Introduction
Breast augmentation with implants is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in Albany and beyond consider to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the hospitals in Albany that offer this procedure, along with a price list and ranking. It's important to understand all aspects, from the procedure itself to the associated costs and choosing the right provider, to make an informed decision.
What is Breast Augmentation with Implants?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure used to increase the size of the breasts. It involves adding breast implants to the breast tissue. According to Turquoise Health's information on Albany Medical Center Hospital, there are two main types of FDA - approved breast implants: those filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) and those filled with elastic silicone gel, which more closely mimics the feel of natural tissue. Both types have been regularly researched and tested for safety and come with manufacturer warranties.
Procedure Steps
- Incision: The surgeon makes a single cut, typically either under the breast or around the nipple. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) has a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach (as per Capek Plastic Surgery).
- Creating a Pocket: The breast tissue is separated from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space for the implant. At Capek Plastic Surgery, Dr. Capek uses an instrument called the harmonic scalpel to create the pocket, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery.
- Inserting the Implant: The chosen implant is inserted into the created space and positioned either in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.
- Closing the Incision: The surgeon closes the incision with sutures. At Capek Plastic Surgery, they use dissolvable sutures and glue for breast augmentation incisions. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Implants
Women opt for breast augmentation with implants for various reasons. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Appearance: It can improve the size and shape of the breasts, resulting in a more proportioned figure. Many women feel that it allows them to fill out their clothing better, as mentioned by Capek Plastic Surgery.
- Correction of Asymmetry: If a woman has uneven breasts, the procedure can correct this issue, leading to a more balanced appearance.
- Boost in Self - Confidence: Achieving the desired breast size and shape often leads to an increase in self - esteem and improved body image, making women feel more confident in various social and personal situations.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Breast Augmentation with Implants in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation with implants in Albany can vary significantly based on several factors. Rockmore Plastic Surgery and K Plastic Surgery highlight the following:
- Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: More experienced board - certified plastic surgeons may charge higher fees. Their extensive knowledge and skills in performing the procedure can contribute to better outcomes and a lower risk of complications. For example, a surgeon who has been performing breast augmentations for many years and has a high success rate may charge more than a less experienced one.
- Geographic Location of the Practice: The cost of the procedure is often higher in large cities where demand for the procedure is greater. Albany, being a well - populated area, may have different pricing compared to smaller towns. The cost of living and operating a medical practice in the city can influence the overall cost of the surgery.
- Surgical Facility: Private surgical suites and outpatient surgery centers often charge less than hospital operating rooms. The level of comfort, the availability of advanced equipment, and the quality of post - operative care provided by the facility can also affect the price.
- Type of Implants Used (Saline vs. Silicone): Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline implants. However, many women find the extra expense worth it for the more natural look and feel of silicone implants.
- Complexity of the Procedure: More complex surgeries require more surgery time, increasing the facility and surgeon's fees. For instance, if a patient has pre - existing breast conditions or requires additional shaping during the procedure, it will likely be more expensive.
- Additional Procedures Performed Simultaneously: Adding a breast lift or tummy tuck to breast augmentation can increase surgical time and overall costs. Combining procedures can be a cost - effective option in some cases, but it also requires more recovery time and can be more physically demanding on the patient.
Price List for Breast Augmentation with Implants in Albany
Here is a comparison of the price ranges offered by different providers in Albany:
| Provider | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Rockmore Plastic Surgery | $8,600 to $8,800 | Anesthesia fees, facility fees, all office and surgeon fees, post - op care. Does not include prescription medications, lab work (if necessary), and certain post - surgical garments. |
| K Plastic Surgery | $9,500 (breast augmentation with silicone implants) | Surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, hospital fee, recovery room, overnight stay in the hospital (if required). There is a $500 scheduling fee at the time of booking surgery (non - refundable), and the balance of payment is due at the pre - operative appointment or 3 weeks before surgery. Other incidental fees may include those for a physician assistant, garments, and lab work. |
It's important to note that these are just estimates, and to obtain a definite price, you will require a consultation with the respective providers.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Breast Augmentation with Implants in Albany
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital offers breast enlargement using prosthetic implants. It provides both cash prices and insurance prices, depending on the patient's payment situation. The hospital has an address of 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, and can be contacted at (518) 262 - 2400. In terms of care quality, it has 2 stars. Some of its performance metrics include below - average effectiveness of care and patient experience, while it has above - average safety of care compared to the national average.
Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon. The practice offers personalized plastic surgery procedures to meet the patient's unique cosmetic goals and needs. Their breast augmentation pricing includes routine office visits, plastic surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, operating room fees, and post - op care. They provide price ranges for various procedures and encourage patients to request a consultation for specific pricing.
Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is an expert in breast augmentation. She offers a variety of breast implant options, including different sizes, shapes, and materials. Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size. The procedure is usually performed in their quada - accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. The practice provides comprehensive after - care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Top Surgeons in Albany (as per Healthgrades)
| Surgeon | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Recovery and After - Care
Recovery from breast augmentation with implants is an important part of the process. After the surgery, patients can expect the following:
- Immediate Post - Surgery: Patients will be given a prescription to control pain if needed. The surgeon may remove the stitches in about a week. At Capek Plastic Surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours after the surgery and are advised to wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. The doctor may also recommend resting quietly for 24 to 48 hours.
- Return to Normal Activities: Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week. However, strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks to allow the breasts to heal properly. The healing process and the ability to resume normal activities can vary from patient to patient depending on their health and the extent of the procedure.
- Long - Term Monitoring: Over the long term, patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician. If silicone implants are used, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks and Complications
Although breast augmentation with implants is a relatively common and safe procedure, there are still some risks involved:
- Early Risks: Early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - and post - operative care from a trained surgeon, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
- Long - Term Risks: Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues. The most common long - term problem is capsular contracture, which is the formation of abnormal scar tissue around the implant, leading to increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast. This is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation. Other risks include implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position, like dropping too low) and implant rupture. If saline breast implants break, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. For silicone implants, since a rupture may be silent, the FDA recommends periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity.
Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic breast augmentation costs, related complications, or another surgery to revise the appearance of the breasts. Some carriers even exclude breast diseases in patients who have breast implants. It's crucial to carefully review your health insurance policy before having your breast augmentation to understand your financial responsibilities.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with implants is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on a woman's appearance and self - confidence. In Albany, there are several reputable hospitals and surgeons offering this procedure, each with their own price ranges and specialties. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to take into account factors such as the surgeon's experience, the type of implants, the surgical facility, and the associated costs. Additionally, understanding the recovery process, potential risks, and insurance coverage is crucial for a successful outcome.
To make an informed decision, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple providers in Albany. Ask questions, discuss your goals, and get detailed price quotes. Share this guide with others who may be considering breast augmentation with implants to help them make the best choice for their needs.
