July 1, 2022

How To Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Cosmetic Procedure

When considering a facelift procedure, you may picture unnaturally taut faces and immovable foreheads. But a facelift is about making subtle changes to the face so you can look refreshed and rejuvenated. The difference between the two outcomes—a wind-tunnel look versus a naturally vibrant appearance—is due to the skill and training of your facial plastic surgeon.

Whether you’re considering a facelift , rhinoplasty, eyelid lift, or brow lift, picking a plastic surgeon for your procedure is a key step in your journey to a fresh and youthful face. Wondering how to choose a facial plastic surgeon with the skills and experience you need? Here are some steps to take:

Review Before & After Photos

A good way to see if your plastic surgeon is a good fit for you is to look at their past work. If you have narrowed it down to a few surgeons, compare their results to see which ones appeal to you personally. You should pay specific attention to patients with a similar facial structure to yours and similar concerns such as drooping around the eyes or neck.

At our plastic surgery practice, we carefully listen to your concerns and questions to ensure the best results possible. Take a look at some excellent facelift results we have achieved in this before-and-after gallery.

Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

When a plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery it means they have experience, skill, and rigorous training. Facial procedures such as facelift surgery and rhinoplasty require technique and skill to achieve the subtle changes most people want.

An experienced plastic surgeon can also advise you on which procedures you can combine, such as a facelift with eyelid surgery or a brow lift. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons outlines some reasons you should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure.

Pay Attention to the Surgeon’s Team

As you carefully research your plastic surgeon, you should also pay attention to the surgery team, support staff, and operating facility. Questions you can ask yourself about the plastic surgeon are:

  • Do I feel comfortable asking this surgeon questions?
  • Do I trust the surgeon’s recommendations?
  • Do I feel comfortable disclosing my full medical history and background?

Evaluating the support staff can start with your very first visit to the surgery practice. You should make note of how you are greeted, the atmosphere in the office, and how the team interacts with the plastic surgeon. Additionally, you should check if the surgery center is on-site and AAAASF accredited and whether quality post-operative care is available.

As with any other cosmetic surgery, choosing a plastic surgeon for a facial surgery procedure will require a lot of research, reviewing before-and-after photos, and evaluating the surgery practice. At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, our surgeons aim to make you comfortable during your journey and welcome any questions you have about your procedure. To learn more about facial plastic surgery, request a consultation or call us at  (770) 421-1242  to schedule an appointment.

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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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