A Red Growth on Baby Sawyer’s Face Became So Large It Pushed Her Left Eye Forward

When Sawyer Dembicky was born, she had a hemangioma on her face. At first, it was a visible vascular growth, but within weeks, the condition became far more concerning.

By the time Sawyer attended her six-week pediatric checkup, the growth had increased dramatically in size.

Her doctors knew they needed to investigate how deeply it extended beneath her skin.

A Growth That Was Affecting More Than Her Appearance

A hemangioma is a benign growth formed by an abnormal collection of blood vessels. Although many infantile hemangiomas gradually shrink over time, some can cause serious complications depending on their size and location.

Sawyer’s condition was particularly concerning because the lesion was located near her eye.

An MRI revealed that it had grown behind her left eye and was pushing the eye forward from its normal position.

What had initially appeared to be a facial birthmark had become a condition requiring urgent specialist attention.

Doctors Referred Her to a Specialized Hospital Team

Sawyer was immediately referred to the Vascular Anomalies Program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

Her family met Dr. Teresa Wright, chief of Pediatric Dermatology, and ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Fowler from the Hamilton Eye Institute.

The specialists evaluated both the vascular growth and its potential effects on Sawyer’s developing vision.

Because the lesion extended behind her eye, treatment needed to address more than the visible swelling on her face.

A Medication Brought an Unexpectedly Fast Change

Sawyer’s medical team prescribed propranolol, a beta-blocker commonly used for cardiovascular conditions that is also effective in treating certain infantile hemangiomas.

Her parents soon noticed something remarkable.

Within just 24 hours of beginning treatment, they could already see a significant difference.

The rapid response was an encouraging sign for the family after the frightening MRI findings.

Her Swelling Gradually Improved

As treatment continued, Sawyer’s hemangioma became less prominent.

According to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the swelling and firm area beneath her cheek eventually disappeared.

Even more importantly, her medical team reported that her vision was equal in both eyes.

Sawyer continued attending follow-up appointments so specialists could monitor her progress.

Why Early Treatment Mattered

Sawyer’s story highlights why a rapidly growing facial hemangioma, particularly one near an infant’s eye, deserves specialist evaluation.

While these vascular growths are benign, their location can create functional risks during a child’s early development.

For Sawyer, coordinated care from dermatology and ophthalmology specialists helped address a growth that had extended beyond the visible surface of her face.

Her documented improvement offered her family reassurance after an alarming diagnosis during the first weeks of her life.

Source: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital — Vascular Anomalies Program, Patient Stories: Sawyer Dembicky.