Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure in recent years, with many women in Albany seeking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. Among the various breast implants available, Bella breast implants have gained some attention. In this review, we will explore the public and private hospitals in Albany that offer services related to Bella breast implants, including information about doctors, costs, procedures, and potential risks. This comprehensive guide aims to provide valuable insights for those considering breast augmentation with Bella implants in the Albany area.
Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
When it comes to breast augmentation, choosing the right doctor is crucial. In Albany, there are several highly - rated doctors who perform breast augmentation procedures. Healthgrades has identified a number of such doctors, each with their own expertise and patient ratings.
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures. For example, Dr. Jonathan Canete and Dr. Matthew McDonald have high ratings, indicating a high level of patient satisfaction. Their experience can provide patients with more confidence when choosing to undergo a breast augmentation with Bella implants.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary depending on several factors. At a practice in Latham, NY, breast augmentation typically costs between $8,600 and $8,800. However, this cost can differ from one practice to another, and it's important to understand what is included in the price.
The cost may cover anesthesia fees, facility fees, all office and surgeon fees, and post - op care. Here are some of the factors that can affect the cost of breast augmentation:
- Surgeon's experience and expertise: More experienced board - certified plastic surgeons may charge higher fees. For instance, a surgeon with decades of experience and a high success rate in breast augmentation is likely to have a higher fee compared to a less - experienced one.
- Geographic location of the practice: The cost is often higher in large cities where the demand for the procedure is greater. Albany being a well - known urban area, the cost might be influenced by local economic factors.
- Surgical facility: Private surgical suites and outpatient surgery centers often charge less than hospital operating rooms. This is because hospitals have higher overhead costs, including maintenance, staff salaries, and equipment upkeep.
- Type of implants used (saline vs. silicone): Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline implants. Silicone implants are often preferred for their more natural look and feel, which justifies the higher price for many patients.
- Complexity of the procedure: More complex surgeries require more surgery time, increasing the facility and surgeon's fees. For example, if a patient has uneven breasts or requires additional contouring, the procedure will be more complex and thus more expensive.
- Additional procedures performed simultaneously: Adding a breast lift or tummy tuck to the breast augmentation can increase the surgical time and overall costs.
It's important for patients to obtain a detailed breakdown of prices from different practices to make an informed decision based on both quality and cost.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts using a breast implant or fat transfers. It can be used to enlarge small breasts, even out breasts of different sizes, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or reconstruct the breast following a mastectomy.
The Procedure Itself
The breast augmentation procedure typically takes about an hour to perform, assuming no complications. Patients then spend an additional one to two hours in a post - surgery recovery room. The implant can be placed either directly underneath the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle. After placement, the incisions are sutured closed.
Dr. Lloreda from the Williams Center prefers to place the implants under the muscle, as it gives the augmented breast a more natural appearance and feel and is less likely to interfere with mammograms. There are different incision options available, including around the areola (periareolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), or underneath the breast in its crease (inframammary). The choice of incision depends on the patient's physical characteristics and aesthetic goals.
Before the procedure, a consultation with the surgeon is necessary. The surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, perform measurements, and recommend a range of implant sizes and profiles. Some practices, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, use scientifically - designed sizing systems and 3 - D computer simulations to help patients visualize the results.
Bella Breast Implants
About Bella Gel Breast Implants
The Bella gel breast implant is the first breast implant manufactured by an Asian company. A 6 - year prospective cohort study evaluated its safety and efficacy. The study included 103 patients who underwent breast reconstruction or augmentation using Bella gel breast implants.
Safety and Efficacy Results
At the 6 - year postoperative visits, the implant rupture and capsular contracture rates were 1.15% and 2.30% respectively. The implant rupture rate was 3.77% among reconstruction cases and 0% among augmentation cases. The capsular contracture rate was 5.66% among reconstruction cases and 0.83% among augmentation cases. These rates are comparable to or even lower than those of other breast implants observed in shorter - term studies.
The study also found that overall, the patients in the intention - to - test (ITT) and per - protocol (PP) sets were satisfied after surgery. The Bella gel breast implant has a relatively thick shell and high tensile strength, carrying a minimal risk of silicone leak.
Public and Private Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital in Albany. It is rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions. However, its evaluation for breast augmentation - related services may involve considering its overall surgical capabilities, staff expertise, and patient experience.
The patient experience at Albany Medical Center has mixed ratings. While it offers services such as a medical - surgical ICU, cardiac ICU, bariatric/weight control services, and an onsite emergency department, patient satisfaction scores in areas like hospital room cleanliness, noise volume, and overall satisfaction with the hospital stay are relatively low.
In terms of health equity, the hospital shows some disparities. The representation of non - white patients, especially black and Asian American and Pacific Islander patients, is lower than in the surrounding community. However, it performs better than average in enabling black patients to live at home during the first 30 days of recovery after certain surgeries.
Private Practices
There are several private practices in Albany that offer breast augmentation services. These practices often focus specifically on cosmetic procedures and may offer more personalized care. For example, practices like Deluca Plastic Surgery use advanced techniques such as 3 - D computer simulations to help patients make informed decisions. Other private practices may have a reputation for having experienced surgeons who specialize in breast augmentation procedures.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation with Bella Implants
As with any medical operation, breast augmentation with Bella implants carries certain risks.
- Implant rupture: Although the rupture rate for Bella gel breast implants at 6 years was relatively low (1.15% overall), there is still a risk. A rupture can cause various symptoms, and in the case of silicone implants, it may be silent, so regular monitoring with ultrasounds is recommended for silicone implants.
- Capsular contracture: This is the formation of scar tissue around the implant, which can cause the breast to become firm, distorted, or painful. The capsular contracture rate for Bella implants was 2.30% at 6 years, with a higher rate in reconstruction cases (5.66%) compared to augmentation cases (0.83%).
- Adverse anesthesia reactions: Anesthesia is used during the breast augmentation procedure, and there is a risk of adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, or more serious complications.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some patients may experience a decrease in nipple sensitivity after the surgery. The proportion of patients with decreased nipple sensitivity may vary over time, with a pattern that was not fully understood in the Bella gel implant study.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site, which can be treated with antibiotics but may cause delays in the recovery process.
It's important for patients to have a detailed discussion with their surgeon about these risks and what can be done to minimize them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering breast augmentation with Bella breast implants in Albany, patients have several options in terms of doctors, hospitals, and costs. The best doctors in the area have high patient ratings and extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures. The cost of the procedure can vary widely depending on multiple factors, and patients should carefully evaluate what is included in the price.
The Bella gel breast implants have shown promising results in terms of safety and efficacy in a 6 - year study, with relatively low rates of implant rupture and capsular contracture. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications. Both public hospitals like Albany Medical Center and private practices offer breast augmentation services, each with their own advantages and limitations.
If you are considering breast augmentation with Bella implants in Albany, we encourage you to research thoroughly, schedule consultations with multiple doctors, and make an informed decision based on your personal needs, goals, and financial situation. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany!
