November 22, 2016

Tummy Tuck Is About You. Forget About the Stigma.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say we see the positive effects of plastic surgery every single day. Patients who visit for procedures like rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and tummy tuck from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, Acworth, and other cities near Marietta often say that it’s a life-changing experience. At the same time, we understand that a stigma surrounding cosmetic plastic surgery persists, although it seems to be becoming more accepted with each passing year.

Motivations May Be Misconstrued

Some people still consider choosing to undergo plastic surgery as some sort of moral question — that physical self-improvement is somehow wrong. Others believe plastic surgery patients are pursuing some unrealistic ideal. And many are influenced by the media’s focus on sensational and, in many cases, bizarre cosmetic surgery stories.

To put it plainly: There is nothing immoral about plastic surgery. Men and women spend hours at the gym, not only for health reasons, but to improve their appearances. No one really thinks that’s immoral.

Most Want to Look Better, Not Different

The fact is that the vast majority of women and men treated at Plastic Surgery Center of the South and thousands of practices across the U.S. don’t want to radically alter their appearance. They simply want to make specific changes that can boost their self-esteem and, in some cases, help them look as good as they feel. Plastic surgery is much more about giving people natural-looking results than it is about chasing an unrealistic ideal.

Consider the Tummy Tuck

Many women visit us for  tummy tuck surgery  at our practice near Atlanta, GA, who exercise several times a week and eat a healthy diet, but can’t regain the flat tummy they had before having children. They are invariably self-conscious about the excess abdominal skin. As you can see in these tummy tuck before-and-after photos of a 47-year-old mother of 4, the physical transformation can be dramatic.

It’s More Acceptable to Those Who Know Someone

Not surprisingly, those who have undergone plastic surgery, or have a friend or family member who did, hold more positive attitudes about it. That’s according to research conducted earlier this year by the Pew Research Center. The study’s findings included that “85% of U.S. adults who have had cosmetic surgery say it’s an appropriate use of technology, but that share drops to 58% among those who haven’t had this type of procedure and don’t have close friends or family members who have done so.” It added, “Cosmetic surgery recipients are also more positive about its emotional and competitive benefits than those who have no direct or indirect experience with these enhancements.”

Some of that drop in acceptance is no doubt due to the public perception of plastic surgery — which, in the absence of a connection to personal experience, is inevitably shaped by sensational stories about vain celebrities.

It’s Not About Vanity

There are some that would call plastic surgery vain. However, I view it as self-pride. Our population is living longer and feeling better at older ages. It is a consistent thought to look as good as you feel. Plastic surgery can address many different types of problems. Some patients have been bothered by certain physical attributes their whole lives. They are very self-conscious about their concerns, often to the point where it affects their daily function on many levels. If a change can be made with plastic surgery and it improves the quality of their lives, then I think it is a decision worth making. This is not vain, but life changing.

There is evidence suggesting that there is less of a stigma associated with cosmetic procedures these days. More people than ever are choosing to undergo plastic surgery or nonsurgical cosmetic treatments. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, we encourage you to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn firsthand about the procedure’s benefits and risks, and then decide for yourself. If you have questions or want to meet for a consultation, contact us using our online form or call our office at (770) 288-5950.

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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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