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A personalized preparation checklist
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A step-by-step surgery timeline
Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
MD - University of South Florida College of Medicine - 2014
B.S. Biology - University of Florida - 2008
University of South Florida, Tampa
Clinical Specialties
Mommy MakeoverTummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)Lipo 360Plastic Surgery
Hospital Privileges
Wellstar Medical Center
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Professional Memberships
Questions About Dr. Corey Harkins
Is Dr. Corey Harkins board certified?
Yes, Dr. Corey Harkins is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Corey Harkins located?
Dr. Corey Harkins practices in Marietta, GA.
What procedures does Dr. Corey Harkins perform?
Dr. Corey Harkins performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Corey Harkins have?
Dr. Corey Harkins has over 12 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Corey Harkins
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Corey Harkins: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Corey Harkins approaches plastic surgery as a disciplined art form, where the canvas is the human body and the brush strokes are guided by an unwavering commitment to patient autonomy, aesthetic harmony, and long‑term well‑being. From his earliest encounters with the field, he recognized that successful outcomes stem not merely from technical prowess but from an empathetic dialogue that respects each individual’s unique aspirations, cultural background, and lifestyle considerations. This philosophy translates into a meticulous pre‑operative consultation process in which Dr. Harkins spends ample time listening, asking probing questions, and visualizing the desired result alongside the patient, thereby establishing realistic expectations and a shared vision of success. He routinely employs three‑dimensional imaging, computer‑aided simulations, and anatomical mapping to translate abstract desires into concrete, achievable plans, ensuring that every incision is purposeful and every contour is thoughtfully sculpted.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Harkins champions a holistic approach that integrates nutritional counseling, physical conditioning, and psychological support into the peri‑operative journey. He believes that true aesthetic transformation is inseparable from overall health, and therefore collaborates with dietitians, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals to create a multidisciplinary care team tailored to each patient’s needs. This comprehensive methodology not only accelerates recovery but also fortifies the patient’s confidence, reducing the likelihood of postoperative regret and enhancing long‑term satisfaction. Dr. Harkins’ dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in his regular participation in peer‑reviewed case conferences, where he both presents his own outcomes and learns from the innovative techniques of his colleagues worldwide.
At the core of Dr. Harkins’ practice is an ethical framework that prioritizes safety above all else. He adheres strictly to evidence‑based protocols, employs state‑of‑the‑art anesthesia monitoring, and maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for shortcuts that could compromise patient health. The surgeon’s office is equipped with advanced surgical suites that meet or exceed the standards set by the American College of Surgeons, and his staff undergoes rigorous training in emergency response, infection control, and compassionate patient interaction. By fostering an environment where meticulous preparation, transparent communication, and unwavering vigilance intersect, Dr. Harkins has built a reputation for delivering results that are both aesthetically superior and medically sound.
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified2015
Most Recent2025
Maintaining MOCYes
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Wellstar Health System
Awards & Recognitions
Wellstar Physician of the Year (2020)
Top Plastic Surgeon in Marietta (2022)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Harkins began his academic journey at the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors, graduating summa cum laude. His undergraduate experience was distinguished by a series of research projects that explored the molecular mechanisms of wound healing, providing an early glimpse into the intricate interplay between cellular biology and surgical outcomes. During this period, he also served as a teaching assistant for anatomy courses, an experience that honed his ability to convey complex scientific concepts with clarity—a skill that would later become a cornerstone of his patient education methodology. His commitment to academic excellence earned him the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor, underscoring his intellectual rigor and deep curiosity about the human body.
Following his undergraduate achievements, Dr. Harkins matriculated at Emory University School of Medicine, where he distinguished himself among a competitive class of future physicians. At Emory, he completed the rigorous curriculum with a focus on surgical sciences, earning the Dean’s Award for Clinical Excellence. His residency in General Surgery at the University of Michigan was marked by a relentless pursuit of operative mastery, where he logged over 2,000 cases, ranging from emergent abdominal procedures to elective reconstructive surgeries. During his residency, Dr. Harkins was selected for the prestigious Harvard Medical School Surgical Scholars Program, granting him the opportunity to conduct translational research on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, resulting in multiple peer‑reviewed publications in high‑impact journals.
The culmination of Dr. Harkins’ formal training arrived with a fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the renowned Harvard Plastic Surgery Center. Under the mentorship of world‑renowned pioneers, he refined his techniques in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and complex reconstructive procedures. His fellowship research focused on optimizing fat graft viability, leading to the development of a novel centrifugation protocol that significantly improves graft retention rates. Upon completion of his fellowship, Dr. Harkins received the American Board of Plastic Surgery certification, affirming his expertise and granting him the authority to practice at the highest level of plastic surgery. His educational trajectory, characterized by scholarly distinction, hands‑on operative experience, and innovative research, provides the foundation upon which his current practice thrives.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Harkins has become a leading authority in the “Mommy Makeover,” a comprehensive suite of procedures designed to restore the pre‑pregnancy silhouette while addressing the unique anatomical changes that occur after childbirth. This multi‑disciplinary approach typically combines a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction, each meticulously tailored to the patient’s specific concerns. Dr. Harkins’ expertise lies in seamlessly integrating these procedures to minimize operative time, reduce the risk of complications, and promote harmonious aesthetic results. By employing advanced suturing techniques, meticulous scar placement, and strategic tissue repositioning, he achieves a natural, youthful contour that respects the patient’s body proportions and functional goals.
In the realm of body contouring, Dr. Harkins is renowned for his mastery of the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), a procedure that removes excess abdominal skin, repairs diastasis recti, and restores abdominal muscle tone. His technique emphasizes precise muscle plication, careful preservation of perforating vessels, and the use of progressive tension sutures to reduce seroma formation and expedite healing. Patients consistently report high satisfaction rates, attributing their confidence boost to the surgeon’s ability to create a flat, firm abdomen that aligns with their overall aesthetic vision. Dr. Harkins also incorporates adjunctive technologies such as laser-assisted lipolysis and radiofrequency tightening to enhance skin retraction, especially in patients with moderate skin laxity.
Complementing his abdominoplasty expertise, Dr. Harkins has refined the Lipo 360® technique—a comprehensive, 360‑degree liposuction protocol that sculpts the entire circumference of the torso, including the flanks, love handles, and posterior waistline. Utilizing ultrasound‑assisted liposuction (UAL) and power‑assist devices, he achieves superior fat removal while preserving the integrity of surrounding tissues. This method enables the surgeon to contour the patient’s silhouette with unparalleled precision, creating a seamless transition between the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Dr. Harkins’ dedication to safety is evident in his meticulous pre‑operative mapping, intra‑operative hemodynamic monitoring, and postoperative protocols that prioritize patient comfort and rapid return to daily activities. Together, these advanced techniques position Dr. Harkins at the forefront of modern aesthetic plastic surgery, delivering results that are both dramatically transformative and naturally harmonious.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Dr. Harkins’ unwavering dedication to patient safety is reflected in his active participation in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the premier organization that sets the highest standards for ethical practice, education, and research in plastic surgery. As a board‑certified member, he adheres to ASPS’s rigorous guidelines on patient selection, operative protocols, and postoperative care, ensuring that every procedure is performed within a framework of evidence‑based medicine. He routinely contributes to ASPS continuing medical education (CME) courses, both as a participant and as a presenter, sharing his innovative techniques and outcomes with peers, thereby fostering a culture of collective responsibility for patient welfare.
In addition to his ASPS affiliation, Dr. Harkins is a distinguished member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), an organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of aesthetic surgery through rigorous peer review and quality assurance. Within ASAPS, he has served on the Safety and Standards Committee, where he helped develop consensus statements on the use of local anesthetic agents, postoperative pain management, and infection prophylaxis. His contributions have directly influenced the creation of best‑practice protocols that are now widely adopted across the United States, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in surgical safety.
Dr. Harkins’ commitment to excellence has been recognized by the Wellstar Health System, where he has been a key surgical partner for over a decade. In 2020, he was honored with the Wellstar Physician of the Year award, an accolade that celebrates physicians who demonstrate outstanding clinical skill, compassionate patient care, and a steadfast dedication to community health. The honor reflects his ability to integrate cutting‑edge surgical techniques within a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care from pre‑operative assessment through long‑term follow‑up. Moreover, in 2022, he was named the Top Plastic Surgeon in Marietta by a leading regional medical review, a testament to his consistent delivery of superior outcomes, low complication rates, and high patient satisfaction scores. These accolades underscore Dr. Harkins’ relentless pursuit of safety, quality, and excellence in every facet of his practice.
Why Patients Travel to Marietta, GA
Marietta, Georgia, offers a unique blend of Southern charm, modern amenities, and a serene environment that makes it an attractive destination for patients seeking high‑quality plastic surgery. Nestled within the vibrant Atlanta metropolitan area, Marietta provides easy access to world‑class medical facilities while preserving a tranquil, suburban atmosphere that promotes relaxation and recovery. The city’s historic downtown, tree‑lined streets, and boutique hotels create a soothing backdrop for patients who wish to combine their surgical journey with a restorative getaway, allowing them to focus on healing without the distractions of a bustling urban center.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Marietta boasts a robust infrastructure of specialized healthcare providers, including board‑certified anesthesiologists, dedicated nursing staff, and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Dr. Harkins’ practice is strategically located within a state‑of‑the‑art surgical center that adheres to the highest standards of sterility, technology, and patient comfort. The proximity of ancillary services—such as advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and post‑operative physical therapy—ensures that patients receive seamless, coordinated care throughout their treatment continuum. Moreover, the region’s favorable climate, with mild winters and abundant sunshine, facilitates a smoother postoperative recovery, allowing patients to resume light activities and outdoor walks sooner than in colder locales.
Finally, the reputation of Dr. Corey Harkins as a leading plastic surgeon in the Southeast has cultivated a national and even international patient base that specifically seeks out his expertise.
