Elizabeth Whitaker

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Get to know Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker, who serves patients in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Whitaker is double-board-certified, fellowship-trained, and one of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons not just in Atlanta, but the entire country. She has performed more than 4,000 facelifts alone, as well as thousands of other cosmetic procedures so far. 

Dr. Whitaker is currently serving patients at Atlanta Face & Body in Atlanta, Georgia, which is a plastic surgery center that offers the latest technological advances for nonsurgical and minimally-invasive procedures. Focusing on natural, balanced results, Dr. Whitaker can help patients look their personal best, whatever their age. “My philosophy is ‘Everyone will notice, but no one will know’” she said. 

Dr. Whitaker loves being a facial plastic surgeon because she loves making a difference. “It’s so gratifying to see patients suddenly take renewed pride in their appearance. When I see the confidence, empowerment, and new outlook on life, I’m reminded, ‘this is why I do what I do’” she said. 

Growing up in North Carolina, Dr. Whitaker wasn’t thinking about becoming one of the nation’s top facial plastic surgeons. However, her early fascination with science led her to contemplate being a doctor from an early age. She attended high school at the prestigious North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for students gifted in those areas. She then majored in biology at Davidson College where she selected Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While medical school had always been a goal, she thought hard about the long commitment and the grueling years of intense study. “I tried to talk myself out of it, but I realized that it was a calling rather than a choice. I wanted to help people in a very direct, personal way that utilized my talents. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else” said Dr. Whitaker.

Dr. Whitaker was accepted at the world renowned Duke University School of Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Medicine. It was there that she was drawn to a career in plastic surgery. “The head, neck, and facial anatomy is the most complex in the body. I find facial plastic surgery to be the ultimate fusion of artistry and technical skill. It’s just so gratifying to use your training and experience to make such a positive difference in people’s lives” said Dr. Whitaker.

Next was residency training at Emory University, in the very competitive field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. To further enhance her knowledge and skills, Dr. Whitaker was off to New Orleans for an additional year of advanced fellowship training at Tulane University, focused exclusively on facial plastic surgery. This fellowship is offered to only 38 candidates internationally each year. Under the guidance of Dr. Calvin Johnson, Jr. – one of the world’s premier facial plastic surgeons – Dr. Whitaker honed her craft.

Returning to Georgia, Dr. Whitaker joined the faculty at the Medical College of Georgia, as Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division. Sharing her knowledge and passion for facial plastic surgery with young residents was a highlight of her academic career. On moving back to Atlanta, she continued her career in facial plastic surgery in group practice, becoming one of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons in the Atlanta area. Eventually, Dr. Whitaker felt compelled to start her own practice, focusing on her personal philosophy and utilizing her extensive experience to create her signature approach to facial plastic surgery. 

Dr. Whitaker holds dual board certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery & the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. 

In her rare spare time, Dr. Whitaker enjoys travelling, she is fascinated by new and different cultures. Given her love of beauty and appreciation of detail, experiencing the architecture and art of other countries is a favorite aspect of her travels. Her most precious time is spent with her family.

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two categories. The first is reconstructive surgery, which includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns. The other is cosmetic or aesthetic surgery. A plastic surgeon’s primary responsibility is performing surgical and non-surgical procedures, and they use a variety of reparative and reconstructive techniques to get the job done. 

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