Most women, at one time or another, have wished they could change something about their breasts. For some, the wish is to go larger; for others, it's about fullness, or the overall shape.

If you're one of those women, we recommend you explore and consider breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation is all about enhancement using implants to enlarge and/or shape your breasts. Our patients tell us the surgery not only enhanced them physically, but also increased their confidence and self-image, and gave them a newfound excitement about choosing and wearing clothes.

About the actual procedure...

Dr. Barnthouse performs breast augmentations in either a hospital or outpatient surgery center, depending on scheduling and other factors. Options for anesthesia include general anesthesia. Either way, following surgery, you'll spend time in the recovery area, where you'll be closely monitored.

The technique used in the procedure varies from patient to patient. You and Dr. Barnthouse will discuss your goals, and from there he’ll determine the best technique to achieve your goal. Regardless, your surgical incision will be relatively small, and will made either 1) underneath your breast, 2) around the lower edge of your areola, or 3) within your armpit.

The implant will then be inserted into the incision and placed in a surgically created pocket directly behind your breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle (located just under the breast tissue above the chest wall).

Are implants safe for my health?

Complications of breast augmentation are rare, and today’s implants are safer than ever before. Patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery receive cohesive memory gel or saline-filled implants.

Innovations in implant surgery are introduced regularly. Dr. Barnthouse makes it a point to keep up on these innovations, and will inform you of any new options you may wish to consider. In addition, he welcomes thoughts and ideas from you. If you read about a new innovation, feel free to bring it up at your consultation!

How you can prepare for surgery...

Each year, thousands of women undergo breast augmentation surgery and experience no major complications. Even so, Dr, Barnthouse believes an informed patient is the best patient.

Your consultations are the perfect time to ask any questions or raise any concerns about the safety of mammoplasty or the techniques used. Above all, following Dr. Barnthouse’s advice and instructions – both before and after surgery – is vitally important. By doing so, you can do your part to minimize many of the risks.

Post-Surgery: What to expect.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, recovery generally follows this timeline:

Day One or Two Post-Op:

• Take your first shower
• You should be up and around. Most of your discomfort can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Barnthouse.

One Week Post-Op:

• Have stitches removed (unless dissolving sutures were used)
• Return to non-strenuous activities and work
• Resume sexual activity (with gentle treatment of breasts)

Several Weeks Post-Op:

• Swelling subsides; end result becomes more evident
• Enjoy more vigorous exercise and movement
• No longer need to wear support bra

A Few Months Post-Op and Beyond:

• You're looking and feeling terrific!