Atlanta Plastic Surgery: How It Works, What It Costs, and Where to Start in Metro Atlanta

Considering plastic surgery in Atlanta, Georgia can feel overwhelming. There are many surgeons, specialties, and price ranges spread across Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and beyond. This guide walks you through how plastic surgery works locally, what to expect before and after surgery, typical cost ranges, and how to find a qualified plastic surgeon in Atlanta.

Understanding Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

In Atlanta, plastic surgery generally falls into two broad categories:

• Cosmetic (elective) procedures – done to improve appearance (for example, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty).
• Reconstructive procedures – done to restore form and function after injury, cancer treatment, birth differences, or other medical conditions.

You’ll find plastic surgeons working in:

• Private clinics and med-spas
• Hospital-based practices (often tied to large health systems)
• Academic/teaching centers associated with medical schools

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, while many reconstructive procedures may be, depending on your plan and medical necessity.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures in Atlanta

Cosmetic Face Procedures

Many Atlanta residents look for subtle, natural-looking improvements that fit a professional, social, or on-camera lifestyle.

Common options include:

• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
• Facelift and neck lift
• Brow lift
• Chin or cheek implants
• Otoplasty (ear pinning)

Non-surgical treatments (fillers, neuromodulators, skin resurfacing) are also widely available, often at the same offices that offer surgical options.

Breast Procedures

You’ll commonly see:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift (mastopexy)
• Breast reduction
• Breast implant removal or revision
• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy

Body Contouring

Popular in the Atlanta area among people who have had weight loss, pregnancy, or just want more defined contours:

• Liposuction
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Body lift (after massive weight loss)
• Arm lift (brachioplasty)
• Thigh lift
• Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and other fat transfer procedures

Reconstructive Procedures

Reconstructive plastic surgery in Atlanta typically addresses:

• Breast reconstruction after cancer
• Skin cancer reconstruction (especially facial)
• Scar revision
• Hand surgery
• Wound coverage and complex soft-tissue reconstruction
• Congenital differences such as cleft lip/palate (often in pediatric settings)

These are more often coordinated through hospital systems and may involve multidisciplinary teams.

Where Plastic Surgery Is Commonly Performed in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, plastic surgery is usually performed in one of three settings:

1. Hospital Operating Rooms

These are common for reconstructive procedures or more complex surgeries.

Major health systems that host plastic and reconstructive surgeons include:

• Emory University Hospital / Emory Healthcare
  Main campuses in Druid Hills and Midtown; Emory plastic surgeons often handle reconstructive cases, complex facial work, and academic/teaching cases.

• Grady Memorial Hospital
  80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Public safety-net hospital where plastic surgeons may handle trauma-related reconstruction and urgent cases.

• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)
  Multiple locations, including Egleston and Scottish Rite
  Pediatric plastic surgeons often manage congenital differences, pediatric trauma, and cleft care.

2. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)

Many cosmetic procedures are performed in accredited outpatient surgery centers, often located in:

• Buckhead / Lenox area
• Sandy Springs / Perimeter
• Alpharetta / Johns Creek
• Midtown

These centers are typically attached to or closely affiliated with plastic surgery practices and are designed for same-day surgery.

3. In-Office Procedure Rooms

Some minor procedures and non-surgical treatments are performed:

• In fully equipped procedure rooms within a plastic surgeon’s office
• Under local anesthesia or light sedation

These are usually shorter procedures with lower risk, like small lesion removal, scar revision, minor liposuction, or injectables.

How to Evaluate a Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta

Choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In Atlanta, options range from highly specialized board-certified plastic surgeons to cosmetic-focused practices with varying training backgrounds.

Key Qualifications to Look For

• Board Certification in Plastic Surgery
  Look for board certification in plastic surgery (not just “cosmetic surgery” as a phrase). Board-certified plastic surgeons have training in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

• Hospital Privileges
  Surgeons who perform procedures at recognized hospitals or ASCs in Atlanta usually undergo rigorous credentialing.

• Relevant Experience
  Ask how often they perform the specific procedure you’re considering, and how many years they’ve been doing it in the Atlanta market.

• Before-and-After Photos
  Many Atlanta surgeons maintain photo galleries in office; reviewing these (with realistic expectations) can help you understand a surgeon’s aesthetic style.

• Clear, Open Communication
  You should feel comfortable asking questions about risks, alternatives, downtime, and cost.

Questions to Ask During a Consultation

Bring a written list so you don’t forget:

1. Are you board-certified in plastic surgery, and where did you train?
2. Where will my surgery be performed, and what type of anesthesia will be used?
3. Who will be part of my care team (anesthesiologist, nurses, etc.)?
4. What are the most common risks and complications for this procedure?
5. What does recovery usually look like for your Atlanta patients who work full time or have children?
6. What are your revision rates or how do you handle revisions, if needed?
7. What total fees should I expect, and what is included or not included?

Cost of Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Prices vary widely across Buckhead, Midtown, the suburbs, and between hospital-based vs. private practices. The total amount generally reflects:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia fee
• Facility fee (hospital or surgery center)
• Implants, garments, and follow-up care

Below is a very general, high-level overview to help you frame expectations in the Atlanta market. Actual quotes can be lower or higher.

*These are broad estimates meant only as a rough orientation, not a quote.

What Influences Cost in Atlanta

• Location of practice (Buckhead vs. farther out suburbs)
• Surgeon’s experience and reputation
• Complexity and length of procedure
• Hospital vs. private surgery center
• Need for overnight nursing care or extended follow-up

Because pricing can vary so much, most Atlanta practices will require an in-person or virtual consultation before giving a detailed estimate.

Insurance and Plastic Surgery in Georgia

Most cosmetic surgeries are self-pay in Atlanta.

However, some procedures may be covered, in whole or part, if they are deemed medically necessary, such as:

• Breast reconstruction after cancer
• Certain breast reductions for severe symptoms
• Reconstruction after trauma or skin cancer
• Some functional eyelid surgeries (if vision is impaired)

Practical Steps for Insurance Questions

1. Call your insurance provider (using the number on your card) and ask:
   • “Is this procedure potentially covered if medically necessary?”
   • “What documentation is required from my Atlanta doctor?”
2. Ask your plastic surgeon’s office if they:
   • Work with your specific insurance
   • Provide pre-authorization support and letters of medical necessity
3. For reconstructive care, your primary doctor, dermatologist, oncologist, or trauma team can often help coordinate referrals to in-network plastic surgeons in Atlanta.

Safety Considerations for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Safety is a priority whether you’re scheduling in Buckhead, Midtown, or a suburban surgery center.

Facility Accreditation

Ask if the facility is accredited by a recognized body (for example, AAAASF, AAAHC, or equivalent). Accredited centers must meet safety, equipment, and staff training standards.

Anesthesia and Recovery

In Atlanta, plastic surgery typically involves:

• Board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) for deeper sedation or general anesthesia
• Recovery areas staffed by trained nurses monitoring your immediate post-operative phase
• Clear post-op instructions including pain control, wound care, and emergency contact protocols

Emergency Preparedness

Ask:

• “What is your procedure if there is an emergency in the operating room?”
• “Which hospital are you affiliated with if I need extra care?”

Well-prepared practices will have written emergency plans and clear hospital transfer arrangements.

Preparing for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Before Surgery

Your surgeon may ask you to:

• Complete lab work or medical clearance (often with your primary care provider in the Atlanta area)
• Adjust or stop certain medications or supplements
• Arrange for transportation and childcare, especially if you live farther from central Atlanta and are having an outpatient procedure
• Stop smoking or vaping in advance, as it affects healing

If you are traveling from outside Atlanta, discuss:

• How long you should stay in the city
• Proximity to your surgeon’s office for follow-up visits

After Surgery

Recovery time in Atlanta is influenced by:

• Type of procedure
• Your health and age
• Whether you have support at home

Plan for:

• Follow-up appointments at the surgeon’s office (often in 1–2 days, 1 week, and then periodically)
• Limited driving and lifting initially
• Time off work or school (this can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the procedure)

Many patients in metro Atlanta schedule surgeries around:

• School calendars
• Major work projects
• Holiday weekends, when they can more easily stay home and recover.

How to Find Plastic Surgeons in Atlanta

There is no single “official” directory that lists every provider, but you can combine several strategies:

• Ask your primary care doctor or specialist in Atlanta for a referral, especially for reconstructive needs.
• Contact large hospital systems (for example, Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, Wellstar) and ask for plastic or reconstructive surgery departments.
• Use professional society directories for board-certified plastic surgeons (these are often searchable by city and ZIP code).
• Call Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta if you need pediatric plastic surgery; they can direct you to appropriate pediatric specialists.

For public or insurance-related questions, you can also contact:

• Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
  Consumer Services Division
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, West Tower, Suite 716
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Phone: (404) 656-2070
  They may help you understand general insurance rights and coverage issues related to medically necessary procedures.

Tips for Out-of-Town Patients Coming to Atlanta

Many people travel into Atlanta for surgery, especially from other parts of Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.

If you’re visiting:

• Book accommodations near your surgeon’s office or surgery center (Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and Northside areas are common hubs).
• Ask your surgeon’s office if they have preferred hotels or recovery-friendly lodging suggestions.
• Plan for someone to stay with you at least the first 24 hours after anesthesia.
• Allow extra days in Atlanta for:
  • Initial follow-up visits
  • Monitoring for early complications before you drive or fly home

When Plastic Surgery May Not Be the Right Next Step

Surgeons in Atlanta will often recommend waiting or seeking other options if:

• You have uncontrolled medical conditions (such as poorly controlled diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure).
• You have unrealistic expectations about results.
• You are under significant emotional or life stress that could interfere with recovery.
• You are planning major weight changes or pregnancy soon.

If this happens, the surgeon may refer you back to your primary care physician, mental health provider, or other specialists in the Atlanta area to address those concerns first.

Plastic surgery in Atlanta is widely available and ranges from minor cosmetic adjustments to highly complex reconstructive procedures. By focusing on board-certified surgeons, accredited facilities, clear communication, and realistic expectations, you can navigate your options in the metro area more confidently and choose a path that fits your goals, health, and budget.