Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles & Glendale CA
Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, remains among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, with nearly 250,000 performed each year. Despite their popularity, there are still many misconceptions about what this surgery can achieve, who should consider it, and what recovery is truly like. At Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center, our priority is to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date information so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Below is an in-depth overview of tummy tuck surgery, outlining what the procedure entails, who may benefit from it, and the unique advantages of choosing Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center. Readers will learn about the surgical process, the qualifications of the surgical team, and the specific concerns a tummy tuck can address to help restore a contoured, confident appearance.
Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery
An abdominoplasty is a precise surgical technique that removes excess skin and fat from the midsection and repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This results in a flatter, more toned core and can greatly boost comfort and confidence. This procedure is especially sought after by individuals who have experienced pregnancy, considerable weight loss, or aging changes, all of which can leave behind stretched skin and lax muscles.
Why Choose Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center for Your Procedure?
Dr. Martin Stepanyan, a board-certified surgeon with over two decades of experience in cosmetic, reconstructive, and maxillofacial surgery, and Dr. Johnson C. Lee, an accomplished body plastic surgeon, are dedicated to achieving natural-looking, long-lasting results for each patient. Our approach combines advanced three-dimensional imaging for thorough pre-operative planning, compassionate care, and a commitment to patient safety inside our AAAHC-accredited facility.
Choosing Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center means trusting your results to highly qualified, ethical, and skilled professionals renowned for exceptional outcomes throughout the Los Angeles area.
What Are The Top Four Reasons Patients Consider a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can address several concerns:
- Persistent abdominal fat and excess skin that resists exercise and diet
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy, aging, or prior surgeries
- Functional discomfort, including poor posture or back pain from muscle separation
- Restoration of body contour and self-confidence
Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss but rather an option to refine your silhouette once you are near your goal weight. Maintaining stable weight and a healthy lifestyle is key to long-lasting results.
Advanced Specialization in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery: Why Choose Dr. Stepanyan for Ethnic Rhinoplasty in Glendale
Dr. Martin Stepanyan is a board-certified surgeon with over 16 years of academic excellence, extensive training, and over 23 years of successful private practice in Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Choosing the right surgeon is key to achieving the best results from ethnic rhinoplasty. Dr. Martin Stepanyan stands out as a top choice for individuals seeking a surgeon who understands the delicate balance of ethnic features and can deliver beautiful, natural results.
With over 28 years of experience in facial surgery, Dr. Stepanyan combines advanced surgical skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
His extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery enables him to address aesthetic and functional concerns, delivering results that enhance each patient’s natural beauty. Furthermore, Dr. Stepanyan uses advanced three-dimensional imaging technology to provide patients with a clear visual representation of their expected outcomes before the procedure, helping to manage expectations and ensure satisfaction.
As a board-certified surgeon and a Fellow of prestigious professional organizations, Dr. Stepanyan operates in a state-of-the-art, AAAHC-accredited surgery center, prioritizing patient safety and comfort at all times.
His approach is supported by decades of additional training, experience, and professional achievement, including:
- More than 2,000 nasal surgeries have been performed throughout Los Angeles County, including complex revision cases for patients who travel from out of state seeking his expertise
- Board-certified since 2003, with recertification extending through 2033
- Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS)
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
His professional experience extends well beyond private practice. Dr. Stepanyan graduated first in his class with a 4.0 GPA from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and then completed a cosmetic and reconstructive surgery fellowship under T. William Evans, MD, FACS, at The Ohio State University. He has also:
- Co-authored research published in The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery
- Served as Division Chief at Huntington Memorial Hospital (2005 to 2007) and Methodist Hospital of Southern California (2007 to 2009)
- Participated in craniofacial reconstructive missions in Ecuador, Armenia, and Russia
Patients consistently point to the consultation experience as one of the reasons they choose Dr. Stepanyan. Lianna M. called him “the only doctor who captured my attention with all the knowledge he had,” and Vicki D. contrasted him with other surgeons who “made me feel they were only out for the money and a quick job.”
Every consultation is centered on understanding your anatomy, concerns, and goals before recommending a personalized treatment plan. Supported by trilingual staff fluent in English, Armenian, and Russian, the practice provides culturally informed care for Glendale’s diverse communities while creating results that look refined rather than obviously surgical.
As patient Naeva O. shared, people “couldn’t even tell” she had work done, reflecting the natural-looking outcomes Dr. Stepanyan strives to achieve. That same personalized approach guides Dr. Stepanyan’s philosophy of enhancing rather than westernizing the nose.
Patients also benefit from an integrated surgical setting. Dr. Stepanyan performs procedures at his AAAHC-accredited Glendale surgical center, which includes three fully equipped operating rooms and an on-site 23-hour ambulatory recovery center.
This allows patients to undergo surgery and recover under the same experienced team, providing continuity of care from the operating room through the early stages of recovery.
Dr. Stepanyan’s Glendale practice welcomes patients from throughout Burbank, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Studio City, and the greater Los Angeles area, with extensive experience treating diverse minority and immigrant communities in the region.
What is the Tummy Tuck Process at Stepanyan Surgical Arts?
Our patient-focused process includes:
Your journey starts with a detailed discussion about your goals, health history, and any concerns. During this confidential consultation, we use advanced imaging to map out your ideal outcome and ensure you are a good candidate for surgery.
Our surgeons review every aspect of your treatment, from anesthesia to incision placement. On the day of your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to maximize comfort. The incision, usually made below the bikini line, allows us to carefully remove excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles for optimal shape.
Post-surgery, you’ll receive detailed care instructions to support healing and comfort. Most patients can return to work and light activities within two to four weeks, while strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks or until cleared by your surgical team. Scar placement is discreet, and with proper care, it naturally fades over time.
We tailor every tummy tuck to your unique anatomy and goals. Our results gallery shows real patient outcomes and reflects our dedication to quality, safety, and natural beauty.
Revision Rhinoplasty for Ethnic Patients: Correcting Results That Missed the Mark
Revision rhinoplasty for ethnic patients is among the most demanding work in facial surgery because two layers of difficulty stack on each other.
Scar tissue and altered anatomy from the first surgery sit over the original cultural and structural complexity that made the primary rhinoplasty challenging to begin with.
Previous surgery can also limit the amount of septal cartilage available for reconstruction. When additional support is needed, cartilage is often harvested from the ear or rib, adding another level of technical complexity that fewer rhinoplasty surgeons routinely manage.
These are the cases that many surgeons refer elsewhere, and patients frequently travel from out of state to seek Dr. Martin Stepanyan’s expertise.
The Healthgrades reviewer from December 2025 described a prior surgeon who insisted on closed rhinoplasty despite a complex nasal break, delivered an inadequate result, and left the patient unable to breathe properly for more than a year before Dr. Stepanyan corrected both the aesthetics and the breathing through open surgery. The reviewer wrote that they would never consider another surgeon.
Every revision begins with a detailed evaluation of the previous surgery, remaining structural support, scar tissue, healing, and nasal function before a personalized treatment plan is developed. Because previously altered anatomy is less predictable, the goal is to achieve meaningful improvement and better facial balance rather than perfection.
For that reason, candidacy can only be determined through an in-person consultation. Patients who travel from outside California often do so because Dr. Stepanyan combines extensive experience in ethnic rhinoplasty with the reconstructive expertise required for complex revision cases.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
The ideal tummy tuck candidate:
- Is in overall good health
- Has realistic expectations about surgery
- Does not smoke or is willing to quit before and after surgery
- Experiences loose skin, fat, or weakened abdominal wall that does not improve with diet or exercise
A tummy tuck is not appropriate for those seeking significant weight loss, but it is a highly effective option for body contouring and functional improvement once you’re close to your target weight.
What is the Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline & What Should You Expect?
Every patient recovers at a unique pace, but most will experience:
- Light activity and return to work: 2–4 weeks post-surgery
- Avoidance of strenuous activity: At least 6 weeks
- Gradual fading of scars, which are positioned for easy concealment
Dr. Stepanyan will monitor your progress and support your return to daily life.
What are the Risks and Considerations with a Tummy Tuck?
All surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, anesthesia reactions, and the possibility of poor wound healing or scarring. Our team will review your medical history and any risk factors in detail, and our accredited facility supports the highest standards of safety.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Tummy tuck costs vary according to the extent of the procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, and aftercare needs. Each treatment plan is customized, and we provide transparent estimates during your consultation, as well as information on financing options if needed.
FAQs: Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles
Results can last for many years with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Pregnancy or significant weight changes can alter results, so timing surgery after childbearing is often recommended.
All tummy tucks involve a scar, usually low and horizontal, so it can be hidden beneath clothing or swimwear. The scar typically fades over time with proper care.
When performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons in an accredited facility, tummy tuck surgery is considered very safe. We use the latest techniques and technology to minimize risks.
While both contour the abdominal area, liposuction removes only fat, while a tummy tuck removes fat and excess skin and repairs the muscles.
Yes, many women opt for a mommy makeover that combines a tummy tuck with other body contouring surgeries for comprehensive results.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are ready to restore your confidence and achieve a firmer, flatter abdomen, contact Stepanyan Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation. Our surgeons serve patients throughout Glendale, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and neighboring communities—delivering exceptional tummy tuck results and care. Call (818) 551-0088 or reach out via our online contact form today.
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“Best decision I have ever made in my life was having Dr. Stepanyan be the surgeon for my rhinoplasty. I am SO happy with the outcome. I always get the best compliments on my nose. He is a true artist and professional.”
— Nicole M.