Involution

Involution: Retrograde development, degeneration. 

Brenlee's Strawberry Hemangioma birthmark has been going through a period of rapid growth, called the proliferative phase. It was just the size of a pin dot when we left the hospital. At the beginning of last week, I believe that phase ended and we are now headed into a period called the involutive phase. The term "Involutive" just means that it is in a period of shrinkage. In most cases of infants that have these benign vascular tumors like Brenlee has, they begin this phase of shrinking from 4-6 months after appearing. The stage that we are entering does take much longer than it did in the proliferative phase where it grew larger. It can take as long as 10 years in this phase. Even after involuting, some fatty tissue and tiny blood vessels may be left. In our case with Brenlee, I don't think we'll have any issues, as it never got really big or deep. It's remained superficial, near the skin's surface. Anyhow, I know you, as well as me, like to know more about Brenlee's Strawberry. It's very concerning to MOST people, as it looks scary. If you'd like to read more about it, find information here: Information about Brenlee's Strawberry


Here are pictures, starting with birth and going thru a few months, showing the proliferative phase: