A plastic surgery guide for Mento breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany in 2025!

Introduction

Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. In Albany, there are several plastic surgeons who specialize in this procedure, offering a range of options to meet the individual needs and preferences of their patients. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information about Mento breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, including the procedure itself, the types of implants available, the recovery process, and the potential risks and benefits.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It is often performed for aesthetic reasons, such as to enhance a woman's appearance, boost her self - confidence, or correct asymmetry. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been consistently in the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 breast augmentations performed in the USA in 2022.

Types of Breast Enhancement Surgeries

Before deciding on breast augmentation with prostheses, it's important to understand the different types of breast enhancement surgeries available. These include:

• Breast Lift: By removing excess skin and repositioning breast tissues, a breast lift lifts the breasts to sit higher on the chest for a more youthful and “perky” look. The cost is between $9,000 and $10,000, and the recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.
• Breast Augmentation: This procedure adds volume and size to the breasts through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants. The cost ranges from $6,000 to $8,500, and the recovery is typically about 1 week.
• Breast Lift with Implants: This surgery combines the benefits of a breast lift and breast augmentation. It removes excess skin, repositions existing breast tissue, and then places a silicone or saline implant in the breast. The cost varies per person, and the recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.
• Breast Reduction: A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue to bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the body. It may also include areola resizing and the correction of breast asymmetry. The cost is $9,500 to $10,000, and the recovery takes about 2 weeks.
• Breast Revision: This secondary procedure revises the results of a previous breast augmentation. It may involve an exchange of implants, removal of implants, or repositioning of the tissues surrounding the implants. The cost is $8,000 to $9,500, and the recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.

Here is a table summarizing the different breast enhancement surgeries:

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses?

You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation with prostheses if you suffer from any of the following concerns:

• Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
• Disproportionately small breasts compared to your lower body
• Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
• Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)

However, it's important to have a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon to determine if this procedure is right for you. The surgeon will consider your overall health, breast anatomy, and your expectations for the surgery.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two main types of breast implants used in breast augmentation: saline and silicone.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are filled with saline in the operating room. Saline implants are less commonly used because the feel of the implants is not as natural as a silicone implant, and there is less control over the shape of the breast compared to silicone implants.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with silicone at the factory. They come in several types based on the “thickness” of the gel within the implant:

• Classic Style: The upper part of the implant empties out when staining, leaving the upper part of the breast empty.
• Xtra Style: The fill is thicker and gives more perkiness or rounding to the upper part of the breast.
• Boost Style: The gel is really thick and helps produce a very perky, round breast shape (depending on the starting breast).

The choice of silicone type is based on the patient's goals regarding the upper breast shape.

Both saline and silicone implants have a solid silicone rubber shell, and all FDA - approved breast implants have been regularly researched and tested for safety precautions and carry warranties from the manufacturer.

Before the Procedure

Consultation

A consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step. During this consultation, the surgeon will:

• Answer your initial questions and discuss your expectations for the surgery.
• Perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate the present size, shape, and condition of your breasts, paying special attention to factors such as skin quality and nipple position.
• Take measurements and photos, which will be kept confidential in your file and used to plan the procedure if you decide to proceed.
• Use breast implant sizers to help you visualize your desired breast size and how it will look on your body type.

Pre - operative Preparation

One to two weeks before your surgery, a nurse will call to:

• Go over any health issues and review your history of previous surgeries.
• Ask about the medications you are currently taking and tell you when to stop taking them.
• Determine if you need any additional testing before surgery.

The day before surgery, a staff member will call to confirm everything and schedule your post - op appointment. You should also follow a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and avoid smoking as it can decrease your body's ability to heal normally.

The Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure.

Incision Placement

The options for breast augmentation incision placement include:

• Along the breast fold (Inframammary incision): This is a common choice as it provides good access to the breast pocket and can result in relatively discreet scars. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
• In the underarm (Transaxillary incision): This incision is made in the armpit area, leaving no visible scar on the breast. However, it may be more difficult to achieve precise implant placement through this incision.
• Around the areola (Periareolar incision): The incision is made around the edge of the areola. This can result in scars that are less noticeable, but there is a slightly higher risk of nipple sensation changes.

The surgeon will recommend the best incision placement for you based on your unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to suit your body and to assure that scars are as discreet as possible.

Implant Placement

During breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon will create a space for the implant, called “the pocket,” behind the breast tissue in either of the following areas:

• Beneath the muscle of your chest wall (Submuscular placement): Advantages include a lower risk of capsular contracture, lower chance of rippling, better coverage in thin women, and perhaps a more natural upper pole contour. However, implants placed under the muscle can be influenced by the contraction of the pectoralis muscle, especially in very athletic women.
• Directly behind the tissue of your breast (Subglandular placement): Implants placed over the muscle are more visible, resulting in larger - looking augmentation and a sharper transition between the natural breast and the edges of the implant, which can give a more “done” look. Additionally, in thin women, the folding of the implant in the sub - glandular pocket can manifest as rippling of the skin.

Procedure Time

The breast augmentation procedure generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete. After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until you are fully awake from the anesthesia.

After the Procedure

Immediate Post - operative Period

As with any surgery, you may be tired and sore after your breast augmentation surgery. This is normal and will generally not last more than a day or 2. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe a pain medication to help control the majority of your discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in your nipples. This will subside as the bruising lessens and healing continues.

Recovery Timeline

The recovery process after breast augmentation follows a general timeline:

• First few days: You may need to rest quietly and have someone assist you with daily activities. You can shower within 48 hours, but make sure to follow the instructions regarding your surgical dressings.
• 7 to 10 days: If you have gauze dressings, they will be removed, and you may be switched to a surgical bra. Your stitches will be taken out. Most patients are able to return to work within a week if their job is not too physically demanding.
• 3 to 5 weeks: Your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact during this time. Strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
• Next several months: Your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. The “drop and fluff” process will occur as the implants settle and the soft tissue and pectoralis muscle relax. It will take 3 to 6 months to see a final result, although for some patients this process occurs faster.

Long - term Care

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 ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture. It's also important to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications.

Potential Risks and Complications

While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks. These include:

• Capsular contracture: This condition involves tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant are ways to treat capsular contracture.
• Infection: There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In these rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
• Impact to nipple sensation: In some cases, women can experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant leak/rupture: In the event of a breast implant breaking or leaking, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time, usually a couple of hours, and the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. In the case of gel - filled implants, there may not be any noticeable change if the scar capsule surrounding the implant does not break. In most cases, these situations will be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.
• Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, like dropping too low.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Albany

Selecting the right plastic surgeon is crucial for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Here are some factors to consider:

• Board Certification: Choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. You can ask about the number of procedures they have performed and view before - and - after photos of their previous patients.
• Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences with the surgeon and the overall quality of care.
• Comfort Level: During your consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon should address all of your questions and concerns completely, and their staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation with prostheses can be a life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. It can enhance your appearance, boost your self - confidence, and help you achieve the body you've always desired. However, it's important to thoroughly research the procedure, understand the potential risks and benefits, and choose a qualified plastic surgeon. By following the pre - and post - operative instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and long - lasting results.

If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, take the next step and schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you. Share this guide with others who may be interested in breast augmentation, and encourage them to explore the possibilities.