Frequently Asked Questions – Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center
Welcome to Stepanyan Surgical Arts Center with offices in Beverly Hills and Glendale, California. Choosing facial plastic surgery, breast surgery, or body contouring is a significant decision, and Dr. Martin Stepanyan and our team want you to feel confident and informed before you take the next step. Whether you’re exploring rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, a brow and forehead lift, facelift and mid-facelift surgery, neck lift, facial implants, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction, these FAQs bring common questions into one easy-to-navigate resource for patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, call (310) 269-8585 or (818) 551-0088 or send us a message.
Main FAQs
We have two locations: 436 N. Bedford Dr, Suite 218, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 and 1500 E Chevy Chase Dr, Suite 430, Glendale, CA 91206.
Dr. Martin Stepanyan is a board-certified Cosmetic, Reconstructive, and Maxillofacial Surgeon with decades of surgical experience and extensive training, known for precision-focused planning and natural-looking results.
Dr. Stepanyan specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Some of these include rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, brow and forehead lift, facelift and mid-facelift, neck lift, facial implants, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Most procedures listed here are cosmetic and are typically paid for out of pocket. If a procedure includes a reconstructive or medically necessary component, our team can explain what documentation may be helpful for your personal records.
Call (310) 269-8585 or (818) 551-0088 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.
Virtual consultation options may be available for select patients and early planning. When you call, our team will tell you what information or photos may be needed to make the visit productive.
We offer patient financing through Alphaeon Credit, and we accept major credit cards. If you want to explore monthly payment planning, our team can review what needs to be arranged prior to your procedure.
We welcome patients from Beverly Hills, Glendale, and communities across the Greater Los Angeles area, including Pasadena, Burbank, and Studio City.
Your consultation with Dr. Stepanyan is designed to be thorough and personal. We’ll review your goals, medical history, and anatomy, discuss options and tradeoffs, and outline a realistic recovery timeline based on your plan.
Many patients choose our practice for a personalized approach that blends surgical precision with long-term planning:
- Advanced planning tools such as 3D imaging when appropriate
- A focus on natural-looking outcomes that preserve your unique features
- A wide scope of facial, breast, and body procedures in an accredited setting
These advantages help patients make clearer decisions and feel more prepared for recovery and results.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose for improved facial harmony, improved breathing, or both. Dr. Stepanyan customizes each procedure so your changes look balanced rather than “one-size-fits-all.”
Rhinoplasty can address bridge humps or dips, a crooked nose, a drooping or bulbous tip, nostril width, and proportion issues that make the nose feel out of balance with the rest of the face.
Yes. When nasal structure contributes to breathing difficulty, functional correction can be planned alongside cosmetic refinement when appropriate.
Yes. Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella for increased visibility and precision, while closed rhinoplasty keeps incisions inside the nostrils with no external scar. Dr. Stepanyan will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy and the complexity of what needs to change.
Natural results come from proportion, structural support, and preserving what fits your face. The goal is refinement that looks believable from every angle, not an over-reduced or “operated” appearance.
Consultation typically includes an evaluation of nasal structure, facial balance, and breathing concerns, plus a discussion of goals and realistic outcomes. Many patients bring photos to clarify preferences and priorities.
Most rhinoplasty cases are performed under general anesthesia for comfort and a controlled surgical environment.
Many patients return to non-physical work within about 7 to 10 days, while swelling continues to settle for months. Tip refinement can take longer, especially in thicker skin.
Light activity can resume sooner, but heavier exercise and contact risk typically require a longer restriction period to protect your healing nasal structures.
Rhinoplasty results are designed to be long-lasting. Long-term success depends on stable structure, careful technique, and protecting the nose during early healing.
A smoother week-one experience often comes down to preparation:
- Arrange a driver and first-night support
- Set up head elevation for sleep and rest
- Plan easy meals, hydration, and a lighter schedule
- Avoid pressure or impact to the nose and follow aftercare instructions closely
These steps help you stay comfortable and protect structural healing while swelling begins to improve.
Revision Rhinoplasty FAQs
Revision rhinoplasty is corrective nose surgery performed after a prior rhinoplasty to address appearance concerns, breathing problems, structural issues, or a combination.
Consider revision if you have persistent dissatisfaction after healing is complete, new or ongoing breathing difficulty, visible irregularities, or structural collapse that affects shape or function.
Revision work is often more complex because tissues have already been altered and scar tissue may be present. During your consultation, Dr. Stepanyan will plan the structural changes and any additional support strategies.
In many cases, it’s best to wait until the nose has fully healed and swelling has stabilized before deciding on revision timing. Your consultation with Dr. Stepanyan will clarify whether waiting or evaluating sooner makes sense for your concern.
It can be. Some patients experience more swelling or a longer refinement phase because the tissues have undergone surgery before.
Sometimes. If visibility and structural rebuilding are needed, an open approach may be recommended to improve predictability and precision. Dr. Stepanyan will examine your nose and facial features to determine the most appropriate approach for your unique situation.
Some revision cases require added support. Whether grafting is needed depends on what was changed previously and what stability is required to achieve your goal.
Yes. If airway support has been compromised or structural issues contribute to obstruction, revision planning can prioritize function as well as aesthetics.
Revision rhinoplasty planning with Dr. Stepanyan focuses on improvement and balance, not perfection. Your anatomy, tissue quality, and prior surgical changes determine what is safest and most achievable.
Helpful items include your prior surgery details if available and a clear list of what bothers you most, including any breathing symptoms.
Being organized helps you heal with less stress:
- Plan time off and a quiet first week with limited obligations
- Arrange transportation and early support
- Follow medication guidance and avoid nicotine to support healing
- Prepare for a longer refinement timeline and consistent follow-up
These steps support a calmer recovery while swelling resolves and results gradually refine.
Brow and Forehead Lift FAQs
A brow and forehead lift elevates a low or heavy brow to restore a more open, refreshed upper face. It can reduce a tired or stern look when brow position contributes to heaviness around the eyes.
It depends on whether heaviness comes from brow descent, eyelid skin excess, or both. Dr. Stepanyan will perform an exam to identify the primary cause so the plan targets what will actually change your appearance.
Options can include endoscopic techniques with small incisions hidden in the scalp, coronal approaches with an incision behind the hairline, or temporal approaches that focus on the outer brow region.
It can. Endoscopic techniques often use smaller, hidden incisions and may offer a faster, more comfortable recovery for appropriate candidates. Dr. Stepanyan will determine your candidacy in your consultation.
Incisions are typically placed within the scalp or along hairline-adjacent areas depending on technique, with the goal of keeping scars discreet as they heal.
Swelling and bruising are common early on and typically improve within a couple of weeks. Many patients feel ready for non-strenuous daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
Sutures are commonly removed within about 7 to 10 days, depending on your healing and the specific technique used.
Many patients can resume wearing eye makeup around 2 weeks after surgery, once healing is progressing appropriately and your surgeon clears you.
Yes. Brow and forehead lift surgery is often combined with blepharoplasty or facelift planning when multiple areas contribute to aging changes. Dr. Stepanyan will determine whether your situation will benefit from combining procedures.
There is no single “right age.” Candidacy depends on anatomy, brow position changes, and your goals more than a specific number.
Preparation supports a smoother first 2 weeks:
- Plan time away from major events during early swelling
- Arrange head elevation for sleep and rest
- Avoid strenuous activity and follow medication guidance closely
- Keep follow-up visits so healing and brow position can be monitored
These steps help swelling resolve more predictably and support a natural, rested upper-face result.
Facelift and Mid-Facelift FAQs
A facelift focuses more on lower-face laxity, jowls, and jawline definition, while a mid-facelift targets the cheeks and midface descent that can deepen folds and create a tired look. Some patients benefit from combining techniques for a more balanced result. During your consultation, Dr. Stepanyan will recommend any complementary procedures
Common concerns include jowling, loss of jawline definition, midface sagging, and folds caused by tissue descent rather than fine surface lines alone.
Facelift results commonly last for many years. While aging continues, most patients appreciate that they still look like themselves, just more refreshed and supported.
A facelift is designed to improve jowls and laxity-related folds and can soften deeper creases. Very fine etched lines may still require skin-focused treatments to address texture.
Technique selection depends on anatomy and goals. The best approach prioritizes structural repositioning and a natural result rather than skin-only tightening.
Dr. Stepanyan plans incisions to be as discreet as possible, and he commonly places them around the ears and along natural hairline contours so scars are easier to conceal as they mature.
You will be under anesthesia during the procedure. After surgery, patients commonly describe tenderness, tightness, and soreness that improves with time and appropriate pain management.
Many patients plan for visible swelling and bruising to improve over the first 2 weeks. Some people feel comfortable resuming public activities earlier, while others prefer more downtime depending on healing.
Many patients plan about 2 weeks off work, especially for public-facing roles. Timing can vary depending on bruising, swelling, and the specifics of your plan.
Strenuous exercise is often restricted for several weeks. Your clearance is based on how healing is progressing during follow-ups.
A calmer recovery usually starts with planning:
- Arrange rides and support for the first 24 hours
- Set up head elevation and a comfortable rest space
- Keep meals, hydration, and essentials easy to reach
- Follow aftercare instructions and activity restrictions consistently
When you plan your downtime realistically, swelling typically resolves more smoothly and results start to look refined without feeling rushed.
Neck Lift FAQs
A neck lift addresses loose neck skin, banding, and contour changes that blur the jawline. It can also improve the neck profile when laxity and deeper support changes contribute to a “heavy” or aged appearance
Neck liposuction removes fat but does not tighten muscles or remove excess skin. A neck lift addresses deeper support and skin laxity, which is often necessary for a defined jawline.
A neck lift focuses on the neck and jawline, while a facelift addresses the lower face and midface as well. Many patients benefit from combining procedures for a smooth face-to-neck transition.
Good candidates are typically healthy, non-smokers (or willing to stop), and bothered by neck laxity that does not respond to non-surgical options.
Dr. Stepanyan designs incisions to be discreet and commonly placed around the ears, with an additional small under-chin incision sometimes used depending on the technique needed for your anatomy.
Yes. By tightening underlying structures and improving the neck contour, many patients see a sharper jawline and a cleaner neck angle.
Downtime varies, but many patients plan about 10 to 14 days for visible swelling and bruising to improve, with continued refinement afterward.
Many neck lift plans include compression for a period of time to help manage swelling and support contour during healing.
Results are long-lasting, though aging continues. Good skin care and sun protection can help maintain improvements.
Yes. Combining procedures may be recommended when multiple areas contribute to aging changes and when it is safe to do so.
Preparation helps swelling settle more smoothly:
- Plan time off and avoid major events early on
- Arrange head elevation and comfortable sleep positioning
- Keep your schedule light and follow lifting and exercise restrictions
- Attend follow-ups so healing and contour can be monitored
With consistent aftercare, swelling tends to resolve more evenly and neck definition becomes clearer week by week.
Facial Implants FAQs
Facial implants can enhance structure and balance when a chin or cheek area lacks definition, improving facial proportion and contour.
Chin and cheek implants are commonly used to strengthen profile balance, refine midface contour, and create more defined facial structure.
Do facial implants look natural?
Facial implants are designed to be long-lasting. Your facial features will still change with natural aging, but the structural enhancement remains.
Facial implant materials are medical-grade and widely used. Your consultation will cover safety, candidacy, and how your health history affects risk.
Incisions are typically placed inside the mouth or within natural creases when possible so scarring is minimal and discreet.
Depending on your plan, facial implants may be performed under general anesthesia, IV sedation, or local anesthesia. Dr. Stepanyan and your team will recommend what is most appropriate for comfort and safety.
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common early on and typically improve over the first week. Many patients return to work and social activities within about 7 to 10 days, depending on healing and the extent of surgery.
In select cases, improved structure and contour can help support the midface or chin profile and may delay the desire for broader lifting procedures. Your consultation will clarify what is realistic for your anatomy.
Yes. Combining procedures can create a more harmonious result when multiple features contribute to facial balance concerns.
It helps to define what “balance” means to you and what changes would matter most:
- Chin definition versus cheek definition (or both)
- Whether you want subtle refinement or a more noticeable structural change
- Whether you also want rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or lifting for overall harmony
- How much downtime you can realistically plan for work and social obligations
When these priorities are clear, it’s easier to choose an implant plan that looks proportional and feels aligned with your long-term goals.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that removes or repositions excess skin and fat of the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more refreshed, alert appearance.
Upper eyelid surgery can address hooding and heaviness, and lower eyelid surgery can improve under-eye puffiness and a tired look. The plan depends on what is driving your concern.
In some patients, excess upper eyelid skin can obstruct the field of view. When that is the case, eyelid surgery may improve function as well as appearance.
Upper eyelid incisions are typically hidden in the natural crease. Lower eyelid incisions may be placed along the lash line or inside the eyelid depending on the approach.
Scars are placed strategically and typically fade significantly over time. Most patients find scars become very hard to notice once fully healed.
Most patients return to social activities within about 1 to 2 weeks, with continued refinement as swelling settles.
Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are often restricted for about 2 to 3 weeks. Your timeline depends on how healing is progressing.
Yes. Eyelid surgery is commonly combined with brow lift or facelift planning when multiple areas contribute to a tired appearance.
Swelling improves in stages. Many patients feel presentable within a couple of weeks, while subtle refinement continues beyond that.
As with any surgery, risks can include bleeding, infection, dryness, temporary vision changes, and minor asymmetry. Your consultation will cover personalized risk factors and safety steps.
A simple plan can make the first week easier:
- Plan a lighter schedule and avoid major events during early bruising
- Use head elevation and follow cold compress guidance if recommended
- Avoid rubbing the eyes and follow incision care instructions closely
- Use sun protection and gentle skincare to support scar fading
These steps help swelling settle more smoothly and support a natural-looking, refreshed result.
Otoplasty FAQs
Otoplasty is ear reshaping surgery designed to reposition prominent ears or refine ear shape for improved balance with the rest of the face.
Candidates include adults and children whose ear cartilage is developed and who are bothered by prominent ears or ear asymmetry. A consultation confirms candidacy and technique.
Otoplasty can reduce ear prominence, improve symmetry, and refine ear contour so the ears sit in a more balanced position relative to the head.
Yes. Anesthesia is used for comfort, and the specific type depends on age, procedure complexity, and medical considerations.
Otoplasty typically takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the complexity and what needs to be adjusted.
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common initially and are usually manageable with medication. Most patients go home the same day since otoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure.
Many otoplasty plans include dressings or supportive garments to protect the ears during early healing and help maintain positioning.
Many patients gradually resume normal activities within a few weeks, with full healing and final results continuing to appear over the following months.
Results are designed to be long-lasting. Protecting the ears during healing helps maintain the best long-term positioning.
Planning supports comfort and protects results:
- Arrange a calm first few days with limited obligations
- Follow dressing and hygiene instructions carefully
- Avoid activities that bend or impact the ears while healing
- Keep follow-up appointments so progress can be monitored
With consistent aftercare, early swelling resolves more predictably and ear shape typically looks more refined as healing progresses.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Breast augmentation is surgery designed to enhance breast size, shape, and fullness using saline or silicone implants, or in select cases, fat transfer.
Patients often want fuller breasts, improved symmetry, restored volume after pregnancy or weight changes, or a more harmonious proportion between the bust, waist, and hips.
Both are implant options, and the best choice depends on your anatomy and goals. FDA age guidelines commonly referenced are 18+ for saline and 22+ for silicone.
Some patients are candidates for fat transfer, especially when a subtle increase is the goal and adequate donor fat is available. Your consultation with Dr. Stepanyan will clarify whether implants, fat transfer, or a combined plan fits best.
Sizing is based on chest width, tissue characteristics, skin elasticity, and your aesthetic preferences. The goal is a result that fits your frame and looks balanced long-term.
If sagging or nipple position affects shape, a lift may be recommended to achieve a supported contour rather than relying on implants alone to “fill” loose skin.
Breast augmentation is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients go home the same day with a responsible adult.
Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common early on. Many patients return to work and light activity within 1 to 2 weeks, while strenuous activity is often avoided for about 6 weeks.
You’ll see immediate change, but results refined as swelling resolves and implants settle over several months.
Modern implants are durable and often last 10 to 20 years. Long-term monitoring and future decisions depend on implant integrity and your preferences over time.
Preparation helps you protect healing and reduce stress:
- Arrange help at home for lifting limits and early errands
- Prepare loose, front-opening tops to avoid overhead strain
- Keep essentials within easy reach to reduce bending and reaching
- Plan a light schedule and follow surgical bra and activity instructions closely
When these pieces are in place, discomfort is usually easier to manage, and results can settle more smoothly.
Breast Lift FAQs
A breast lift (mastopexy) elevates and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipple-areola complex when needed.
A breast lift can address drooping, stretched skin, downward-pointing nipples, and shape changes related to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or gravity.
A lift improves position and contour rather than adding volume. If you want more fullness, Dr. Stepanyan may discuss adding breast implants as a separate or combined option.
Yes. Breast lift planning can address differences in nipple position and breast shape, with the goal of a more balanced appearance.
For some patients, lifting the breast can reduce skin-on-skin irritation under the fold by elevating and reshaping tissue.
Good candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are willing to follow pre- and post-operative instructions. Skin elasticity and smoking status can also affect results and healing.
Many patients return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, while more strenuous activity is usually avoided for up to 6 weeks to support healing.
A lift requires incisions. Scar placement depends on the amount of lifting needed, and scars typically fade over time with proper care.
Yes. A breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation or body contouring when appropriate and when recovery demands are realistic. Dr. Stepanyan will recommend combined procedures if it’s appropriate.
You’ll see improvement early, but the final shape becomes more apparent over months as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
A few habits can make healing more consistent:
- Stop nicotine use as advised to support wound healing
- Plan time off and lifting help for the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Wear your recommended support garment consistently
- Begin scar care only when you are cleared and protect scars from sun exposure
With consistent aftercare, swelling typically resolves more evenly and scars tend to mature more favorably over time.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat and can tighten the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, smoother abdomen.
A tummy tuck addresses loose skin, stubborn lower-abdominal fullness, and a weakened abdominal wall that may not improve with diet and exercise alone.
The incision is usually placed below the bikini line so it can be concealed by underwear and swimwear, depending on your anatomy and how much skin needs to be removed.
Yes, when muscle laxity or separation contributes to contour problems, tightening the abdominal wall can be part of the plan for improved shape and support. During your consultation, Dr. Stepanyan will discuss muscle repair during your consultation.
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, do not smoke (or are willing to quit), and are close to a stable target weight.
No. A tummy tuck is a contouring procedure. It can create a meaningful change in shape, but it is not designed for significant weight loss.
Many patients return to work and light activities within about 2 to 4 weeks, while strenuous activity is commonly avoided for about 6 weeks or until cleared.
Recovery varies, but most patients notice steady improvement as swelling decreases. Scar appearance typically improves over time with proper care and sun protection.
Yes. Liposuction can be combined when fat removal is needed in areas that a tummy tuck alone does not address, such as flanks or upper abdomen, depending on safety and your goals.
You’ll see change early, but refinement continues for months as swelling resolves and tissues settle into their long-term contour.
Planning ahead makes the first two weeks smoother:
- Arrange help for lifting, childcare, errands, and meals
- Set up a recovery space with pillows for elevation and easy movement
- Place essentials at counter height to reduce bending and reaching
- Keep your schedule light and follow walking and activity guidelines consistently
When these supports are in place, it’s easier to rest, move safely, and protect your results as swelling improves.
Liposuction FAQs
Liposuction is surgery that reshapes targeted areas by removing surplus fat deposits through small incisions using a cannula.
Common areas include the lower abdomen, lower back (love handles), upper arms, and thighs, as well as other localized pockets that resist diet and exercise.
No. Liposuction is best for patients near their ideal weight who want to remove stubborn pockets of fat and improve contour rather than lose a dramatic amount of weight.
Ideal candidates are typically adults within about 30% of their ideal weight, have firm and elastic skin, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations.
Liposuction uses small incisions (often less than an inch) through which the cannula is used to break up and suction fat to create a smoother contour.
Liposuction removes fat but does not reliably tighten significant skin laxity. If loose skin is a major concern, a different or combined approach may be recommended.
Healing time varies by extent and treatment areas, but many patients resume normal activity within 1 to 2 weeks, with swelling continuing to improve beyond that.
Scarring is typically minimal because incisions are small. Scars generally fade with time, and incision placement is planned to be as discreet as possible. Dr. Stepanyan and his team will provide thorough aftercare instructions to minimize scarring.
Removed fat cells do not come back, but remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results.
Yes. Liposuction is commonly combined with tummy tuck planning when both stubborn fat and excess skin are concerned and when it is safe to do so.
Consistency during healing makes a difference:
- Follow garment and aftercare instructions exactly as directed
- Walk regularly but avoid strenuous exercise until cleared
- Keep hydration steady and avoid large weight fluctuations
- Attend follow-ups so healing and contour can be monitored
When aftercare is consistent, swelling tends to resolve more evenly and your final contour is easier to maintain.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Martin Stepanyan Today
Dr. Martin Stepanyan and our expert team will help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your goals, anatomy, and timeline – whether you’re focused on facial refinement, breast surgery, or body contouring.
Call (310) 269-8585 or (818) 551-0088 or send us a message to schedule your consultation today.