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.
Stepanyan Surgical Arts: Specializing in Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Martin Stepanyan, MD, DMD, FAACS, FACS, is a board-certified surgeon with over 15 years of excellent education, extensive training, and over 25 years of successful practice in the field of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery.
His background is particularly relevant in revision rhinoplasty, where surgeons often encounter scar tissue, altered anatomy, reduced cartilage reserves, and changes to the nasal blood supply that are absent in primary procedures.
One of the distinguishing features of Dr. Stepanyan’s training is his rare combination of medical and dental degrees paired with advanced education in oral and maxillofacial surgery. That dual perspective provides a detailed understanding of both facial aesthetics and the underlying structural anatomy that supports long-term function.
Dr. Stepanyan completed residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, then pursued a fellowship in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Ohio State University under T. William Evans, MD, FACS, a respected cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. He graduated number one in his class from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with the highest honors (the number one in his class), grounding his approach in structural facial anatomy in a way most cosmetic-only surgeons do not train for.
Dr. Stepanyan has been board-certified since 2003, and now carries certification through 2033. He holds Fellow designations from both the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS), earned through documented expertise and peer recognition rather than membership alone.
Throughout his career, he has performed over 2,000 nasal surgeries in Los Angeles County, including primary, ethnic, functional, and revision cases.
His surgical experience extends beyond private practice through charitable craniofacial reconstructive missions to Ecuador, Armenia, and Russia, where he operated on complex pediatric and adult cases under significant resource constraints, the kind of work that sharpens the problem-solving revision rhinoplasty demands.
To better serve the diverse communities of Greater Los Angeles, such as Glendale, our practice offers care in English, Armenian, and Russian, allowing many patients to discuss highly personal concerns in the language they are most comfortable with.
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.
Real revision results speak louder than credentials alone. Dr. Stepanyan’s before-and-after gallery shows paired photos of revision, septoplasty, and related nose surgery cases, so you can see how altered, asymmetrical, or over-resected noses were rebuilt into balanced, natural-looking results. Many of these patients arrived after a disappointing first surgery, which makes the change especially meaningful.
Tracy M.’s case is a good example of a complex starting point. She described her nose as having “a high bridge, a bulbous and droopy tip,” slanted to one side, and “not an easy nose to work with,” adding that “I needed someone trustworthy with experience. I put my trust in Dr. Stepanyan and don’t regret it. He did such a great job that my brother decided to do his rhinoplasty with him as well.” Please see Liz’s revision rhinoplasty video above to see the possible journey from consultation through recovery.
When you are ready, view the rhinoplasty gallery to browse paired before-and-after photos for revision, septoplasty, and related nose surgery 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.