Kare Plastic Surgery · Santa Monica · Los Angeles
Cleft Lip Scar Revision Los Angeles
804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 · (310) 998-5533
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery performs expert cleft lip scar revision in Los Angeles using surgical excision, Z-plasty, and fractional laser for the most complete improvement of lip scars from prior cleft repair or trauma.
Schedule a Consultation Now Scar Revision Overview
MD FACSDual Board-Certified Surgeon
Lip Scar ExpertSecondary Cleft Repair
Surgical and LaserAll Lip Scar Types
(310) 998-5533Same-Week Consultations
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD FACS Cleft Lip Scar Revision Specialist Kare Plastic Surgery · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 · (310) 998-5533
Cleft Lip Scar Revision · Los Angeles
Expert Cleft Lip Scar Revision in Los Angeles
A cleft lip repair performed in infancy is life-changing, but the scar it leaves can remain a source of self-consciousness through childhood and into adulthood. Common concerns include a wide or raised scar along the philtral column, a misaligned cupid's bow, an irregular or notched vermilion border, a whistle deformity, asymmetric philtral ridges, or a lip that feels tight and restricts normal movement and expression.
Secondary cleft lip scar revision addresses these concerns with a targeted surgical plan designed around the specific deformity present. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, a dual board-certified plastic surgeon at Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, evaluates each patient's lip anatomy individually and selects the surgical approach that most precisely addresses the residual deformity. See our scar revision overview page and our facial scar revision for children page. Call (310) 998-5533.
Kare Plastic Surgery · 804 7th Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Ready to Revise Your Lip Scar? We Can Help.
Same-week consultations available with Dr. Karamanoukian. Call or book online now.
(310) 998-5533
Lip Laceration and Scar Repair at Kare Plastic Surgery
Lip and Nasal Tissue Repair · Kare Plastic Surgery Los Angeles Complex lip and nasal tissue wound before and after precise layered closure at Kare Plastic Surgery by Dr. Karamanoukian, demonstrating the surgical skill applied to lip scar revision and cleft lip repair cases. Individual results vary. (310) 998-5533.
Surgical Techniques for Cleft Lip Scar Revision
Scar Excision and Re-closure
The original cleft lip scar is excised along the philtral column and the wound is re-closed in meticulous layers. This produces a narrower, better-aligned scar that more closely follows the natural curvature of the philtral ridge. The key to success is precise alignment of anatomical landmarks: the white roll, the vermilion border, and the philtral columns must be marked and matched exactly before any incision is made. Re-excision is the most direct approach for wide, raised, or misaligned cleft lip scars.
Z-Plasty for Scar Lengthening and Contracture Release
A Z-plasty creates two triangular flaps on either side of the lip scar, which are then transposed to redirect the scar, lengthen a short or tight lip, and break up the straight-line tension that makes lip scars most visible. Z-plasty is the preferred technique for lip scars that feel tight, restrict movement, or have caused shortening of the vertical height of the lip. It is also used to correct a lip that pulls upward during smiling due to scar contracture along the philtral column.
Vermilion and Whistle Deformity Correction
A whistle deformity is a notch or depression in the central vermilion border that creates a visible gap at the lip midline. Correction involves rebuilding the deficient vermilion using a V-Y advancement flap or direct tissue rearrangement to restore the natural fullness of the lower lip edge. The cupid's bow and white roll are carefully re-approximated during closure to restore the natural aesthetic landmarks of the upper lip.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
After surgical revision, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is used to improve the surface texture, color, and blending of the revised scar. Laser treatments can begin three months after surgery and are performed in a series of sessions. Laser also treats the wider field of lip skin affected by prior surgeries, improving overall skin texture, pore size, and pigmentation across the entire perioral area. Vbeam pulsed dye laser is added for persistent redness in the revised scar.
When to pursue cleft lip scar revision: Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until facial growth is largely complete before formal surgical revision, which is typically after age 16 to 18. Laser resurfacing and steroid injections can begin earlier for patients with raised or red scars. Adults of any age who are dissatisfied with a prior cleft lip repair result are excellent candidates for secondary revision at Kare Plastic Surgery. Call (310) 998-5533.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for cleft lip scar revision?
Adults and older children with residual scarring from prior cleft lip repair are candidates. Common concerns include a wide or visible vermilion scar, a misaligned cupid's bow, a whistle deformity, asymmetric philtral columns, or lip tightness. Most surgeons recommend waiting until facial growth is complete. Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates each patient individually. Call (310) 998-5533.
What is a whistle deformity and how is it corrected?
A whistle deformity is a notch or depression in the central vermilion border that creates a visible gap at the lip midline after cleft lip repair. Correction uses a V-Y advancement flap or direct tissue rearrangement to restore natural vermilion fullness. Dr. Karamanoukian performs whistle deformity correction at Kare Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles. Call (310) 998-5533.
How many procedures are needed for cleft lip scar revision?
Most patients need one surgical revision session followed by a series of three to six fractional laser and possibly Vbeam treatments to optimize the final result. Each laser session is spaced six to eight weeks apart. Dr. Karamanoukian designs each patient's complete program at the initial consultation. Call (310) 998-5533.
Kare Plastic Surgery · Los Angeles & Santa Monica · 804 7th Street
Revise Your Cleft Lip Scar with Dr. Karamanoukian
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, dual board-certified plastic surgeon at Kare Plastic Surgery, performs expert cleft lip scar revision throughout Los Angeles using surgical excision, Z-plasty, vermilion repair, and fractional laser. Same-week consultations available. Call now.