Breast augmentation surgery is among the most common cosmetic surgeries. Every woman’s breasts are different, and many women feel that their breasts are too small, unequal in size, or not in proportion with the rest of the body. Breast augmentation surgery can increase breast size and help to give women the bust line that they want. There are also other reasons for breast augmentation. You may be a good candidate for this surgery for many reasons, including those below: You are concerned that your breasts are too small. You feel that you would look better overall if your breasts were larger. Weight loss, aging, or a pregnancy has caused your breasts to be smaller. Your breasts are unequal in size and shape. Personal Consultation of Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Surgery If you’re considering breast augmentation, the first step in the process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced with this surgery. Dr. McCue, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has a special interest in breast augmentation surgery, along with much experience with these procedures. Your consultation will include the taking of a thorough medical history and a discussion of your reasons for wanting breast augmentation. A breast examination and evaluation of your skin type and other factors will lead to a discussion of your options for the procedure and what results you can expect. You’ll also get complete information about the benefits and risks of your surgery. One of the things Dr. McCue will discuss with you is the type of implant to be used in your procedure. With the FDA’s approval, silicone implants are once again available as a choice for breast augmentation, and saline implants may also be used. Saline Implants – These implants are made of a non-reactive silicone outer shell, filled with a sterile solution of salt water. They may be pre-filled, or filled at the time of surgery, allowing for adjustments in size. Silicone Implants – Using a similar outer shell as the saline implants, these implants are filled with a silicone gel. The implants are pre-filled to a specific size. Silicone implants have a density and feel similar to your own breast tissue. During the procedure, the implant will be placed in a pocket surgically created just behind your normal breast tissue or underneath the muscles behind the breast. Incisions for this surgery are placed in inconspicuous areas, depending on the procedure, so they minimize visible scarring. Dr. McCue will discuss implant type, incision placement and other factors with you and will answer all of your questions. Implant Shapes Round Breast Augmentation PlymouthRound implants help to create a fuller breast shape, putting density at both the top and bottom of the breast. They are ideal for enhancing your cleavage. They are available in saline or silicone. Teardrop Also known as form stable or gummy bear implants, teardrop implants are known for creating a more natural breast shape by giving the breasts a youthful, sloping shape. Here, most of the implant’s density is located below the nipple. They are only available in silicone. Placement Dr. McCue can place your implants in front of or behind your pectoral muscles. The right choice for placement depends on your preferences and aesthetic goals. Subglandular Placement This approach puts the implant between the muscle and the breast tissue. It is ideal for creating fuller upper breasts and exaggerating your cleavage. It is also a wiser approach for women who believe they may wish to breastfeed later since it doesn’t impede with nursing. Subglandular implants are also less likely to shift out of place. Submuscular Placement This approach places the implant underneath the chest muscle. Usually, this helps to create a more natural look since the implant is more cushioned and cannot be seen through the breast skin. It also makes mammograms easier to undergo. Because it is a slightly more invasive approach, recovery can take a little bit longer, but it is still a very safe technique given that it poses a much lower risk for capsular contracture. What to Expect Once you’ve decided to go ahead with your breast augmentation, you’ll get complete instructions from Dr. McCue on what you need to do to prepare, and what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery. A Twin Cities surgical facility will be chosen and a date scheduled for the procedure. Dr. McCue will gladly answer any questions you may have. Each breast augmentation surgery is unique and is tailored to the patient, so Dr. McCue will explain exactly what he will do during your procedure. Depending on the details of your surgery, you may go home on the same day after a recovery period following the surgery, or you may spend a night in the hospital.