Dr. Andre Panossian is one of a small number of plastic surgeons in the United States who combines board certification in plastic surgery with advanced fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and microsurgery. This rare combination of skills positions him uniquely at the intersection of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery — where the most complex cases demand both technical precision and artistic vision.
His dual training gives him a perspective that few surgeons possess. Having operated on the most complex anatomy imaginable — facial nerves that don't function, structures displaced by tumors, craniofacial deformities in children — he brings a depth of understanding to every case, whether reconstructive or aesthetic.
His approach to every patient — whether a child with congenital facial paralysis or an adult seeking rhinoplasty — reflects the same philosophy: understand the anatomy completely, plan meticulously, execute with precision, and never settle for "good enough."
Education
Honors & Awards
Board Certification
Professional Activity
Selected Publications
Education
Dr. Panossian's commitment to his patients doesn't end at the borders of his practice. Through Mending Kids — a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing surgical care to children worldwide — he has traveled on humanitarian missions to perform reconstructive surgeries for children who would otherwise have no access to care.
His mission work in Armenia holds special significance. Returning to the land of his heritage to operate on children with craniofacial conditions connects his professional expertise with a deeply personal purpose.
These missions don't just change individual lives — they build local surgical capacity, train physicians in underserved areas, and create lasting impact that extends far beyond any single operation.
The story of modern plastic surgery has Armenian roots — and Dr. Panossian carries that legacy forward. Dr. Varaztad Kazanjian, known as the "Miracle Man of the Western Front," pioneered modern plastic surgery through his groundbreaking reconstructive work on soldiers disfigured in World War I. A Harvard luminary, he transformed plastic surgery from a fledgling discipline into an esteemed surgical specialty.
Dr. Panossian draws deep inspiration from Kazanjian's philosophy — that restoring form and aesthetics is inseparable from restoring dignity and function. That same outlook drives his commitment to reconstructive excellence and his humanitarian work with organizations like Mending Kids.
Watch: The incredible legacy of Dr. Varaztad Kazanjian
TLC's About Face follows the extraordinary journeys of patients whose lives are transformed by Dr. Panossian's surgical expertise. The series documents real patient stories — from initial consultation through surgery and recovery — capturing the emotional, physical, and psychological dimensions of facial reconstruction.
The show has introduced millions of viewers to the world of facial reanimation surgery and the profound impact it has on patients who have lived with facial paralysis, neurofibromatosis, and other disfiguring conditions. For Dr. Panossian, the series represents something important: showing the world that these conditions are treatable, and that every person deserves the chance to face the world with confidence.
Dr. Panossian's practice is located in the heart of Pasadena — a sophisticated, tree-lined city at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The office at 39 Congress Street provides a private, comfortable environment designed for the needs of both reconstructive and aesthetic patients.
For patients traveling from out of town, Pasadena offers world-class hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions — making the surgical experience as comfortable as possible for patients and their families. Our team assists with travel logistics, accommodation recommendations, and local transportation.
Visit Our Office