Southern Surgical Arts in Chattanooga: Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgery with a Surgical Focus
Southern Surgical Arts is a cosmetic surgery practice in Chattanooga operated by board-certified surgeons who specialize in facial procedures, breast surgery, and body contouring. Unlike medspas or dermatology practices that emphasize injectable treatments, this practice centers on surgical interventions performed in an accredited facility, placing it at the procedural end of Chattanooga's cosmetic medicine landscape.
What Southern Surgical Arts actually does
The practice performs surgical procedures rather than relying on lasers, injectables, or non-invasive devices. The surgical team handles facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tucks, liposuction, and body lift procedures. These are facility-based operations with anesthesia, recovery time of days to weeks, and results that persist for years. The practice operates out of an accredited outpatient surgical center, meaning procedures happen on-site under controlled surgical conditions.
Services and pricing
Facelifts range from $8,000 to $14,000 depending on extent and whether ancillary procedures like eyelid surgery are combined. Rhinoplasty costs $6,500 to $9,500. Breast augmentation falls in the $5,500 to $8,000 range, while breast lift alone runs $5,000 to $8,000; lifting combined with implants can exceed $10,000. Tummy tucks range from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on muscle repair and extent of loose skin. Liposuction pricing varies by area treated and volume removed, typically $3,000 to $7,000 per region. Pricing reflects the surgical facility cost, anesthesia, and surgeon time; confirm current rates when scheduling a consultation, as these can shift seasonally.
The practice generally accepts major insurance only for reconstruction after trauma, cancer, or congenital defect; cosmetic procedures are cash-pay. Some patients finance through Care Credit or practice payment plans.
How it compares to other Chattanooga cosmetic options
Chattanooga's cosmetic landscape includes medspas offering injectables and laser treatments (Botox, filler, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels) at lower price points and shorter recovery times. These suit patients seeking refinement without surgery. Dermatologists in the area blend medical dermatology with cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal and chemical peels. Plastic surgeons in the region vary in emphasis: some practices balance reconstructive and cosmetic work; others lean toward injectables and non-surgical aesthetics to serve a broader market. Southern Surgical Arts explicitly prioritizes surgical outcomes, making it the choice for patients seeking permanent structural change or a full facelift rather than tweaks and maintenance.
Who this suits and who it doesn't
Ideal candidates are patients in their 40s or older seeking major facial rejuvenation, significant breast change, or body contouring after weight loss or pregnancy. Patients comfortable with a surgical facility, general anesthesia, and weeks of recovery fit the profile. Those with realistic expectations about scars and natural-looking outcomes find this practice's philosophy aligned with theirs.
The practice is not suited to first-time cosmetic patients exploring small changes, patients afraid of surgery, or those seeking a quick lunchtime procedure. Recovery time for most procedures ranges from 1 to 2 weeks before public-facing activity is comfortable, with final results settling over 3 to 6 months.
What the first visit involves
A consultation is typically an hour. The surgeon reviews the patient's goals, examines the relevant anatomy, and explains surgical approach, incision placement, and expected outcomes. Photos are taken for medical records and before-after comparison. The surgeon discusses anesthesia options (usually general) and facility details. Pricing and payment options are discussed. Realistic timeline is reviewed: surgery is scheduled weeks to months out, allowing time for skin prep and clearance testing. Patients should arrive prepared to discuss medical history, current medications, and any prior surgeries.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Southern Surgical Arts operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); call to confirm current schedule and whether nurse consultations are available via telehealth. The facility is located on the north side of Chattanooga and offers on-site parking. Patients undergoing surgery must arrange a companion for transport home (you cannot drive after anesthesia). Pre-op testing and paperwork are handled by the facility in advance. Post-op follow-up visits are included in the surgical package.
For Chattanooga residents comparing surgical precision, facility standards, and long-term structural outcomes against convenience and cost, Southern Surgical Arts fills the role of full-scope cosmetic surgery practice in the market.
