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Emory Johns Creek Hospital

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery strives to repair deformities caused by trauma, cancer treatments or previous surgical procedures. Though reconstructive plastic surgery is often used to improve body function, it can also provide patients with psychological benefits by giving them a more natural appearance and improve self-esteem.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital offers plastic reconstructive surgery procedures in a number of areas, including post-bariatric reconstructive surgery and breast reconstruction.

Our hospital offers patients a state-of-the-art facility using leading technologies right in the community and close to home. Our focus on patient- and family-centered care ensures patients and their family members are part of the quality care provided. All private rooms with guest accommodations for overnight stays allow patients privacy and comfort while they recuperate. Little touches like complimentary valet parking and in-room food service for your family offer added convenience, while our recognized leadership in patient quality and safety provide peace of mind.

Post-bariatric Plastic Surgery

The Atlanta Bariatric Center at Emory Johns Creek Hospital is recognized as a Center for Excellence by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The center's team of experts has more than 4,700 successful laparoscopic procedures with complication rates well below the national average.

For many of those patients, rapid weight loss can leave excess, lose skin that can give the patients the appearance of looking heavier than they are. A number of procedures can be performed to help patients achieve a slimmer, more contoured look.

Post-bariatric procedures include:


  • Tummy Tuck
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Reduction
  • Butt Lift
  • Face and Neck Lifts
  • Thigh Lift
  • Upper Arm Lift

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery typically helps breast cancer patients regain a natural body profile, which can help with the psychological healing process. Breast reconstruction can either be done at the same time as a patient's mastectomory or partial mastectomy; however, depending on the patient's health and the extent of the surgery required, a physician may recommend waiting several weeks before beginning reconstruction procedures.

Types of reconstructive breast procedures include:

Expander and Implant Reconstruction

Uses a temporary saline-filled tissue expander, which is placed under the chest muscle of the affected breast. After the initial surgery, saline is added to the expanders during regular follow-up visits to gradually stretch the skin. Once the skin has stretched sufficiently, the expander is removed and replaced with a permanent saline or silicone implant during a second outpatient surgery.

Latissimus Flap Reconstruction

One of several procedures that uses tissue from the patient's own body to reconstruct a breast. Skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels are taken from an area of the patient's upper back, specifically the latissimus dorsi, to create a new breast mound. An implant may be used to make sure the size of both breasts appears balanced.

Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous (TRAM) Flap Reconstruction

Another procedure that takes skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from the patient's body to reform the breast, in this case from the abdominal area. The abdominal incisions are closed using a procedure similar to a "tummy tuck." Implants are not usually required with TRAM flap reconstruction.

Bilateral Reconstruction

Involves reconstructing both breasts to achieve the most balanced appearance possible. This can require a number of procedures performed over time. The final stages involved creating new nipples and areolas.

Nipple reconstruction - a procedure that takes skin from the patient's breast to recreate a nipple. This procedure can usually be done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes one to two hours.

Partial mastectomy and lumpectomy reconstruction - partial mastectomies and lumpectomies are sometimes called "breast conserving surgeries (BCBs)." Depending on the amount of tissue removed, reconstructive procedures may be needed to make the breasts appear even.

Did You Know?

Most reconstructive breast surgery procedures are covered by insurance. Contact your provider to verify coverage.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment, please call 404-778-7777.