Introduction
Breast volume reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that can offer relief and improved quality of life for many individuals. Women with overly large breasts may experience a variety of physical and emotional issues, such as back pain, poor posture, and low self - esteem. For men with gynecomastia (enlarged breasts), the condition can also cause discomfort and self - consciousness. In Albany, there are several hospitals and doctors offering this surgery. This article will explore which hospitals and doctors are good for breast volume reduction surgery in Albany, providing detailed information on the procedure, candidates, risks, and recovery.
What is Breast Volume Reduction Surgery?
Breast volume reduction surgery involves removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to reduce their size and weight. The goal is to create smaller breasts that are more in proportion to the rest of the body and to alleviate the physical and emotional problems associated with large breasts. For male patients with gynecomastia, the surgery is used to reduce the overdevelopment of breast tissue.
Who Can Benefit from Breast Reduction Surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction are those experiencing discomfort or health issues due to the size of their breasts. This includes:
- Women with oversized breasts causing medical problems like back pain, breathing problems, and poor posture.
- Individuals with low self - esteem or physical and social discomfort related to their breast size.
- Men with gynecomastia who feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable.
However, pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot undergo breast reduction surgery. Also, candidates should be in good health, both physically and emotionally, and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia. The length of the surgery can vary from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the technique used and the individual case.
Common Incision Techniques
- Two - ring Incision: One larger ring and one smaller ring around the areola. This is less common and may be used for smaller reductions.
- Keyhole (Lollipop) Incision: Around the areola and down to the breast crease. It is utilized for moderate reductions with significant sagging, allowing for the removal of excess tissue and skin and the re - positioning of the nipple.
- Anchor Incision: Beginning in the breast crease, extending up to and around the areola. This is often used for the most dramatic breast reduction and reshaping, especially for very large or sagging breasts.
Liposuction
Liposuction alone can sometimes be used to reduce breast size. It has the advantage of leaving little - to - no scarring. However, it can only remove fatty tissue, so patients must have more fatty than glandular tissue in their breasts. Liposuction is also commonly used for male breast reduction when the enlargement is mainly due to fatty tissue.
Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery
After breast reduction surgery, patients usually experience soreness, swelling, and bruising for several days. Here is a general timeline of the recovery process:
- First Few Days: Bandages are removed after 2 days and replaced with a surgical bra. Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescription medication.
- 1 - 2 Weeks: Physical activity should be limited during this time. Patients with desk jobs may be able to return to work after about a week, while those with more physically demanding jobs may need more time off.
- 2 - 3 Weeks: Stitches are typically removed at this stage. Most patients can return to their regular activities, but strenuous exercise should still be avoided.
- 4 - 6 Weeks: Swelling and bruising gradually subside. Exercise and other strenuous activities can be gradually re - introduced, but patients should follow their doctor's advice.
- Long - term: Scars fade with time, and the final results of the surgery become more apparent. The breasts' appearance continues to improve as swelling goes down completely, usually around six months post - operation.
Risks Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery carries some risks. These include:
- Loss of Sensation: Patients may experience temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts.
- Scarring: Although surgeons try to minimize scarring, it is inevitable with breast reduction surgery. The type and visibility of scars depend on the incision technique used.
- Asymmetry: There may be a slight difference in the size or shape of the two breasts after surgery.
- Excessive Firmness: The breasts may feel firmer than normal for some time after surgery.
- Inability to Breast - feed: Since the surgery involves removing breast tissue, it may affect a woman's ability to breast - feed in the future.
- Loss of Skin/Tissue: There is a risk of loss of skin or tissue at the incision sites, especially in areas where incisions meet.
- Partial or Total Loss of Areola and Nipple: This is a rare but serious complication.
Top Hospitals and Doctors for Breast Volume Reduction Surgery in Albany
There are several hospitals and doctors in Albany known for performing high - quality breast volume reduction surgeries. Here are some of the top options:
Doctors and Their Ratings
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patricia Fox, MD | 3.90 out of 5 stars | 1214 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 7, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 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. Marthe Gabey, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 333 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180 |
| Dr. Malcolm Roth, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Kristen Rezak, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave #11, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Douglas Hargrave, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Casian Monaco, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Debbie Kennedy, MD | 4.20 out of 5 stars | 4 Executive Park Dr, Albany, NY 12203 |
Details about Some Doctors
Dr. Malcolm Roth, MD, FACS
Dr. Roth has a positive patient testimonial. A patient named Yule Issy M. said, “This doctor is very kind. I got surgery yesterday and he made sure to call me today to follow up with me and allow me to ask whatever questions I may have. The care at Albany Meds Hospital was amazing the nurses were great. My preoperative nurse also called me today to find out how I was doing. I would definitely recommend Dr. Roth to my family and friends looking for a surgeon in the area.” He offers breast reduction surgery with various techniques and provides detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and risks to his patients.
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD
At K Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He customizes breast reduction procedures based on individual factors. His patients have praised his skill and the patient - friendly approach of his team. Dr. Kayastha offers different incision patterns, such as liposuction, vertical (lollipop) incision, and inverted t (anchor) incision. He also provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery for his patients.
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany trust Dr. Capek for breast reduction surgery. Many also travel from other areas like New York City, Vermont, and Massachusetts to receive her care. She carefully evaluates each patient to determine the best procedure option. She commonly uses the anchor incision for larger reductions and may also use liposuction for appropriate cases. Dr. Capek works to minimize risks and make the recovery process as comfortable as possible for her patients.
Dr. Tauber and Dr. Yan at DeLuca Plastic Surgery
They offer different incision options for breast reduction, including circular, keyhole, and inverted - t (anchor) incisions. They also help patients determine if breast reduction is the right option for them and discuss insurance coverage possibilities. After surgery, they provide 24/7 support during the recovery period and offer free post - operative appointments.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Gynecomastia, the overdevelopment of male breasts, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be caused by hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs, or heredity.
Candidates for Male Breast Reduction
Men who have large or sagging breasts that cause physical or emotional discomfort are candidates for breast reduction. They should have completed breast development, be in good physical and emotional health, not smoke, and not be overweight. Ideally, they have firm, elastic skin that can reshape after surgery.
Procedure for Male Breast Reduction
Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and takes 1 to 3 hours. It can be done using liposuction, surgery, or a combination of both:
- Liposuction: If the enlargement is due to excessive fatty tissue, a cannula is inserted through small incisions (around the lower halves of the areolas or in the underarms) to remove the fat.
- Surgery: When the enlargement is due to excess glandular tissue, incisions are made to remove the tissue. Repositioning the areolas/nipples and excising excess skin may also be part of the procedure.
Recovery from Male Breast Reduction
After male breast reduction surgery, there is bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Discomfort usually lessens after a few days with the help of prescribed pain medication. A compression garment is worn for about 2 weeks and at night for several additional weeks to reduce swelling. Stitches are removed after 1 or 2 weeks, and patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be started after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Risks of Male Breast Reduction
The risks include skin injury, loss of nipple sensation, discoloration, scarring, and asymmetrical breasts or nipples. However, the results are usually permanent as long as the patient's weight remains stable. If drugs were the cause of gynecomastia, the patient must stop taking them permanently to maintain the results.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary. In Albany, the cost of breast reduction can range from around $7,500 to $14,500. However, the final cost depends on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fees, and the hospital charges.
Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery also varies. In some cases, insurance may cover the procedure if there is a medical need, such as back pain, neck pain, or other health issues caused by large breasts. Additionally, the amount of tissue to be removed must meet certain weight requirements. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss the medical problems with the patient and write a letter to the insurance provider, which may include a photo of the breasts and an estimate of the weight to be removed.
Conclusion
Breast volume reduction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for those suffering from the physical and emotional burden of large breasts. In Albany, there are several excellent hospitals and doctors with the expertise and experience to perform these surgeries safely and effectively. From the various incision techniques to the post - operative care, each aspect of the procedure is carefully considered by these professionals. When choosing a hospital or doctor for breast volume reduction surgery, it is important to consider factors such as the doctor's experience, patient reviews, and the overall quality of care provided.
If you are considering breast volume reduction surgery in Albany, take the time to research different doctors, schedule consultations, and ask questions. Don't hesitate to reach out to these medical professionals to learn more about the procedure, your candidacy, and what to expect during the recovery process. Start your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you today!
