Kare Plastic Surgery · Santa Monica · Los Angeles
Facial Scar Revision for Children
Los Angeles
804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 · (310) 998-5533
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial scar revision for children in Los Angeles. He treats scars from lacerations, dog bites, falls, and surgery using laser resurfacing and surgical scar correction in a warm, child-friendly environment.
Schedule a Consultation Scar Revision Overview
Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Pediatric Plastic SurgeryFacial Scar Specialist
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD FACS Pediatric Facial Scar Specialist · Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Kare Plastic Surgery · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 · (310) 998-5533
Facial Scar Revision for Children · Los Angeles
Facial Scar Revision for Children in Los Angeles
Children's faces are highly visible, and a scar on the chin, cheek, forehead, or lip can affect how a child feels about themselves as they grow. Whether the scar came from a fall, a dog bite, a car accident, a sports injury, or a previous surgical repair, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian evaluates and treats pediatric facial scars with the same precision he brings to adult scar revision, adapted to the particular healing biology and anatomy of a growing child's face.
Children's skin heals differently from adult skin. It tends to be more reactive, produces more collagen, and is more prone to hypertrophic scar formation, particularly in areas of high movement such as the chin and lower face. Starting scar treatment at the right time, before a scar fully matures, produces the best possible long-term outcome. Dr. Karamanoukian advises parents on timing and which combination of laser or surgical treatment is most appropriate for each child's scar type. Call (310) 998-5533 or visit our scar revision overview page.
Kare Plastic Surgery · Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Schedule a Pediatric Scar Consultation with Dr. Karamanoukian
Pediatric Facial Laceration Repair at Kare Plastic Surgery
Pediatric Chin Laceration · Before and After · Kare Plastic Surgery Before: deep chin laceration in a child. After: early healing result following precise layered closure by Dr. Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery, Santa Monica. Individual results vary. (310) 998-5533.
Laser Scar Revision vs Surgical Scar Revision for Children
Fractional Laser Scar Revision
Fractional CO2 laser is the preferred first-line treatment for flat, textured, or discolored facial scars in children who are old enough to tolerate the procedure. The laser stimulates new collagen and progressively blends the scar with surrounding skin over a series of sessions. It is particularly effective for scars that are healed but have irregular texture or color mismatch. Laser treatment in children is performed with topical anesthesia and is well tolerated. It can be started as early as three months after the wound has fully healed for the best outcome.
Surgical Scar Revision
Wide, raised, misaligned, or contracture scars on a child's face often require surgical re-excision with meticulous layered closure to produce a narrower, more favorably oriented scar. Dr. Karamanoukian uses fine suture technique and careful wound edge alignment adapted to the delicate anatomy of a child's face. Surgical revision may also incorporate Z-plasty or W-plasty to release tight scars and redirect them along natural facial tension lines. Surgery is typically deferred until the scar has matured at six to twelve months.
Common causes of facial scars in children treated at Kare Plastic Surgery include: falls and playground injuries, dog and animal bites, sports injuries, bicycle and scooter accidents, burns, and prior surgical or emergency room repairs that left a suboptimal scar. Dr. Karamanoukian sees children from infancy through teenage years and works closely with parents to develop a realistic and achievable treatment plan. Call (310) 998-5533.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a child's facial scar be treated?
Silicone sheets and scar massage can begin at six to eight weeks after healing. Laser treatments can begin at three months. Surgical revision is generally deferred until six to twelve months when the scar has matured. Dr. Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery advises parents on timing at each consultation. Call (310) 998-5533.
Is laser or surgery better for a child's facial scar?
It depends on the scar type. Flat, discolored, or textured scars respond well to laser. Wide, raised, or misaligned scars are better addressed with surgical re-excision. Many children benefit from both. Dr. Karamanoukian designs each child's plan individually. Call (310) 998-5533.
Is scar revision painful for children?
Laser treatments are performed with topical anesthetic cream applied before the procedure, making them well tolerated by most children. Surgical revision uses local anesthesia and in younger children may be performed under light sedation for comfort. Dr. Karamanoukian and his team are experienced at working gently with children and keeping the experience as comfortable as possible. Call (310) 998-5533.
Schedule Your Child's Scar Consultation
Kare Plastic Surgery · Los Angeles & Santa Monica · 804 7th Street
Treat Your Child's Facial Scar with Dr. Karamanoukian
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, board-certified plastic surgeon at Kare Plastic Surgery, performs facial scar revision for children throughout Los Angeles using laser resurfacing and surgical correction in a gentle, welcoming environment. Same-week consultations available.