Breast Augmentation In Honolulu, HI

Introduction

Breast Augmentation

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Breast augmentation consistently ranks as one of the top procedures performed by plastic surgeons across the country and for good reason. A full, shapely chest can help balance your proportions, increase your confidence, and make you feel more feminine.

Breast augmentation surgery enhances the size and shape of the breasts using saline or silicone breast implants. It can also correct breast asymmetry (when one breast sits higher than the other), as well as tuberous breast deformity (a condition where the breast tissue is constricted and the breasts cannot mature properly).

If you are considering breast augmentation in Honolulu, Hawaii with Dr. Larry Schlesinger, read on to learn all about this life-changing procedure.

What is a Breast Augmentation?

Modern breast augmentations have come a long way since they were invented in Houston, Texas in the early 1960s. The quality of the implant has also improved tremendously. There are two basic types of implants: silicone and saline. Each has its purpose, and in the hands of a well-trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, one or the other will be used correctly to get the best possible results. Breast implants are used for either purely aesthetic reasons or in breast reconstruction. Dr. Schlesinger does not perform breast reconstruction, but we are fortunate in Hawaii to have several excellent reconstructive breast surgeons.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACSs Technical Skill, and Experience

  • Surgical Experience: More than 30 Years in Hawaii & 19,000 procedures
  • Former President of the Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Visiting Professor of Surgery, University of Oklahoma
  • Hawaii Medical Association Physician of the Year 2000-2001
  • Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1985
  • First in his class in medical school
  • Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

What are Tuberous Breasts?

The tuberous breast deformity is more common than you think and it requires the expertise of a plastic surgeon experienced in properly correcting the deformity based on your individual needs. Often, a traditional breast augmentation alone is not sufficient for achieving a beautiful result, so Dr. Schlesinger employs a number of advanced techniques for ensuring a symmetrical, natural-looking outcome.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Schlesinger has experienced most of the innovative procedures, techniques, and implants. Based on this experience, this is what he tells all his patients:

Implant Style or Variation

Dr. Schlesinger does not like anatomic or teardrop-shaped breast implants because if they rotate, which sometimes they do, it gives a very strange breast shape. Dr. Schlesinger exclusively uses round, smooth implants, as he believes they offer the patient the consistently best breast augmentation in the short and long run. From 1991-2006 silicone breast implants were unavailable for breast augmentation except when done by an FDA investigator. Saline was the only implant that was used routinely at that time. Saline has many problems and it rarely is as good as silicone in cosmetic breast augmentation. In a thin-skinned woman with small breasts, silicone is always the implant of choice.

Woman in black bikini near to the beach

Incisions for Breast Augmentations

Breast augmentation through the belly button is a bad idea, and not one of the Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Hawaii uses this technique because the results are very unpredictable and uncontrollable, and implants can only be placed on top of the muscle.

Incisions in the crease at the bottom of the breast, called inframammary incisions, leave an unacceptable scar and should only be used in very unusual circumstances for aesthetic breast enhancement. Incisions at the edge of the areola are acceptable, especially for redo’s, but they can leave a scar on the breast. Any visible scar takes away from the beauty or aesthetic appearance of the breast.

Transaxillary incisions (incisions in the armpit) are his favorite route of entry for breast augmentations for the following reasons:

A) Armpit scars tend to be very thin and fine because the lower part of the skin, the dermis is thin, and, in general, the thinner the dermis, the finer the scar as long as it is sewn up correctly

B) No one, not even your mother, has ever intentionally looked into your armpits.

Positioning of Implants

Implants can be placed above or below the pectoralis (chest) muscle. 98% of the time, Dr. Schlesinger prefers going below the pectoralis muscle because:

A) It gives an extra layer of covering over the implant, therefore making the implant less obvious.

B) It is common knowledge in plastic surgery that implants under the muscle tend to stay softer over time.

C) The pectoralis muscle originates on the humerus (bone of the upper arm) and inserts on the clavicle (collar bone) and the sternum, therefore, with the implant underneath the pectoralis muscle, the breast appears to originate in an unbroken line from the collarbone to the nipple, whereas if you go on top the muscle, the breast implant appears to start much lower, giving it a less natural look.

D) Mammography of the breast is made easier if the implant is behind the muscle because the radiologist sees the muscle density and knows that all the breast tissue is above this muscle density and the implant is below.

Like most plastic surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Schlesinger goes partially subpectoral, cutting a small strip of pectoralis muscle off the fifth rib. He feels if the implant is completely subpectoral, this does not give a natural, or teardrop shape to the breast.

Size of Implants

Dr. Schlesinger has no difficulty getting large implants, even up to 800cc, through a relatively small incision throughout the armpit using the Keller funnel. The funnel also allows for a no-touch approach. The implant travels from a sterile box into a sterile funnel, then into a sterile subpectoral pocket below the breast tissue. The number two reason for breast implant hardening is the implant is inserted while touching the skin, thus dragging bacteria with it into the subpectoral pocket. Skin bacteria does not cause infection, however, it does cause the body to form a thick capsule around the implant, therefore leading to hard breasts.

Ultrasound After Capsular Contracture

Once the body has formed a tight scar circumferentially around an implant, it is called a capsular contracture. There are three known treatments for this surgery to remove the capsule, Accolate by mouth to decrease the immune response leading to a softer breast S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS wrote the original article on Accolate), and ultrasound of the breast. In our practice, Accolate plus ultrasound has shown great success in non-surgical intervention. We highly recommend this to go along with Accolate as a first line of defense once capsular contraction occurs.

What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world and has a multitude of advantages. Some of the benefits our Hawaii breast augmentation patients have seen include:

  • Achieve a rounder breast shape
  • Clothing fits better (i.e. shirts, dresses, bikini tops)
  • Improved cleavage
  • Larger breast volume
  • More self-confidence
  • Provides more fullness in the upper portion of the breasts

Who are the best Candidates for a Breast Augmentation

The best candidates for our Breast Augmentation in Hawaii included:

  • Are psychologically stable and in overall good health
  • Looking to increase the size of their breasts
  • Have gone through weight loss and/or pregnancy and notice a deflated appearance of their breasts
  • Have realistic expectations of the surgery
  • Non-smoker
  • Transgender women looking into transition often opt for breast implant surgery
  • Want to fill out certain bras and tops better

First Steps

What’s the First Step?

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If you’re interested in Breast Augmentation in Hawaii, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Larry Schlesinger. During this appointment, your breasts and body shape will be examined, and your current measurements will be noted. You’ll be able to ask questions and learn more about the procedure, as well as answer some questions regarding your lifestyle and medical history. It is very important to be as open and honest about your aesthetic goals as possible because communication is key to helping Dr. Schlesinger deliver the best breast augmentation possible.

Next is what most patients find to be the fun part! Dr. Shlesinger will take you through a sizing process so you can choose the implant size and shape that looks best for you. Once you have chosen your implant size, shape, and material, your custom surgical plan will be created. If you’re happy with his recommendations, our Patient Coordinator will book your surgery, and you will be provided with pre and postoperative instructions. You must follow these instructions as closely as possible, as they are designed to decrease risks and complications.

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What to expect on the day of Breast Augmentation

Dr. Schlesinger does all of his transaxillary breast augmentations using an endoscope, just like a gynecologic belly button or arthroscopic knee surgery. Because he has a camera inside and under the breast and muscle and he operates using a monitor, any excessive bleeding is easily stopped. Endoscopic breast augmentations lead to less bruising, less hard breasts, less swelling, and quicker recovery.

The entire surgery will take approximately 2-3.5 hours.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentations are most often done in surgery centers and rarely in hospitals. 99% of all patients go home with a caregiver the same day after surgery. Hospital stays are not typically necessary. You should arrange for a family member or friend to be able to provide a ride for you and be able to stay with you during your initial recovery to help you with basic tasks. Take it easy for three days to prevent excess bleeding. You can typically drive after 3-4 days after surgery.

  • After one week, you can take long walks.
  • After 2 weeks, you can go swimming.
  • After 3 weeks, you can work out at the gym.
  • After 4 weeks, you can go running.

You will need to wait about seven days before you shave under your arms or use deodorant as it could irritate the healing tissue. Full recovery is normally at one month; meaning full physical activity with no restrictions occurs about a month after surgery. Also around the same time, you feel like the implants are emotionally and physically a part of your body, and not something foreign. You should be able to return to work within a week or so, with desk jobs that require minimal mobility in about five days, and more physically demanding jobs in 9-10 days.

What is the cost?

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Hawaii?

Costs for breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Schlesinger at the Breast Implant Center of Hawaii range from $10,000 to $12,000.

This includes surgeon’s fees, operating room and lab costs, your breast implants, post-op garments, laser scar revision, tattooing, and/or touch-ups, should you need them (most surgeons charge extra for touch-ups). Anesthesia fees, medication, and travel costs are not included.

Be sure to check out our patient financing options and current specials to see how you can save.

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Why Choose Dr. Schlesinger?

In the majority of breast augmentations, one should use a smooth, round silicone implant put in through the armpit partially under the pectoralis muscle using an endoscope for the most aesthetic results.

The Breast Implant Center offers a full range of plastic surgery services for all of our Honolulu patients. We offer breast enlargement, breast enhancement, implants, and augmentation along with many other procedures. Your safety and well-being are our top priority. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS performs his surgeries personally. Other professionals in Honolulu often offer procedures by non-Board Certified or junior doctors. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS maintains an office and a full staff. Board Certification in plastic surgery is much more than a professional affiliation: Board Certification requires years of surgical experience, years of residency in accredited hospital surgical programs, intensive board examinations, and stringent peer review.

Schedule Your Consultation

We invite you to review S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS’s qualifications below especially if you are looking to have a procedure or two done. If you’d like to schedule a confidential consultation to talk about any of our procedures like our breast augmentation Honolulu procedure, please feel free to fill out the contact us form to the left of your screen or give any of our office locations a call at (808) 597-8835. We look forward to hearing from you.

28k+ patients worldwide have placed their trust in Breast Implant Center of Hawaii

  • Intelligent423125
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    Everything went well and I am very pleased with my results. Process from beginning to end was great. Staff showed compassion and skill. Surgeon showed great follow-up care with more than just one visit.

  • Marylan54
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    At seven weeks post op……I can say I’m pretty happy with my revision! They have settled well and look so natural. I’m so glad it finally happened. Now on to my 50 year high school reunion!! I wonder if anyone will notice?

  • Kendra C.
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    I love the staff, the office, the nurses and everything about the practice!!! He is very knowledgeable about the procedures and makes sure you are as well. Hands down the best experience I’ve had with minimal down time after my procedure.

  • Amanda V
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    By far the best plastic surgeon, I mean his work is Hollywood perfection. Day 1 post-op I looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe my eyes, our surgeon completely transformed my body. I was already 100% satisfied with my body even with all the swelling. He’s very dedicated to his work and enjoys changing people’s lives. His staff is very sweet and professional. Thank you for all that you do!

  • BoBo B.
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    The practice is awesome. Had some work done and he exceeded my expectations, more than happy. Staff were very friendly and approachable. Our surgeon was always available via phone call to address any concerns or questions. The surgeon and his team are the best!

  • Dan C.
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    Being a man and having gynecomastia can be very embarrassing but his office and staff always made me feel very comfortable about the procedure that I needed to have done. It’s been a few months since my surgery and I’m very happy with the results, I can no longer feel embarrassed about taking off my shirt or going to the beach. The psychological relief has made all the difference in the world.

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