Georgia Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re searching for plastic surgery in Atlanta, GA, you’ll find a wide range of options—from small boutique practices in Buckhead to large medical centers connected to major hospitals. This guide walks you through how plastic surgery typically works in Atlanta, what to expect locally, and how to choose a provider that fits your needs and comfort level.

How Plastic Surgery Works in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major medical hub in the Southeast, with:

• Board-certified plastic surgeons in private clinics
• Academic medical centers with plastic surgery departments
• Medical spas and cosmetic centers offering non-surgical treatments

Most people in Atlanta look into plastic surgery for one of two broad reasons:

1. Cosmetic (elective) procedures – to enhance or change appearance
2. Reconstructive procedures – to restore function or appearance after injury, cancer treatment, or congenital conditions

Many plastic surgeons in Atlanta offer both, but some focus more heavily on either cosmetic or reconstructive work.

Common Types of Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

In the Atlanta area, common cosmetic procedures include:

• Facial procedures

  • Facelift
  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
  • Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
  • Neck lift

• Body procedures

  • Liposuction
  • Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
  • Body contouring (after weight loss or pregnancy)

• Breast procedures

  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast reduction
  • Breast lift

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery in Atlanta is often connected to major hospitals and cancer centers, especially for:

• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
• Skin cancer reconstruction
• Hand surgery
• Scar revision
• Reconstruction after trauma (accidents, burns, or injuries)

Many Atlanta residents are referred to reconstructive surgeons by:

• Primary care doctors
• Oncologists (cancer specialists)
• Orthopedic or trauma surgeons

Where Plastic Surgery Is Performed in Atlanta

In Atlanta, procedures may take place in:

• Hospital operating rooms

  • Common for reconstructive surgeries or procedures requiring an overnight stay

• Accredited outpatient surgery centers

  • Stand-alone centers or those attached to larger practices
  • Used for many routine cosmetic and some reconstructive procedures

• In-office procedure suites

  • Typically for minor procedures under local anesthesia (for example, small scar revisions or minor facial procedures)

Ask your prospective surgeon:

• Where they typically perform your specific procedure
• Whether the facility is accredited by a recognized organization
• What level of anesthesia is used and who will administer it

Atlanta Neighborhoods and Medical Areas to Know

When you search for “Georgia plastic surgery Atlanta GA,” you may notice clusters of practices in:

• Buckhead – Known for many cosmetic and aesthetic practices in office towers and medical buildings
• Midtown – Near larger hospital systems and specialty clinics
• Downtown/Medical areas – Close to major health systems and academic centers
• Perimeter/Sandy Springs – Many surgery centers and multi-specialty medical buildings

Your choice may depend on:

• Traffic and commute from your home or hotel
• Parking options and accessibility
• Proximity to someone who can drive you home after surgery

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta

1. Check Board Certification

Look for a surgeon who is:

• Board-certified in plastic surgery (or a closely related surgical specialty)
• In good standing with the Georgia Composite Medical Board

You can verify a medical license in Georgia through:

• Georgia Composite Medical Board
  • Address: 2 Peachtree Street NW, 6th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 656-3913

This helps confirm that the surgeon is legally allowed to practice in Georgia and provides insight into licensure status.

2. Consider the Surgeon’s Focus and Experience

Not all plastic surgeons in Atlanta specialize in the same things. When you call or visit a website, look for:

• Primary focus (for example, facial aesthetics, breast and body, reconstructive)
• How often they perform the procedure you’re interested in
• How long they’ve been practicing in the Atlanta area

You can ask directly:

• “Is this a procedure you do weekly or monthly?”
• “Do you have specific experience with patients my age/body type/skin type?”

3. Evaluate the Surgical Facility

Ask:

• Is the surgery center accredited?
• Who provides anesthesia (board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist)?
• Is emergency equipment and protocol in place?

These questions are common and reasonable in Atlanta’s plastic surgery practices.

4. Look at Before-and-After Photos (With Caution)

Most Atlanta plastic surgery practices maintain a photo gallery. When browsing:

• Look for consistent, realistic results
• Make sure lighting and angles seem similar
• Focus on patients whose body type or facial features are closer to yours

Photos are only one piece of information, not a guarantee of your outcome.

Typical Process for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Here’s how the process usually unfolds locally:

Step 1: Initial Inquiry

You contact a practice by phone or online to:

• Describe what you’re interested in
• Ask about consultation fees
• Get an idea of scheduling and next available appointments

Many Atlanta practices will offer in-person consultations, and some may offer virtual consults for an initial discussion.

Step 2: Consultation

During a consultation, you can expect:

• A discussion of your goals and concerns
• A review of your medical history and current medications
• A physical exam of the area in question
• An explanation of options, potential risks, and expected recovery

Bring:

• A list of questions
• A list of medications and supplements
• Notes about any past surgeries or major medical issues

Step 3: Pricing & Payment Options

In Atlanta, cosmetic plastic surgery is generally self-pay, while reconstructive procedures may be partially or fully covered by insurance if they are medically necessary.

Costs vary based on:

• Surgeon’s fees
• Facility fees
• Anesthesia
• Post-operative care and supplies

Many practices offer:

• Package pricing (combining surgeon, facility, and anesthesia)
• Payment plans through medical financing companies
• Accepting credit cards or cashier’s checks

Always ask for a written estimate before scheduling surgery.

Step 4: Scheduling Surgery

Once you decide to move forward, you’ll typically:

• Choose a surgery date
• Pay a deposit to reserve the operating room time
• Receive pre-operative instructions, such as:
  • When to stop eating or drinking before surgery
  • Which medications to pause or adjust (per your doctor’s guidance)
  • Arranging a responsible adult to drive you home

Step 5: Day of Surgery

For most outpatient procedures in Atlanta:

• You arrive at the surgery center or hospital 1–2 hours before your scheduled time
• You complete check-in and final consent forms
• You meet the anesthesia provider
• After surgery, you’re monitored in recovery until you can safely go home

You’ll need someone to:

• Drive you back (Uber or Lyft drivers do not usually count as a responsible escort)
• Stay with you for at least the first night in many cases

Step 6: Follow-Up Care

Most Atlanta surgeons schedule one or more follow-ups to:

• Check incisions and remove stitches or drains if used
• Monitor healing and address concerns
• Review long-term care of scars and results

Be sure you understand:

• How many follow-ups are included
• What to do if you have concerns after hours

Sample Overview: Plastic Surgery Process in Atlanta

Insurance and Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Cosmetic Procedures

• Generally not covered by health insurance
• You pay the full amount out of pocket

Reconstructive Procedures

May be partially or fully covered when considered medically necessary, especially for:

• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
• Certain hand surgeries
• Reconstruction after trauma or cancer removal

Tips for Atlanta residents:

• Contact your insurance company in advance
• Confirm which surgeons and facilities are in-network
• Ask the surgeon’s office if they can help with pre-authorization

Safety and Regulation in Georgia

Plastic surgery in Atlanta is regulated under Georgia state law. Key points to know:

• Surgeons must hold an active Georgia medical license
• Facilities providing surgery under deeper anesthesia must meet specific safety standards
• Complaints or concerns about medical practice can be directed to the Georgia Composite Medical Board at the contact information listed earlier

If you ever feel uncertain about a provider or practice, you can:

• Seek a second opinion from another Atlanta plastic surgeon
• Verify licensure through official state resources
• Ask directly about accreditation and emergency protocols

Practical Tips for Atlanta Patients and Visitors

For Atlanta Residents

• Plan around traffic: early-morning surgery times may help you avoid rush hour on I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400.
• Consider parking: many Buckhead and Midtown buildings use paid decks—factor that into your arrival time.
• Ask about after-hours contact: if you have a concern late at night or on weekends, how will it be handled?

For Visitors Coming to Atlanta for Surgery

Some people travel to Atlanta specifically for plastic surgery. If that’s you:

• Choose a hotel or short-term rental close to the practice or surgery center
• Ask whether your surgeon recommends staying in town for a certain number of days post-op
• Arrange for a support person to accompany you—some surgeons may not accept out-of-town patients who are alone

Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta

Bring these to your consultation:

• Are you board-certified, and in which specialty?
• How often do you perform this exact procedure?
• Where will the surgery be done, and is that facility accredited?
• Who will administer my anesthesia?
• What is the total cost, and what does it include?
• What is recovery typically like for your patients in Atlanta with my profile?
• What are the main risks and possible complications?
• How do you handle complications or revisions if they occur?

When Plastic Surgery Might Not Be the Right Step

In some situations, an Atlanta surgeon may suggest:

• Non-surgical treatments first, such as injectables, skincare, or weight loss
• Delaying surgery if you’re still healing from recent medical events or not medically optimized
• Coordinating care with a primary care physician or specialist before proceeding

This is common and intended to support safer and more predictable outcomes.

If you’re exploring Georgia plastic surgery in Atlanta, GA, focus on verifying credentials, understanding your options, and choosing a practice where communication feels clear and respectful. Taking the time to ask questions and plan ahead will make the entire experience smoother—whether you live in Atlanta or are coming here for care.