Introduction
Breast augmentation with implants is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance the shape and size of the breasts. In Albany, there are several hospitals and doctors that offer this service. Choosing the right one is crucial as it directly impacts the safety, quality, and satisfaction of the procedure. This article will provide a carefully - selected hospital and doctor ranking list for breast augmentation with implants in Albany in 2025, along with detailed information about the procedure, candidates, costs, and more.
Procedure Overview
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts using a breast implant or fat transfers. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States and has been consistently in the top 5 since 2006, with nearly 300,000 breast augmentations performed in the USA in 2022 (Source: various plastic surgery statistics).
Types of Breast Implants
- Silicone Gel Implants: Many patients prefer these because of their more natural look and feel, as well as their reduced likelihood of rippling. They have a durable silicone shell filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive ones are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. The cohesive silicone gel sticks together and does not leave the breast pocket if a rupture occurs (Source: multiple plastic surgery websites). For example, in a patient who wants a very natural appearance, silicone gel implants might be a great choice.
- Saline Implants: These are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They are relatively safer in the event of a leak and easier to replace. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. However, they can be prone to visible “rippling,” which is why some patients may not choose them (Source: plastic surgery clinics). For instance, if a patient is more concerned about safety in case of a rupture and has a smaller frame where smaller incisions are beneficial, saline implants could be considered.
- Fat Transfer: Fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to remove fat from parts of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and inject it into their breasts. This is a good option for women who are looking for a small increase in breast size. The fat deposits that are synthesized and transferred to the breasts have a very low chance of rejection and are suitable to be used for either a more modest increase in size or an addition to a silicone or saline implant (Source: Williams Center). A patient who wants a natural - looking and small - scale increase in breast size and has enough excess fat in other areas of the body might opt for fat transfer.
Incision Options
Surgeons usually make an incision in one of three possible areas, and each has its own advantages and considerations:
- Around the Areola (Periareolar): This incision is made along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. It can result in a relatively hidden scar. However, it may have a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation compared to other incisions (Source: Rockmore Plastic Surgery). For patients who are okay with a potential minor change in nipple sensation and want a somewhat hidden scar location, this could be an option.
- In the Armpit (Transaxillary): The incision is hidden in the armpit, which can leave no visible scar on the breast itself. But it can be more technically challenging for the surgeon to place the implant precisely, and there may be a slightly longer recovery time in terms of arm movement (Source: various plastic surgery articles). Patients who are very concerned about having no breast - visible scars may prefer this option.
- Underneath the Breast in its Crease (Inframammary): This is the most commonly recommended approach. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. The scar is relatively well - hidden in the breast crease (Source: Capek Plastic Surgery). Many surgeons recommend this for most patients as it offers a good balance of safety and scar - hiding.
Implant Placement
There are three main types of implant placement:
- Subglandular: The implant is placed above the muscle. This may result in a quicker recovery time as the muscle is not disturbed. However, it may be more likely to have a less natural look, especially in patients with less breast tissue. The implant may also be more visible and palpable (Source: multiple plastic surgery resources). Patients with existing breast tissue and a preference for a shorter recovery might consider subglandular placement.
- Submuscular: The implant is placed behind the pectoralis muscle. This gives the augmented breast a much more natural appearance and feel. It also makes the implants much less likely to interfere with mammograms. However, the recovery may be a bit longer and more uncomfortable as the muscle has been worked on (Source: Williams Center). For patients who prioritize a natural look and want to minimize mammogram interference, submuscular placement is a good choice.
- Biplanar: This is a combination of the two above. It can be beneficial for patients with some slight sagging of the breast as it may avoid the need for a lift. It offers a balance between the advantages of subglandular and submuscular placement (Source: Rockmore Plastic Surgery). A patient with mild breast sagging might be a good candidate for biplanar placement.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
The best candidates for cosmetic breast augmentation in the United States are healthy women with realistic expectations about what can be achieved in breast surgery. Here are some common reasons why women may choose breast augmentation:
- Underdeveloped Natural Breast Tissue: Women with naturally small breasts may choose breast augmentation to increase their breast size and achieve a more proportionate figure (Source: various patient testimonials). For example, a woman who has always felt self - conscious about her small breasts and wants to enhance her body shape may consider this procedure.
- Disproportionately Small Breasts Compared to Lower Body: To create a more balanced overall body appearance, women with this issue may opt for breast augmentation. A person with a curvy lower body but small breasts may feel that breast augmentation can help create a more harmonious silhouette (Source: plastic surgery clinics).
- Asymmetrical or Oddly - Shaped Breasts: Breast augmentation can help correct breast asymmetry or irregular shape, resulting in more symmetric and aesthetically pleasing breasts (Source: patient case studies). If a woman has one breast significantly smaller or a different shape from the other, breast augmentation can be a solution.
- Deflation and Lost Volume due to Weight Loss or After Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: After weight loss or childbirth, many women experience a loss of breast volume and firmness. Breast augmentation can restore the pre - pregnancy or pre - weight loss breast size and shape (Source: multiple patient accounts). For instance, a mother who has finished breastfeeding and wants to regain her pre - baby body shape may choose this procedure.
- Loss of Firmness, Loose Skin, and Sagging Breasts (Often Paired with a Breast Lift): In some cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) or breast augmentation combined with a lift may be more suitable for women who wish to correct the appearance of sagging breasts by improving upon their contour and elevation. Women with significant breast sagging may need a combination of the two procedures for the best results (Source: Williams Center). An older woman or one who has experienced multiple pregnancies and has sagging breasts may require this combined approach.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation can vary based on several factors, including location, the surgeon’s experience, the type of implants used, and whether additional procedures are combined.
- RealSelf Data: On RealSelf, patients report an average cost of $7,455. However, the breast augmentation price in New York is much different from the cost in a less populated area (Source: Williams Center). In Albany, the cost is also influenced by local market conditions and the level of competition among plastic surgeons.
- Williams Center Costs: At the Williams Center, the cost breakdown is as follows:
- Breast Implants Alone: The average cost is $4,875. This includes surgeon fees, implants, and basic facility costs. It is ideal for adding volume or enhancing shape. For example, if a patient just wants a simple breast enlargement using standard implants, this option might be appropriate.
- Implants + Lift: If combining a breast lift with implants, patients can expect to pay between $10,000 and $12,000. This option is suitable for women with sagging breasts who want both volume and a lift (Source: Williams Center). A patient with post - pregnancy breast sagging may choose this combined option.
- Mommy Makeover: For a full - body transformation post - pregnancy, which may include breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and other procedures, prices start around $20,000. This comprehensive package is designed for mothers who want to regain their pre - baby body shape in one go (Source: Williams Center). A mother who has experienced significant body changes after having children may opt for a mommy makeover.
- K Plastic Surgery Costs: At K Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation cost varies from $7,500 to $9,500 depending on a number of factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s fee (Source: K Plastic Surgery). Different implant materials and sizes can significantly affect the final cost.
Combining Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures
Many women choose to combine breast augmentation with other procedures for a more complete transformation. Here are some common combinations:
- Breast Lift: Pairing breast implants with a lift enhances volume while correcting sagging and improving shape. This is perfect for moms who’ve noticed big changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The breast lift can address the issue of sagging skin, while the implants add volume to the breasts (Source: Williams Center). A woman who has had multiple pregnancies and has both sagging and volume loss in her breasts may choose this combination.
- Tummy Tuck: For a full - body makeover, breast augmentation can be combined with a tummy tuck. This “mommy makeover” tightens loose skin and sculpts the figure for a more youthful look. It addresses both the abdominal area and the breasts, giving a more comprehensive body transformation. Women who have loose abdominal skin after pregnancy and also want to enhance their breasts may opt for this combined procedure (Source: Williams Center). A mother with a post - baby belly bulge and desire for breast enhancement may choose a mommy makeover.
- Fat Transfer: Combining breast implants with fat grafting allows patients to enhance their curves naturally by transferring fat from areas like the thighs or abdomen to the hips or buttocks. It can create an hourglass shape. The fat transfer can add volume and contour to other parts of the body while the breast implants enhance the breasts. A patient who wants to improve her overall body shape and add some natural - looking curves may choose this combination (Source: Williams Center). A woman who has excess fat in certain areas and wants to use it to enhance her body shape may consider this option.
- Liposuction: Liposuction can be added to refine the shape, removing excess fat and creating a more sculpted silhouette. It can be used in conjunction with breast augmentation to further improve the body’s overall appearance. For example, if a patient has some stubborn fat deposits around the waist or hips in addition to wanting breast augmentation, liposuction can be combined with the procedure (Source: Williams Center). A woman with unwanted fat in specific areas and a desire for breast enhancement may choose this combined approach.
Hospital and Doctor Ranking List in Albany
Here are some of the top hospitals and doctors in Albany for breast augmentation with implants, based on patient ratings and reviews:
Doctors
Doctor Name | Rating | Location | Experience (Years) | Board Certifications |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | Not specified | Not specified |
Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 | Not specified | Not specified |
Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 | Not specified | Not specified |
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | Not specified | Not specified |
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 | Not specified | Not specified |
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars (Healthgrades), 4.50 out of 5 stars (Healthgrades - breast surgical procedure) | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 | 19 (Source: RealSelf) | 1 (Source: RealSelf) |
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 | Not specified | Not specified |
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars (Healthgrades), 159 reviews on RealSelf | 15 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, New York | 25 (Source: RealSelf) | 1 (Source: RealSelf) |
Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars (Healthgrades - breast surgical procedure), 88 reviews on RealSelf | 5 Ulenski Dr., Albany, New York | 17 (Source: RealSelf) | 1 (Source: RealSelf) |
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD | 154 reviews on RealSelf | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd., Ste. 206, Latham, New York | 20 (Source: RealSelf) | 1 (Source: RealSelf) |
Hospitals
Albany Medical Center is a well - known hospital in Albany. It is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital. It is rated high performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions and is regionally ranked #20 in New York and #2 in Albany (Source: US News Best Hospitals Rankings). However, it's important to note that specific ratings for breast augmentation may require further in - depth research