Breast Augmentation
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Seeking a more natural or more appealing look, many women are choosing breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty through the use of breast implants.

Some women may want to correct an imbalance in breast size, have found their breasts have changed after childbirth or weight loss, or simply feel that their breasts are too small.

A bustline can be increased one or two cup sizes by inserting an implant behind the chest wall muscle of each breast. This technique makes mammograms easier to read and gives a more natural, softer result. Many patients keep their original implants for more than 20 years.

How it Works
At least two weeks prior to surgery, you will make final decisions regarding the size of your implants and be formally sized. Most breast augmentation procedures are done under general anesthesia and take about 90 minutes.

Incisions are made to be as least conspicuous as possible - around the nipple or under the arm. Incisions are approximately one-half the circumference of the nipple or an inch in length under the arm. Usually, implants are placed under the muscle tissue.

You have the option of spending the night or going home following your surgery, depending on how you feel. Most patients desire to return home on the day of their surgery. Following surgery you will be instructed on how to massage and move your implants daily so as to facilitate softness.


After Treatment
After surgery, you will be up and around with limited activity. You will most likely be ready to shower and wear a bra within two days. Anticipate returning to most activities, including work, within three to four days, but significant strenuous exercise at this point is not advisable.

You will need to massage and move the implants on a daily basis in order to facilitate the softness of the implant.

Implants will be less noticed by patients as the weeks pass. You will return periodically to the office for checkups so Dr. Carney can assess your long-term results and address any questions or concerns.

Implants should not affect your ability to breastfeed, since the implant is simply pushing breast tissue forward and is otherwise uninvolved in the breast tissue.


Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?
The typical patients for breast augmentation are women with children who are approximately thirty years of age and hope for improvement (not perfection) in their new look. If you are physically healthy and understand your motivations (optimally, to feel better about yourself), this procedure may be right for you.

(Common Questions about Augmentation)

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