Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Surgery

We are currently offering an exceptional rejuvenation package to improve and revitalize your skin.  The treatment includes a full session of Kare Diamond Microdermabrasion and a physician-strength Kare Antioxidant Peel. Ideal treatment for acne prone skin, fine wrinkles, sun damage.

Kāre Diamond Microdermabrasion

Kāre diamond microdermabrasion is an ideal treatment for skin imperfections, fine wrinkles, large pores, acne, and acne scars.  The treatment begins with gentle exfoliation of skin impurities with precision diamond microparticles.  This is followed by the infusion of potent botanical antioxidants to provide protection against the environment and damaging free radicals.

Kāre Antioxidant Peel

The perfect treatment to revitalize and correct skin imperfections and reduce the effects of damaging free radicals.  Ideal for acne-prone skin.    The chemical peel contains potent, physician-strength, exfoliating acids and antioxidants to smoothe away imperfections and leave skin with a healthy glow.  It is best combined with diamond microdermabrasion and can be performed at the same time as other treatments.  Alternative to deep chemical peels, Obagi Blue Peel, Jessner's Peel, without significant downtime.

                      Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                

C-section Scars

According to the National Center for Health Statistics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in three pregnancies are delivered by C-section.  Several months after a C-section, a thickened scar may develop along the incision.  Many women complain of an unsightly, thickened, and tender C-section scar that may worsen with time.  Often, these C-section scars may become irritated and are often itchy or depressed. Women also complain of a constant pulling or tightness along the C-section scar line and ingrown pubic hairs.  Fortunately, there are many non-invasive options to correct thickened C-section scars, including injections, physician-monitored scar patches, and specialized topical silicone creams.  Often, mederma topical cream produces minimal benefit to these patients who may require a more advanced physician prescribed program. The surgical options include excision of the scar and correction of the depressed or thickened deformity. As a referral center for many obstetricians and gynecologists in the Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westside, we treat many women with thickened and depressed C-section scars.  Many of these treatments are covered by medical insurance and often do not require a referral from a primary physician.  The timing of therapy depends on specific factors including breast feeding, pregnancy, and nature of the scar.  Women should consult our office as early as one month after C-section.

Stretch marks are also a common problem after pregnancy and can often be improved or prevented with appropriate physician consultation.  Several topical formulations can minimize the severity of pregnancy-related stretch marks.

                      Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                

Laser Hair Removal - Santa Monica

In our office, all laser hair removal services are performed by a physician.  Laser hair removal can be performed on men and women on any part of the body including laser hair removal of the face and neck, chest, arms, underarms, legs, and bikini area.  We are the laser hair removal experts in Los Angeles. 

Laser hair removal is an effective treatment to permanently reduce or eliminate unwanted hair on the face, body, or bikini line.  The laser uses a technique called photothermolysis, which uses a specialized laser system to heat up and burn unwanted hair follicles.  After several treatments, unwanted hair is usually weakened and often eliminated.  Laser hair removal systems can be used on men and women of all skin complexions with minimal risk.  The procedure may take as little as one minute to perform, depending on the quantity of hair and the area covered. The laser hair removal system at our office employs a cooling spray to minimize pain and avoids the need for anesthetic creams altogether.  All procedures are performed by an experienced physician and we have performed laser hair removal successfully on over 3,000 patients.  We specialize on male and female laser hair removal. Unlike medi-spas and laser hair removal clinics located in quaint shopping malls, our office performs all procedures in a professional medical setting with physicians, not nurses or ancillary staff.  After all, this is your body and you deserve the best.  We invite you to our office for a complementary consultation in Santa Monica to discuss your options for laser hair removal. Yag laser for hair removal.  Remove unwanted hair on the lips, chin, face, body, and bikini area.

                         Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                     

Obagi Nuderm

The Obagi Nu-derm skincare program is a physician prescribed skincare program that dramatically improves the overall texture and complexion of the face.  It is an ideal treatment for melasma, hyperpigmentation of the face, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, acne prone skin, and to improve the overall skin health. Our Santa Monica office carries the complete line of Obagi products and our knowledgeable staff are experts in managing patients on Obagi.  Dr. Karamanoukian has worked closely with the Obagi Institute and has developed unique protocols to improve compliance and redness associated with the program.  Ask about our monthly Obagi Nuderm specials in our Santa Monica office.

Obagi Nuderm. Obagi Foaming Gel. Obagi Toner. Obagi Clear. Obagi Exfoderm. Obagi Blender. Obagi Vitamin C. Obagi Elastiderm. Obagi Clenziderm. Obagi Pro-C.

                         Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                     

Perlane Facial Filler

Perlane is one of the newest absorbable facial fillers to be approved by the FDA.  It is distributed by the same company as Restylane. The product contains hyaluronic acid with a higher degree of molecular cross-linking when compared to Restylane and Juvederm.  The cross-linking increases the longevity of Perlane after it is injected under the skin.  Perlane is an absorbable facial filler and will be absorbed by the body over a certain length of time.  Injection of Perlane is performed under local anesthesia and the risks include mild bruising and swelling. It is commonly injected into the nasolabial folds, or laugh lines around the mouth.  To schedule an appointment, please call our office.

                         Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                     

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are caused by excessive deposition of collagen (scar) around an incision, laceration, or trauma and can occur on any part of the body.  Keloids can occur on the face, ears, arms, legs, and trunk. Keloid scars are characterized by a scar that extends beyond the plane of the skin and can often cause pain, discomfort, and itchiness.  They are distinguished from hypertrophic scars. Interestingly, patients may have normal scars on one part of the body and a keloid scar on another part. The development of keloid scars is unpredictable and they are often difficult to treat.  However, there are numerous physician-based treatment programs that will improve the appearance of or eliminate keloid scars.  Please call our office in Santa Monica if you would like a consultation or information about services to correct keloid scars. 

Lip Augmentation - Restylane, Juvederm, Collagen

Lip augmentation has become one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States.  For years, collagen injections were used to add volume to the upper and lower lips.  Collagen, however, has been shown to cause an allergic reaction in approximately 3% of the general population and must be tested on the forearm skin prior to injection on the face.  In recent years, collagen injection has been replaced by safer alternatives for lip augmentation, including Restylane and Juvederm.  These two products are composed of hyaluronic acid, which has a much lower potential for allergic reactions and does not require allergic pre-testing prior to injection.  Juvederm and Restylane have varying degrees of molecular cross-linking, which affects how long the injectable lasts.  Juvederm has a higher cross-linking and may last upwards of one year in an appropriate subdermal plane.  Lip augmentation is performed to add volume to the upper and lower lip and can be performed as an in-office procedure with minimal downtime.  Anesthesia is strictly administered using Novocaine or Lidocaine, much like that administered in a dentist's office.  Downtime is minimal but slight bruising may occur on the lip but can be covered by lipstick.  Often, patients are concerned about a natural appearance to the upper lip and this can be assured with a more conservative injection.  Juvederm is available as Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus and a longer lasting form of Restylane has been recently approved by the FDA and is known as Perlane.  The type of injectable filler is dependant on the level of dermal injection planned and the areas of injection.  This can only be determined after discussion with an experienced physician.  If you have any questions, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. 

                      Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                

Melanoma

The National Cancer Institute predicts that there will be over 62,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States in 2008 and over one million new cases of non-melanomatous skin cancer (squamous cell, basal cell carcinoma) over the same period.  Residents of Southern California are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer at a later age because of an increased lifelong exposure to the sun.  Regular sunscreen use is vital to reducing the risk of future sun damage to the skin.  Suspicious moles or growths on the skin should be examined by an experienced skin cancer specialist.  The most important factor influencing cure and survival of skin cancer involves early detection and treatment.  Please contact our office for a consultation if you have noticed any changes in dimension, color, or texture of any mole on your face or body.

                      Raffy Karamanoukian, MD                

Bruisekare Bruise Prevention-Botox, Juvederm, Restylane

In a recent clinical study, 98% of patients contemplating surgery were concerned about postoperative bruising and swelling.  Therapeutic Arnica montana has become a gold standard for post-procedural recovery programs.  BruiseKare is an all-natural, chewable tablet that is clinically formulated to improve postprocedural recovery.  Ideal for use with cosmetic procedures, injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, and Sculptra; Botox; and varicose vein procedures.  Directions: Chew one tablet three times daily before and after surgery, as directed by your physician.Ask our office for information about the BruiseKare chewable tablets.

Kare Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD.  Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  Laser Hair Removal.  Botox.  Juvederm. Microdermabrasion.  Perlane.  Restylane. Sculptra.  Nasal reconstruction. Obagi Nuderm. Clenziderm.  Acne Treatment.  Accutane. Hydroquinone skin lightening.  Melasma.