Introduction
For individuals with flat breasts in Albany, breast augmentation can be a life - changing decision. It offers the opportunity to enhance self - confidence and achieve a more proportionate body silhouette. With the increasing demand for breast augmentation, Albany has a variety of hospitals and clinics that provide these services. In this guide, we will explore the ranking list of breast augmentation hospitals in Albany, along with essential information about breast augmentation, to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, improve the shape, and enhance the symmetry of the breasts. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants accounted for 23%.
The goal of breast augmentation is to provide patients with a more attractive chest and a sense of proportion. Some women choose this procedure to correct underdeveloped natural breast tissue, address disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body, or correct asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts. Others opt for breast augmentation to restore lost volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding or to deal with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts.
Types of Breast Implants
There are several types of breast implants available, and the choice depends on various factors such as the patient's breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. The two main types of implants are saline and silicone:
- Saline Implants: These implants have a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. They are typically inserted empty and then filled during the surgery, which allows for a smaller incision. However, they can be prone to visible “rippling,” and their feel is not as natural as silicone implants. Saline implants are FDA - approved for women over 18 years old.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They come in different types based on the “thickness” of the gel. For example, the “classic” style may leave the upper part of the breast less full when staining, while the “xtra” style gives more perkiness to the upper breast, and the “boost” style produces a very perky, round breast shape. Silicone implants are more popular as they tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue. They are FDA - approved for women over 22 years old. There are also so - called “gummy bear” implants, which are a type of highly cohesive silicone implant. They have a lower risk of leakage or rupture and provide a more natural look.
Other Options: Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Another option for breast augmentation is using your own fat. This procedure involves removing fat via liposuction from an area of the body such as the hips, flanks, stomach, or thighs and re - injecting that fat strategically into the breast to add volume. It can be a good option for patients who want a small increase in breast size, have enough excess fat elsewhere in their bodies, and prefer a more natural approach. However, there is a limitation to how much volume can be added with fat transfer, and it may not be as predictable as using implants.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is the first step in the breast augmentation process. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your suitability for the surgery, discuss your expectations and desired aesthetic outcome, and explain the various options available. They will also perform a physical examination and review your relevant health history to ensure that surgery is a safe option for you.
Surgeons may use tools like the Mentor® volume sizing system to help you visualize your desired breast size and how it will look on your body type. You should come prepared to discuss your medical history, any medications you take, health conditions you may have, and your aesthetic preferences.
Health Preparation
It is crucial to be in optimum health when considering elective surgery. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, which involves maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. Smoking should be avoided as it decreases the body’s ability to heal normally. If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, you should follow your primary care physician’s advice for treatment. Before the surgery, you may need to stop or adjust certain medications, such as blood thinners, as instructed by your surgeon.
Ranking of Breast Augmentation Hospitals in Albany
1. Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center
This center is led by Dr. Emily Carter, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. It offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services, including silicone and saline implants, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction. The center is well - known for its individualized approach and superb medical attention. Many patients praise the center for its patient - centered care and the natural - looking results achieved.
2. Capital City Cosmetic Surgery
Headed by Dr. Michael Reynolds, a renowned plastic surgeon, Capital City Cosmetic Surgery specializes in advanced breast augmentation techniques, including endoscopic breast augmentation and fat transfer. The practice is committed to delivering natural - looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. Their expertise in these advanced techniques sets them apart from other facilities in Albany.
3. Hudson Valley Plastic Surgery
With Dr. Sophia Lee at the helm, Hudson Valley Plastic Surgery is a trusted destination for breast augmentation in Albany. The center provides a full spectrum of breast enhancement options, including breast augmentation with implant placement, breast lift, and breast reduction. They are known for their attention to detail and commitment to patient satisfaction. Their team ensures that patients are well - informed throughout the process and receive personalized care.
4. Empire State Aesthetic Center
Dr. Alexander Johnson, a board - certified plastic surgeon, leads this premier aesthetic center. The center offers cutting - edge breast augmentation procedures, utilizing the latest advancements in surgical techniques and implant technology. It is renowned for its compassionate approach and outstanding surgical outcomes. Patients appreciate the use of state - of - the - art technology and the caring attitude of the staff.
5. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon, provides safe and high - quality breast augmentation procedures at K Plastic Surgery. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. Before the first appointment, patients can review before - and - after photos of Dr. Kayastha’s previous patients to get an idea of the results. The center offers a variety of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift.
6. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery performs breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create natural - looking results. He has experience performing more than 4,000 breast procedures and uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. The center provides personalized breast augmentation to meet each patient’s unique needs.
7. Capek Plastic Surgery
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek is trusted by patients in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga for breast augmentation surgery. She offers a variety of breast implant options and can help patients achieve the figure they desire. She even allows patients to combine cosmetic breast augmentation with a breast lift.
8. Deluca Plastic Surgery
At Deluca Plastic Surgery, they offer breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants, as well as Brazilian breast augmentation using fat transfer. The surgeons at the center take into account the patient’s anatomy, implant type, and preferences to make the best surgical decisions. They also provide detailed examinations and use in - office sizing and digital three - dimensional computer simulations to guide implant choices.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and pain - free during the surgery. The anesthesiologist will closely monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure safety.
Incision and Implant Placement
There are several incision options for breast augmentation:
- Inframammary Incision: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. This is the most commonly recommended approach as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. It allows for a wider access point, enabling the surgeon to place larger silicone implants or gummy bear implants with precision.
- Periareolar Incision: Made along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. Surgeons may use this incision type if they are also performing a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time. The resulting scar is located within the natural transition in pigmentation.
- Transaxillary Incision: Hidden in the armpit. The surgeon uses a specialized camera and instruments to place the breast implant through this small incision, resulting in no scar on the breast itself.
- Transumbilical Incision: An incision just above the belly button. Each breast implant is inserted through this incision and then brought up to the breast. The advantage is a single scar with no scarring on the breast.
After making the incision, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant. There are three main types of implant placement pockets:
- Subglandular Placement: Above the muscle. Implants placed in this position are more visible and may result in a more “done” look. In thin women, there may be a higher chance of rippling.
- Submuscular Placement: Behind the pectoralis muscle. This provides a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant. It has a lower risk of capsular contracture and rippling, but the implant may be influenced by muscle contraction in very athletic women.
- Biplanar Placement: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. It can be a good option for some patients, especially those with some breast sagging as it may avoid the need for a lift in some cases.
Closure
Once the implant is placed, the surgeon closes the incisions. Some surgeons use dissolvable sutures and glue to close the incisions, which helps in the healing process and reduces the need for suture removal.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - Surgery
After breast augmentation, you can expect some swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Bandages will be in place, and you will be required to wear a supportive surgical bra. Some patients may have drains to reduce swelling, but many surgeons, like Dr. Capek, rarely use drains for breast enhancement. Most patients take pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon for about a week after surgery. Light activities, such as gently walking through your home, can be performed immediately after the procedure, but you should avoid strenuous activity.
Initial Recovery Timeline
- Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet (sponge baths may be recommended in some cases).
- Days 2 & 3: If you are comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, you should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of your procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. You will have your first postoperative appointment a week after your surgery to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: You should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving your arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Long - Term Recovery
The “drop and fluff” process occurs over the first few months after surgery. As the swelling subsides and the tissues begin to stretch from the weight of the implants, the breasts settle. The shape changes from high and tight to lower and fuller as the implants round out and more of the implant is in position to provide lower pole projection. It will take 3 to 6 months to see the final result, although for some patients, this process occurs faster.
Over the long term, you should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Early Risks
Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. The most common early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia risks, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - and post - operative care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
Long - Term Risks
Breast implants may have associated long - term issues that require monitoring and treatment. Some of these include:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing increasing firmness and a possible shape change of the breast. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacement of the implant.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low. Revision surgery may be required to correct this.
- Implant Rupture: If a saline breast implant breaks, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs to check their integrity. If a rupture occurs, the implant will need to be removed and replaced.
- Bottoming Out: A complication in which breast implants descend to a lower position below the inframammary fold, resulting in an unnatural breast appearance. This may require revision surgery.
- Symmastia: A condition where the breast implants migrate toward the center of the chest, creating a “uni - boob” appearance. Revision surgery can help correct this.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation varies for each patient as this procedure is highly individualized. Factors that can affect the cost include the type of implants, the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's fee, the use of the hospital or surgical facility, and anesthesia costs. The price range for breast augmentation can be anywhere from $3,000 - $12,000, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. In Albany, at K Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation costs range from $7,500 to $9,500.
Most insurance companies do not cover breast augmentation as it is considered a cosmetic elective surgery. However, breast implants used for breast reconstruction due to mastectomy or lumpectomy may be covered by insurance.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Surgeon Qualifications
When considering breast augmentation, selecting a qualified plastic surgeon is of utmost importance. Look for a surgeon who is board - certified. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has received specific training and has experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. Ask about the number of breast augmentations the surgeon has performed and request to see before - and - after photos of their previous patients to get an idea of their aesthetic style.
Hospital Reputation
Research the reputation of the hospital or clinic where the surgery will be performed. Read patient reviews and testimonials to understand the experiences of other patients. Consider factors such as the quality of care, the use of advanced technology, and the overall patient satisfaction rate.
Personal Comfort
It is essential to feel comfortable with the surgeon and the staff at the hospital. During the consultation, pay attention to how the surgeon listens to your concerns and answers your questions. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals and expectations and will provide you with honest and realistic information about the procedure.