Meet Dr. Thomas Hagopian, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Between his one-of-a-kind background, family-oriented practice, and unique specialization in post-weight loss body lifting and contouring, there is no plastic surgeon in Atlanta quite like Dr. Thomas Hagopian. He is among the area’s first and most active lipedema surgeons and is well known for his compassionate, down-to-earth approach.

A Unique Career Path

Dr. Hagopian began his career following in his father’s footsteps—not in plastic surgery but in firefighting. While studying chemistry and biology at Florida Atlantic University, “Firefighter Tom,” as he came to be known by the local school children, was also working full-time as a professional firefighter and paramedic in Palm Beach, Florida.

 “Knowing I was going to become a physician, I wanted to get some experience inside the hospital,” he said. Dr. Hagopian assisted the clinical staff and developed a strong rapport with the emergency physicians. They helped him hone his history-taking and physical exam skills and would frequently quiz him on putting together differential diagnoses.

This early experience working in hospital emergency rooms and years of EMT training proved invaluable when Dr. Hagopian went on to attend medical school.

Rigorous Training & Education

After graduating with high honors from Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Hagopian earned his medical degree from the prestigious Emory University in Atlanta. He then moved to Los Angeles for a highly competitive 6-year integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at University of Southern California’s elite Keck School of Medicine. There, he trained under some of the foremost experts in his field before earning his certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Special Clinical Interests

Dr. Hagopian specializes in plastic surgery for the breasts, body, and face, providing exceptional results for real people. However, he is best known for his body lift expertise and work with lipedema patients. Some of the most rewarding procedures he performs include:

• Lipedema Surgery
• Drainless Tummy Tuck
• Lower Body Lift
• Upper Body Lift
• SAFElipo®

You are always in expert hands with Dr. Hagopian and his team. Patients and medical professionals alike recognize his surgical expertise and aesthetic eye—so much so that he became a “favorite” among the staff at his former practice for their own body contouring procedures.

A Better Patient Experience

While studying at Emory, Dr. Hagopian met his wife, Chelsea, a nursing student who shared his commitment to exceptional patient care. Together, they have published and presented impactful research on informed consent among aesthetic patients, and they continue to provide the highest level of care at Hagopian Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Hagopian’s thoughtful, patient-centered approach is evident at every step, from an in-depth consultation to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and scar reduction therapies. Read for yourself why our patients choose Dr. Hagopian—and why they keep coming back.

Continuous Consultation & Care

Patient education, active listening, and ongoing partnership are central to Dr. Hagopian’s practice philosophy. He spends at least an hour in the consultation room getting to know his patients and ensuring they have access to him whenever needed. He takes the time to understand their goals, preferences, and values, a framework for informed consent that ensures each patient gets the most respectful and personalized care possible.

Dr. Hagopian emphasizes a grounded approach that doesn’t “sell” to the patient but gives them an honest treatment assessment and a realistic view of the procedure and its possible complications and risks.

When preparing patients for surgery, “you can’t just give someone a document and think that’s OK,” he said. Rather, he works closely with his patients so they can make informed, empowered decisions about their care.

Empathy in Action

In addition to his cosmetic work, Dr. Hagopian is the medical director of reconstructive surgery at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he brings his expertise to patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. As a consultant for these critical cases, Dr. Hagopian ensures comprehensive and compassionate care for his patients.

He specializes in treating pressure ulcers and works closely with a neurosurgeon in cranioplasty procedures. During this delicate operation, Dr. Hagopian repairs the skull after a craniectomy (a surgery done to relieve pressure and swelling in the brain). Dr. Hagopian’s dedication to his patients and their quality of life is reflected in both his cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery cases.

A Jack of All Trades

Dr. Hagopian has always had a vibrant, full life outside of medicine. As a classical percussionist, Dr. Hagopian performed with his university’s wind and percussion ensembles throughout Florida. He even taught the next generation of musicians, from the younger symphony orchestra students to more advanced performers (ranging in age from 6 to 21).

Cars are Dr. Hagopian’s main passion, though. For as long as he can remember, Dr. Hagopian has loved all things with wheels and a motor. During his residency, he even started a side business making highly sought-after custom taillights, headlight retrofits, and other bespoke lighting applications.

His designs have been featured in numerous car shows throughout the country and have even gone international! At one time, over 50 cars on 4 continents sported Dr. Hagopian’s products, and a set of his taillights was displayed at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the world’s largest automotive specialty products trade event.

The Family Business

Dr. Hagopian, Nurse Chelsea, and their rescue Maltipoo, Emory (named for the university that brought his owners together), have created a modern plastic surgery practice that is as friendly and relaxed as they are. They often joke, “It’s Emory’s world; we are all just living in it.”

The Hagopians are proud to bring their evidence-based, body-positive approach to Atlanta and the surrounding areas. They look forward to welcoming you to their office in historic Inman Park.

Here for You

If you would like to meet with Dr. Hagopian, please request a consultation online or call Hagopian Plastic Surgery at (404) 885-8542.