Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, and in Albany, NY, there is a significant demand for high - quality plastic surgery hospitals. This article aims to provide an in - depth look at the top ten regular plastic surgery hospitals for menstrual breast augmentation in Albany. We will cover various aspects such as the expertise of the surgeons, available procedures, patient experiences, and more.
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. It can effectively address concerns such as smaller breast size, moderate asymmetry between breasts, loss of volume after pregnancy or weight loss, and the desire for a more athletic, proportionate breast shape and figure. As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants were used in 23%.
Types of Breast Implants
- Silicone Implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon in Albany, currently utilizes 5th - generation silicone implants. They have an improved ability to maintain their shape while having a soft - to - touch, more natural quality. Rounded silicone implants can provide more lift and projection of the breast, and there are different profile types (low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra high) to choose from based on body type and desired outcome.
- Saline Implants: Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt - water solution. While they are an option, silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural. Research indicates that saline implants can sometimes feel hard and may completely deflate.
Alternative to Implants: Fat Transfer
Also known as lipofilling, breast augmentation with fat transfer uses the patient's own fat harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. The fat is then processed and injected into the breasts to improve volume and shape. Dr. Kaufman has significant experience in this technique. The key benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation include the use of the body's natural tissue, which reduces the risk of implant - related complications and provides a more organic feel. It can also enhance body contours in donor areas.
Top Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD
Dr. Susan Gannon has a rating of 4.60 out of 5 stars. Her office is located at 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206. While specific details about her breast augmentation techniques are not as widely available as some others, patients trust her based on her high rating. A well - rated surgeon often has a track record of providing good patient care, achieving satisfactory results, and having effective communication with patients.
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD
Dr. Kaufman is a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon. He has an impressive 4.70 out of 5 - star rating. His office is at 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208. He offers a comprehensive range of options for breast augmentation, including breast implant - based augmentation and fat transfer techniques. Dr. Kaufman exclusively uses implants made in the United States. He carefully guides patients through the process, considering factors like implant materials, shapes, textures, and profiles. For example, he currently uses smooth breast implants as textured implants have been associated with rare adverse outcomes. He also has significant experience in fat grafting, using advanced lipo - filling sculpting techniques developed in France.
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD
With a rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars, Dr. Todd Beyer's office is located at 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Although more in - depth information about his specific breast augmentation approach may be lacking, his high rating suggests that he has a good reputation among patients. A high star rating can be an indication of successful surgeries, low complication rates, and positive patient experiences.
Dr. Meera Menon, MD
Dr. Meera Menon has a rating of 4.40 out of 5 stars and is located at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. While there isn't extensive public information about her unique selling points in breast augmentation, her rating implies that she provides a certain level of quality service in this field. Patients may trust her based on the overall positive feedback she has received.
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD
Dr. Jonathan Canete holds a remarkable 4.90 out of 5 - star rating. His office is at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. A high rating like this indicates that he likely has a high level of skill, provides excellent patient care, and achieves great aesthetic results. However, specific details about his breast augmentation methods need to be further explored through patient consultations.
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD
Dr. Francis Cullen has a rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars. He is located at 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205. Patients who choose Dr. Cullen may expect a certain level of professionalism and good surgical outcomes based on his rating. However, more information about his breast augmentation techniques can be obtained by directly contacting his office or speaking with his previous patients.
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD
Dr. Jerome Chao has a rating of 4.30 out of 5 stars and is situated at 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110. While his rating is relatively good, potential patients may want to inquire further about his breast augmentation experience and the specific services he offers, such as the types of implants he uses and his approach to patient care.
Dr. Edward Lee, MD
Dr. Edward Lee has a rating of 4.50 out of 5 stars. His office is at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. He is likely to have a solid track record in breast augmentation, but patients may benefit from learning more about his surgical techniques, such as the incision methods he prefers and how he addresses potential complications.
Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO
Dr. Matthew McDonald has a 4.90 out of 5 - star rating and is located at 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211. A high rating suggests that he is highly skilled and trusted by his patients. In the context of breast augmentation, he may offer unique approaches or have a particular focus on patient satisfaction.
Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD
Dr. Eugene Hoffert has a 4.90 out of 5 - star rating. His office is at 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054. His excellent rating implies that he has a high - quality service in breast augmentation. Patients can expect a professional experience and potentially good results, but it's still important to have a detailed consultation to understand his specific practices.
Leading Plastic Surgery Hospitals in Albany
Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System is a well - known option for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Their plastic and reconstructive surgery team offers a broad range of cosmetic and reconstructive options in the region. The physicians have trained at some of the most prestigious centers in the world and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In terms of breast augmentation, they provide options such as breast enlargement, breast lift, and breast reduction. They also offer advanced reconstructive options for breast reconstruction, including tissue expander reconstruction, free flap reconstruction, and combination methods. Their fellowship - trained microsurgeons, the only ones in the region, offer the most advanced reconstructive options to restore form and function following cancer treatment or complex trauma.
The Plastic Surgery Group
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, & Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group offers breast augmentation surgery. They explain the procedure in detail during the consultation, discussing various options such as different types of breast implants, incision placement (along the breast fold, in the underarm, or around the areola), and implant placement (beneath the muscle of the chest wall or directly behind the breast tissue). They also provide information on recovery time, cost (which typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000 depending on factors like implant choice and procedure complexity), and potential complications such as capsular contracture, infection, impact to nipple sensation, and implant leak/rupture. The group offers patient financing to help patients afford the procedure.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He is passionate about providing excellent results for breast procedures. In breast augmentation, he offers patients a chance to enhance their breast size, shape, and symmetry. The recovery time is about 1 - 2 weeks and 6 months for full results, with a cost ranging from $6,400 - $7,500. Before the surgery, patients can review before - and - after photos of his previous patients to get an idea of the possible outcomes. During the consultation, he listens to the patient's goals, creates a unique plan, and determines if the procedure is the best option.
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice
Dr. Kaufman's practice is well - regarded for breast augmentation. He takes a personalized approach, starting with a detailed consultation where he discusses the patient's goals, reviews the medical and surgical history, and conducts an examination with medical photography and measurements. He then provides a personalized recommendation. For breast implant - based augmentation, he offers a range of choices in implant materials, shapes, textures, and profiles. For fat transfer breast augmentation, he uses advanced techniques to harvest and inject the patient's own fat. He also advocates for patient preparation before surgery to boost the body's ability to recover, and provides detailed guidance during the recovery process.
Dr. Lucie Capek's Practice
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon whom patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust for breast augmentation. She is an expert in guiding patients through the many options available, including different breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, and the possibility of using the patient's own fat. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. During the procedure, she typically makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola and inserts the implant using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. She creates the pocket for the implants in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position. After the surgery, she provides clear aftercare instructions and schedules follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process.
Patient Considerations
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful breast augmentation. Patients should look for board - certified plastic surgeons. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. It's also a good idea to browse the surgeon's before - and - after photos to get a sense of the type of results they can achieve. During the consultation, patients should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon should address all questions and concerns completely, and the staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized. For example, Dr. Kaufman has a high - quality consultation process where he takes the time to understand the patient's goals and provides a personalized plan.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after breast augmentation varies depending on the procedure and the individual. Most patients are able to return to work within a week, but full recovery can take several months. For example, in the first few days, patients may experience tiredness and soreness, and the surgeon may prescribe pain medication. After a week or so, dressings may be removed, and stitches taken out. For several weeks, the breasts may be sensitive to physical contact. In the next several months, scars will gradually fade. It's important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions, which may include wearing a supportive surgical bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow - up appointments. Surgeons like Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Capek provide detailed guidance on the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.
Cost and Financing
The cost of breast augmentation can range from around $6,000 to $10,500 depending on factors such as the type of procedure (implant - based or fat transfer), the choice of implants, and whether it is combined with other procedures. Insurance usually does not cover breast augmentation as it is considered an elective surgery. However, many practices, such as The Plastic Surgery Group, offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure. Before making a decision, patients should get a detailed cost breakdown from the surgeon and explore financing options.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries potential risks and complications. Common immediate - postoperative risks include bleeding in the implant pocket and infection. Specific to breast implants, complications may include capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), implant malposition, and implant rupture. There may also be changes in nipple sensation. Long - term side effects such as breast implant illness and breast implant - associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma are rare but have been documented. Surgeons should discuss these potential risks with patients during the consultation to ensure they are fully informed before making a decision.
Industry Trends in Breast Augmentation
Technological Advancements
In recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in breast augmentation. For example, the development of 5th - generation silicone implants, like those used by Dr. Kaufman, offers improved shape - retention and a more natural feel. Additionally, new surgical instruments such as the harmonic scalpel, used by Dr. Capek, help minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the procedure. These advancements contribute to better surgical outcomes and patient experiences.
Changing Patient Preferences
Patient preferences in breast augmentation are also evolving. There is a growing interest in more natural - looking results, which has led to an increased popularity of fat transfer breast augmentation. Patients are also more informed and are actively involved in the decision - making process, researching different surgeons, implant types, and procedures. They are looking for personalized approaches that take into account their individual body types and aesthetic goals.
Conclusion
Albany offers a range of excellent plastic surgery hospitals and highly skilled surgeons for menstrual breast augmentation. From well - established institutions like Albany Med Health System to individual practices of experienced surgeons such as Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Capek, patients have many options to choose from. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential for patients to do their research, choose a board - certified surgeon, understand the procedure, recovery process, cost, and potential risks. Each surgeon and hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's a wide range of procedures, personalized approaches, or advanced techniques.
Take the time to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, view before - and - after photos, and talk to previous patients if possible. By being well - informed and making a careful decision, patients can increase their chances of achieving their desired aesthetic results and a positive overall experience. If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, don't hesitate to reach out to these top - rated surgeons and hospitals to start your journey towards a more confident you.
