Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, with many individuals seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. In Albany, there are numerous hospitals and doctors offering breast augmentation services, both with prostheses and fat transfer. This article aims to provide a comprehensive inventory of these hospitals, along with valuable information about breast augmentation, including doctors, costs, procedures, and recovery.
Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several top - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Here is a list of some of these doctors:
Doctor's Name | 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 |
These doctors have a significant number of past patient ratings, indicating their experience and expertise in breast augmentation procedures. Patients can use these ratings and reviews as a valuable resource when choosing a doctor for their breast augmentation.
Top Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
US News has provided rankings for hospitals in the Albany area. While not all of these rankings are directly related to breast augmentation, they can give an indication of the overall quality of care at these facilities:
Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | High - Performing Specialties/Procedures |
---|---|---|
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 in Albany, NY | 2 specialties & 15 procedures/conditions |
Albany Medical Center | #2 in Albany, NY | 13 procedures/conditions |
Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Burdett Birth Center | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Capital District Psychiatric Center | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Cobleskill Regional Hospital | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Conifer Park Hospital | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Ellis Hospital | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | 5 procedures/conditions |
Four Winds Hospital - Saratoga Springs | Not regionally ranked (alphabetical) | N/A |
Patients considering breast augmentation may want to research these hospitals further to determine if they have the appropriate resources and expertise for their specific needs.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a breast enhancement procedure where a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. There are two main methods: using silicone or saline breast implants or transferring the patient's own fat to the breasts (fat transfer breast augmentation). Each method has its own advantages and considerations.
Planning Your Breast Implant Procedure
The process of breast implant surgery planning typically begins with a consultation. During this consultation, the patient discusses their goals for the surgery with the surgeon, and the surgeon analyzes the current shape and position of the patient's breasts. Based on measurements and the patient's post - operative goals, the surgeon recommends a range of implant sizes and profiles. Some clinics, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, use the Mentor breast implant sizing system, allowing patients to “try on” different implants to get a feel for how they will look and feel. Additionally, advanced 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and AI algorithms can help patients visualize the final results.
The Breast Enlargement Procedure
Breast enlargement is usually an outpatient procedure that lasts between one and two hours on average. After the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision on each breast, typically in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple. The surgeon then creates a pocket for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is inserted using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination, and the pocket is adjusted to ensure a proper fit. Finally, the skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported with a post - operative bra.
After Your Breast Enlargement
Following the surgery, it is crucial for patients to follow their surgeon's instructions for post - op care and activity restrictions. The surgeon will provide a post - operative bra and may recommend a superior strap to support the implants during the healing process. Follow - up visits are scheduled to monitor the healing progress and ensure that no complications develop. Patients should avoid physical activity for a few weeks and gradually resume normal activities as they heal.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary widely depending on several factors:
- Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: More experienced board - certified plastic surgeons may charge higher fees. For example, doctors with a long - standing reputation and a high success rate may have higher costs associated with their services.
- Geographic Location of the Practice: Generally, the cost is higher in large cities where the demand for the procedure is greater. In Albany, if the practice is located in a more upscale area or a high - traffic commercial district, the cost may be higher.
- Surgical Facility: Private surgical suites and outpatient surgery centers often charge less than hospital operating rooms. However, hospital operating rooms may offer more comprehensive facilities and support staff.
- Type of Implants Used: Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline implants. Silicone implants are often preferred for their more natural look and feel, but the extra cost may be a consideration for some patients.
- Complexity of the Procedure: More complex surgeries require more surgery time, which increases the facility and surgeon's fees. For example, if the patient has a unique breast shape or requires additional procedures in conjunction with breast augmentation, the cost will be higher.
- Additional Procedures Performed Simultaneously: Adding a breast lift or tummy tuck to the breast augmentation can increase the surgical time and overall costs.
At Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, NY, breast augmentation typically costs between $8,600 and $8,800, and this cost includes anesthesia fees, facility fees, all office and surgeon fees, and post - op care. However, it is essential to ask for a detailed breakdown of prices when comparing costs at different practices.
Fat transfer breast augmentation usually requires more surgical time and generally costs more than using implants. It may also require a follow - up procedure to achieve the desired fullness. Some women find fat transfer cost - effective in the long run because it doesn't require regular implant monitoring or potential implant replacement.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
Breast augmentation with fat transfer involves taking fat from other parts of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and injecting it into the breasts. This method has the advantage of using the patient's own tissue, which can result in a more natural look and feel. However, there are limitations to how much volume can be added with fat transfer, and there is a risk of fat resorption. For those who want a larger increase in breast size, implants are typically a better solution.
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery often uses fat grafts to restore volume to the breast. This can be done in conjunction with a breast lift or implants or alone. The decision to use fat transfer or implants depends on the patient's goals, body type, and the amount of fat available for transfer.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
Recovery from breast augmentation can vary from patient to patient, but there is a general timeline:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery, as long as they are careful not to get the incision site too wet. Sponge baths may be recommended in some cases.
- Days 2 & 3: If the patient is comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period. However, 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. The first postoperative appointment is usually scheduled a week after surgery to ensure that the healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving the arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Dr. Rockmore provides patients with a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks. This compression garment supports the breasts as they heal and helps to minimize swelling. As months pass, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation
What will my scars look like?
The appearance of scars depends on the incision used during the procedure. Common incision locations include the inframammary (under the breast fold), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit). Surgeons like Dr. Rockmore are mindful of patients' concerns about scarring and make incisions meticulously to ensure they heal well. Patients can also follow the surgeon's incision - care instructions after surgery to encourage healthy healing.
Is breastfeeding possible after breast augmentation?
Yes, it is possible. Surgeons like Dr. Rockmore use techniques that ensure a high likelihood of successful breastfeeding. The presence of implants does not hinder milk production. However, patients who plan to breastfeed in the future should inform their surgeon during the consultation.
If my breasts sag, is it really necessary to have a lift along with my augmentation?
It depends on the degree of sagging. Slight sagging can sometimes be reduced with breast augmentation alone. However, more significant sagging may actually get worse once implants are introduced, as the extra weight can cause the breasts to sag prematurely. During the consultation, the surgeon will help the patient understand if a combined breast augmentation and lift is in their best interest.
I've heard that implants need time to “drop.” What does that mean?
“Dropping” or “drop and fluff” refers to the process where the muscles and tissues surrounding the implants soften and relax, allowing the breasts to take on a more natural appearance. Immediately after surgery, the implants may appear high and tight on the chest. Over time, the body acclimates to the implants, and the skin and muscle stretch to accommodate them. This is a gradual process that can take several months to complete.
Is breast augmentation surgery safe?
When performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation is a relatively low - risk procedure. However, potential complications, although rare, include infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. Surgeons and their teams take every precaution to keep the risk of complications very low.
Will I eventually have to replace my breast implants?
It is likely that patients will need to replace their implants at some point in the future, typically after about 15 years. Breast augmentation revision gives patients the opportunity to ensure that their results remain aligned with their body shape and goals over the years.
Is breast surgery painful?
Breast augmentation surgery is generally well - tolerated. Most women describe a feeling of tightness and soreness following the procedure, but any pain is typically mild and easily manageable.
Will my results look natural?
Surgeons like Dr. Rockmore take great care to produce beautiful results, whether the patient wants a subtler, natural enhancement or a more significant change. The patient's preferences for the implants' size, shape, material, and projection influence how “natural” the breasts will look.
What if I decide that I want to remove my breast implants later?
Breast augmentation revision surgery allows patients to swap their implants for a different size or material, exchange them for a newer pair, or simply remove them altogether. This provides flexibility to update the breast augmentation results at any time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a range of options for individuals considering breast augmentation with prostheses or fat transfer. There are numerous experienced doctors and well - ranked hospitals in the area. It is essential for patients to do their research, understand the procedure, the associated costs, and the recovery process before making a decision. Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is crucial to achieving the desired results and minimizing the risk of complications.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified