Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery option for women in Albany. The desire for larger, fuller breasts can stem from various reasons, such as enhancing self - confidence, achieving a more balanced figure, or recovering from the effects of pregnancy and aging. In this article, we will explore the top ten large - scale plastic surgery hospitals for breast augmentation surgery in Albany, along with in - depth information about breast augmentation procedures, considerations, and more.
Top Ten Plastic Surgery Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
1. The Plastic Surgery Group
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group is a well - known choice for breast augmentation. Their surgeons are highly experienced in the procedure and offer a comprehensive range of options for patients. For instance, they explain in detail the various types of breast implants available, different incision placements (such as along the breast fold, in the underarm, or around the areola), and implant placements (beneath the muscle or directly behind the breast tissue). The cost of breast augmentation at this facility typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, with patient financing options available.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in multiple areas, including plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He approaches breast surgery with finesse and professionalism. K Plastic Surgery offers a variety of breast procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast augmentation and lift, male breast reduction, and more. The recovery time and cost vary depending on the specific procedure. For example, breast augmentation may take 1 - 2 weeks for initial recovery and up to 6 months for full results, with a cost ranging from $6,400 - $7,500.
3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has extensive experience, having performed over 4,000 breast procedures. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He offers customized breast augmentation, considering factors like implant size, shape, material, and profile. Dr. Rockmore helps patients choose the best incision location (inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary) and implant placement (subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar) based on their individual needs. The cost of breast augmentation at his practice near Albany varies and patients receive a personalized price quote during consultation.
4. Healthgrades - Associated Providers
Healthgrades has identified several top - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Doctors like Dr. Susan Gannon (rated 4.60 out of 5 stars), Dr. Gabriel Kaufman (rated 4.70 out of 5 stars), and Dr. Todd Beyer (rated 4.80 out of 5 stars) are among the highly recommended providers. These doctors have at least 10 or more past patient ratings, indicating their experience and patient satisfaction.
5. Capek Plastic Surgery
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery offers a range of breast - related procedures. In addition to traditional breast augmentation with implants, she can perform natural breast augmentation using the patient's own fat. She also provides services such as breast implant removal, breast lift, breast reduction, and gynecomastia (male breast reduction). During the consultation, Dr. Capek helps patients choose the most suitable option based on their body and goals.
6. Deluca Plastic Surgery
Deluca Plastic Surgery takes a comprehensive approach to breast augmentation. They start with a detailed consultation, where they use the Mentor breast implant sizing system for patients to “try on” different implants. They also utilize 3 - D computer simulations and advanced AI algorithms to help patients visualize their potential results. The surgeons at Deluca Plastic Surgery, including Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan, carefully place incisions to minimize scarring. After the procedure, they provide detailed post - operative care instructions.
7. Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast enlargement. Their plastic and reconstructive surgery team consists of physicians who have trained at prestigious centers around the world. They are well - equipped to handle both simple and complex breast augmentation cases and offer a safe and effective long - term solution for patients in the region.
Breast Augmentation: A Comprehensive Overview
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Many women simply desire larger, fuller breasts to enhance their physical appearance and feel more confident in their bodies. They may want to look better in clothing and swimwear, or they may have always wished for a more feminine silhouette.
- Post - Pregnancy Restoration: Pregnancy can cause significant changes to a woman's breasts, including loss of volume and sagging. Breast augmentation can help restore the pre - pregnancy fullness and shape of the breasts.
- Asymmetry Correction: Some women have naturally uneven breast sizes. Breast augmentation can help balance the size and shape of the breasts for a more symmetrical appearance.
- Body Proportion: Women with a larger frame may feel that their breasts are too small in proportion to the rest of their body. Breast augmentation can help create a more harmonious body shape.
Candidate Assessment
Before undergoing breast augmentation, it is crucial for a patient to meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's physical health, breast anatomy, and discuss their expectations. Some key factors that surgeons consider when determining if a patient is a good candidate include:
- Overall good health, without any underlying medical conditions that could complicate the surgery or recovery.
- Realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. It is important for patients to understand what can and cannot be achieved through breast augmentation.
- Adequate breast tissue to support the implants, or a willingness to undergo additional procedures if necessary, such as a breast lift in cases of significant sagging.
Types of Breast Implants
Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. | Leakage is easily detectable as the salt water is absorbed by the body. They are generally less expensive than silicone implants. | May have a slightly less natural feel compared to silicone implants, especially in women with less breast tissue. |
Silicone Implants | Have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often called “gummy bear” breast implants. | They feel more natural and are less likely to ripple compared to saline implants. They are a popular choice for many women. | If a rupture occurs, it may be less noticeable, and the implant may need to be replaced. They are typically more expensive than saline implants. |
Incision Placement
- Inframammary Incision: Made along the breast fold. This incision provides good access to the breast pocket and allows for precise implant placement. The scar is usually well - hidden in the natural crease of the breast.
- Transaxillary Incision: Placed in the underarm area. This incision results in no visible scar on the breast itself. However, it may be more challenging to achieve precise implant placement compared to the inframammary incision.
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the lower border of the areola. The scar is often less noticeable as it blends with the natural pigment of the areola. This incision is suitable for certain types of implants and patient anatomies.
Implant Placement
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue, above the chest muscle. This placement may result in a quicker recovery and less discomfort. However, it may be more likely to show rippling, especially in women with less breast tissue.
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed beneath the chest muscle. This placement provides better coverage of the implant, making it look and feel more natural. It also reduces the risk of capsular contracture and interferes less with mammograms compared to subglandular placement. However, the recovery may be slightly longer and more uncomfortable as the muscle needs to heal.
- Biplanar Placement: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. This approach is often used to achieve the benefits of both methods, such as a more natural look and a shorter recovery time.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
During the consultation, the surgeon will give the patient detailed instructions to prepare for the surgery. This may include:
- Avoiding certain medications, such as aspirin and blood - thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
- Following a specific diet and fluid intake plan before the surgery.
- Quitting smoking, as smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and to assist with post - operative care for the first 24 hours.
Intra - operative Process
Most breast augmentation surgeries are performed at an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. The surgeon will make the chosen incision, create a pocket for the implant, and carefully place the implant in the pocket. The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.
Post - operative Recovery
The recovery process varies from person to person, but generally follows this timeline:
- First Few Days: The patient may feel tired and sore. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. The breasts may also have a slight burning feeling in the nipples, which will subside as the bruising lessens.
- 7 to 10 Days: Gauze dressings will be removed and replaced with a surgical bra. Stitches will be taken out. The patient should follow the surgeon's guidelines for wearing the surgical bra.
- 3 to 5 Weeks: The breasts will be sensitive to physical contact. The patient may need to avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.
- Next Several Months: The scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. The breasts will continue to settle into their final position, and the patient can resume normal activities.
Considerations and Concerns
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other procedures. On average, it can range from $6,000 to $10,000 or more. Many plastic surgery clinics offer patient financing options to help patients afford the procedure.
Insurance Coverage
In most cases, insurance companies consider breast augmentation an elective surgery and do not cover the cost. However, in some situations, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, insurance may provide coverage. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific policy.
Breastfeeding
The ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation depends on the location of the incisions and the placement of the implants. If the incision does not affect the nipple, there is a higher likelihood of being able to breastfeed in the future. However, patients should inform their doctors if they plan to breastfeed after surgery.
Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential complications, including:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, making the breast feel hard. Treatment may involve removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection around the implant area. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection clears up, and then a new implant can be placed.
- Impact to Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience changes in nipple sensation, such as hypersensitivity or numbness. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time.
- Implant Leak / Rupture: Saline implants will deflate quickly if they rupture, and the body will absorb the salt water. Silicone implants may be less obvious if they rupture, and replacement surgery may be required.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and effective way for women in Albany to enhance their breast size, shape, and symmetry. With a variety of top - notch plastic surgery hospitals available, patients have access to experienced surgeons who can provide personalized care and high - quality results. However, it is important for patients to carefully consider all aspects of the procedure, including the risks, benefits, and recovery process. By choosing a board - certified plastic surgeon and following the pre - and post - operative instructions, patients can achieve their desired results and boost their self - confidence.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to research the top plastic surgery hospitals mentioned in this article, schedule consultations with the surgeons, and ask all the questions you may have. Take the first step towards achieving the breast appearance you've always wanted!