Childhood may be filled with skinned knees and broken bones, but some scars are more than skin deep. For the youngest victims of domestic violence, scars on the skin are reminders of a painful past. Dr. Henri Gaboriau, an Eastside facial plastic surgeon, is using his skills to remove these visible scars from some of the youngest survivors of domestic violence.

Dr. Gaboriau is the founder of Face, Heart and Mind Foundation, a one-of-a-kind nonprofit that enables him to remove scars from children who otherwise couldn't afford it. "There are many services available to adult victims of abuse," said Gaboriau, "I wanted to look out for the kids."

After years of traditional cosmetic and restorative plastic surgery, Dr. Gaboriau still had unfulfilled professional goals derived from early life experiences. While growing up in France, his cousin was attacked and lost his vision as a result of the ensuing beating. As a boy, Dr. Gaboriau thought that if he could just restore his cousin's vision, life as he knew it would get back to normal.

He was unable to help his cousin, but is now able to help other young victims of abuse reclaim their lives. "Imagine trying to move forward in your life, but being reminded of your past every time you look in the mirror," says Gaboriau. "For these kids, simply removing the scars means that other kids won't look at them funny, or ask painful questions - they can feel more normal."

In order to live a normal life, however, Dr. Gaboriau knows it will take more than just scar removal and facial surgery. Trying to create a safe and happy world for his young patients, Dr. Gaboriau works with local agencies to ensure that the children are removed from dangerous situations and get the counseling they need. Only then can they start a new life with a new face.

Dr. Gaboriau, and Face, Heart and Mind, can be reached at his Eastside office, Sammamish Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 425-898-1228.