Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost her self - confidence. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical professionals offering this service. This article will provide an in - depth inventory of the ranking of hospitals for prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany, including details about the top hospitals, plastic surgeons, and what to expect from the procedure.
Overview of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to increase the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. The implants can be filled with saline solution or silicone gel. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022.
Women may choose to undergo breast augmentation for various reasons, such as underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breast - feeding, or loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Selecting the right hospital and surgeon for prosthetic breast augmentation is crucial for a successful outcome. A qualified and experienced surgeon will be able to understand your goals, recommend the appropriate type of implant, and perform the procedure with minimal risk. A well - equipped hospital with a high - quality medical team can also ensure your safety during and after the surgery.
Before making a decision, it is essential to research the credentials of the surgeon, the reputation of the hospital, and the patient reviews. Additionally, considering factors such as the cost, location, and after - care services can help you make an informed choice.
Top Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in Albany
1. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is one of the prominent hospitals in Albany that offers breast augmentation services. It is located at 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, and can be contacted at (518) 262 - 2400.
The hospital has received a 2 - star rating for care quality. In terms of performance metrics, its effectiveness of care is below the national average, efficient use of medical imaging is the same as the national average, mortality is the same as the national average, patient experience is below the national average, readmission is below the national average, safety of care is above the national average, and timeliness of care is below the national average. For value of care, it has average complications and lower payment for hip/knee replacement, average mortality and average payment for heart attack measure, average mortality and average payment for pneumonia measure, and average mortality and higher payment for heart failure measure. It has also received a 5 - star rating for price transparency.
When it comes to breast augmentation, the hospital's surgeons can provide patients with a range of options, including different types of implants and surgical techniques. The price that Albany Medical Center Hospital has reported for breast enlargement using prosthetic implant varies depending on whether you are paying in cash or if you are part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.
2. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany is ranked #1 in Albany by US News. It is located at Albany, NY 12208 - 1789. The hospital is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. Although specific details about its breast augmentation services are not as widely available as Albany Medical Center, its high - performance in multiple areas indicates a high - quality medical environment. This may translate to well - trained surgeons, advanced equipment, and comprehensive post - operative care for breast augmentation patients.
Patients considering St. Peter's Hospital for breast augmentation can expect a hospital with a reputation for excellence in medical care. It is likely to have a team of plastic surgeons who are experienced in performing breast augmentation surgeries and can offer personalized treatment plans based on the patient's needs and goals.
Top Plastic Surgeons in Albany for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon Ratings and Profiles
Healthgrades has identified several plastic surgeons in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Here are some of the top - rated surgeons:
| Surgeon Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 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 |
These surgeons have received high ratings from past patients, which indicates their skills and patient - satisfaction. When choosing a surgeon, it is advisable to schedule a consultation to discuss your expectations, ask questions about the procedure, and review the surgeon's before - and - after photos.
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo, where he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. After medical school, he gained a position in the Michigan State - Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency and later completed a one - year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. He also spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco before starting private practice.
Dr. Kayastha offers a variety of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast implant revision, and breast reconstruction. The costs for these procedures vary, with breast augmentation costing between $6,400 - $7,500 and having a recovery time of 1 - 2 weeks and 6 months for full results.
Dr. Lucie Capek
Dr. Lucie Capek is an expert in breast augmentation. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Her office is just 13 miles from Albany and 9 miles from Schenectady, New York.
The breast augmentation procedure performed by Dr. Capek is usually done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in her quada - accredited office - based operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, or a hospital operating room. She makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The implants can be placed in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement and closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Breast Augmentation Procedure Details
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of FDA - approved breast implants: saline and silicone. All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt - water solution, while silicone implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of tissue.
Both types of implants have been regularly researched and tested for safety precautions and carry warranties from the manufacturer. The recommended choice of implant type, size, and shape will be determined based on the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. A plastic surgeon will discuss these options with the patient during the consultation to help make an informed decision.
Before the Procedure
Before undergoing breast augmentation, a consultation with the plastic surgeon is necessary. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the various procedure options, use breast implant sizers to help the patient visualize the desired breast size, and answer any questions the patient may have. The patient should also be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise, and avoid smoking as it can decrease the body's ability to heal normally. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
The patient may also need to undergo some pre - operative tests, such as blood tests and mammograms, to ensure they are fit for surgery.
During the Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure typically takes around 1 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The surgeon will make a single cut in the breast, either under the breast or around the nipple. The breast tissue will then be separated from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space for the implant. The implant will be inserted into the created space, and the incision will be closed with sutures.
As mentioned earlier, some surgeons, like Dr. Capek, use a harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implants, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The position of the implant (sub - muscular or sub - glandular) will be determined based on the patient's anatomy and preferences.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, the patient will be given a prescription to control pain if needed, and the surgeon may remove the stitches in a week. The patient can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. It is important to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
The patient should follow the surgeon's after - care instructions carefully to avoid any complications. Breast augmentation recovery times vary from patient to patient depending on their health and the extent of the procedure. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process. Over the long term, the patient should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician. If they have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Short - Term Risks
Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - operative and post - operative care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
Long - Term Risks
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues that require monitoring and treatment. The most common long - term complication is capsular contracture, which is the formation of abnormal scar tissue around the implant, leading to increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast. This is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
Other long - term risks include implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position, like dropping too low) and implant rupture. If saline breast implants break, the implants release a salt - water solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. Because a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity.
How to Choose the Best Hospital and Surgeon for You
Researching Hospitals
When researching hospitals for breast augmentation in Albany, consider factors such as the hospital's reputation, accreditation, and performance in relevant medical areas. Check the hospital's ratings and reviews from patients. Look for hospitals that have a dedicated plastic surgery department and experienced surgical teams. You can also consult with other patients who have undergone breast augmentation at the hospital to get first - hand information.
Evaluating Surgeons
When evaluating plastic surgeons, check their credentials, including board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Review their experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries, including the number of procedures they have done and their success rate. Look at their before - and - after photos to get an idea of their aesthetic results. It is also important to schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals, ask questions, and assess their communication skills and bedside manner.
Considering Cost and Insurance
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a hospital and surgeon for breast augmentation. Different hospitals and surgeons may have different pricing structures. Additionally, some insurance plans may cover breast augmentation if it is done for reconstructive purposes after a mastectomy. However, most cosmetic breast augmentations are not covered by insurance. Before making a decision, get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital or surgeon, including all fees such as surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, hospital fee, and post - operative care fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a range of options for women seeking prosthetic breast augmentation. From top - rated hospitals like Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital - Albany to experienced plastic surgeons such as Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha and Dr. Lucie Capek, patients have access to high - quality medical care. Understanding the breast augmentation procedure, the types of implants, the associated risks, and how to choose the best hospital and surgeon are all essential steps in making an informed decision.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and talk to other patients who have undergone the procedure. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of having a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation, and explore more about plastic surgery and related topics to make the best decision for your needs.
