Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Karen Horton understands how life changes, such as weight loss, pregnancy, and aging, can affect the midsection. If you’re struggling with loose skin, stretch marks, a distorted belly button, weakened abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat deposits, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) may be your solution.
Designed to restore a firmer, more contoured midsection, abdominoplasty is one of the most transformative body contouring procedures available. Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck as part of a Mommy Makeover or on its own, Dr. Horton and her all-female team can guide you through the process with personalized care and expertise.
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles (a condition called rectus diastasis or “diastasis recti”).1 The result is a smoother, firmer midsection and a more defined waistline. Depending on your unique concerns, a tummy tuck procedure can also address laxity in the lower abdomen, stretch marks, and the belly button’s position and appearance.
To learn more about Dr. Horton’s approach and philosophy to abdominoplasty, check out her blog.
Drag the slider to see transformation
Drag the slider to see transformation
Drag the slider to see transformation
Drag the slider to see transformation
After giving birth to two children via c-section and then years of self-loathing, I finally made the difficult decision to meet with a plastic surgeon. My husband and I researched local surgeons and concluded that we needed to look out the area. I came across Dr. Horton’s website, read every review, good and bad. She seemed like a nice fit and I was interested in meeting her. My husband and I met with Dr. Horton and immediately felt comfortable and at ease. We instantly took a liking to her. She was compassionate and sensitive to my feeling and situation. We left with a lot of information and a huge decision to make.For years, I spent every morning crying in my closet, kicking my husband out of the bathroom, not wanting to be looked at. I was not comfortable in my own skin. I’d spend hours in the gym working my butt off and still could not get rid of my mid-section. I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I hated shopping for clothes, and I LOVE TO SHOP. With the support of my amazing husband and family, I decided to go through with surgery.I had an abdominoplasty and liposuction. I am now 8 weeks post-op and I have never been happier. I’m finally at the point in my life where I feel on the outside like I feel on the inside. I feel strong, sexy, and confident. I finally have my life back. Thank you Dr. Horton.
„Each tummy tuck procedure is tailored to address your unique needs. The types of tummy tucks include:
The first step is scheduling your abdominoplasty consultation with Dr. Horton, who will spend time getting to know you personally and take a complete medical history. During this initial meeting, we’ll explore your reasons for seeking a tummy tuck, examine your abdomen, determine if you are an appropriate candidate, and discuss the type of tummy tuck that’s right for you.
Additional preparation is essential for a safe and successful abdominoplasty procedure. To ensure the best outcome:
Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility in San Francisco’s Professional Building in Pacific Heights. The procedure may take 2-4 hours, depending on the type of tummy tuck. After making the necessary incisions, Dr. Horton will remove excess skin and fat, tighten the abdominal wall, and reposition the belly button if needed. Sutures will be placed to secure the repaired tissues.
Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort are expected during the first few days after abdominoplasty surgery. To help manage this, you’ll be prescribed oral pain medications for the initial recovery period, typically one to two weeks. To support circulation and reduce the risk of complications, gentle walking, and deep breathing exercises are recommended as soon as possible following the procedure.
After tummy tuck surgery, drains may remain in place for up to two weeks to help remove excess fluid and support a smooth, contoured result during healing. Temporary numbness, bruising, and fatigue are typical in the first 2-4 weeks. While initial improvements are noticeable early on, it may take 3 months to a year for all swelling to resolve completely, revealing the full results of your tummy tuck.2
Other aspects of the healing process include:
Dear Dr. Horton, you've given me my life back ... your unparalleled attention to detail, care and warmth have made me so grateful to have had you as a surgeon. Now looking in the mirror I see promise of a greater future. Vacations and bathing suits!
Ideal candidates are at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, and are in good overall health. 3
Tummy tuck cost varies based on the type of tummy tuck and whether additional procedures, such as liposuction, are included. Our team will provide detailed pricing during your consultation.
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the extra skin that is excised.
The type of scars you’ll have after tummy tuck surgery depends on the technique used. A traditional tummy tuck typically leaves a horizontal scar low on the abdomen, usually concealed by underwear or bathing suits. A mini tummy tuck results in a shorter scar, also positioned low on the lower abdomen, ideal for patients with minimal excess skin. A vertical tummy tuck, used in specific cases, adds a vertical scar extending upward from the horizontal incision to address more extensive laxity. Over time, scars generally fade and can often be minimized with proper care and treatments.
Yes, tummy tuck surgery can be combined with other Plastic Surgery procedures, such as a breast lift or Mommy Makeover, for comprehensive body contouring.
Please see our Preparing for Surgery section to learn about risks and potential complications related to surgery and Postoperative Instructions for additional information on abdominoplasty.
If you’re looking for a highly experienced Board-Certified tummy tuck Surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Dr. Karen Horton today to learn how abdominoplasty can help you achieve your goals.
I am a 38 year old mother of two. I had two gigantic babies via C-section, that turned my stomach into a very sad place. I work out, I eat well, but no matter what I did, there it was. The crumpled-up skin and shelf I knew as my body. I hid it well. REAL well. Nobody knew, but I was dying inside. Finally, in January I scheduled my surgery. Dr. Horton was first on my list. Why? Because she gets it. She is a mom, a businesswoman and a person that I knew when I spoke of my struggles, she got it. We spent hours chatting about expectations, what was going to happen and the recovery. June 20th I went in. 6 am I arrived... checked in, get in a robe, lay down, IV in, pass out - wake up 4.5 hours later.. to a new BOD… that’s when the FUN STARTED. Did it hurt? Not at first. I stayed overnight and was pretty drugged up the first 48 hours. After about 72 hours you start coming back to life and it feels a little weird. You can’t stand up straight and things like moving are a challenge. I was lucky enough to have my mother here to take care of me for a week. Mostly the first 10 days I slept, and rested. Pain scale overall harder than a C-section, but not something you can’t handle. It is about 10 days of difficult then just sore. Week 2-3 were healing time lots of naps and resting. By week 4 you round the corner and now 6 weeks out I feel like a million bucks. The feeling of difference is immediate. The results are exactly as Dr. Horton described. She told me what would hurt where and how long this would take to heal etc. Dr. Horton as a woman is amazing. As a surgeon she is brilliant. I went to sleep with her holding my hand, I woke up with her smiling at me. I went to sleep night one with her coming to visit and when I awoke the next day, she was there checking in on me. Would I do it again. YES. Would I recommend Dr. Horton 1000x YES!!! She is a real woman who understands our bodies and sets real expectations. My journey has been a long and hard one. I am so proud to say I am on the other side now. If you are thinking about this surgery, my only advice is to really select the right doctor that actually hears what you want, and take a month off.. you will need it!
„
Please note that pricing will vary, and all information provided represents an average of typical costs and time and does not guarantee pricing or availability. Your individual treatment plan will be personalized to meet your needs, and we recommend scheduling a consultation to receive a more accurate breakdown of pricing and recovery expectations.
1 Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Accessed November 20, 2024.
2 ASPS. What you need to know about your tummy tuck recovery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tummy-tuck-recovery. Accessed November 20, 2024.
3 ASPS. Tummy Tuck Candidates. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/candidates. Accessed November 20, 2024.
Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Give us a call or fill out form below to schedule online.
Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the Pacific Heights District in the Pacific Professional Building.
Monday-Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Monday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Friday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the
Pacific Heights District
in the Pacific Professional Building.
SHOP SKIN CARE*Please note: Our office is no longer a Participating Provider for insurance. We can provide a financial quote for what anticipated surgical fees will be after your consultation.
