A plastic surgery guide for double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation hospitals in Albany in 2025!

Introduction

Double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking to enhance their breast appearance. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics offering this procedure. This guide will provide comprehensive information about double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation, including its details, advantages, what to expect in Albany hospitals, and much more. Whether you're a resident of Albany or planning to travel there for the surgery, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, improve shape and projection, and enhance the contour and symmetry of the breasts. According to DeLuca Plastic Surgery in Albany, NY, it is often performed to replace volume lost from weight loss, breastfeeding, or age, or to increase the size of the breast for aesthetic reasons. There are two primary methods for breast augmentation: using breast implants or fat transfer. As Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman at gjk plastic surgery mentions, with breast implants, the surgeon can use saline or silicone implants, while fat transfer involves using the patient's own fat harvested from other areas of the body.

Types of Breast Enhancement Surgeries

Which Surgery is Right for You?

• Sagging or Drooping: If breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging has left you with sagging breasts, a breast lift may be the best solution, as noted by Rockmore Plastic Surgery.
• Small Size: Women with little natural breast tissue who feel their breasts don't match their frame or have difficulty filling out clothing may benefit from breast augmentation.
• Breast Asymmetry: Depending on whether you want to increase or decrease the size of one breast to match the other, breast augmentation or breast reduction may be the appropriate choice.
• Lost Volume and Sagging: A breast lift with implants can address both lost volume and sagging in one procedure.
• Overly Large Breasts: Those dealing with chronic pain, bra strap issues, and difficulty finding clothes that fit may consider breast reduction.
• Compromised Breast Augmentation Results: Complications such as implant rupture or "double bubble" implant shifting can be corrected with breast revision.

Double - Plane Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

What is Double - Plane Endoscopic Breast Augmentation?

Double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation is a more advanced form of breast augmentation. It involves positioning the upper half of the breast implant under the chest muscle and the lower half over the chest muscle. As described in The Plastic Surgery Key, the dual plane approach, first published by John Tebbetts in 2001, is an ideal compromise. It allows the implant to be retropectoral where it most needs coverage and retromammary where it most needs to be in direct apposition to the breast, minimizing the trade - offs associated with selecting just one pocket type.

Advantages of Double - Plane Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

• Enhanced Volume and Fullness: It can increase the volume of the breasts and fill out the lower poles, creating a more voluptuous appearance. Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery states that it can achieve an attractive, teardrop - like contour.
• Natural - Looking Results: By hiding rippling in the upper poles and providing better soft - tissue coverage, the breasts look more natural. The implants are less visible and palpable, and the breast shape appears more seamless with the rest of the body.
• Internal Breast Lift: It can provide an "internal lift" to the breasts, helping some patients avoid a classic breast lift if they only experience minor drooping. This is especially useful for those with mild ptosis or a constricted lower pole.
• Reduced Scarring: Compared to some other breast augmentation techniques, double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation can result in reduced scarring, as the incisions are often placed in discreet locations.
• Better Long - Term Outcomes: Studies have shown that it can lead to fewer complications over the long term, such as capsular contracture and implant malposition. The continuous spectrum of options in the dual - plane approach allows for a more customized and long - lasting result.

Types of Dual - Plane Dissection

There are three general types of dual - plane dissection, as described by Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery:

1. Type I: Complete division of the pectoralis major muscle along the inframammary fold without separating it from the overlying breast tissue.
2. Type II: Complete separation of the pectoralis major muscle along the entire inframammary fold and release of the breast tissue from the muscle up to the bottom of the areola.
3. Type III: Complete release of the pectoralis major at the fold of the breast and separation of the breast tissue from the muscle up to the top of the areola.

Albany's Hospitals for Double - Plane Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman at gjk plastic surgery

Dr. Kaufman is a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon who brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to every breast augmentation procedure. He offers a comprehensive range of options for breast augmentation, including breast implant - based and fat transfer techniques. When it comes to breast implants, he exclusively uses implants made in the United States, such as the 5th - generation silicone implants, which have improved shape - maintaining ability and a soft - to - touch, more natural quality. Dr. Kaufman will guide patients through the selection of implant materials, shapes, textures, and profiles to achieve their desired results. His proficiency in implant placement above the chest muscle has also led to excellent results, avoiding animation deformity and significantly decreasing postoperative pain.

The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, NY

The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany offers a step - by - step guide for breast augmentation patients. Their personalized approach starts from the initial phone call with the patient care coordinator, who helps schedule the appointment and provides information on new patient forms. During the consultation, the surgeon has an open conversation with the patient to understand their expectations, performs a thorough physical examination, and uses an "implant sizing cart" to help the patient choose the appropriate implant size. The team also works with the patient to discuss financing options and schedule the surgery. They provide comprehensive support during the pre - op, surgery, and post - op phases, ensuring a smooth and successful experience for the patient.

Preparing for Double - Plane Endoscopic Breast Augmentation in Albany

Consultation Process

The consultation is a crucial step in the process. As per The Plastic Surgery Group's guide, the first point of contact is usually a phone call with a patient care coordinator. They will answer initial questions, help schedule the appointment, and provide information on new patient forms. During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, perform a physical examination, take measurements and photos, and review the various options for the procedure. Implant sizing is also an important part of the consultation, where patients can "try on" different sizes to see what suits them best. The surgeon will offer their professional recommendations based on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome.

Pre - Op Preparations

• Medical Evaluation: One to two weeks before the surgery, a nurse will call to go over the patient's health issues, history of previous surgeries, and current medications. Some patients may require additional testing, which will be determined during this call.
• Medication Adjustments: The patient will be informed about when to stop taking certain medications to avoid complications during surgery.
• Lifestyle Changes: Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman advocates for patients to undergo lifestyle, nutritional, and holistic improvements before the procedure. This may include increased activity, healthy eating, and appropriate nutritional support to boost the body's ability to recover.

The Procedure

What to Expect on Surgery Day

On surgery day, the patient is typically required to arrive 1 to 2 hours before the procedure with a friend or family member. They will be greeted by the pre - operative staff and nurses, who will check them in and start the intravenous line. The patient will have a chance to meet the anesthesia team and the surgeon, who will answer any remaining questions and mark the patient while sitting up. The surgical procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. After the procedure, the patient will recover for at least an hour or two before going home. Post - operative medications will be sent to the pharmacy before leaving.

Implant Placement

In double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation, the implants are placed in a way that the upper part is under the pectoral muscle and the lower part is over it. The surgeon will create a breast pocket above and below the muscle, as described in dual - plane techniques. This allows for the benefits of both submuscular and subglandular implant placement. Careful dissection is done to ensure proper positioning of the implant and to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - Op

Immediately after surgery, the patient is likely to experience swelling and mild to moderate discomfort. They will be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra as directed by the surgeon. The day after surgery, the patient is usually advised to shower, remove the surgical bra and strap, and then put it back on. Swelling and bruising are normal reactions and should gradually subside as the body heals.

Long - Term Recovery

• First Week: A week after surgery, the patient will have their first post - op appointment. The nurse will remove the stitches, and the steri - strips will stay on the incisions until they fall off. The patient may be instructed to switch to wearing a sports bra for the following month, with no underwire.
• Weeks 2 - 3: Light exercise can usually resume in 1 to 2 weeks, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 weeks.
• Months 1 - 3: The "drop and fluff" process occurs over the first few months, where the implants settle and the soft tissues relax. The shape of the breasts will change from high and tight to lower and fuller as the implants round out and provide lower pole projection. Final results develop over several months as swelling subsides and implants settle or transferred fat integrates.

Scar Management

Scarring is a common concern after breast augmentation. However, steps can be taken to minimize the appearance of scars. Patients should take good care of their incisions according to the surgeon's instructions, use physician - grade skin care products and scar lightening creams once the incisions are fully healed, and avoid smoking during the recovery period. The surgeon can provide more detailed guidance on scar management based on the patient's individual situation.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation carries potential risks and complications. According to Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, common risks in the immediate postoperative period include bleeding in the implant pocket and infection. Specific to breast implants, complications may include capsular contracture, where scar tissue around the implant hardens and distorts the shape of the breast, causing discomfort and pain. This may require revisional surgeries and/or removal of the implant. Other potential issues include changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry over time as the implants settle, and the formation of rippling or wrinkling in the implant that is visible. Long - term side effects such as breast implant illness and breast implant associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma are quite rare but cases are documented. It's important for patients to discuss these risks with their surgeon before the procedure.

Conclusion

Double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation is a sophisticated procedure that offers many benefits for those looking to enhance their breast appearance. In Albany, there are skilled surgeons and well - equipped hospitals that can provide high - quality care throughout the process. By understanding the procedure, choosing the right surgeon, and following the pre - op and post - op instructions carefully, patients can achieve their desired results with a relatively smooth recovery. Remember, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one, and it's essential to have realistic expectations and be well - informed.

If you're considering double - plane endoscopic breast augmentation in Albany, take the time to research the hospitals and surgeons, schedule consultations, and ask all the questions you have. Don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals in Albany for more information and guidance. You can start your journey to a more confident you today!