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.
At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue combines advanced surgical training with a personalized, patient-focused approach to breast augmentation. Serving patients throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul area from our Plymouth office, our team is committed to helping you achieve natural-looking results that align with your goals and enhance your confidence.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
You may be a good candidate for this surgery for many reasons, including:
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You are concerned that your breasts are too small.
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You feel that you would look better overall if your breasts were larger.
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Weight loss, aging, or pregnancy has caused your breasts to be smaller.
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Your breasts are unequal in size and shape.
Your Personal Consultation
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 and extensive 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.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
During the procedure, the implant will be placed in a pocket surgically created just behind your normal breast tissue or beneath the muscles of the back of 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.
Breast Implant Types
One of the things Dr. McCue will discuss with you is the type of implant to be used in your procedure. With the FDA approval, silicone implants are once again available as a choice for breast augmentation, and saline implants may also be used.
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Saline Implants – These implants are made of a non-reactive silicone outer shell and filled with a sterile saline solution. They may be pre-filled or filled at the time of surgery, allowing for size adjustments.
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Silicone Implants – Using a shell similar to saline implants, these implants are filled with silicone gel. The implants are pre-filled to a specific size. Silicone implants have a density and feel similar to your own breast tissue.
Implant Shapes
Round
Round 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 interfere 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 longer, but it is still a very safe technique, as it carries a much lower risk of 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 will be 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.
Either way, you’ll be given detailed instructions about what to do following the surgery, along with things to avoid. You may be prescribed medications to prevent infection and for discomfort.
As with all surgery, complete recovery will take a variable amount of time. After the post-surgical recovery period of one to two days, the results will be apparent, but some minor swelling may last longer, and incision lines will fade over time. Dr. McCue will explain exactly what to expect in your particular case, and will schedule follow-up visits.
Why Choose Dr. McCue for Breast Augmentation
Dr. McCue is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than 20 years of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures.
He takes time to answer every question and explain each step of surgery, so patients understand what to expect before and after their procedure. Our practice follows evidence-based techniques, and patient reviews consistently reflect Dr. McCue’s attentive manner and commitment to high-quality results.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
The objective of breast augmentation is to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. It cannot positively change the elevation of your breasts. If you are concerned about breast drooping, ask Dr. McCue about a breast lift. A breast lift is easy to combine with breast augmentation to achieve your ideal breast appearance.
Dr. McCue can help you determine your ideal size prior to your surgery. You may try on multiple sizes to see which best matches your preferred profile and proportions, so there are no surprises.
Breast augmentation costs are determined by factors such as the type and size of implants you choose and the surgical approach Dr. McCue uses to insert them. After devising a unique surgical plan during a consultation to address your cosmetic requests, Dr. McCue can provide a quote. Financing options are available to help you cover the cost of this elective surgery.
Most breast implants last about 10 to 20 years before they should be removed or replaced. If you are concerned with the condition of your implants, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor to determine if breast revision/breast explant surgery is appropriate.
In most cases, it is not necessary to wait. Dr. McCue can place your implants under the pectoral muscles so that they don’t interfere with your ability to nurse later. The only time Dr. McCue may suggest postponing breast augmentation is if you are planning to have children very soon. Because your breasts can change size, shape, and elevation following pregnancy, it may make sense to wait so that you can maintain the precise proportions that you want.
Many patients naturally have some degree of asymmetry. Breast augmentation can improve balance by selecting different implant sizes for each side or by combining augmentation with a breast lift when needed. After examining your anatomy, Dr. McCue will recommend the option that best creates a more even appearance.
Patients typically experience soreness and tightness during the early healing period. Most people are comfortable resuming light daily activities fairly soon, while more strenuous exercise must wait until Dr. McCue confirms that healing is progressing well. He provides a detailed, personalized timeline so you know exactly when it is safe to return to work and exercise.
Breasts continue to age naturally. Gravity, skin elasticity, and weight changes may affect long-term appearance, but implants generally maintain their shape for many years. Some patients choose revision or a lift later in life to keep their results as youthful as possible.
Mammograms can still be performed with implants. Radiology technicians use specialized imaging views to ensure breast tissue is fully evaluated. Implants do not prevent breast cancer detection.
Dr. McCue places incisions in locations that can be easily concealed, such as beneath the breast fold or around the areola. Scars typically fade over time with proper care. He will discuss incision placement during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Most patients are advised to sleep on their backs for the first few weeks to avoid pressure on the chest. Side sleeping is typically allowed once healing progresses and the implants have settled into place.
Light movement is typically encouraged early in recovery, but returning to structured exercise happens gradually. Dr. McCue will guide you on when to resume activities like cardio, strength training, and chest-focused workouts based on how your body is healing. His personalized approach ensures you progress safely and comfortably.
Dr. McCue places incisions in naturally discreet areas to keep scars as hidden as possible. The ideal incision location depends on several factors, including your anatomy, implant type, and whether the implant is placed above or below the muscle. Implant placement can influence which incision gives the best access, but it is only one part of the overall decision. During your consultation, Dr. McCue will explain the approach he recommends and why it best supports your goals and healing.
Temporary changes in nipple sensation can occur as nerves adjust during healing. Most patients notice improvement over time, although recovery varies from person to person. Dr. McCue will discuss what is typical based on your surgical plan.
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Possible complications include capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, and changes in sensation. Choosing a board-certified and experienced surgeon like Dr. McCue helps reduce these risks, and his evidence-based approach supports safe healing.
Enhance Your Curves and Feel More Confident with Breast Augmentation in Minneapolis, MN
If you are over 18 years of age, in good health, and you feel that having larger breasts may be the right decision for you, scheduling a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step toward your goal. You’ll get the information you need and can decide, after an assessment and discussion with the doctor, whether you want to go forward.
Dr. McCue will be happy to consult with you on your plans and help you make your decision by providing accurate, respectful information and advice. Contact his Plymouth, MN, office to schedule a consultation.
