They tend to grow rapidly for the first year and then slowly shrink over time without treatment. Most hemangiomas leave little trace by 5-10 years of age. For this reason, surgery to remove a hemangioma is rarely needed, unless it is over eyes or airways.

Almost 50% disappear by the age of 5 and the vast majority are gone by age 10. Up to 50% of children with hemangiomas have ongoing skin issues such as scarring, skin discoloration, and tissue wasting (atrophy).