Out-of-state? Free MRI review4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviewsBoard-certified spine surgeonSame-day spine surgeryCall (424) 217-7463
Out-of-state? Free MRI review + telehealth consult before you travel 4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviews Board-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Minimally invasive, same-day spine surgery in Beverly Hills Call (424) 217-7463
Call the office(424) 217-7463
Book a Consultation

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Beverly Hills

The smallest spine surgery
that actually works.

Minimally invasive & biportal endoscopic spine surgery in Beverly Hills

Dr. Hooman Melamed has spent two decades proving that spine surgery does not have to mean a long incision, cut muscle, or months of narcotics. Biportal endoscopic technique, done through openings under a centimeter — most patients go home the same day.

Book a Consultation
4.9 · 619 Google reviews Out of state? Send your MRI for a free review — no travel to start.

As featured & recognized

Trusted on national television and by the profession.

The Doctors (national TV)KTLA 5KCAL 9Super Doctors
  • The Doctors (national TV)
  • KTLA 5
  • KCAL 9
  • Super Doctors
  • Board-CertifiedAmerican Board of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2007
  • FAAOSFellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Castle ConnollyTop Doctor
  • Summa cum laudeUCLA
  • Beverly HillsGreater Los Angeles

Authority & leadership

Two decades of leadership in minimally invasive spine care

Two decades spent pushing spine surgery toward smaller incisions, fewer fusions, and less reliance on narcotics — with the procedures, research, and recognition to back it.

Signature · pioneering procedure

Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Performing ultra-minimally-invasive biportal endoscopic spine surgery since 2019 — two sub-centimeter incisions, muscle spared rather than cut, and same-day discharge for most patients. It’s the technique the entire practice is built around.

  • < 1 cmtwo working portals
  • Same-dayoutpatient for most
  • Muscle-sparingnothing cut through
How BESS works →
Developed

Narcotic-sparing recovery protocol

A recovery protocol built around whole-body healing and opioid-free recovery — designed to minimize, and often eliminate, narcotics after spine surgery.
Champions

Motion-preserving alternatives to fusion

Favors procedures that keep the spine moving, led by artificial disc replacement and supported by regenerative therapies, over one-size-fits-all fusion. Patients told they need a fusion are evaluated for disc replacement first.
Teaches

Research & thought leadership

Lead author on peer-reviewed spine research and a presenter to the North American Spine Society, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the Scoliosis Research Society.
Leadership Former Director of Scoliosis, Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey (2013–2021)
Recognition Repeat Castle Connolly Top Doctor & Super Doctors honoree
Credentials Fellow, AAOS · Member, Scoliosis Research Society · Board-certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2007)
National media The Doctors · KTLA 5 · KCAL 9

On YouTube

Spine surgery videos, explained on camera

Dr. Melamed has built one of the most in-depth spine-education libraries on YouTube — 200-plus tutorials, explainers, and real patient stories, in plain language.

@TheSpinePro 200+ videos · Subscribe
BESS explainer

Endoscopic surgery vs. traditional fusion

Dr. Melamed breaks down how the muscle-sparing biportal approach compares to a traditional fusion — the incisions, the recovery, and who each option is actually right for.

  • Educational
  • BESS
  • Recovery
More in the Video Hub →

How to avoid spinal fusions with BESS

3 myths about endoscopic surgery, debunked

A life-changing scoliosis correction

The patient saved from potential paralysis

  • 200+videos on YouTube
  • Tutorialsexplainers & how-it-works
  • Real patientsstories & Q&A
Explore the full Video Hub →

As seen on national television

Spine surgeon Dr. Melamed on national television

Dozens of national and Los Angeles broadcast appearances — explaining spine surgery, real patient outcomes, and his opioid-sparing approach.

How to Get in Shape Without Hurting Yourself

See all TV Appearances →

A different starting point

Conservative spine care first: we try to talk you out of surgery.

The right answer is often the smallest one. Before anything invasive, Dr. Melamed reviews your imaging and asks whether conservative care, an injection, or a sub-centimeter procedure can solve it. Surgery is a last resort — not a default.

  • Imaging read personally — your MRI reviewed by the surgeon, not a coordinator.
  • Honest second opinions — many patients learn they can avoid a bigger fusion.
  • Narcotic-sparing by design — muscle preserved, so recovery needs less medication.
  • Whole-person care — treat the cause and the person, not just the scan.

The differentiator

Biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS) in Beverly Hills

Two tiny incisions, a high-definition endoscope, and no muscle cutting — most patients walk the same day and return to life in weeks, not months.

  • Incisions under 1cm — no large open wound
  • Muscle-sparing: preserved, not cut
  • Outpatient / same-day discharge for most
  • Dramatically less narcotic use
  • Faster return to work and activity
Traditional open Biportal endoscopic
Incision Several inches, open exposure Two openings under 1 cm
Muscle Cut and retracted off the spine Spread and spared, not cut
Setting Often inpatient, hospital stay Typically outpatient, same-day home
Visualization Direct line of sight High-definition endoscopic magnification
Narcotics Higher post-op need is common Designed to minimize narcotic use
Recovery Weeks to months, variable Many return to light activity in weeks
See how BESS works →

Muscle-sparing, outpatient, and designed to minimize narcotics — see the full breakdown.

How we treat it

Minimally invasive spine treatments & procedures

BESS leads, and motion preservation comes right behind it. Every option is chosen to keep as much of your natural spine as possible.

All treatments
  1. 01

    Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (BESS)

    The flagship. Two openings under a centimeter and a high-definition endoscope. Muscle is spared, and most patients go home the same day.

  2. 02

    Artificial Disc Replacement

    Motion preservation. A worn disc is replaced with a moving implant, including for patients who were told they needed a fusion.

  3. 03

    Bertolotti's Endoscopic Resection

    The false joint at the base of the spine, removed endoscopically through an incision under 1 cm with CT and navigation guidance.

  4. 04

    Transthoracic Decompression

    Navigation-assisted, minimally invasive access through the side of the chest to free a compressed thoracic spinal cord.

  5. 05

    Scoliosis & Kyphosis Correction

    Custom-made rods, surgery planned in two stages, and a non-narcotic recovery plan for adult and complex deformity.

  6. 06

    XLIF & ALIF Minimally Invasive Fusion

    From the side or the front, sparing the back muscles. Used when fusion is actually needed, not as a default.

  7. 07

    Focused Shockwave Therapy

    Non-invasive, in-office care for Modic changes, tendinopathy, tendinosis, arthritis, and bursitis. Also available: InBody 970S body-composition analysis for spine optimization.

What we treat

Spine conditions we treat

From sciatica to scoliosis — if it starts in the spine, it is likely on this list.

All conditions
Sciatica Herniated Discs Spinal Stenosis Degenerative Disc Disease Bertolotti's Syndrome Scoliosis Thoracic Myelopathy Spondylolisthesis

2-minute check

Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?

Answer five quick questions about your pain and history. You will get a personalized next step — no email wall to see your result.

Start the candidate quiz →

No cost, no obligation

Free MRI / CT review

Already have imaging? Send it in and Dr. Melamed will personally tell you whether a smaller option is realistic for your case.

Upload your scans →

Out-of-state & international patients

Out-of-state spine surgery in Beverly Hills. Start from home.

A large share of Dr. Melamed's patients travel in. The path is built so nothing is wasted: your imaging is reviewed before you book a flight, the consult happens by video, and follow-up is coordinated with your local team.

Send your MRI for review How travel care works →

We work with many major insurance plans and also see out-of-network and self-pay patients. Our team verifies your benefits before any procedure.

  1. 01

    Send your MRI

    Upload your imaging for a personal review, no travel required to start.

  2. 02

    Telehealth consult

    Meet Dr. Melamed by video and get a specific, honest plan.

  3. 03

    One focused visit

    We coordinate travel and schedule surgery and recovery efficiently.

  4. 04

    Recover at home

    Follow-up scans and check-ins are handled remotely with your local team.

Patients, in their words

What patients say on Google

A selection of recent five-star reviews, quoted as posted. The row scrolls on its own. To stop it, use the Pause scrolling button under it, hover over it, tap a review or tab into it.

  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “Dr. Melamed is so genuinely kind and concerned for our care. He's never rushed and explains everything in layman terms. He his resume is phenomenal and so are his diagnosis, treatments and surgeries that have led me to full recovery.”

    Linda L.
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “… During my initial consultation, he nailed the source of my pain before I could even tell him. His confidence, manner, and his staff made the decision for me. … He is a surgeon who knows his craft. …”

    Mark M. · Lumbar surgery
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “What a refreshing experience! It has been a long time since I felt like a doctor had the time and interest in my care. Thank you Dr. Melamed to you and your staff. The 115 mile drive was worth the visit.”

    Simone B.
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “I have the most respect for Dr, Melamed, he is by far the utmost professional, ,caring , knowledgeable and honest dr, I have ever known. He doesn’t rush to get out of the examining room. …”

    Anita E.
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “… He has always started with conservative approaches, striving to avoid surgery yet when surgery was clearly required, he performed very skilled, compassionate surgeries on my cervical, cervical fusion and lumbar which allowed me to continue a highly active, unimpacted quality of life. …”

    Jim S. · Cervical & lumbar surgery
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “Staff was absolutely caring and beyond helpful. Dr Melamed is a true patient advocate! … He is amazing at what he does and has a genuine compassion for his patients! He has a heart of gold! I would highly recommend this office.”

    Jennifer A.
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “… Dr. Melamed is an outstanding orthopedic surgeon, but what truly sets him apart is the way he advocates for his patients. … Dr. Melamed went above and beyond to make sure I received the care I needed. …”

    Ken W. · Cervical disc replacement
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “Very interested in where you pain emanates from and just not one to jump in to do surgery”

    Dan Z.
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “Very attentive staff and professional response time. Quick access to initial appointment and accurate, timely process from assessment to surgery. … Would highly recommend Dr Melamed and his office.”

    Holly G.
  • Rated 5 out of 5. Google review

    “I had a great experience at The Spine Pro with Dr. Hooman Melamed. … Dr. Melamed was knowledgeable, compassionate, and explained everything regarding the surgery clearly, which gave me confidence and peace of mind. …”

    Edmundo T.

Individual results vary.

4.9 · 619 Google reviews
More patient reviews → See our Google Reviews
  • 20+ Years in practice Private practice since 2005
  • Board-Certified Orthopedic spine surgeon Am. Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Outpatient Same-day procedures Minimally invasive, narcotic-sparing
Dr. Hooman Melamed, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon
Dr. Hooman Melamed, MD

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Hooman Melamed, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon

Trained where the hardest cases go. Practicing where patients come to avoid them.

Dr. Hooman Melamed brings a rare combination of advanced surgical skill, leading-edge innovation, and genuine compassion to every patient he treats. He graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in neuroscience, earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgical residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and pursued a spinal-surgery fellowship at the Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders.

  • Summa cum laude, UCLA (Neuroscience)
  • MD — University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Orthopedic Residency — University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Spinal Fellowship — Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders
  • Former Director of Scoliosis — Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital
Full bio & credentials →

From the journal

Spine care articles, explained clearly

Plain-language writing on procedures, conditions, and getting care — meant to help you decide, not to sell you.

View all articles
Conditions

Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms and Modern Treatment Options

Stenosis has a telltale pattern: legs that ache when you walk and ease when you lean forward. Here's what's happening, and how treatment has changed.

08/29/2026 By Dr. Hooman Melamed
Conditions

How To Tell If Your Back Pain Is Serious

Back pain is incredibly common, with up to 80% of adults experiencing at least one episode of back pain in their lifetimes. In fact, it is one of the costliest medical problems in the United States, and a leading…

08/21/2026 By Dr. Hooman Melamed
Concierge Care

Flying In for Spine Surgery: A Guide for Out-of-State Patients

A large share of our patients fly in — many after being told fusion was their only option. Here's how the out-of-state process actually works, step by step.

08/15/2026 By Dr. Hooman Melamed
Conditions

Comparison of Innovative Therapies for Chronic Back Pain Relief 2026

Up to 80% of adults will experience an episode of back pain. Even mild chronic back pain can be disruptive and frustrating. Historically, treatment options have been limited.

07/21/2026 By Dr. Hooman Melamed

Good questions

Minimally invasive spine surgery: frequently asked questions

Straight answers. If yours is not here, ask it at your consultation.

Book a Consultation
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

Most patients with sciatica, a herniated or bulging disc, stenosis, or nerve compression are candidates. The fastest way to know is to upload your MRI or CT scan for a personal review by Dr. Melamed.

How is biportal endoscopic surgery different from open surgery?

It uses two incisions under a centimeter and a high-definition endoscope instead of a large open wound. Muscle is spared rather than cut, so most patients go home the same day with far less pain and narcotic use.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes — Dr. Melamed works with many major insurance plans and also sees out-of-network and self-pay patients. Our team verifies your benefits before any procedure.

I live out of state. Can Dr. Melamed still help?

Absolutely. A large share of our patients travel to Beverly Hills. We coordinate telehealth consultations, remote MRI review, and travel logistics so your visit is efficient.

Will I need narcotics after surgery?

Dr. Melamed's approach is designed to minimize narcotics. Muscle-sparing technique and outpatient recovery mean most patients need far less pain medication than with traditional surgery.

Second opinions welcome

Not sure if surgery is the answer? Neither are we — until we've seen your MRI.

Send your imaging for a personal review with Dr. Melamed. Many patients learn a smaller, muscle-sparing option is on the table.

Book a ConsultationFree MRI Review