Red Birthmarks in Babies Can Be Treated from Birth with Insurance Coverage
For parents concerned about their baby’s red birthmarks: IC Clinic offers V-Beam laser treatment performed by a team of board-certified plastic surgeons, covered under health insurance. By using the Tokyo Metropolitan infant medical expense subsidy program, your out-of-pocket cost at the clinic can be ¥0.
Treatment Cases
Port-Wine Stain (Nevus Flammeus) / Cheek
V-Beam Laser Treatment
【Side Effects & Risks】Redness, swelling, purpura (several days to 2 weeks), possible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Infantile Hemangioma (Strawberry Hemangioma) / Arm
V-Beam Laser Treatment
【Side Effects & Risks】Redness, swelling, purpura (several days to 2 weeks), possible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Salmon Patch / Forehead
V-Beam Laser Treatment
【Side Effects & Risks】Redness, swelling, purpura (several days to 2 weeks), possible post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
- My baby has a red birthmark on their face or body, and I’m worried about whether it will fade on its own
- The pediatrician said to “wait and see,” but I’m not sure if that’s really okay
- I’ve heard laser treatment is an option, but I’m worried about whether it will be painful for my baby
- I don’t know which clinic or hospital to go to
- I’m concerned about how much the treatment will cost
When it comes to treating birthmarks in babies, consulting a specialist early is important. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will propose a treatment plan tailored to each child.
3 Reasons Patients Choose IC Clinic
18 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons on Staff
Our team of plastic surgeons with extensive experience in birthmark treatment provides consultations, drawing on the expertise of multiple physicians to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
5 Locations in Tokyo + Omiya — Easy to Reach
Red birthmark treatment typically requires 5–7 visits. You can choose a clinic close to home, making it convenient even with a baby.
※Currently available at IC Clinic Shinjuku on Saturdays only. We plan to expand to additional locations.
Insurance + Subsidy = ¥0 Out-of-Pocket※
V-Beam laser treatment is covered by health insurance. With the Tokyo Metropolitan infant medical expense subsidy, there is no payment required at the clinic.
Types of Red Birthmarks in Babies
The approach to treatment varies depending on the type of birthmark.
Infantile Hemangioma (Strawberry Hemangioma)
A raised red lesion that appears within the first few weeks of life and grows rapidly. It typically peaks around 12 months of age and gradually shrinks, but may not disappear completely and can leave scarring in some cases. Early intervention before the growth phase is increasingly recommended.
Port-Wine Stain (Nevus Flammeus / Capillary Vascular Malformation)
A flat red birthmark present from birth that does not fade on its own. The color may deepen over time, and laser treatment started early may be beneficial.
Salmon Patch (Nevus Simplex / Median Naevus)
A faint redness on the forehead, eyelids, or back of the head. Most cases resolve by around 18 months of age. Persistent cases may be candidates for laser treatment.
What Is V-Beam Laser?
V-Beam is a laser that selectively targets oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels. It works to shrink abnormal blood vessels, and improvement of red birthmarks may be expected. The device is equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) to help reduce discomfort for young patients.
| Wavelength | 595 nm (Pulsed Dye Laser) |
|---|---|
| Device | V-Beam Prima (Candela) |
| Mechanism | Selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels → shrinks abnormal vessels |
| Insurance Coverage | Pigmented Laser Irradiation Therapy (J054-2) |
| Pain Reduction | Equipped with DCD (cryogen spray cooling device) |
Treatment Process
We provide attentive support from your initial booking through to the completion of treatment.
① Booking & Visit
Book online or by phone. Please bring your health insurance card, infant medical certificate, and maternal and child health handbook (母子手帳).
※Consultations are currently available on Saturdays only.
② Consultation & Treatment Plan Explanation
A board-certified plastic surgeon will assess the type and extent of the birthmark. The estimated number of sessions, costs, and risks and side effects will be explained.
③ Laser Treatment
Each session takes only a few minutes. The cooling device helps reduce discomfort, minimizing the burden on your baby.
④ Follow-Up & Next Session
A follow-up visit is scheduled approximately 3 months later. The response to treatment is assessed and the next session is planned. Treatment typically aims for completion in 5–7 sessions. (Results vary among individuals.)
Side Effects & Risks
Treatment carries potential risks and side effects. These will be explained to you in full before proceeding.
- Purpura (purple bruising): Purpura may appear at the treatment site, but typically fades within approximately 1–2 weeks.
- Swelling: Mild swelling may occur for several days to about one week after treatment.
- Redness & discomfort: Mild discomfort may be present for several hours to about 2 days after treatment. Applying a cool pack can help relieve symptoms.
- Blistering or crusting: In rare cases, a stronger reaction may occur. Topical medication will be prescribed as needed.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Depending on individual skin type, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may develop. This will be explained to you in advance.
Treatment Costs
With the infant medical expense subsidy applied, your out-of-pocket cost at the clinic is ¥0※
| Treatment Area | Total Insurance Billing (100%) | 30% Co-pay | With Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 cm² | ¥49,120 | ¥14,740 | ¥0 |
| 20 cm² | ¥54,120 | ¥16,240 | ¥0 |
| 50 cm² | ¥69,120 | ¥20,740 | ¥0 |
| 100 cm² | ¥89,120 | ¥26,740 | ¥0 |
| Over 180 cm² | ¥134,120 | ¥40,240 | ¥0 |
※When using the Tokyo Metropolitan infant medical expense subsidy program. Initial consultation and follow-up fees apply separately.
※A similar subsidy program is available in Saitama Prefecture (for IC Clinic Omiya). Details will be explained at your consultation.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Thinner Skin Allows Laser to Penetrate More Effectively
Infants have thinner skin, which is considered to allow laser light to reach the blood vessels more easily.
Treating the Birthmark While It Is Still Small
Birthmarks may enlarge as the body grows. Addressing them while they are still small is an advantage.
Less Likely to Form a Memory of Discomfort
During infancy, fear of treatment is minimal, which can help reduce the psychological burden on your child.
Treatment Can Be Completed Before Starting Nursery or Kindergarten
You can work toward addressing any concerning birthmarks before your child enters daycare or preschool.
Make the Most of the Medical Expense Subsidy
Completing treatment within the eligible age for the subsidy program helps keep out-of-pocket costs low.
Plenty of Time to Complete the Treatment Schedule
With sessions every 3 months × 5–7 sessions ≅ approximately 1.5–2 years. Starting at birth gives you the opportunity to aim for completion before school age.
Our Clinic Facilities
IC Clinic is a day-treatment clinic specializing in skin procedures. Our interiors feature a clean, white-based design reflecting our commitment to a hygienic environment.
Collaboration with University & General Hospitals
IC Clinic actively maintains medical partnerships with university hospitals and general hospitals. Where needed, we arrange for specialist consultations and referrals to partner institutions, ensuring our patients have access to a wide range of medical expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can treatment begin?
Treatment can generally begin from around 3 months of age. A physician will assess your child and suggest an appropriate time to start treatment.
Is it painful? Will my baby cry?
There is a mild snapping sensation during the laser pulse, similar to the flick of a rubber band. The cooling device helps reduce discomfort. Each session takes only a few minutes, keeping the burden on your baby to a minimum.
Can it be resolved in one session?
In most cases, 5–7 sessions spaced approximately 3 months apart are needed. Results vary among individuals.
Is aftercare required?
Purpura (purple bruising) may appear at the treatment site but typically fades within 1–2 weeks. In most cases, no special aftercare is required.
Is health insurance accepted?
Yes. V-Beam laser treatment for red birthmarks is covered by health insurance. Using the Tokyo Metropolitan infant medical expense subsidy, your out-of-pocket cost at the clinic can be ¥0 (conditions vary by municipality).
Which locations offer this treatment?
Treatment is currently available at IC Clinic Shinjuku (Saturdays only). We plan to expand to additional locations. Please call us to confirm the latest availability.
