One of the most talked about and performed cosmetic surgery procedures is breast enhancement. We all have seen before and after photos and know the various reasons why women choose to undergo the procedure, but few people are aware of the wide variation of surgery techniques and the vital decisions involved in the process.

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to be well-informed not only about pre and post-op issues, but about what options are available and which ones will best suit your needs. Knowing the ins and outs of the procedure will help you make an informed, thoughtful decision about undergoing surgery.

On average, a breast augmentation takes between one and two hours to complete, varying depending on the kind of implant material and its placement, as well as where the incision is made. Other factors such as previous surgeries, traumas, or breast abnormalities will also affect the length and extent of the procedure.

The first step in the surgery is choosing which implant is right for you. The most common are saline implants which are filled with a solution of salt water. While these are generally safer than the more controversial silicone alternative, they run the risk of causing a rippling effect to the skin.

After you've chosen the type of implant you'd like, you still have to consider plenty of other questions.

The size, shape, and sometimes even the texture of your implant will be mostly a personal aesthetic choice, depending on your body type and current breast appearance. In some cases, your doctor will help you make a decision. For example, if you have minimal breast tissue, a very large size may not be reasonable.

Another important decision to consider is the placement of the implant and the incision.

There are four main methods of placement, each with their own benefits and risks. For reconstructive patients, submuscular is often used and is when the implant is placed underneath the pectoral muscle.

Similarly, there is subpectoral, which goes halfway beneath the muscle and is the most common placement. Subglandular is placed between the muscle and tissue layer, resulting in a more natural appearance, but it is also more prone to creasing.

Subfascial goes one layer deeper than subglandular beneath the gristly fascia which covers the muscle. Some proponents believe that this helps keep the surface of the implant smooth.

The final decision you'll face is how you want the implant inserted into your body. The two main methods of incision are below the breast where the skin folds and around the areola of the nipple. Less common incisions, but with less visible scarring, are through the armpit and through the navel. The size and placement of the implant will influence which incisions are possible.

Educating yourself about the many different facets of breast augmentation and examining your own expectations of the surgery will help you achieve the best possible results.