April 15, 2018

5 Questions to Ask Your Facelift Surgeon

Facelift surgery at our Atlanta practice can take years off your appearance. Before you undergo surgery and can enjoy your results, you must schedule a consultation. This may seem daunting at first, but meeting with your doctor will give you peace of mind. Consultation is the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and express any concerns you have. Following are a few questions patients frequently ask during their preliminary appointment. You may want to discuss these questions with your surgeon as well.

What is the best age for a facelift?

Everyone is unique, and age isn’t as much as a factor as is your overall health. Also, depending on lifestyle and genetics, signs of aging become apparent at different times for different people. Because of these factors, our facelift patients typically rage from their 40s up to their early 70s. A patient who is in good health, has a positive outlook, and has realistic expectations for surgery can be a good fit for a facelift.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a facelift?

The facelift procedure addresses issues on the lower 2/3 of the face and neck. If you are concerned about any of the following, you might be a good candidate for a facelift:

  • Lax facial skin
  • Loss of muscle tone and facial volume
  • Sagging along the jawline, causing jowls
  • A tired facial appearance
  • A lack of youthful chin and neck contours
  • Wrinkles in the lower face
  • Deep creases between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth

What’s the recovery like for a facelift?

Each patient’s experience is unique, however, it usually takes from 5 to 7 days for swelling to subside. I recommend that you keep your head elevated as much as possible during this recovery period.
Most of our patients feel comfortable being out in public about 2 weeks after their procedure. Patients who have long hair can cover their incisions around the ears, so they may be ready to go out after just 10 days. Many patients also use makeup to cover up any bruising.
You should avoid any strenuous activities for the first 3 weeks. It’s important to listen to your body and slowly ease back into your normal exercise routine.
The most important thing to note is to always follow your post-op instructions. Listening to your surgeon will streamline your recovery and help you reach your desired results.

Will I look noticeably different after a facelift?

Here at the Plastic Surgery Center of the South, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons uses the most advanced techniques to help you achieve beautiful and natural-looking results. Often people are worried that their face will appear “windblown” after surgery. It is true that some surgeons rely mainly on tightening the skin without correcting the underlying muscles and tissues. At our practice, we avoid this pulled-back look by customizing each procedure to fit the patient’s specific facial structure, with the result that you look more rested and youthful rather than like a whole new person.

How can I prepare for facelift surgery?

Preparing for your procedure is an essential step in your journey to facial rejuvenation. To begin, it’s very important to come to the surgery with healthy skin, which you can achieve by using medical grade skin care products. Our staff helps patients select products to achieve their best skin prior to their procedure. It’s also important to adjust your medication according to your doctor’s recommendation, avoid nicotine products, and arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery. This individual must also stay with you the first night following your surgery to help you around the house.
If you are interested in exploring potential facial rejuvenation results, visit our before-and-after photo gallery. To find out more, request a consultation online or call our office at (770) 421-1242.

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April 15, 2026
In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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