Frequently Asked Questions

The length of the recovery period following aesthetic procedures varies based on several factors, such as the specific procedure(s) performed and the individual client’s response. On average, the recovery period ranges from 6 to 8 weeks.

Dr. Stephenson mandates that a responsible adult accompany clients after surgery and provide care for 24-48 hours. If clients are unable to arrange for immediate aftercare, a private duty nurse can be arranged by Dr. Stephenson’s team. This service incurs an additional fee and includes transportation home and 24-48 hour care.

At ESJ Aesthetics, we consider both weight and height when assessing potential clients for aesthetic surgery. This combination is commonly referred to as Body Mass Index (BMI). Scientific studies have shown that a BMI over 30 is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. These medical conditions increase the risks associated with aesthetic surgery. Our practice guideline is to accept clients with a BMI of 33 or below for aesthetic procedures.

At ESJ Aesthetics, our clients’ safety is our top priority. All surgeries are conducted in a certified outpatient surgery facility or a hospital setting. For minor procedures, we also offer the convenience of in-office treatments using local anesthesia. Rest assured, Dr. Stephenson and his staff will take every measure to ensure your well-being throughout your entire experience.

Dr. Stephenson and his team prioritize client safety and take precautions to minimize surgical risks. Full disclosure of medical history and current health is important in accurately assessing potential risks. Thorough reviews are conducted before proceeding with surgery. Our team is dedicated to reducing complications during and after procedures.

Our office offers flexible payment options through our partnership with aesthetic surgery financing companies, PatientFi and CareCredit.

Our consultations with Dr. Stephenson are priced at $225 and include an hour of personalized service, expertise, and a comprehensive discussion of your aesthetic goals. This includes a physical examination, addressing all your questions, and providing a quotation for the proposed surgery. We accept debit cards, major credit cards, and cash for payment. If you proceed with the surgery, the consultation fee is applied to your surgery balance.

Kindly note Dr. Stephenson is not contracted with any insurance companies. Clients are responsible for payment in full prior to surgery.

For optimal recovery, Dr. Stephenson recommends that clients stay in town for one to two weeks, depending on the procedure. To ensure a smooth experience for our out-of-town clients, we have established strong partnerships with plastic surgery recovery nurses and local hotels.

We offer Virtual Consultations for our out-of-town clients. Our office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We welcome you to call our office at (770) 466-4700 to schedule.

For a consultation with Dr. Stephenson, call (770) 466-4700. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Dr. Stephenson, an esteemed Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 2007, leverages his passion for art and exceptional skill in creating beautiful contours. With a unique blend of compassion, expertise in two specialties, and dedication to medical education, he consistently delivers outstanding results for his clients.

After aesthetic surgery, clients may notice immediate differences in their appearance. However, due to swelling and bruising, fully appreciating the contour and shape changes can be challenging. As the swelling and bruising gradually subside, clients can begin to appreciate the improved contour and shape over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.

Dr. Stephenson recognizes the desire of clients to resume or initiate exercise for maintaining results and a healthy lifestyle. He suggests starting with light walks two weeks after surgery. Following facial aesthetic surgery, clients should avoid sudden head movements and bending with the head down for three weeks. Additionally, engaging in heavy physical activity or going to the gym should be avoided for a period of 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Driving after aesthetic surgery requires more mental and physical energy than is commonly realized. Recovery from surgery can lead to reduced mental clarity due to narcotic pain medication use, as well as diminished physical endurance needed for driving. To ensure safety, Dr. Stephenson advises waiting two weeks before resuming driving.

Air travel can also be challenging during recovery, especially when combined with surgery. Dr. Stephenson is particularly focused on minimizing the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Immobility during flights increases the risk of DVT. It is recommended to delay any necessary flight plans for at least four weeks after surgery.

Dr. Stephenson suggests lymphatic massages following aesthetic surgery. He works with certified lymphedema therapists and licensed lymphatic massage therapists in Atlanta to assist his clients. For postoperative manual lymphatic massages, it is recommended to have 2 to 3 sessions per week during the initial 3 to 4 weeks of recovery. These massages should be performed by certified therapists with lymphedema training and expertise in postoperative lymphatic drainage techniques.

Genetics play a significant role in classic keloids, which helps explain the varying susceptibility across ethnicities. Keloids are more prevalent in Africans (5 to 10 percent), less common in Asians (0.1 to 1 percent), and rare in Europeans and North Americans (<0.1 percent). To enhance the quality of surgical scars and prevent keloid formation, Dr. Stephenson employs preventive measures like silicone bandaging, scar massage, steroid injections, and steroid tape.

Scars are a common outcome of surgery. Typically, scars are perceived as wide, thick, and discolored, which is considered unattractive. Dr. Stephenson aims for your surgical incision (scar) to be thin and flat. These incisions are strategically placed to be concealed. To promote optimal healing of your surgical scar, Dr. Stephenson may suggest using silicone strips/bandages for a specified duration.

Swelling and bruising are normal after surgery and typically last for 4-6 weeks, with improvement starting around 2 weeks. Dr. Stephenson recommends using Arnica and Bromelin, homeopathic medications, starting 2 days before surgery and continuing for 10 days after. These remedies can help reduce the duration and intensity of swelling and bruising.

The timeline for returning to work after an aesthetic procedure is tailored to each client’s specific employment and the type of procedure(s) performed. Administrative employees can typically return to work with restrictions in 1-2 weeks and resume full duty in 4 weeks. For clients with physically demanding jobs, the return-to-work timeline is usually 4 weeks with restrictions and 8 weeks to fully resume duties.