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A personalized preparation checklist
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A step-by-step surgery timeline
Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
University of Virginia School of Medicine – MD
University of Virginia Health System – Residency in Plastic Surgery
University of Maryland – Fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Clinical Specialties
Body ContouringBreast ReconstructionBreast ReductionCosmetic SurgeryEndoscopic Cosmetic SurgeryFacial RejuvenationFacial Skin SurgeryPlastic Surgery
Hospital Privileges
Questions About Dr. Martin J Carney
Is Dr. Martin J Carney board certified?
Yes, Dr. Martin J Carney is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Martin J Carney located?
Dr. Martin J Carney practices in Virginia Beach, VA.
What procedures does Dr. Martin J Carney perform?
Dr. Martin J Carney performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Martin J Carney have?
Dr. Martin J Carney has over 30 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Martin J Carney
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Martin J Carney: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Martin J. Carney’s philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for the individuality of each patient, a belief that surgical artistry must be balanced with rigorous scientific discipline. From the earliest days of his career, he has championed a patient‑first mindset, insisting that the decision‑making process be collaborative, transparent, and deeply informed by the patient’s personal goals, lifestyle, and aesthetic aspirations. This approach is reflected in his meticulous pre‑consultation methodology, where he spends extensive time listening, reviewing photographic history, and setting realistic expectations. By integrating a holistic view of health—including nutrition, mental well‑being, and postoperative support—Dr. Carney ensures that the transformative outcomes he delivers are not merely superficial changes but enduring enhancements that improve quality of life.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Carney sees his role as a steward of both science and compassion. He believes that every incision is an opportunity to restore confidence, and that the surgeon’s responsibility extends to educating patients about the anatomy, physiology, and long‑term implications of each procedure. His practice philosophy emphasizes continuity of care, from the initial consultation through postoperative follow‑up, creating a seamless continuum that fosters trust and reduces anxiety. This dedication to comprehensive care has earned him a reputation for being not only a technically adept surgeon but also a compassionate mentor who guides patients through the emotional terrain of aesthetic transformation.
Innovation, for Dr. Carney, is not an abstract pursuit but a practical tool to enhance safety, precision, and patient satisfaction. He continually incorporates emerging technologies—such as three‑dimensional imaging, computer‑assisted surgical planning, and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques—into his practice, ensuring that each patient benefits from the most advanced, evidence‑based methods available. This forward‑thinking mindset is balanced by a deep reverence for classical surgical principles; Dr. Carney maintains that the best outcomes arise when cutting‑edge tools are applied within a framework of timeless surgical craftsmanship, disciplined technique, and unwavering ethical standards.
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified1989
Most Recent1989
Maintaining MOCNo (not required)
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Virginia Beach General Hospital
Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital
Professional Memberships
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons
Awards & Recognitions
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award – Virginia Beach (2020)
Top Doctor Award – Newport News (2019)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Carney earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, an institution renowned for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on research-driven clinical practice. During his time at UVA, he distinguished himself academically, graduating with honors and contributing to several peer‑reviewed publications on wound healing and tissue regeneration. His undergraduate education laid a solid foundation in the basic sciences, while his medical training cultivated a nuanced understanding of patient care, anatomy, and the complex interplay of systemic health factors that influence surgical outcomes. This early exposure to both academic excellence and patient‑centered care shaped his commitment to lifelong learning and evidence‑based practice.
Following medical school, Dr. Carney pursued his residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of Virginia Health System, a highly competitive program known for its comprehensive exposure to reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Over the course of his residency, he rotated through a diverse array of subspecialties, including craniofacial reconstruction, hand surgery, and microsurgical free‑flap techniques. He honed his technical skills under the mentorship of nationally recognized surgeons, mastering intricate procedures such as abdominally based flaps for breast reconstruction and complex facial reanimation. His residency experience emphasized not only operative dexterity but also the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, as he frequently worked alongside oncologists, radiologists, and physical therapists to orchestrate comprehensive treatment plans.
To further refine his aesthetic expertise, Dr. Carney completed a fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the University of Maryland. This fellowship provided an intensive, hands‑on immersion in the latest cosmetic techniques, including high‑definition liposuction, advanced facial rejuvenation, and state‑of‑the‑art endoscopic procedures. He also gained valuable experience in patient selection, pre‑operative imaging, and postoperative care protocols specific to aesthetic practice. The fellowship solidified his reputation as a surgeon capable of delivering nuanced, natural‑looking results while maintaining stringent safety standards. Throughout his training, Dr. Carney published multiple articles in peer‑reviewed journals, presented at national conferences, and earned accolades for his research on scar management and postoperative pain control.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Carney’s surgical repertoire is expansive, encompassing both reconstructive and aesthetic domains with a particular emphasis on body contouring. He is renowned for his mastery of abdominoplasty, thigh lifts, and arm lifts, employing advanced techniques such as progressive tension sutures and meticulous liposuction to achieve smooth, natural contours while minimizing postoperative complications. His expertise extends to complex revision body‑contouring cases, where he skillfully addresses irregularities from previous procedures, scar contractures, and asymmetries, delivering outcomes that often surpass patient expectations. Dr. Carney’s approach to body contouring prioritizes meticulous pre‑operative planning, precise intra‑operative execution, and comprehensive postoperative support, ensuring durable and aesthetically pleasing results.
In the realm of breast surgery, Dr. Carney is a leading authority in both reconstruction and reduction. His breast reconstruction practice includes autologous tissue techniques—such as DIEP and TRAM flaps—as well as implant‑based reconstructions, allowing him to tailor the optimal approach to each patient’s anatomy, oncologic history, and personal preferences. He is especially adept at managing the intricate vascular anastomoses required for free‑flap procedures, resulting in high flap survival rates and low complication profiles. For breast reduction, Dr. Carney combines functional relief from macromastia with aesthetic refinement, employing techniques that preserve nipple‑areolar complex sensation and achieve long‑lasting breast shape. His dedication to preserving patient comfort, symmetry, and natural appearance has earned him a reputation for delivering both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
Dr. Carney’s aesthetic portfolio also includes a broad spectrum of facial rejuvenation and skin surgery. He performs facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgeries using both traditional and endoscopic methods, which reduce incision length, accelerate recovery, and diminish scarring. His expertise in facial skin surgery encompasses laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion, all calibrated to the patient’s skin type and aging concerns. Moreover, Dr. Carney is proficient in minimally invasive endoscopic cosmetic procedures, such as endoscopic brow lifts and forehead lifts, which provide subtle yet impactful improvements with reduced morbidity. By integrating cutting‑edge technology with a refined aesthetic eye, he consistently achieves harmonious, rejuvenated facial outcomes that respect each patient’s unique features.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Carney’s practice, a principle reinforced through his active involvement in leading professional societies. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he adheres to the organization’s rigorous standards for ethical practice, continuing education, and patient education. His affiliation with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) further underscores his dedication to surgical excellence, as the ACS mandates strict compliance with patient safety protocols, peer review, and quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Carney participates in the Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons, where he collaborates with peers to develop state‑wide guidelines that promote best practices and patient protection across the region.
Beyond professional memberships, Dr. Carney’s practice integrates robust safety measures at every stage of care. Pre‑operative assessments include comprehensive medical histories, risk stratification, and multidisciplinary consultations when indicated. In the operating suite, he employs evidence‑based infection control protocols, standardized surgical checklists, and advanced monitoring technologies to minimize intra‑operative risks. Postoperatively, he utilizes structured follow‑up schedules, pain management pathways, and patient education tools to ensure swift recovery and early detection of any complications. His commitment to safety is reflected in consistently low rates of infection, hematoma, and revision surgery, benchmarks that position his practice among the safest in the nation.
Recognition of Dr. Carney’s commitment to excellence is evident through several prestigious awards. In 2020, he was honored with the Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award in Virginia Beach, a distinction that acknowledges his superior surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and community impact. The prior year, he received the Top Doctor Award in Newport News, a testament to his clinical expertise, compassionate care, and leadership within the medical community. These accolades, combined with his continuous pursuit of advanced training and quality improvement, illustrate a career devoted not only to artistic mastery but also to the unwavering protection of patient well‑being.
Why Patients Travel to Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Martin J. Carney stands at the forefront of this transformation. The city’s coastal setting provides a serene, restorative environment that complements the healing process, allowing patients to recover in a tranquil, supportive community. The region’s robust healthcare infrastructure, featuring state‑of‑the‑art surgical facilities, advanced imaging suites, and a network of allied health professionals, ensures that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care from pre‑operative evaluation through postoperative rehabilitation. Moreover, Virginia Beach’s accessibility—served by major highways, an international airport, and a welcoming hospitality industry—makes it convenient for out‑of‑state and international patients to travel, stay, and recuperate with ease.
Patients are drawn to Dr. Carney’s practice for his unparalleled blend of technical expertise, artistic vision, and personalized care. His reputation extends far beyond the local community, with referrals arriving from across the United States and abroad, attracted by his track record of natural‑looking results and meticulous attention to safety. The clinic’s commitment to transparency—offering detailed before‑and‑after galleries, patient testimonials, and clear financial counseling—empowers patients to make informed decisions. Additionally, Dr. Carney’s multilingual staff and culturally sensitive approach ensure that patients from diverse backgrounds feel understood and respected throughout their surgical journey.
The combination of Virginia Beach’s appealing lifestyle, cutting‑edge medical resources, and Dr. Carney’s distinguished surgical skill creates a compelling narrative for patients seeking transformative aesthetic or reconstructive procedures. Whether drawn by the promise of a revitalized appearance, the desire for functional improvement after cancer surgery, or the need for a safe, supportive environment to undergo complex body‑contouring, patients find in Dr. Carney a surgeon whose dedication to excellence, safety, and individualized care aligns perfectly with the unique advantages offered by Virginia Beach. This synergy continues to position his practice as a beacon for those who value both world‑class surgical outcomes and the restorative ambiance of a coastal retreat.
