James E. Eyssen MD FACS in Chattanooga: Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon for Face and Body Procedures

James E. Eyssen is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Chattanooga who focuses on facial rejuvenation and body contouring procedures, serving patients across East Tennessee and North Georgia with surgical and non-invasive options. His practice emphasizes surgical outcomes rather than injectables alone, positioning him in a category distinct from medical spas and dermatologists that dominate injectable-only menus in the region.

What This Practice Actually Is

Eyssen operates as a standalone cosmetic surgery practice, not embedded in a hospital system. Board certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery signals he has completed a separate fellowship in cosmetic surgery beyond general surgery training, a credential held by fewer surgeons than general surgical board certification alone. The practice handles both elective cosmetic procedures and reconstructive work, the latter sometimes covered by insurance when tied to function or medical necessity.

Services and Pricing

The practice offers facelift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and body lift procedures. Prices vary significantly by scope. A typical facelift in Chattanooga ranges from $8,000 to $14,000; rhinoplasty from $7,000 to $12,000. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) generally falls between $4,500 and $7,500. Breast augmentation costs $6,500 to $10,000 depending on implant choice and complexity. Liposuction alone starts around $3,000 to $5,000 per region, though many patients combine procedures. Prices should be confirmed during consultation because final cost depends on surgical time, anesthesia, and facility fees.

The practice does not emphasize non-surgical injectables like Botox and filler; patients seeking those exclusively will find more extensive menus at dermatology offices such as those on Hixson Pike or within MedSpas, where injector visits cost $150 to $600 per treatment and are easier to schedule quickly.

How This Compares to Other Chattanooga Options

Chattanooga cosmetic surgery is split between independent surgical practices, dermatologists with cosmetic sidelines, and national chain med spas. Dermatologists like those affiliated with Erlanger Health System or private offices can handle injectables and laser treatments but rarely perform surgical procedures; they suit patients wanting non-invasive refresh. Med spas (including franchise locations) focus exclusively on injectables, peels, and laser. Eyssen's distinction is surgical depth. For patients wanting a full facelift or complex body contouring, the surgical scope narrows the field. Patients comparing surgeons should verify ABCS (American Board of Cosmetic Surgery) or ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery) board certification; both are legitimate, but board credentials differ, and a surgeon holding one may not hold the other.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

This practice suits patients seeking a single surgeon for major facial or body procedures, particularly those comfortable with surgical intervention and realistic about downtime (2 to 3 weeks for most face work, longer for body). It also serves patients with reconstructive needs where insurance might partially cover costs. It is not the right fit for patients wanting lunchtime injectables, those afraid of surgery, or those seeking very new procedures (like threads or plasma treatments) that may not be offered in surgical practice settings.

What the First Visit Involves

A cosmetic surgery consultation typically includes a thorough history, physical examination, and photo documentation. The surgeon discusses goals, realistic outcomes, and candidacy. Consultations for surgical procedures often take 45 minutes to an hour. Expect to sign consent forms acknowledging risks, discuss anesthesia options (local with sedation or general), and receive a written quote for surgical and facility fees. Many surgeons require a second consultation or a waiting period before surgery to ensure informed decision-making.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Contact the office directly to confirm current hours and parking arrangements. Consultation scheduling should be verified in advance; elective cosmetic surgeries often have a wait of 4 to 8 weeks depending on the season and surgeon availability. Post-operative care typically includes follow-up visits at one week, six weeks, and three months.

James E. Eyssen's practice fills a genuine need in Chattanooga's cosmetic market for patients seeking surgical expertise and continuity of care with a single surgeon rather than navigating hospital systems or med spa networks.