Skin Biopsy Doctor in Santa Monica
A skin biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that removes a sample of skin in order to examine it under the microscope. Skin biopsies are sometimes performed to rule out cancer, but the majority of biopsies are performed to diagnose benign skin conditions such as lipomas, cysts, moles, sunspots, and skin allergies.
The surgeons at Kare Plastic Surgery use refined plastic surgery principles to biopsy and diagnose skin problems, including skin cancer and moles. It is probably best to have an experienced plastic surgeon biopsy the skin in order to minimize the chance of scarring. Whether you have a cosmetic mole or want to diagnose a growth that you think may be skin cancer, the top biopsy doctors are available in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills to biopsy a skin growth and send it off for microscopic examination.
A skin biopsy is a short, outpatient procedure that often requires very little pre-procedural planning on the part of the patient. Once the area is sterilized and cleaned, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian will perform one of several biopsy techniques to sample the skin growth. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia and requires very little downtime. Skin biopsies performed at Kare Plastic Surgery + Skin Health Center in Santa Monica include shave excision, surgical excision, and punch biopsy. Our top Santa Monica plastic surgeon can help you find the right option for you.
Treatment of Skin Biopsy Scars in Los Angeles
Skin biopsies are commonly performed to diagnose dermatologic conditions, evaluate suspicious lesions, or rule out skin cancer. While these procedures are medically necessary and typically minor, they can sometimes leave visible scars depending on the biopsy type, wound healing response, and individual skin characteristics. Some patients develop flat, faint scars, while others may experience more noticeable changes such as hypertrophic scars or keloids. At Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian offers advanced skin biopsy scar revision treatments designed to restore smoother skin texture and improve overall cosmetic appearance.
Hypertrophic scars occur when excess collagen forms during healing, creating raised, thickened tissue that remains confined within the original biopsy site. Keloid scars, in contrast, extend beyond the borders of the initial wound and may continue growing over time. Both types of scars can appear red, firm, or irregular, and may cause discomfort or cosmetic concern, particularly when located on visible areas such as the face, chest, or neck. Early evaluation by an experienced plastic surgeon allows for personalized treatment planning and improved outcomes.
Vbeam and CO2 Laser for Skin Biopsy Scars in Los Angeles
Laser therapy plays a key role in modern scar revision. The Vbeam pulsed dye laser is highly effective for reducing redness and vascularity commonly seen in newer scars. By targeting excess blood vessels within scar tissue, Vbeam treatments help fade redness and promote a more natural skin tone. For uneven texture and thickened scars, CO2 laser resurfacing stimulates collagen remodeling and smooths irregular tissue, improving scar softness and blending it with surrounding skin. Erbium laser resurfacing further refines scar surface topography by gently resurfacing superficial layers, enhancing smoothness and skin clarity with precise control.
In cases where scars are significantly raised or poorly positioned, surgical scar revision may provide the best improvement. Techniques such as excision or Z-plasty reposition scars along natural skin tension lines, reducing visibility and improving contour. Under the expertise of Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, patients in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills benefit from comprehensive scar revision strategies that combine surgical precision with advanced laser technology to achieve natural, aesthetically balanced results.