Breast Augmentation Breast Implants - Honolulu Hawaii

What Is the Cost of Breast Implants in Hawaii?

At our Honolulu Hawaii clinic, breast augmentation surgery will cost between $5000.00 – $10,000.00 which includes all fees. This wide range can depend on a great many variables. To determine more closely how much breast augmentation surgery will cost you, please refer to our Breast Augmentation Cost page.

What Kind of Breast Implants Should I Get?

First of all, we use Mentor Breast Implants fairly exclusively these days and the vast majority of breast augmentation surgeries completed in the past 30 years have had Mentor. Most of our patients receive Memory Gel Breast Implants as the price has become more acceptable in the past decade and the quality is unmatched. Most patients don’t bother with Saline Breast Implants much anymore, whereas in the past they were a much more affordable and proven product. We don’t see much sense or reason to allow our patients to choose a brand of breast implants that they want. Most have no idea and haven’t the knowledge or business relationships that a plastic surgeon has built up over decades. Beyond Mentor, there are very few breast implant companies. There is Allergan or Natrelle as they’re called, which is really the only comparable manufacturer to Mentor. There are 2 other significant manufacturers beyond the big 2 and they are Sientra and Ideal. Much of the fear and negative stigma attached to silicone implants has subsided, although there are some who still have a deep distrust for silicone implants.

What’s the Difference Between Silicone & Gel Breast Implants?

There is really no difference between gel or silicone breast implants. It’s not to say that today’s gel breast implants and silicone breast implants from 50 years ago are identical. They are very different in the sense that today’s breast implants are very safe. Do they contain silicone? Yes, todays modern breast implants do in fact contain silicone. The biggest difference is the consistency of the material in the breast implants. If you were to somehow puncture a Mentor breast implant, the gel inside will not leak out. It’s cohesive and does not leak. It will remain contained within the outer shell. This was one of the primary reasons for all the trouble in the past. The breast implants leaked into the body. By the way, you can watch videos of trucks driving over todays modern breast implants and they don’t burst or even puncture.

The breast implants names have changed to reduce the bad feelings and negative connotations attached to silicone breast implants which were quite dodgy when they were first introduced. Gel breast implants, cohesive gel breast implants, memory gel breast implants, silicone breast implants, gummy bear breast implants, etc are all just different names for basically the same overall product (a cohesive gel breast implant) and the names are merely marketing choices. Each company arrives at the end differently and each implant has its own proprietary manufacturing and special characteristics, but they are all laser focused on safety and durability above all.

How to Choose the Size of Your Breast Implants?

Breasts are a distinguishing characteristic of the female form in art and culture. That’s why having a breast size and shape that you feel comfortable with is so important to many women. Of course the definition of a desirable shape and size may vary with culture, time and geographic location. In beach communities like Waikiki, Hawaii, a woman who fills out her swimwear is often seen as the ideal. In some cultures, however, the smaller yet shapely breast is preferred. Only through allowing you enough time for meaningful discussion can we reach a your goal, as each person has their own vision of what the perfect breast is. What ever that is for you we will do all we can to achieve your vision.

What are the Different Profiles and Shapes of Breast Implants?

There are always different shapes and types of breast implants on the market. Most of the types have to do with their shape and projection or how full they appear when placed. Some implant shapes are more appropriate for certain patients, depending on the breast implant placement, the patient’s natural breast size, the amount of tissue, the amount of laxity or sagging and also if they’ve had previous breast augmentation surgery or complications, this can influence the type of breast implant chosen. Here is a great reference for the different Mentor breast implant options or profiles.

As a specialist in breast augmentation Dr. Pasquale can help you obtain the size, shape and look you desire. The natural look or the high profile look will be your choice, as will be size. We will work with you to make the right decision drawing from his many years of helping woman just like you. We consider breast augmentation to be an art as much as a surgical science. We seek to integrate your vision of the final outcome with what is possible. All of this is done in a warm and comfortable atmosphere to enable you to openly discuss your desires in regards to your body.

Breast Augmentation Surgical Incisions

Breast implant surgery can be performed through several different incision sites. Each incision or approach has its pros and cons. It’s important to understand not all surgeons are able to perform breast implant surgery proficiently using each approach. When it comes to breast augmentation, one of the most important questions faced by the patient and the surgeon is that of the breast augmentation incisions. This is where the cut is made in order to create the breast pocket and insert the breast implants. When selecting from the various types of breast augmentation incisions available it is vital that the surgeon you choose be competent and experienced in that particular incision.

Some surgeons are more comfortable with one or two types of breast implant surgeries, and they try to push you towards these types. An experienced breast augmentation specialist will be fully competent and confident in any of the three major types (trans-axillary, periareolar, Inframammary). Different areas scar differently and carry different risks. Some scars are also more noticeable than others. Talk to your plastic surgeon and listen to their opinion, as well as do your own research to help make this decision.

Periareola Incision

Periareola or around the areola -nipple incision is becoming the choice of a large population of women who are having their breasts enlarged. The incision is made at the outer edge of the areola and not within it as otherwise the incision could heal and leave an obvious white scar on the areola. All types of implants, above and below the muscle, can be placed and removed by this method of breast augmentation incisions. One of the biggest advantages of the areola incision is that the surgeon is able to work closest to the breast, thus in many ways making it less invasive as compared to, say, a TUBA incision. This incision site is easy to conceal as it appears on the already darkened tissue of the areola or nipple which easily hides the scar. The incision is generally no longer than an inch long. There is increased potential for damage to milk ducts which can cause difficulty breast feeding. This incision is in the armpit and the creases hide the incision very well. The incision is generally no longer than an inch long. Surgeons may or may not use an endoscope to perform this surgery depending on experience.

The diagram illustrates the different approaches or incision sites for the placement of breast implants during breast augmentation.
The 4 approaches are: transaxillary, periareolar, inframammary & transumbilical. Transumbilical isn’t considered an appropriate or reasonable approach for the majority of patients receiving breast implants. It’s merely shown in the diagram to reinforce it’s uselessness.

Trans-axillary Incision

The trans-axillary incision is also called an armpit incision and is considered to be ideal for hiding away breast augmentation incisions in the folds of the skin in the armpit. In this case the surgeon is working away from the breast and may or may not require the use of an endoscope. It is vital that you speak to your surgeon about his experience in breast augmentation incisions at the armpit site. Dr. Pasquale has performed thousands of successful breast augmentations through the axillary incisions. In fact Dr. Pasquale has invented an instrument just for this incision he named this the Boob-a-Rang as its shape is similar to the Australian hunting tool called a boom-a-rang.

Inframammary Fold Incision

The inframammary or crease incision is one of the most common of all the breast augmentation incisions available. This incision is the easiest to perform as it is directly underneath the breast in the natural fold. The incision is more difficult to conceal and scars are often visible in this area. Breast feeding problems are less probable with inframammary incisions. It allows the placement of implants both over and under the muscle and allows the surgeon to work close to the breast. The incision is made at the inframammary fold which is also called the crease and with proper placement the breast augmentation incision will practically invisible. The problem arises only when there is less or thin breast tissue but nonetheless a reputed and experienced surgeon will be able to perform this breast augmentation incision. This is an older incision and not our favorite due to some possible scar problems.

TransUmbilical Incision

Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA), places the implant through the navel or belly button. This type of approach garnered popularity more so as a fad as opposed to a scientifically viable option. Transumbilical breast implant surgery is generally not recommended to patients. Like the trans-axillary incision this breast augmentation incision is also away from the breast and would require the expertise of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Essentially this breast augmentation incision requires the use of an endoscope which creates a tunnel through the subcutaneous fat to position the implant at its correct position. This type of breast augmentation incision is only meant for implants that are filled once placed in the body. The recovery from TUBA is quicker but a partial muscular placement of the implant may be difficult. For TUBA incision it is vital that you select a surgeon who is experienced and in this breast augmentation incision. We feel this incision is not the best due to the fact that in most cases you are placing an implant so far away that placement in the correct position is not accurate. Also one cannot use silicone breast implants with the TUBA. Finally there is some evidence that pushing a implant through a metal tube may lead to higher deflation rates and damage to the breast implant.

Breast Implant Placement Over or Under the Muscle

When considering breast augmentation, the breast implant can be placed under or over the pectoralis muscle. It is wise to inform oneself of the pros and cons of both options and discuss it with the cosmetic surgeon who will help in making a decision that suits the individual’s body and her lifestyle the most. Dr. Pasquale ensures that his patients understand the options and implications regarding implant placement and that they make an informed decision. Most of the muscle beneath the breast tissue is the pectoralis major, which is similarly shaped as an oriental fan attached at the upper arm bone, the sternum or breast bone and at the ribs. This provides space for an implant to be set right behind the muscle.

Submuscular placement of the breast implants (under the pectoralis muscle), is for the most part, the preferred method of placement for the majority of our patients. Breast tissue can become stretched and thinned, resulting in rippling (among other problems) due to the breast implant being placed above the muscle.

Breast Implants Risks & Complications

Every surgery carries with it risks and complications and breast augmentation is no different. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic breast surgery procedure that increases the shape and size of the breasts. Whether it is because of naturally asymmetrical breasts, losing a breast to cancer or simply because a woman wants to acquire breasts of a shape and size that she desires breast augmentation provides the perfect solution. Breast augmentation requires surgery and is oftentimes performed under general anesthesia. Having an experienced and skilled board certified plastic surgeon drastically reduces the risk of infection and complication rate. Post operative care can greatly reduce the risks of breast augmentation risks or complications. All patients are drastically different in their anatomy, their ability to heal, scar or recover from surgery, therefore it isn’t possible to guarantee a specific outcome. The most common risk or complication associated with breast augmentation (with breast implants) is capsular contracture (described below).

• Breast Implant Deflation & Rupture

  Breast Implant Deflation or Rupture is a fairly common complication. Breast implants can rupture or deflate and it is important to understand that most likely the implant will not last you a lifetime. Deflation of saline filled breast implants is usually noticeable as the implant will empty itself in a couple of hours. As the saline solution is similar in consistency as what occurs naturally in the human body there is no risk from the leakage but the implant would need to be taken out or replaced.

• Capsular Contracture

  This condition is primarily due to the breast tissue growing around and onto the implant, squeezing and contracting it. Capsular contracture is the most common complication associated with breast augmentation surgery. Usually a scar develops around the implant making it firm and often painful. This condition doesn’t really have a cause other than the natural action of the breast tissue growth. Also there is no way of ensuring that it will not occur again.

• Implant Displacement

  The breast implants may move out of position. Fortunately this condition is fairly rare and occurs usually in women with rather large implants. The cause of implants shifting or moving out of what is considered the optimal position is more often that not caused by the surgeon overdissecting or creating a breast pocket which is too large. The implants may drop too low below the inframammary fold, they may shift too far apart, or they may appear too close to the middle of the chest. All of these problems can be corrected with breast revision surgery

• Interference with Mammograms

  Breast augmentation may interfere with mammograms, though the interference is lesser when the implant is placed under the muscle.

• Loss of Sensation

  While this may occur soon after the breast augmentation it usually disappears with time. However numbness of the nipple area is a breast augmentation risk.

• Infection

  Infections can be avoided by selecting a good surgeon in a regulated country. It is vital that you don’t compromise on the quality of the surgeon and post operative care by reducing the cost of breast augmentation. Any infection suspected by the patient must be reported to the surgeon and will most likely be treated by antibiotics.

• Calcification

  Calcification of the capsule may occur around the implant and in case the woman is lactating, galactorrhea is also a breast augmentation complication.

• Reaction to Anesthesia

  A negative reaction to anesthesia could occur during any surgical procedure and should also be considered as a breast augmentation complication. Ensure that you are as honest and thorough as possible regarding your medical history as well as when speaking with your anesthesiologist prior to surgery.

• Breast tissue Atrophy

  Atrophy of the breast is essentially the shrinking of breast tissue and can be caused due to the pressure of the breast implants.

• Extrusion

  Extrusion is considered a rare and extreme breast augmentation complication wherein the body rejects the implant as it would a thorn and attempts to expel it. The implant may be visible under the skin and would require to be removed. Although extrusion or rejection of the implant is rare, it does occur in around 2% of breast augmentation patients.