Non-Surgical Scar Management
Fractional CO2 Laser and Vbeam — Non-Surgical Scar Treatment at Kare Plastic Surgery
Not every scar requires surgical revision. For patients with surface-level texture irregularities, atrophic scarring, post-inflammatory pigmentation changes, or vascular red scars, non-surgical approaches at Kare Plastic Surgery can produce meaningful improvement without incisions, sutures, or surgical downtime. Dr. Karamanoukian selects the appropriate laser modality based on the specific characteristics of each scar at consultation.
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing for Scar Treatment
Fractional CO2 laser delivers thousands of microscopic columns of ablative laser energy into the scar surface, creating controlled zones of thermal coagulation that stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin while the surrounding untreated skin accelerates healing. For atrophic and surface-irregular scars, fractional CO2 produces measurable improvement in scar surface texture, depth, and pigmentation over a series of 2 to 4 treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. The improvement develops progressively over 3 to 6 months as the neocollagenesis response matures and the scar surface continues to normalize. Fractional CO2 is also combined with surgical scar excision for patients who have both structural and surface-level components to their scar that benefit from addressing simultaneously.
Vbeam 595nm Pulsed Dye Laser for Red and Raised Scars
Vbeam laser at 595nm targets the abnormal vascularity within red, raised, and hypertrophic scars — the network of small blood vessels that supplies the inflammatory cytokines sustaining pathological collagen overproduction. By selectively destroying these vessels without damaging the surrounding skin, Vbeam interrupts the scar's growth signal and allows it to flatten, fade, and soften. It is one of the most important tools in Dr. Karamanoukian's scar management protocol: used at 4 to 6 weeks after any surgical closure or laceration repair to prevent hypertrophic scar formation before it establishes, and used throughout the keloid injection series to enhance the compression and flattening achieved by the triamcinolone and 5-FU injections. The forehead scar and traumatic scar improvements in the gallery above both demonstrate Vbeam's effectiveness as part of a combined treatment approach.
Celebrity Scar Cases at Kare Plastic Surgery
Dr. Karamanoukian's expertise in emergency laceration repair and scar management has earned the trust of celebrity families in Los Angeles. In May 2023, Alfonso Ribeiro — best known as Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air — brought his 4-year-old daughter Ava to Dr. Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery following a serious emergency facial injury. The case was covered internationally by the Daily Mail and The U.S. Sun. When a celebrity family faces an emergency involving a child's face, they make the same choice every patient in Los Angeles can make: they call Dr. Karamanoukian.
Coverage by The U.S. Sun and Daily Mail, May 2023, of Alfonso Ribeiro's daughter Ava following emergency treatment by Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery, Santa Monica. Dr. Karamanoukian's inset in The U.S. Sun confirms his role as treating physician.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scar Revision in Los Angeles
Where can I get scar revision in Los Angeles?
Kare Plastic Surgery at 804 7th Street in Santa Monica near Montana Avenue offers expert scar revision by UCLA-trained national keloid authority Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian. All scar types treated — keloids, hypertrophic scars, traumatic scars, post-surgical scars, and atrophic scars — with surgical, laser, and injection protocols. All skin types including Fitzpatrick V and VI. Call (310) 998-5533. We serve patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Malibu, and all of Los Angeles.
How long does scar revision take to show results?
The timeline depends on the scar type and the treatment modality. After surgical scar excision, the new incision line is red and slightly raised for 6 to 8 weeks before beginning to fade, with the final result typically visible at 12 months as the scar fully matures. Vbeam laser treatments produce measurable improvement in redness and texture within 2 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Keloid injection series produce progressive flattening over 4 to 8 injection visits. Fractional CO2 laser continues to improve the scar surface over 3 to 6 months after the last treatment session. Dr. Karamanoukian provides specific timeline expectations for your individual scar at consultation.
Can keloid scars come back after surgery?
Surgery alone carries recurrence rates for keloids of up to 90% because the surgical wound activates the same pathological collagen response that created the original keloid. The Kare trimodal protocol — excision combined with intraoperative cortisone, followed by a structured 6-month injection series and Vbeam laser — reduces keloid recurrence dramatically compared to surgery alone. Dr. Karamanoukian's before and after results for ear keloids and pubic keloids on this page demonstrate the durable outcomes achievable with the complete protocol. Call (310) 998-5533 for a keloid consultation.
Is scar revision covered by insurance in Los Angeles?
Cosmetic scar revision is typically not covered by insurance. However, scar revision that addresses a functional impairment — such as a contracture scar that restricts joint movement, a scar causing ectropion of the eyelid, or a scar that resulted from a covered surgical procedure or accident — may qualify for insurance reimbursement depending on your specific plan. Dr. Karamanoukian's team reviews your scar history at consultation and advises on insurance documentation when a medical necessity argument applies to your case. Call (310) 998-5533.
Related Resources at Kare Plastic Surgery