Practice Information
Dr. Horton specializes in the “mommy makeover” spectrum of procedures to rejuvenate the breasts and body following completion of child-rearing: breast lift, reduction or augmentation, tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), and liposuction. She encourages all her patients to become physically active before surgery, and to strive toward their weight loss and fitness goals prior to undergoing any major surgery.

The doctors of Women’s Plastic Surgery are Fellowship-trained, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons who offer their patients a unique combination of surgical and artistic expertise. As artists, they possess exceptional aesthetic sensibilities. As Physicians, they recognize the value of the mind/body connection in healing and have incorporated these techniques into the surgical process. And as women, they understand the issues that their patients face regarding body image and self esteem.

Dr. Karen Horton is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon practicing in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honors in Life Sciences at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Horton pursued two years of basic science molecular research, earning a Master of Science in Cancer Research (M.Sc.). She graduated from Medical School with Honors at the University of Toronto (M.D.) and then completed a five-year Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.

Dr. Horton settled in the Bay Area after completing a final year of training in Reconstructive Microsurgery and Hand Surgery at the Buncke Clinic, California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Horton's special training and interest includes reconstruction of the breast following breast cancer using microsurgical techniques. She has extensive experience with the DIEP flap, the SIEA flap and the TUG (inner thigh) flap for immediate and delayed reconstruction following mastectomy. She is a currently designated as a Fellow in Plastic Surgery of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (F.R.C.S.C.).



As an invited guest speaker at meetings throughout the United States, Dr. Horton educates, empowers and informs women about options for breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Horton has published review book chapters on breast reconstruction and breast surgery. She has presented numerous clinical papers at national and international scientific meetings in Plastic Surgery, and has won research awards. She has been featured on television shows and newscasts, discussing the latest in Plastic Surgery techniques.

Outside of surgery, Dr. Horton pursues physical fitness and is an avid runner. She has been married to her husband for over 12 years.

Dr. Horton has published review book chapters on breast reconstruction. She has presented numerous clinical papers at national and international scientific meetings in Plastic Surgery, and has won research awards. Dr. Horton is involved with teaching and keeps current with the medical literature by participating in academic Journal Clubs. In addition to participating as an active member of many professional associations she also serves as a mentor to young female surgeons and medical students in training.



Dr. Horton's strengths include her genuine and caring bedside manner, her meticulous surgical technique, extensive surgical experience and excellent rapport with patients and their families.

Body Contouring Procedures

* Liposuction (Traditional SAL, PALS, VASER, UAL)
* Abdominoplasty
* Mini-Abdominoplasty
* Thigh Lifts
* Lower Body Lifts
* Brachioplasty
* Breast Reconstruction after Massive Weight Loss
* Breast Augmentation after Massive Weight Loss


Hospital Affiliation
California Pacific Medical Center, St. Mary's Medical Center