Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, and Albany has a variety of hospitals and doctors offering this service. In this article, we will explore the ranking of breast - augmentation hospitals in Albany, along with the top doctors, the types of breast - augmentation procedures available, the associated costs, and recovery times. We will also look at the qualifications to consider when choosing a hospital or doctor for breast augmentation.
Ranking of Breast - Augmentation Hospitals in Albany
Overall Hospital Rankings in Albany
US News Best Hospitals provides a list of top hospitals in the Albany, New York metropolitan area. The ranking is based on their performance in complex care in medical specialties such as cancer and in common procedures and conditions like knee replacement and heart failure. While this ranking is not specifically for breast augmentation, hospitals with high - performing medical teams are often more likely to offer high - quality breast - augmentation services.
| Hospital Name | Location | Rank in Albany | High - performing Specialties/Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | Albany, NY 12208 - 1789 | #1 in Albany, NY | 2 specialties & 15 procedures/conditions |
| Albany Medical Center | Albany, NY 12208 - 3478 | #2 in Albany, NY | 13 procedures/conditions |
| Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Albany, NY 12208 - 3473 | N/A | N/A |
| Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center | Albany, NY 12208 - 3478 | N/A | N/A |
| Burdett Birth Center | Troy, NY 12180 - 2466 | N/A | N/A |
| Capital District Psychiatric Center | Albany, NY 12208 - 3474 | N/A | N/A |
| Cobleskill Regional Hospital | Cobleskill, NY 12043 - 5144 | N/A | N/A |
| Conifer Park Hospital | Glenville, NY 12302 - 4523 | N/A | N/A |
| Ellis Hospital | Schenectady, NY 12308 - 2425 | N/A | 5 procedures/conditions |
| Four Winds Hospital - Saratoga Springs | Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 - 5142 | N/A | N/A |
Although the overall rankings are a good starting point, it's important to note that breast - augmentation services are more closely related to the skills of individual plastic surgeons within these hospitals.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several top doctors for breast augmentation in Albany. These doctors have a high number of past patient ratings, which indicates their experience in performing breast - augmentation procedures.
| Doctor Name | Rating (out of 5 stars) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
Breast - Augmentation Procedures
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of FDA - approved breast implants: saline and silicone. Each type has its own characteristics.
| Implant Type | Composition | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Silicone shells filled with sterile salt water | Require smaller incisions, in case of rupture, the saline is absorbed by the body | May feel less natural than silicone implants |
| Silicone Implants | Durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness | Feel more natural, cohesive silicone gel (gummy bear implants) sticks together in case of rupture | Silent rupture is possible, and periodic ultrasounds are recommended |
The choice between saline and silicone implants depends on factors such as personal preference, body type, and desired results. Doctors like Dr. Lucie Capek and Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore will discuss these options with patients during the consultation process.
Incisions and Implant Placement
During breast - augmentation surgery, the doctor will make an incision and create a pocket for the implant. There are different options for both incisions and implant placement.
Incisions
- Inframammary Incision: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. It is the most commonly recommended approach as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
- Transaxillary Incision: Hidden in the armpit, this incision allows for a scar - free breast area but may be more challenging to perform accurately.
- Periareolar Incision: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This incision can result in less visible scarring but may carry a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
Implant Placement
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. It can result in a more natural slope of the breast and is suitable for some patients, especially those with enough existing breast tissue.
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed beneath the pectoralis muscle. This placement reduces the possibility of capsular contracture and interferes less with mammograms compared to subglandular placement. It is often a good choice for women with little of their own breast tissue.
- Biplanar Placement: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. It can be used to address specific anatomical needs, such as slight breast sagging, without the need for a lift in some cases.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary depending on several factors, including the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other procedures. Here are some general cost ranges from different clinics:
- The Plastic Surgery Group: The cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000.
- K Plastic Surgery: Breast augmentation costs between $6,400 - $7,500, with recovery taking 1 - 2 weeks and full results visible in 6 months.
It's important to note that insurance usually does not cover breast augmentation as it is considered an elective surgery. However, some clinics offer patient financing options to help patients afford the procedure.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast augmentation is an important part of the overall experience. The following is a general recovery timeline based on information from different sources:
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, which is usually an outpatient procedure, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess. They will be able to return home after a brief period of observation. Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet.
First Few Days
Patients may be tired and sore, with pain that can be managed with prescribed pain medication. A slight burning feeling in the nipples may also be present, which will subside as bruising lessens and healing continues.
7 to 10 Days
If there are gauze dressings, they will be removed, and patients will be switched to a surgical bra. Stitches will be taken out during this time.
3 to 5 Weeks
Breasts will be sensitive to physical contact. Some swelling, tightness, and soreness may still be present, but can usually be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
Next Several Months
Scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. Patients may gradually return to more strenuous activities, and their breasts will continue to settle into their final positions.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor
When choosing a hospital and doctor for breast augmentation in Albany, several factors should be considered:
- Board Certification: Look for doctors who are board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that they have successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. For example, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience.
- Experience: Consider doctors with a high number of past patient ratings and extensive experience in performing breast - augmentation procedures. Doctors like Dr. Jonathan Canete and Dr. Matthew McDonald have high ratings on Healthgrades, suggesting their experience and patient satisfaction.
- Before - and - After Photos: Browse through the doctor's before - and - after photos to get a sense of the type of results they can achieve. This can help you determine if their aesthetic style matches your expectations.
- Patient Comfort: During the consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The doctor and their staff should address all of your questions and concerns completely.
Conclusion
In summary, Albany offers a range of hospitals and doctors for breast - augmentation procedures. The overall hospital rankings from US News Best Hospitals can provide a general idea of the quality of medical facilities in the area, while the doctor ratings on Healthgrades can help you identify experienced plastic surgeons. When considering breast augmentation, it's important to understand the different types of implants, incisions, and implant placement options available. The cost of the procedure can vary, and insurance usually does not cover it. The recovery process also requires patience and following the doctor's instructions. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision when choosing a hospital and doctor for your breast - augmentation journey.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. You can also explore additional resources online to gather more information. Share this article with others who may be considering breast augmentation to help them make an informed decision.
