

Mission Statement: An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promote acceptance for living with a birthmark.

español | deutsch | français | italiano | português

DISCLAIMER
Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed through VBF is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician or other health care provider promptly.

Information accessed through the VBF is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity. In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

|Administrative|

Founded by:
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (PhD)
President / Founder
© , Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - We Are Making A Difference . All Rights Reserved.
VBF is a fully approved not-for-profit. Your donations are tax deductible.
Federal Tax ID 16-1515227

Site Design and Maintenance performed by M. Scott.


VBF Birthmarks Treatment Resources Research Register Donate Community Forum
	Ask the VBF Experts Dr. Gregory Levitin, Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon Dr. Levitin will answer your questions regarding the surgical treatment of all vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Stuart Nelson, VBF Co-Medical Director and International Port Wine Stain Laser Specialist Dr. Nelson will answer your questions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of Port Wine Stains. Dr. Martin Mihm, VBF Co-Medical Director and Research Director Dr. Mihm is coordinating and directing research regarding vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Aaron Fay, Hemangioma and Malformations Eye Surgeon Dr. Aaron Fay will answer questions concerning eye problems and birthmarks. Dr. Roy Geronemus, NYC and International Laser Specialist If you have a question or concern about laser treatments in general, contact Dr. Geronemus. Dr. Barry Zide, NYC Hemangioma and Malformations Surgeon If you have a question or concern about hemangioma and vascular malformation treatment in general, contact Dr. Zide. Dr. Darren Orbach, Pediatric Neurointerventionalist for AVMs and PHACE VBF is proud to welcome Dr. Orbach! Corinne Barinaga, VBF Family Services Director Corinne Barinaga, our Administrative Director, will answer emails concerning family advocacy, treatment questions, or physician referral. Dr. Robert Rosen, Vascular Lesions of Arms and Legs Interventional Radiologist Our expert for all non-brain AVMs and vascular lesions of the arms and legs, Dr. Rosen welcomes your questions. Brian Bolinger, Esq. Director VBF Advocacy Alliance This alliance is being formed to coordinate legislative, legal, and insurance related issues regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks and tumors. Dr. Anne Comi, Sturge Weber Syndrome Specialist One of the leading experts on Sturge Weber Syndrome, Dr. Comi will be responding to your questions concerning this syndrome. Dr. Alex Berenstein, Malformations and AVM Interventional Radiologist Dr. Kami Delfanian, KTS Treatment Specialist Send your questions concerning KT Syndrome to Dr. Delfanian Dr. Gary Giangola, KTS Treatment Specialist If you have questions concerning the surgical treatment of KTS or other vascular lesions of the arms, legs, or trunk, contact Dr Giangola. Basia Joyce, VBF Insurance Appeals Specialist Please send your questions regarding your appeal or request for out-of-network treatment to Basia. Dr. Joseph Edmonds, Lymphatic Malformations Surgeon Ask Dr. Edmonds your questions related to Lymphatic Malformations. Dr. Thomas Serena, Wound Care Specialist Please send Dr. Serena your questions regarding wound care for an ulcerated hemangioma or other vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome that requires wound care. Dr. Orhan Konez, Interventional Radiologist Questions regarding reading and interpreting films and treating malformations with sclerotherapy or embollization can be sent to Dr. Orhan Konez. Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Airway Surgeon Email Dr. Mouzakes with questions regarding airway hemangiomas and other vascular lesions in the airway (throat area). Dr. Steven Fishman, Internal Lesions Surgeon Ask Dr. Fishman your questions about liver and other internal vascular lesions. Dr. Susie Astner, European Laser Specialist VBF's Ask the Laser Doctor offers expert advice on laser treatments for all vascular birthmarks by Dr. Susie Astner. Dr. Denise Metry, PHACE Syndrome Specialist If you have any questions regarding this syndrome, please ask Dr. Metry. Dr. Stavros Tombris, European Surgeon Fr. Tombris treats all forms of hemangomas, port wine stains and malformations. Dr. Stevan Thompson, Military (Tricare) Surgeon Dr. Stevan Thompson has joined us to answer questions concerning the treatment of vascular birthmarks in the military. Dr. Helen Figge, Pharmacist If you or your child has a vascular birthmark and you have a question regarding a prescription drug, please ask Doc Helen Figge. Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon is the leading lay expert in the world on the subject of vascular birthmarks. Lex Van der Heijden, CMTC Foundation If you or your child has CMTC, please contact Lex with your questions. Leslie Graff, East Coast Developmental Specialist Leslie is a trained developmental specialist. Send questions concerning port wine stains and this topic to Leslie. Elissa-Uretsky Rifkin, Midwest Developmental Specialist Elissa Uretsky- Rifkin, M.Ed. CMHC is a trained developmental specialist and is on the board of VBF. Send questions concerning hemangiomas and this topic to Elissa. Kymberly Stephens, Licensed Associate Counselor Ask our expert Kymberly Stephens about issues stemming from prominent birthmarks, disfigurements, or image related issues associated with genetics, trauma, burn or accident situations. Nancy Roberts - Make-up Specialist Ask our expert Nancy Roberts, Co-Creator of Smart Cover Cosmetics (www.smartcover.com), your questions about make-up. Linda Seidel - Make-up Expert Ask Linda Seidel your questions about make-up. Zeina Tannous, M.D., Laser Dermatology Expert Ask our expert Dr. Tannous, your questions about laser dermatology. Anna Duarte, M.D., Florida Expert Ask our expert Dr. Duarte, your questions about receiving treatment in Florida. Alicita, Spanish Expert Ask our expert Alicita, your questions in Spanish. What Our Families Are Saying About Us "We relied on the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation to provide us with the information, the contacts, the resources, and the support that we needed to get through this difficult time. Their theme, "We are making a difference" couldn't be more accurate. For us, it was all the difference in the world." Jill Brown Hi Linda Just a note to say how wonderful I found the interview of you and Capital 9 news. Thanks so much for your devotion. Gina Recent forum threads Take a deep breath - It's not always bad news patent foramen ovale Visit the forum	2010 Physician of the Year VBF is proud to announce that our 2010 Physician of the Year is Dr. Gregory Levitin. CONGRATULATE DR. LEVITIN Dr. Gregory Levitin is a board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Levitin earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He then completed his residency training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Combining his talents as both an Otolaryngologist and pediatric plastic surgeon, Dr. Levitin served as Co-Director of Surgical Services alongside Drs. Milton Waner and Alejandro Berenstein at The Vascular Birthmark Institute of New York before relocating his practice to California. Drawing a patient population from the greater Los Angeles area, nationally and internationally, Dr. Levitin specializes in the medical and surgical treatment for children and adults for all types of vascular birthmarks, including hemangiomas, venous malformations, lymphatic malformations, port-wine stains, and other vascular tumors. Dr. Levitin is often consulted by his peers to evaluate patients with complex and advanced disease, and works closely with each patient to develop an individualized plan of treatment combining the the safest, most advanced and minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Levitin is active in a number of professional organizations and humanitarian efforts. He is a member of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and volunteers as a surgical expert for the Vascular Birthmark Foundation. He also volunteers for the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Charity, providing free medical care for families in need. Dr. Levitin was recently selected as one of “America’s Best Doctors” for 2009, and is honored to be recognized by his peers as a leader in the diagnosis and management of vascular birthmarks. He is the author or co-author of several book chapters and national journal articles in the field of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, and has presented his work at several national and international meetings. Dr. Levitin was first drawn to the specialty of vascular birthmarks after one of his twin daughters was diagnosed with a large hemangioma that required medical and laser therapy, and ultimately surgical treatment. Combining this unqiue personal experience with his extensive training, Dr. Levitin is one of just a handful of specialists across the entire country that is trained to treat vascular birthmarks.	REGISTER TODAY VBF 2010 Conference in NYC Oct 9! 2010 Conference Sponsor REGISTER TODAY VBF 2010 Gala in NYC Oct 8! 2010 Gala Chairs 2010 Physician of the Year Bands for Birthmarks Event Photos VBF President and Founder wins MORE Magazine Reinvent Contest VBF Launches 1st Hospital Based Support Group VBF Launches 2010 DOA We need 25 families JOIN OUR TEAM Microskin - Birthmarks Latest Dr. Geronemus on Dr. Oz CHARITYBUZZ DONATIONS FOR VBF VBF Participates in SEFA Search this site: GO TO VBF FRONT PAGE NEWS VBF's Honorary Chairs, Frank and Barbara Catalanotto, join the Milwaukee Brewers FRANK MAKES METS ! Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon: The Founder and President of VBF Tells Her Personal Story
Mission Statement: An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment and provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, research, and programs that promote acceptance for living with a birthmark. español \| deutsch \| français \| italiano \| português DISCLAIMER Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed through VBF is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician or other health care provider promptly. Information accessed through the VBF is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity. In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been advised of the possibility of such damages. \|Administrative\| Founded by: Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon (PhD) President / Founder © , Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - We Are Making A Difference . All Rights Reserved. VBF is a fully approved not-for-profit. Your donations are tax deductible. Federal Tax ID 16-1515227 Site Design and Maintenance performed by M. Scott.