Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure that enhances breast volume, shape, and proportion, most often through the placement of silicone or saline implants. ⁽¹⁾

Whether due to pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and aging-related breast changes or a long-standing desire for fuller breasts, many women seek this procedure to achieve their ideal chest. Breast augmentation offers a customizable way to restore fullness and create contours that feel more aligned with personal aesthetic goals.

Dr. Daniel Murariu and his team provide breast augmentation procedures in Honolulu, Hawaii, as part of a comprehensive approach to cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Murariu is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training in complex techniques and a strong emphasis on precision, balance, and long-term outcomes. Patients seeking subtle refinement or more noticeable enhancement receive individualized care designed around their anatomy and lifestyle when they visit Dr. Murariu and his team.

To begin your breast augmentation journey, you can schedule a personal consultation online or contact Dr. Murariu’s office directly over the phone at (808) 302-7188.

Before and After Photos

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About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases breast size and improves contour through the use of implants or fat transfer. While it remains one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States, the procedure itself is highly individualized. ⁽¹⁾ Successful outcomes depend on thoughtful planning, careful implant selection, and precise placement rather than size alone. The objective focuses on creating a balanced, proportionate result that complements the patient’s natural frame.

Breast augmentation addresses a range of concerns, including naturally smaller breasts, asymmetry, and volume loss following pregnancy or weight changes. The procedure also plays a role in restoring confidence for patients who feel their breast appearance no longer reflects how they see themselves.

Research is important while planning breast augmentation. Patients should carefully navigate factors like implant composition, shape, size, placement, and more. Fortunately, Dr. Murariu is an established expert and researcher in the field, and his expertise helps to guide patients to the best options. During the planning process, Dr. Murariu considers chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, and long-term aesthetic goals to guide every decision. This personalized approach supports results that appear natural, refined, and harmonious with the rest of the body. When planning breast augmentation, patients have two implant options to choose from.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants remain a popular choice for patients seeking a soft, natural feel and smooth contours. Filled with cohesive silicone gel, these implants closely mimic the texture of natural breast tissue and often suit patients with less existing volume. ⁽²⁾ Silicone implants come in a range of sizes and profiles, allowing for customization based on body proportions and desired projection. Dr. Murariu carefully evaluates these factors during the consultation process to support results that look balanced rather than overstated.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water after placement. ⁽²⁾ This technique allows for smaller incisions and fine-tuning of volume during surgery. Saline implants provide a reliable option for patients who prefer this material or who have specific surgical considerations. While they may feel slightly firmer than silicone in some cases, careful placement and planning help maintain a natural appearance.

Benefits

Breast augmentation offers several notable benefits, including:

Ideal Candidates

Breast augmentation suits a wide range of patients, though ideal candidates tend to share certain characteristics. Patients most likely to benefit typically include:

During a personal consultation, Dr. Murariu conducts a thorough evaluation to determine whether breast augmentation aligns with your goals and anatomy. .

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation with Dr. Murariu establishes the foundation for a successful breast augmentation experience. During this visit, he takes time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and perform a detailed physical evaluation. Factors such as chest width, breast tissue, skin quality, and overall proportions guide the discussion around implant type, size, and placement.

Patients also receive detailed explanations of surgical options, recovery expectations, and long-term considerations. This collaborative process allows Dr. Murariu to gain the information necessary to create a fully personalized treatment plan for your goals.

To begin your breast augmentation journey, schedule a personal consultation online or call Dr. Murariu and his team at (808) 302-7188.

Preparation

Preparation for breast augmentation involves following the detailed instructions Dr. Murariu provides. These guidelines may include adjusting medications, avoiding nicotine, completing preoperative testing, and planning time away from work or daily responsibilities. Proper preparation supports surgical safety and smooth recovery while helping patients feel confident and informed.

Procedure

Breast augmentation procedures take place under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Murariu uses carefully selected incision locations, often along the breast crease, around the areola or in the armpit, to reduce visible scarring. Dr. Murariu places implants according to the individualized surgical plan, with options for placement above or below the chest muscle depending on anatomy and goals.

Depending on the patient and their anatomy and preferences, Dr. Murariu will likely place the implant utilizing either submuscular or subfascial placement methods. For submuscular placement, the implant sits partially or fully beneath the pectoral muscle, which will often create a more natural upper breast slope while reducing the risk of visible implant edges and capsular contracture. ⁽³⁾

For patients who undergo a subfascial placement approach, the implant sits above the chest muscle and beneath the breast tissue. This allows for a shorter recovery and more pronounced fullness, making this option well-suited for patients with adequate breast tissue coverage. ⁽³⁾ Some patients may undergo dual-plane placement, which combines elements from both of these techniques.

Regardless of the selected placement method, Dr. Murariu uses precise closure techniques to support healing and long-term aesthetic outcomes. Procedure times will vary from patient to patient, and most patients can expect to return home the same day under the discretion of Dr. Murariu.

Recovery

Recovery experiences vary based on surgical approach and individual healing response. Dr. Murariu and his team will provide detailed recovery instructions to navigate the process. Most patients notice swelling, soreness, and chest tightness during the early stages of recovery. These effects gradually improve with time and prescribed medications. Many patients return to light activities within a week, and they can resume more strenuous exercise after several weeks. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Murariu to monitor healing and address any concerns as recovery progresses.

Results

Breast augmentation results become visible immediately, with continued refinement as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Over the following months, the breasts soften and take on a more natural appearance. Many patients describe feeling more comfortable in their clothing and more confident in their appearance. With proper care and routine follow-ups, results can remain long-lasting and satisfying.

Corresponding and Combination Procedures

Beyond breast augmentation, Dr. Murariu and his team are experienced in a variety of other treatments. For comprehensive results, many of Dr. Murariu’s patients also pursue treatments such as:

Breast Lift

A breast lift addresses sagging by repositioning breast tissue and the nipple to a more youthful position. Combining a lift with augmentation allows for improved shape alongside increased volume.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction removes excess tissue to improve comfort and proportion. In select cases, this helps refine symmetry and overall balance.

Breast Reconstruction

Patients looking to restore breast shape following mastectomy or trauma may opt for breast reconstruction. Dr. Murariu offers reconstructive approaches that emphasize both form and function.

Breast Augmentation Complications (and Preventing Them)

Breast augmentation is generally safe with the proper techniques, but complications can occur. Symmastia, the loss of cleavage due to over-dissection or oversized implants, results from poor surgical planning. ^(4,5) Chronic fistulas after breast augmentation, sometimes due to infections, are rare but serious and often a result of non-sterile instruments or environments and/or inadequate postoperative care. ⁽⁶⁾ Illegal breast pumping or injections with liquid silicone can cause severe inflammation, migration of material, chronic pain, and deformity, often requiring complex reconstruction. ⁽⁷⁾ Capsular contracture, the abnormal tightening of scar tissue around an implant, may lead to pain and distortion.

Prevention starts with proper patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, sterile conditions, and the use of approved implants and materials. Just as important is choosing a highly trained, ethical, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Murariu emphasizes safety, anatomical precision, and evidence-based practice to significantly reduce risks, keep complications rare and minimal, and address them early and appropriately. The right surgeon is the most critical factor in achieving safe, lasting results.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in Honolulu

The cost of breast augmentation depends on the surgical approach, implant type, anesthesia, and facility fees. Dr. Murariu thoroughly reviews pricing during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Schedule a consultation today to discover your breast enhancement possibilities. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please do not hesitate to call our Honolulu office at (808) 302-7188.

FAQ

References

1. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
2. Swanson E. Prospective Study of Saline versus Silicone Gel Implants for Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002882
3. STRASSER E. Results of subglandular versus subpectoral augmentation over time: One surgeon’s observations. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2006;26(1):45-50. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2005.11.007
4. Parsa FD, Parsa AA, Koehler S, Murariu D. “Surgical correction of symmastia.” Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010, 125(5):1577-9.
5. Parsa FD, Koehler S, Parsa AA, Murariu D, Daher P. “Symmastia after breast augmentation.” Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011, 127(3);63e-5e.
6. Jackowe DJ, Murariu D, Parsa NN, Parsa FD. “Chronic fistulas after breast augmentation secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus.” Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010, 126(1):38e-39e.
7. Murariu D, Holland M, Gampper TJ, Cambell CA. “Illegal breast pumping with liquid silicone phenomenon in the transgender community and reconstructive challenges.” Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015, 135(5):932e-3e.