June 30, 2023

How To Select the Best Plastic Surgeon

Who you choose as your plastic surgeon will have a direct effect on both your results and your overall surgical experience. That’s why it’s extremely important to select a well-qualified and reputable physician. But, finding the right surgeon can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the right surgeon for you.

Make sure they are board-certified. 

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board that certifies plastic surgeons in the United States. You can verify a surgeon’s board certification on the ABPS website.

All of the surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is considered to be the gold standard among plastic surgeons because it ensures that the doctor has had several years of specialized training and education in plastic surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of 24 medical specialty boards recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties, an organization that works to maintain national standards of education, knowledge, experience, and skill among physicians. Choosing an ABPS-certified doctor ensures that you will be working with someone who is well-qualified to perform your plastic surgery.

Check their experience. 

Ask how many procedures they have performed and how many years they have been practicing. A surgeon with more experience is more likely to have the skills and knowledge to give you the best possible outcome. However, it is also important to consider the type of experience the surgeon has. For example, if you are considering a breast augmentation, you want to make sure that the surgeon has experience performing that specific procedure.

For plastic surgeons, years of experience are an indication that they have had time to hone their techniques and refine their surgical skills. Between the 3 of us at Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we have more than 70 years of experience performing procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts. Our combined experience provides patients with peace of mind, giving them the assurance that we have a strong history of satisfied patients and a great deal of practice and skill.

Get references. 

Ask for references from previous patients and contact them to see if they were satisfied with the surgeon’s work. This is a great way to get firsthand accounts of the surgeon’s skills and bedside manner.

Look for participation in medical societies.

Once surgeons are certified by the ABPS, it’s important that they continue their education and stay up to date on new developments in the industry. Being actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society helps achieve this goal. At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we are active in a number of professional organizations in order to stay abreast of advancements in the field and provide our patients with the best techniques and treatments.

Check out their reputation. 

Read online reviews and look for articles or news stories about the surgeon. This can give you a good overview of the surgeon’s reputation and experience.

Schedule a consultation. 

This is your chance to ask the surgeon questions and see if you feel comfortable with them. It is important to feel confident in your surgeon and their ability to give you the results you want. You can request a consultation with one of our surgeons online, or call us at (770) 421-1242 to schedule your appointment.

Here are some additional questions you may want to ask the surgeon during your consultation:

  • What are my options for the procedure I am interested in?
  • What are the risks and complications of the procedure?
  • What are the costs of the procedure?
  • What is the recovery process like?
  • What kind of support do you offer after my procedure?

It is also important to trust your gut instinct. If you have a good feeling about the surgeon, then that is a good sign. However, if you have any doubts, then it is best to keep looking for another surgeon.

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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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