Today breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures plastic surgeons perform in their office surgery suites. Typically they perform 2 or 3 augmentations every week, which not only keeps their skills sharp, but gives them the opportunity to truly develop their own style and preference. This procedure generally yields very predictable results, which helps ensure patient satisfaction.

To increase the size of a woman's breasts, plastic surgeons place breast "implants" into the chest tissues. Therefore they first need an incision in which to work through and a pocket in which to place the implant. The saline filled implants today are generally inflatable like a balloon, so they can use small incisions to place a large implant and "inflate" it after it is in the position that you desire. However, the pocket must be created so that the inflated implant will fit.

One decision plastic surgeon's and you have to make in each case is where the incision site is placed. A fine line scar is produced and the choices are as follows. Through the areola (although, some feel that this damages the ducts for breast feeding); in the crease under the armpit (most breast tissue can be avoided with this incision site); very close to the nipple; through the naval (a newer technique); under the breast itself (one of the older techniques).

When you come in for your consultation you and your surgeon can discuss further aspects of each approach. The photos that you will be shown show some of your plastic surgeon's real-life patients, and you may want to peruse these to see how discreet they can make your scars.

Another decision that also needs to be made is whether to place the implant above the muscle or under the muscle. The "muscle" being talked about is the pectoralis major muscle under the breast and on the chest wall. (The other term used is submuscular for under the muscle and subglandular for over the muscle.)

Here again each position has its advantage and disadvantage. Many plastic surgeons believe for example that the above the muscle position sags more quickly, yet is not as painful the night after surgery. These details will have to be discussed at length during your consultation. There are many other details about above the muscle and below the muscle techniques that your plastic surgeon can explain during your consultation.

Finally, you and your plastic surgeon must work together to determine an appropriate size -- how much to enlarge your breast. This can get tricky and many plastic surgeons have developed a sizing technique in their office in which they have found 96% complete satisfaction rate for size considerations. There may be limitations on size depending on your individual anatomy.

Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in Honolulu and plastic surgery procedures such as honolulu breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast implants.

Tags: breast implants, plastic surgery, breast lift, breast augmentation, hawaii, beauty, honolulu, mammoplasty