Welcome to the
International Nevus Institute
Your Child’s Birthmark Doesn’t Have to Define Their Future
Founded by Dr. John Reinisch, a leader in the fields of craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, INI emerges as a haven for families seeking compassionate, state-of-the-art care for children affected by hemangiomas, congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), hairy nevi, and other visible birthmarks.
At INI, we welcome families from all over the world. We offer in-person Russian, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew, and Armenian translation services.
“Dear Dr. Reinisch,
We can never thank you enough for giving Parker a new life. You are the hope [that] lightened our [lives] during the darkest moment[s]. You and your amazing team have made LA [Los Angeles] a home for us. We hope Parker has a great human heart like yours and makes the world a better place like you are doing.”
YaoJia and Raymond | Parents of Parker
Transform Their Confidence With World-Renowned Pediatric Plastic Surgery Specialists
Visible birthmarks, like hemangiomas, congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), and hairy nevi, can deeply affect both children and families—physically, emotionally, and socially.
As a parent, you’ve likely felt the sting of judgmental stares, unsolicited advice, and underhanded comments about your little one’s appearance.
Things could be even more challenging for your child. As they grow old, they try to blend in to feel like they belong, but the world keeps reminding them that they’re different.
These painful experiences can cut deeper than most people realize. Ignoring this fact won’t make the problem disappear—it just lets the pain settle and grow roots, impacting self-image and confidence for years to come.
Unfortunately, many parents don’t know that early solutions exist. On top of that, many physicians still take a wait-and-see approach, despite growing evidence that early intervention can make a huge difference in the lives of very young children.
Precise, Compassionate, and Uniquely Qualified: Meet Our Physicians
Dr. John F. Reinisch
Surgeon and Medical Director
Dr. Reinisch is a Harvard Medical School graduate board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Specializing in pediatric plastic surgery and congenital ear deformities, he’s dedicated his career to transforming the lives of children worldwide.
He has helped over 20,000 children and is internationally recognized for his innovative work, including the creation of the PPE (porous polyethylene) ear reconstruction technique. He was also a pioneer of cleft lip repair without a hospital stay.
In 1983, he founded the Division of Plastic Surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which has since become a global leader in pediatric healthcare.
Dr. Reinisch’s impact extends beyond his clinical work. For nearly two decades, he has supported the Small Wonders Foundation, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by visible birthmarks and congenital conditions.
He has contributed over 100 papers and book chapters to the field and received multiple accolades.
Still, the greatest reward for Dr. Reinisch comes from the gratitude of the children and parents whose lives he has touched.
Our Mission: Empower Families with Advanced Care for Visible Birthmarks
INI is here for one reason: to offer families impacted by visible birthmarks the compassionate, expert care they deserve.
If you’re looking for a safe, personalized treatment plan that meets your child’s unique needs and helps them feel more confident in their own skin, you’ve come to the right place.
We can help your child live free from the emotional weight of a visible birthmark and empower them to thrive.
At INI, we’re fully committed to guiding your family toward a future free from the discomfort of a visible difference.
A State-of-the-Art Facility With a Personal Touch
At the International Nevus Institute, we’re more than a medical facility for families seeking birthmark treatment. We’re the light at the end of the tunnel for children and parents facing the unique challenges of noticeable birthmarks.
Dr. Reinisch and the entire INI team always prioritize the safety and comfort of our patients and their families. We perform surgeries at a state of the art facility in Los Angeles with a team of providers who have worked together for years and are specialists in caring for children.
These centers are equipped with the latest tech and staffed by licensed anesthesiologists and nurses, ensuring you get world-class care. This way, we can focus on achieving the best results while you benefit from the most advanced birthmark treatment.
Why Act Early: The Importance of Early Intervention
School can be a tough place for kids with visible birthmarks. The bullying and prejudice they endure from an early age can affect their confidence as they grow.
At INI, we understand these challenges and believe early intervention is vital.
While some surgeons may advise waiting until a child is older, this isn’t always the best approach for your child’s well-being.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. At INI, we are uniquely skilled and qualified to perform birthmark removal surgeries at an early age.
We recommend treatment for your child, ideally before they begin walking. Here’s what early intervention can bring:
- Reduced discomfort
- Lowered risk of falls and injuries
- Accelerated healing process
Advanced, Safe, and Personalized with International Nevus Institute
- Excision
- Tissue Expansion
- Medical Tattooing
- Temporary or Permanent Grafting
At INI, we believe in the value of creating personalized treatment plans for every child living with a visible birthmark.
We often recommend a straightforward excision for smaller or medium-sized nevi that need to be removed for cosmetic reasons. This procedure involves carefully removing the birthmark and repairing the skin for a smooth finish.
We take a thoughtful, individualized approach and work with families to choose the best option for each patient. If you’re looking for customized, compassionate care, you’ve come to the right place.
Erasing Stigma, One Birthmark at a Time: Real Stories of Transformation & Hope
The INI Difference: Real Results, Real Lives Changed
We’ve compiled a collection of before and after photos to show families that successful outcomes are not only possible but highly likely when they receive the expert, compassionate care their child deserves.
See how INI has changed the lives of many individuals affected by visible birthmarks.
Endre
From Hungary
Endre was born with a large raised pigmented nevus on his right nose, lower eyelid, and cheek. He underwent a single surgery to remove the nevus, followed by a skin graft from his left abdomen and flank.
A few years later, we performed minor touch-up surgery to revise the scarring and added a fat graft to enhance the contour of his cheek.
Parker
From New York
Parker was born with a large pigmented nevus covering his left face, eyelids, eyebrows, and nose.
He underwent a three-step procedure to address a large pigmented nevus on his left face, eyelids, eyebrows, and nose. The procedure started with excision and a temporary skin graft.
After a week, we replaced the graft from his abdomen and flank with a permanent one.
In the final step, we removed the remaining nevus from his eyelids, refined the earlier work, and completed the transformation with an eyebrow tattoo by medical tattoo artist Natalie Mendes.
Griffin
From California
Griffin underwent a two-stage surgery to remove a giant nevus from his right arm and hand, starting with the placement of a temporary skin graft.
One week later, we replaced it with a permanent skin graft taken from his abdomen and flank.
A year later, we performed a touch-up surgery to revise the scarring.
“I recognize that every family’s situation is unique, and the decision to move forward with surgery is deeply personal. My team and I are here to provide comprehensive support to not only your child but also to you as parents.
We understand that this journey involves the entire family, and we are committed to being there for you every step of the way.
From your initial consultation to post-operative care, we will work closely with you to ensure that all your questions are answered, your concerns are addressed, and that you feel confident in the care your child is receiving.
We aim to create a supportive environment where your family feels empowered and informed, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your child’s health and happiness.”
Dr. John F. Reinisch | Surgeon and Medical Director, International Nevus Institute
Our Services: A Spectrum of Care for Every Birthmark Type
INI is dedicated to employing advanced surgical techniques while providing comprehensive care that supports both the child and the parent.
Congenital Melanocytic Nevus
The medical term for a mole is melanocytic nevus. Nevi can manifest anywhere on the body and is often caused by cell mutations.
Moles present at birth are called congenital nevi and form during fetal development.
About 1 in 100 babies is born with a congenital nevus. Surgery is the recommended treatment for large congenital melanocytic nevi.
Sebaceous Nevus
A sebaceous nevus typically manifests with these distinctive characteristics:
- Hairless
- Congenital birthmark
- Sometimes looks scaly
- Typically found on the head and neck
This birthmark is usually treated via excision (removal).
Hemangioma
Some refer to a hemangioma birthmark as a “strawberry mark” due to its red, raised appearance.
These birthmarks typically develop within the first two months of life, grow quickly, and stabilize before gradually shrinking over time.
As a vascular birthmark, hemangiomas can be treated with surgery or nonsurgical options like steroids.
Depending on the size and location, surgical excision may be the most effective treatment for your child’s hemangioma.
Other Vascular Birthmarks
Vascular birthmarks, such as venous, arteriovenous, and lymphatic malformations, can vary in size, location, and appearance. Early surgical intervention is often the most effective treatment approach.
Evaluating Your Child’s Birthmark: Our Expert Approach
At INI, we know that every birthmark is different. We customize our approach to fit your child’s individual needs.
Whether it’s a single procedure or one that requires multiple stages, we create a treatment plan that works best for them.
We offer flexible options for families outside our local area to evaluate and determine the ideal treatment procedure.
We provide various ways to connect—via photos, virtual Zoom consultations, or in-office visits—ensuring we address your child’s unique situation.
Each treatment plan is tailored to factor in age, location, and the specifics of your child’s birthmark.
No two nevi are the same, and neither are our treatment plans.
Depending on size and location, we may use tissue expansion and temporary and permanent full-thickness skin grafts.
Additionally, we have a skilled medical tattoo artist who can help with cosmetic concerns like eyebrow asymmetry.
For instance, if the nevus involves the scalp, we use tissue expansion to reposition hair-bearing scalp tissue to prevent hair loss.
Meanwhile, if a nevus affects the area around the eye, we use skin grafts to protect the eye and prevent distortion.
Empathetic Care and Holistic Support During Your Post-Op Recovery
We know surgery can be a stressful experience for families, so we’re committed to making it as smooth and reassuring as possible. Nearly all procedures are outpatient, meaning your child won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.
Our compassionate and professional team is here to guide you, help manage your child’s pain, provide updates, and address any concerns. We’re with you every step, ensuring a positive experience for you and your little one.
After surgery, we’ll stay in touch to monitor your child’s recovery with follow-up visits and continued support, ensuring they remain on track to heal fully.
A Space Where Compassion and Innovation Come Together
At the International Nevus Institute, we’re more than just a medical center. We’re a haven for children and families navigating the challenges of visible birthmarks.
Our experienced team prioritizes your child’s comfort and safety every step of the way. We perform surgical procedures in accredited Los Angeles hospitals with cutting-edge technology and expert staff.
With a highly skilled pediatric team by your side, you can rest assured that your child
is in safe hands while we focus on delivering
the best possible outcomes with advanced treatment options.
Traveling From Out of Town? Our Facilities’ Doors Are Open!
At INI, we welcome families from all over the world. We offer in-person Russian, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew, and Armenian translation services.
For any other language, we provide phone translation to ensure clear communication.
We blend a global perspective with a personal, local touch to make every family feel at home.
Many patients travel to Los Angeles for surgery at INI, and we ensure that your visit is smooth and enjoyable, from coordinating accommodations to finding fun activities during your stay.
Want a Bright Future for Your Child? We’re Ready to Light the Way
As a parent, you want your child to have the best future. Like any parent, you’d move mountains to ease their pain and make their world a better place.
The good news is that INI can help make that happen. With our expertise in advanced birthmark treatments, a brighter, more confident future for your little one is within reach.
Early treatment makes all the difference—better results, faster healing, and fewer complications.
Let us help your child build confidence and live free from the burden of a noticeable birthmark.
Contact INI now to start your journey and see firsthand how our advanced, patient- and family-focused approach can transform your life.
Get in Touch with Us
To discuss your treatment options, please fill out the form below or call our office at 424-678-0283 to schedule a consultation.
“He was the kindest, most caring doctor. I am so glad he was my daughter’s plastic surgeon. He does his best to take excellent care of your child & do as little surgery as possible and yet still do so much to save your kiddo & fix them up.”