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Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
2100 Webster St., Ste. 520, San Francisco, California
4.2 | 56 Reviews
132 Questions Answered
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Can you still have children at least 2 years after a tummy tuck?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
While most women choose to wait until they are done having their family before a tummy tuck, it is certainly reasonable for others to have an abdominoplasty before they have children. 

Becoming pregnant after a tummy tick won't usually change the results that significantly.  Likewise, having surgery of the abdominal wall should not interfere in any way with future pregnancies. 

Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a great deal of experience in Mommy Makeovers, and inquire if any of their patients have had a pregnancy after an abdominoplasty. If so, ask to speak with them!

Karen Horton, M.D. 
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon & Mommy Makeover specialist 
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

I'm having Labiaplasty reconstruction one week from today. I've been unsuccessful quitting smoking. Will this effect my surgery?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Before having any type of Plastic Surgery, you should ALWAYS quit smoking!  The reason for this is simple:  nicotine is a "vasoconstrictor", which means this drug causes significant spasm and narrowing of your blood vessels - the exact ones you need to deliver good blood flow to the tissues that are healing.

If nicotine is on board for up to 6 weeks before a surgical procedure that involves making inicisions, rearranging the tissues and healing (like a labiaplasty), then not quitting smoking puts you at increased risk of wound healing problems, infections, tissue death and increased scar tissue.  

Since nicotine is the culprit, the same restrictions apply to other forms of nicotine delivery:  the patch, nicotine gum, and even e-cigarrettes!

provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

I need breast lift with possible augmentation, full TT and BBL. Which procedures can be combined or what order is recommended?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
A Mommy Makeover procedure describes surgery specially designed for mothers who have finished having their children, and usually combines breast and body surgery.  

Specifically, a breast lift, reduction or augmentation (or combination of these) and a tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction of the abdomen, hips, thighs or other areas.  Many women I see also are interested in a labiaplasty at the same time.  

It makes sense to perform these complimentary procedures at the same time, to enable a single anesthesia, single recovery and only one downtime for these cosmetic procedures.  

Be sure to seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in the procedures you are seeking!

Karen M. Horton, M.D.
San Francisco Mommy Makeover specialist and ABPS-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

Are drains required for liposuction of stomach, flanks and back?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Liposuction is an effective, simple, outpatient procedure that permanently removes fat from localized deposits on the body.  As opposed to excisional surgery such as a breast lift or tummy tuck, liposuction only makes tiny incisions where small cannulas are inserted to suck out fat and smooth out body contours.

Drains are not needed, as the incisions are small, the body's skin will contract over the smaller, contoured area when a postoperative compression garment is worn, and the recovery is generally 2-3 weeks.  Bruising and some "achy numbness" can be expected, but this is temporary.  Results are permanent!

Karen M. Horton, M.D.
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

How does a plastic surgeon determine whether there is fat above or below the abdominal muscle?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
There are two types of fat around the abdomen, and Plastic Surgeons can unfortunately only address fat in one location:  EXTRA-ABDOMINAL fat.  This is the fat that lies under your skin and above your muscles, and you can generally pinch it between two hands. 

Both a tummy tuck and liposuction can remove a great deal of this fat, and CoolSculpting can often make a significant difference as well!  A tummy tuck also can tighten the rectus abdominis muscles back together in the midline to help correct "rectus diastasis" that results from pregnancy and/or weight gain.

The fat that is NOT addressed by Plastic Surgery procedures in INTRA-ABDOMINAL fat - the type that bathes your internal organs and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.

If you can pinch 2 inches or more of subcutaneous fat under the skin with your abdominal muscles flexed, then you may be a candidate for a body contouring procedure.  However, if your abdomen is "tight as a drum" with a rounded appearance and protuberance, then the fat is likely intra-abdominal.  

There are no cosmetic procedures that can remove fat from the inside of the abdomen.  If your Plastic Surgeon is saying "no", then listen and do your best to lower your weight using healthy methods:  hard work, a healthy diet, regular exercise and possibly consdier medically-supervised weight loss program such as JumpStart MD.


provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

How much does it cost to have the "blow out" on my ear lobe removed or reverted back into my ear? (photo)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
I am starting to see many patients in my office with stretched-out piercings from "gauges" or large discs being inserted in holes that progressively get more stretched out with time.  When the individual (both men and women) remove these piercings and their "earlobe jewelry", the holes are floppy, empty and create a deformity.

Thankfully, we can reconstruct a more normal appearance to the earlobes in the office as a quick outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.  The cost can range from $1000 to $2500, depending on the complexity of the surgery and time/skill needed for reconstruction.  

Traditional Plastic Surgery reconstructive principles are used, and I use loupe magnification to best visualize the deformity and perform reconstruction, using dissolving sutures usually.  It is often possible to maintain a piercing and continue wearing earrings, or a new piercing can be done at the time of earlobe reconstruction.

Be sure to seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in earlobe repair, rejuvenation and reconstruction - you only want to do this procedure ONCE!

Karen M. Horton, M.D.
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

Can I have Breast Augmentation if I am 30 years old, 5 foot and 80 pounds?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
A breast augmentation can be done on nearly every body time, height or weight.  My patients seek a NATURAL breast augmentation result, which we aim to deliver in every woman we see!  

Breast implants are selected to best suit a woman's frame, her curves, and to be proportional to the rest of her body.

Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation in all body types, shapes and sizes.  

Ask to see before and after photos of women who have the same frame and dimension as you.

Karen M. Horton, MD, MSc, FACS, FRCSC
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

What are the best options for my mommy tummy, diastasis recti and hernia repair? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
After a mother has finished having her children, she often finds that she has loose, baggy tummy skin, stretch marks, and separated rectus abdominis muscles - known as "rectus diastasis".  This is more common after having many children and twin/multiple pregnancies.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is the ONLY procedure that will permanently repair these muscles back together in the midline!  This surgery that should be performed in the operating room under general anesthesia (I usually also recommend an overnight stay) also removes extra skin, contours love handles and pubic area fat using liposuction, and creates a firm, taut and nicely contoured belly!

Be sure to visit a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in abdominoplasty.  Ask to see before and after photographs, and talk to patients to learn about what your experience might be like.

Karen M. Horton, M.D. - San Francisco Plastic Surgeon & Mommy Makeover specialist
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

I plan to have a breast reduction and tummy tuck in 2 months.How safe is it to have both surgeries at the same time? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
A breast reduction or lift is a very common procedure sought by mothers who have finished having children and who have stopped nursing for at least 4 months.  

A tummy tuck is also a procedure that can benefit many mothers who notice that their abdominal tone does not return to its pre-pregnancy state.  An abdominoplasty tightens the rectus abdominis muscles back together in the midline, removes extra crepe-like skin and produces a firm, taut tummy contour.

Combining these procedures is commonly done, and has been nicknamed the "Mommy Makeover"!  

So long as you are safe for surgery and can withstand 4-5 hours under general anesthesia in the operating room, with an overnight stay, it is reasonable and recommended to do these complimentary procedures at the same time.  This will enable the best aesthetic results with a single anesthesia and single recovery period.

provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

Can my earlobe be repaired with the skin I have left?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Almost any type of earlobe deformity (torn, stretched-out piercings, enlarged holes from gauges, keloid scars) can be repaired under local anesthetic in the office.  

The goal of earlobe repair or reconstruction is to reestablish a normal appearance to the earlobe, create symmetry with the other side, and enable future piercings (if that is also a goal).

Surgery generally takes 30 minutes and downtime is minimal.  

Karen M. Horton, M.D.
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
provider-Karen M. Horton, MD-photo

Karen M. Horton, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.2 | 56 reviews

Karen M. Horton, MD reviews

Karen M. Horton, MD

RATING DETAILS

4.2
56 reviews

All reviews are evaluated by the RealSelf team to ensure they're written by patients like you and meet our guidelines. Your results may vary. Doctors can never pay to have reviews removed or hidden.

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Karen M. Horton, MD
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10 Results
$40,000Breast Implant Revision

Beanie 28

Wonderful Surgeon

I chose Dr. Karen Horton because of her outstanding reputation, and I’m so glad I did. From the very first interaction, she and her entire team provided five-star service every step of the way. Dr. Horton is warm, communicative, and exceptionally professional. She made me feel completely comfortable and cared for, and I had no doubt I was in the best hands for my procedure, and I am very happy with my results. Her kindness, expertise, and the seamless support from her office made the entire experience better than I could have imagined. Highly recommend!

Neck Lift

jeninoakland

Had a Great Experience

I had the MACS lift in December. Dr Horton and her team did a great job of walking me through all of it. I am 63 and was afraid that the results might be too subtle, but I am very pleased. (I required liposuction as well.)

Liposuction

Giving352031

I can already tell I'm going to be extremely pleased with the results

Dr Horton and her caring team were incredible. I saw them for an abdominal liposuction (I'd never done anything like this before!) . I was originally going to see several Plastic Surgeons as a consult but after meeting Dr Horton just once I decided I didn't need to interview anyone else. Although I am still early in my recovery, everything went wonderfully and I can already tell I'm going to be extremely pleased with the results. What stood out to me most is the day of surgery I naturally had some anxiety and her caring team made me feel like a princess before and after the procedure. Dr Horton is obviously in a sensitive role helping women care for their bodies...I felt very natural with her when she was making recommendations, she was very warm and caring and fact based when talking about my body. She also really took the time to get to know the "whole me" which also stood out as I'm sure she is a very busy lady! She really took my entire life and lifestyle into regard when making recommendations.

Mommy Makeover

WW79

Gave me the confidence I haven't had in decades

Dr. Horton and the entire staff are AMAZING! A friend made the recommendation to me based on the rave reviews on Facebook Mommy groups. I went to the consultation and felt right at home. I felt seen and unjudged. She understood my point of view and did not downplay any of my concerns. She gave me her professional opinion on what can be done to address my asks and provided realistic solutions. I never felt like I was being up sold. It felt like a real conversation with a friend. After a quick decision to move forward, I worked with her awesome staff on scheduling. They were able to accommodate my calendar and found me an earlier slot that had become available. Everyone walked me through every step and worry. They prepared me for the surgery and recovery process. The big day went off without a hitch. I was pretty out of it post opp but my husband told me that they were all sweet, supportive, and super helpful. That continued through all of the post opp appointments. They answered all my questions and kept me informed on everything that was happening ("yes, this is normal", "you should see results in ___", "the swelling will come down ___", etc.). I've heard some horror stories of poor post opp care, or lack there of, where once the treatment is done and the office got their money, there was no more care. That is 100% NOT the case in this office! They are quick to respond to all inquiries (almost a year later). They listen to all of my thoughts, answer all of my questions and they never rush me out of the office. We've chatted about life and they always made me feel welcomed. Be prepared for some real hugs because they do genuinely care, from Niloo at the front desk, to Mary from billing, and to Doctor Horton and Nurse Emily. I love love love them all! I had waited to write this review so I could post photos, but the before/afters are not quite ready and I didn't want to wait any longer. Dr. Horton is a miracle worker! Before the mommy makeover I avoided looking in the mirror. I hated shopping for swimsuits, dresses, or even jeans. I finally love the body I'm in now. She gave me the confidence I haven't had in decades to wear whatever I want. Without all of that extra belly weight, it's easier to exercise too. I just wish I did this sooner. Thank you Dr. Horton!

$23,997Breast Implant Removal

cswenson1085

What a Great Experience

Loved every moment of this process. I had 10 year old implants that were too big for me from the very beginning. I have been exploring having them removed for years now, and finally found the doctor I wanted for this last surgery I was going to do. Not only was Dr. Horton friendly, and inviting, the whole staff is what sold me.

Breast Implants

Nurturing982783

I have been custom fit with the best size implants for my particular anatomy

I m a returning patient of Dr. Horton’s. My first surgery was in 2012. I had my saline implants exchanged for silicon, as well as a lift because I was droopy after breastfeeding. My scars quickly faded and I was most happy that my nipple sensation returned to normal. In June I expressed to Dr . Horton that I would like to downsize my current implants. She suggested another lift for best results, and because of my past positive experience, I didn’t hesitate or worry, I had complete faith and confidence that I would have the best possible outcome. It’s 4 months later, My scars are fading fast, my sensation has completely returned, and aesthetically I feel I have been custom fit with the best size implants for my particular anatomy. I am convinced no one could have given me better results!

Breast Lift

Adventurous13860

The Best Surgeon! My scars are hardly noticeable now and I love my results!

Way over due review alert! Dr. Horton and her staff are astounding in many ways. I came to Dr. Horton back in 2020 due to my breasts not being the same after nursing two kids and a fat grafting procedure that I had (after my first kid back in 2015) that left several hard fat necrosis deposits in my breasts. Fat grafting is not a procedure I would recommend based off my experience and due to the fat necrosis at one point I had quite the breast cancer scare(turns out fat necrosis can be mistaken for breast cancer so I had to have several biopsy's and mammograms). I am 5'3 and fluctuate between 135- 140 lbs. I first met Dr. Horton at age 36. I workout 4-5 days per week and eat clean. I have a lot of muscle but after two kiddos with the latest being born in 2018, there were some goals I needed a little help reaching. I decided after consulting with Dr. Horton to a breast lift with removal of the fat necrosis and I decided on a mini Tummy tuck due to extra skin on my tummy that no amount of exercise was tightening up after years of trying. In addition, Dr. Horton seeks the most aesthetically pleasing results and did some liposuction of areas on tummy and around breasts that held some pesky fat deposits. Dr. Horton is not only my surgeon she is someone I now call a friend. She went above and beyond to get to know me. After my procedures, Dr. Horton and her staff followed up with me several times. I loved that I was able to text Dr. Horton directly any questions and concerns I had. Dr. Horton was always prompt to reply and eased any concerns I had. In 2021 during a follow up Dr. Horton could tell something was wrong with me. I unfortunately just weeks before had suffered the tragic loss of my brother who was only 38. I told Dr. Horton what happened and she started crying and gave me the biggest hug. She talked to me about what happened and offered up a lot of wisdom, support and compassion. Her staff was also incredibly caring and uplifting to me during this time. This was a hard time in my life and Dr. Horton truly touched my heart and soul. The procedures went well but I turned out to be someone who did not heal as hoped for. This was of no fault to Dr. Horton but she could tell I was unhappy. I remember her telling me my happiness and satisfaction was her main goal, so we came up with a plan to do revision surgery. Revision surgery corrected my poor scar healing and some bottoming out of breasts as result of this poor scar healing. My scars are hardly noticeable now and I love my results! I want to stress here that I did everything the right way and was so careful but my body rejected the sutures which is extremely rare and caused me not to heal the right way. However, the revision surgery was super quick, easy, painless and actually a really fascinating and decompressing experience. I came in for another followup I believe one of the first few days Dr. Horton opened her new office and received a tour and was able to celebrate having a glass of wine with Dr. Horton and her staff! The new office is truly a gem and her new operating room there is the cleanest most relaxing space. I have shared hugs, laughs, tears, wine and life changing moments with Dr. Horton, Mary Pasache and all the staff! Dr. Horton is an incredible surgeon who truly wants to help you achieve your goals, make you smile and makes sure you are making the best decisions possible for your mind and body based on what is going on in your life. So if you want a skilled surgeon who goes above and beyond, has a heart of gold, who's goal is to make you happy, love your body and genuinely connects with you to make sure she understands you inside and out... well Dr. Horton is the surgeon for you! I ADORE HER and promise you will to!

Lipoma Removal

Tough400489

Awesome result - so happy to have found such a masterful surgeon

Dr. Karen Horton and team are consummate professionals that quickly inspired ease and confidence. I had to have a lipoma removed from my upper thigh. Before my first appointment, I was nervous both about the procedure and the scar it would leave behind. After the appointment, my fears were allayed as Dr. Horton carefully walked me through what to expect. The procedure itself felt like a visit with friends - it was that easy. I’m now 3 months post procedure and the incision has healed beautifully and is fading at the pace Dr. Horton said it would. I’m so happy to have found such a masterful and down to earth plastic surgery practice!

$4,000Breast Reduction

katiea1

Concerned my scarring did not heal properly - do these look normal?

I am concerned that my scarring did not heal properly? I had a post op appt scheduled but had to cancel and never rescheduled. My scars have turned to thick keloid scars and I’m wondering if I got botched?