Drains vs. Drainless Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): What actually delivers the safest, smoothest recovery? In this episode, Atlanta board-certified plastic surgeon Earl Stephenson, MD, DDS, MBA explains the real differences between traditional drains and “drainless” techniques (progressive tension/quilting sutures), who’s a good candidate for each, and how we personalize the plan for your anatomy and goals—so healing is predictable and results are refined

• Why fluid (seroma) forms after a tummy tuck and why managing the “dead space” matters.

• How drains work (soft silicone tubes attached to bulbs) and when they’re helpful.

• What “drainless” really means: progressive tension/quilting sutures that tack the flap down to reduce fluid pockets.

• The hybrid option (PTS + a short-term drain) for belt-and-suspenders safety.

• Drains: reliable fluid evacuation in higher-risk cases (higher BMI, wide undermining, massive weight loss); objective output tracking; nuisance factor is real. Typical removal ~7–14 days when outputs drop; many surgeons allow showering 48–72 hours post-op.

• Drainless (PTS/quilting): fewer daily hassles, often more comfortable week 1; meticulous suturing adds time but reduces dead space; still requires disciplined compression and activity control.

• Leaning drainless: non-smoker, stable BMI, limited undermining, straightforward muscle repair, highly compliant with compression and follow-ups.

• Leaning drains or hybrid: massive weight loss, higher BMI, extensive undermining/revision, combined procedures (longer OR time) or bleeding risks.

• Drains plan: measure outputs, walk day 1, shower ~48–72 hrs if cleared, remove when outputs consistently low (e.g., around 20 cc/day by your criteria).

• Drainless plan: same milestones minus drain care; compression is non-negotiable; nutrition (adequate protein) and hydration accelerate comfort.

• “Drainless heals faster.” → It often feels easier, but healing is biology + behavior (compliance).

• “All drainless is the same.” → Technique and anatomy matter; approaches vary by surgeon.

• “Using a drain = bad surgeon.” → Drains are a tool in a customized plan.

1. What’s your strategy to prevent seromas (drains, PTS/quilting, adhesives)?

2. What are my risk factors?

3. How does recovery differ for me with vs. without drains?

4. If a seroma occurs, how will you manage it?

00:00 Cold Open • 00:25 Intro • 00:55 Tuck Basics • 03:00 Drains 101 • 06:00 Drainless Explained • 10:00 Safety & Outcomes • 12:00 Candidacy • 14:00 Recovery • 16:30 Myths • 18:00 Decision • 19:15 CTA

I tailor tummy tucks using drains, drainless (PTS/quilting), or hybrid—whatever safely delivers your best contour.

Call (770) 466-4700 to schedule an in-person or virtual consult; the $225 consult fee is applied to surgery if you proceed. Out-of-town patients welcome.

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.

When it comes to facelift surgery, there’s one thing you need to know: men and women are NOT the same. From the way we age to the way we heal, gender plays a huge role in how a facelift should be designed, performed, and maintained.

In this episode of Plastic Surgery T&A – Talking & Advice, Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr.—Atlanta-based double board-certified facial plastic surgeon—breaks down the real differences in facelift strategies for men versus women. Whether you’re aiming for a powerful jawline or a delicate lift, your surgical plan should be as individual as you are.

1️⃣ Diagnosis Differences – How Men and Women Age Differently

• Women: Volume loss in cheeks and temples, thinner skin, more visible sagging

• Men: Heavier lower face, thicker skin, stronger platysma bands

• Why understanding aging patterns is step one in any facelift plan

2️⃣ Surgical Technique – It’s Not Just “Pull and Tighten”

• Incision placement for women vs. men

• How the beard line changes surgical approach

• Why men often require more attention to the neck and jawline

• Volume restoration for women vs. structural tightening for men

3️⃣ Aftercare – Healing on Your Terms

• Makeup, hair styling, and recovery camouflage for women

• Shaving, swelling patterns, and skincare guidance for men

• The importance of privacy and discretion—especially for male patients

4️⃣ The Cultural Factor – Confidence vs. Stigma

• How societal expectations shape surgical goals

• Why men tend to prefer “subtle strength” over “dramatic transformation”

• Strategies to keep results natural, authentic, and confidence-building

• Over two decades of experience in facial plastic surgery

• Dual board certification in plastic surgery and oral/maxillofacial surgery

• Customized surgical planning for diverse faces, skin types, and personal goals

• Located in Atlanta, GA, serving patients from across the Southeast and beyond

Your face deserves a custom plan—not a cookie-cutter lift. 📅 Schedule your in-person or virtual consultation at: 👉 www.ESJAesthetics.com

Instagram: @ESJAesthetics

Instagram for Men: Modern Gents

Facebook for Women: @ESJAesthetics

Facebook for Men: Modern Gents Aesthetics

TikTok: @estephensonjrmd

LinkedIn: Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.

If medical insurance was designed to protect patients and support doctors — why are both groups increasingly fed up?

In this powerful episode of Plastic Surgery T&A (That’s Talk & Advice), board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Earl Stephenson Jr. pulls back the curtain on the modern healthcare system and explains why he — and thousands of other physicians — are leaving insurance panels behind.

▶ Watch this episode to discover:

• Why medical insurance companies are acting like modern-day gatekeepers

• The shocking truth about denials, delays, and clawbacks

• What “out-of-network” really means (and why it’s not a bad thing!)

• Pros and cons of stepping outside the insurance system — for both doctors and patients

• How patients can still access expert care with payment plans, HSAs, and third-party financing

• Why going out-of-network could lead to better outcomes and better experiences

⛔ What Insurance is Really Doing:

• Denial of medically necessary procedures (including reconstructions and trauma surgery)

• Delays in authorizations that cancel or postpone care

• Ridiculously low reimbursement rates for specialists

• Time-wasting paperwork and charting unrelated to patient care

• Medical decisions being overruled by non-physicians

💡 The Rise of Out-of-Network Doctors:

• More autonomy = better care decisions

• Streamlined workflows and less administrative burnout

• Transparent pricing models

• Direct physician-patient trust without a middleman

⚖️ Pros and Cons of Going Out-of-Network

Pros:

• Personalized care and flexible timelines

• No surprise denials or downgraded reimbursements

• Transparent pricing for surgeries and consults

• Higher quality of care from more engaged providers

Cons:

• Patients may have higher upfront costs

• Potential for fewer insurance-based referrals

• Patients need to understand reimbursement options clearly

• Out-of-network providers aren’t always unaffordable — ask about payment plans, Cherry, CareCredit, or using HSA funds

• You can submit your own insurance claims using a “superbill”

• Many top-tier revision surgeons, trauma experts, and aesthetic specialists are out-of-network by necessity

• You deserve to choose the right provider for your body — not just the one that’s on your plan

“No business — whether it’s a coffee shop or a clinic — can survive when it only gets paid 30 cents on the dollar. That’s what insurance pays. And it’s why we’re saying: No more.”

“I trained over a decade to make these decisions. Yet I can be overruled by someone who’s never held a stethoscope, let alone lifted a scalpel.”

This episode was inspired in part by the honest, viral TikTok commentaries of Dr. Potter (plastic surgeon) and Dr. Glaucomflecken (ophthalmologist), who’ve used humor and transparency to highlight how broken the system really is.

Whether it’s aesthetic surgery, breast revision, or post-burn reconstruction — Dr. Earl Stephenson Jr. offers concierge-level care with you at the center.

📍 Serving Dunwoody, Atlanta, and surrounding areas 📞 Call to schedule: 770-466-4700 🌐 Visit: https://www.esjaesthetics.com

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.

Welcome to Plastic Surgery T&A — that’s Talk and Advice — with Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of ESJ Aesthetics in Atlanta, Georgia.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Stephenson walks us through a deeply personal and emotional case of a young African woman whose breast reduction surgery in Turkey left her physically disfigured and emotionally devastated. With family in Atlanta and a history with our practice, she turned to Dr. Stephenson for expert breast revision — and a chance to reclaim her body, confidence, and story.

• Why surgical tourism is booming — and what most people don’t see until it’s too late

• The real-life story of a breast reduction gone wrong in Turkey

• Emotional and physical toll of a botched breast surgery, especially for young women

• The red flags of poor outcomes: bottoming out, asymmetry, nipple malposition, poor scar quality

• Why board certification and cultural competency matter more than ever

• A breakdown of what true breast revision surgery involves

• The artistry, planning, and care required to deliver natural, safe, refined results

• Empowering women to seek help without shame: “Your body isn’t ruined. It’s ready for redemption.”

✔️ Compassionate, culturally attuned care ✔️ Deep expertise in complex revisions and ethnic skin ✔️ Thoughtful approach to scarring and tissue handling ✔️ Emphasis on natural aesthetics and symmetry ✔️ Dedicated time during consults to listen to your story — not rush through your pain

Whether your original surgery was done in Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, or even here in the U.S., disappointing results can be devastating. But revision surgery is not about shame — it’s about taking control. And you deserve a surgeon who gets it.

📄 Download Dr. Stephenson’s FREE: 👉 Revision Readiness Checklist — Is it time to fix your breast surgery?

📍 Learn more about breast revision surgery: 🔗 https://www.esjaesthetics.com

📞 Call for consultations: 770-466-4700 🗓️ Secure your consultation with Dr. Stephenson (fee applies)

📧 Not ready yet? Email our team with your questions: concierge@esjaesthetics.com

🎧 “No One-Size-Fits-All: Gender-Specific Facelift Strategies” 🎧 “The Power Profile: Neck & Eye Refinement for Men Who Mean Business” 🎧 “Sculpted for Sweater Weather: Why Fall Is the Secret Season for Plastic Surgery” 🎧 “The Dark Truth Behind a Surgeon’s Fatal Operation”

📅 New episodes drop every Saturday at 11 AM EST

📸 Instagram: @esjaesthetics 🎵 TikTok: @estephensonjrmd 📘 Facebook: ESJ Aesthetics 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Earl Stephenson, LinkedIn

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.

Ready to turn heads by Thanksgiving? 🍽️✨ Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters—it's prime time for planning your transformation.

In this episode of Plastic Surgery T&A (That’s Talking & Advice), I’m sharing the insider strategy most savvy patients already know: why fall is the best-kept secret season for plastic surgery. Whether you're craving a refreshed face, a snatched waist, or that boss babe vibe for the holidays, now is the moment to plan ahead.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

✔️ Why cooler temps = hotter results

✔️ The truth about garments, healing, and hiding swelling in fall layers

✔️ The science of sun exposure, UV damage & pigmentation risk

✔️ The procedures trending now: facelift, chin lipo, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck & more

✔️ My personal checklist for prepping your perfect fall surgery

Whether you’re planning to slay Thanksgiving dinner or roll into holiday parties looking like you just came back from a luxury spa retreat—this episode is for you.

✨ Heal through the fall, reveal through the holidays.

✨ Cooler weather. Hotter results. Let’s go!

🎯 Need the Recovery Checklist I mentioned?

💻 Visit: https://esjaesthetics.com

📩 Or drop “Checklist” + your email in the comments, and I’ll send it right over.

🗓 Book Your Consultation:

📞 Call: (770) 466-4700

📧 Email: concierge@esjaesthetics.com

💻 Learn more: https://esjaesthetics.com

🩺 Consult Fee: $225 (applies to your surgery if you proceed)

FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH ME:

📸 Instagram: @esjaesthetics

📘 Facebook: ESJ Aesthetics

🎵 TikTok: @estephensonjrmd

🌐 Website: https://esjaesthetics.com

🎥 New podcast episodes every Saturday Subscribe + Hit the Bell 🔔 so you never miss your moment of beauty, truth, and transformation.

#PlasticSurgeryFall #FaceliftAtlanta #SweaterWeatherSnatch #FallPlasticSurgery #FacialRejuvenation #DrStephenson #TummyTuckRecovery #EyelidSurgery #SnatchedByStephenson #AtlantaPlasticSurgeon #ESJAesthetics #BoardCertifiedPlasticSurgeon #Plastic Surgery Dunwoody GA #Deep Plane Facelift Dunwoody GA #Blepharoplasty Dunwoody GA #Cosmetic Surgery Dunwoody GA #liposuction Dunwoody GA #Tummy Tuck Dunwoody GA #Cosmetic Surgery Dunwoody GA #Facelift Dunwoody GA #gynecomastia #Male Chest Contouring Dunwoody GA #Mommy Makeover Dunwoody GA #Eyelid Surgery Dunwoody GA #Neck Lift Dunwoody GA #Plastic Surgeon near Sandy Springs GA

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.

Let’s talk about what’s really aging your appearance, fellas—your neck, your eyes, and your forehead. In this episode of Plastic Surgery T & A, I, Dr. Earl Stephenson—board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta—introduce a game-changing approach designed specifically for men who want to look refreshed, masculine, and powerful without committing to a full facelift.

🔹 This is The Power Profile: a strategic, minimal-downtime procedure stack that redefines the lower face and rejuvenates tired eyes. It’s not a backup plan—it’s a primary approach for men who mean business.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

🔹 What is a Direct Neck Lift for Men?

Removes sagging skin and excess fat beneath the chin Tightens the platysma muscle to eliminate vertical neck bands Uses a single discreet incision under the chin Gives you a defined, stronger jawline with a masculine contour

🔹 How This Procedure Differs for Men vs. Women

Men often tolerate slightly longer incisions due to facial hair and clothing Collared shirts and beards help conceal healing incisions Men heal well in the face and neck—making this a great option

🔹 Stackable Enhancements for Maximum Impact

BOTOX™ for Forehead & Crow’s Feet: Smooth deep expression lines while maintaining your natural look

Upper Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty): Remove heavy or hooded lids for a more alert, energized appearance

Lower Eyelid Lift: Optional for men with significant under-eye puffiness (though many men tolerate some crepiness here just fine)

No Brow Lift Needed: Most men can carry a naturally low brow without looking tired or aged

🎯 Who Is This For?

Ideal for men who are: In their 50s, 60s, or early 70s

Experiencing advanced aging in the neck but mild/moderate changes in the face Wanting results without a full facelift or extended recovery

Seeking to look more rested, more confident, and more competitive—whether in the boardroom or the dating scene

Not for: Smokers or tobacco users (must be nicotine-free 4+ weeks prior to surgery) Men with severe facial aging who need full face and neck lift procedures Those looking for results from injectables alone (fillers and RF won’t cut it for advanced laxity)

⏱️ Recovery & Downtime

Procedure time: 2–3 hours (depending on enhancements)

Back to work: 7–14 days

Garment wear: 2 weeks full-time, then nights only

Bruising/swelling: Mild to moderate, improved with Arnica & Bromelain

Scar: Fades discreetly over time

💬 FAQs Answered in This Video:

Can I get BOTOX™ and eyelid surgery at the same time as my neck lift?

How long does a direct neck lift last?

Will people know I had work done?

What’s the cost range for this kind of surgical stack?

How do I know if I need a facelift instead?

🎁 GET THE FREE CHECKLIST:

📥 “Neck & Eye Upgrade Guide: Look 10 Years Younger Without a Full Facelift” Get the exact criteria I use in my office to determine if you’re a good candidate—plus what procedures to stack and how to prep for recovery like a pro.

👉 https://esjaesthetics.com/contact/

📍 Book Your Consultation (Atlanta Area or Virtual): 📞 Call my office: (770) 466-4700

🌐 Website: https://www.esjaesthetics.com

📩 Prefer email? Visit the contact form at www.esjaesthetics.com/contact and request “The Power Profile” consultation.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE & STAY SHARP: Every week I bring straight-talk insights into modern plastic surgery. No fluff. No filter. Just the facts—and a little finesse.

#PowerProfile #MenWhoLiftSmart #ConfidentAging #NeckLiftForMen #RefinedNotRedone #AtlantaPlasticSurgeon #DirectNeckLift #LookRefreshed #UpperEyelidLift #FacialRejuvenationForMen #SubtleSurgeryStrongResults #MasculineAesthetics #MenOver50Style #jawlinegoals #YoungerNotDifferent #drearlstephenson #atlantaplasticsurgeon #boardcertifiedsurgeon #plasticsurgerydunwoodyga #plasticsurgeondunwoodyga #neckliftdunwoodyga #dunwoody #brookhaven #buckheadatlanta #sandyspringsga #johnscreekga #roswellga #duluthga

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.

Ever wonder what really happens after a facelift — beyond the pretty before-and-after photos?

In this raw and educational episode of Plastic Surgery T&A, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Earl Stephenson Jr. lifts the veil on facelift recovery. No fluff. No filters. Just the truth. From compression dressings and drains to managing swelling, bruising, and suture care — Dr. Steph walks you through every stage of the healing journey.

This is the episode that answers the questions your consult didn’t.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn: Why compression helps more than just your swelling

What drains do (and don’t do) — and when they come out The difference between minor bruising and serious complications

How TXA, Arnica Montana, and Bromelain help speed healing

The exact timeline for suture removal, makeup use, and regaining your energy

How to spot rare but critical issues like hematomas, infection, or skin compromise

What to expect at every visit — from Day 1 to Week 12

🎯 Ideal for anyone considering: Facelift surgery in Dunwoody, Georgia A natural-looking facial rejuvenation with expert aftercare Neck lift, eyelid lift, or combination facial procedures Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon near Sandy Springs or North Atlanta

📍 Patient-focused. Detail-driven. Confidence-boosting. At ESJ Aesthetics, you’re never alone in your recovery. Your follow-up plan is tailored and intentional — from tight check-ins in Week 1 to extended support through Month 3 and beyond.

📞 Book a 1-on-1 consultation with Dr. Stephenson:

🌐 www.esjaesthetics.com

📱 (770) 464-4700

📍 Serving Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and the greater Atlanta area

#FaceliftDunwwodyGA #PlasticSurgeryDunwoodyGA #FaceliftRecovery #FaceliftHealing #PlasticSurgeryTips #CompressionAfterFacelift #DrEarlStephenson #ESJAesthetics #FaceliftAtlanta #PlasticSurgeonDunwoody #FaceliftWeekByWeek #NaturalFaceliftResults #TXAPlasticSurgery #ArnicaMontana #FacialRejuvenationExpert #FaceliftForWomen #FaceliftForMen #PlasticSurgeryPodcast #SandySpringsPlasticSurgery

ESJ Aesthetics — Where Confidence Takes Shape.

*Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Individual recommendations vary. Consult an ABPS-board-certified plastic surgeon.