Introduction

Implant breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in Albany are considering. Finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for achieving the desired results and ensuring a safe and successful surgery. In this article, we will explore some of the best options for implant breast augmentation in Albany, as well as provide detailed information about the procedure, including candidates, types of implants, recovery, and potential risks.

Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany

Healthgrades has identified 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Some of the top - rated doctors with at least 10 or more past patient ratings are as follows:

These doctors have received high ratings from their patients, which indicates their expertise and the quality of care they provide. It is advisable to read patient reviews and conduct further research on these doctors to make an informed decision.

Overview of Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a breast enhancement procedure in which a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of your breasts and improves their shape. In most cases, the procedure uses silicone or saline breast implants, but your own fat also can be used to add a modest volume to breasts.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

• Adding volume to naturally small breasts or breasts that have lost mass after pregnancy.
• Balancing breasts that are asymmetrical.
• Feeling more confident in their favorite clothes or during intimacy.
• Harmonizing the size of the breasts with the rest of the body to correct the shape of tubular breasts.

However, a woman must have fully developed breasts, be physically healthy, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery to be a suitable candidate.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline Implants

Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is absorbed by the body, and there is generally a very rapid loss of volume.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants have durable silicone shells that are filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. Cohesive silicone gel sticks together and does not leave the breast pocket if a rupture occurs. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural compared to saline implants, but they require women to be at least 22 years old for use, while saline implants are approved for women over 18.

Breast Implant Placement and Incision Options

Implant Placement

• Subglandular: The implant is placed above the muscle. Advantages include that the breasts move more naturally as the patient uses her chest muscles and that slight breast sagging may be corrected.
• Submuscular: The implant is placed behind the pectoralis muscle. This placement reduces the possibility of capsular contracture and interferes less with mammograms compared to subglandular placement. However, it may cause increased initial discomfort, the possible need for drainage tubes, and a longer recovery period.
• Biplanar: It is a combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. If there is some slight sagging of the breast, a biplanar approach may avoid the need for a lift.

Incision Options

• Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath your breast. This is a commonly used incision as it provides good access for implant placement and the scar is usually well - hidden.
• Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. The scar may blend in better with the areola, but there is a slightly higher risk of nipple - related complications.
• Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit. This incision results in no visible scar on the breast, but it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

The recovery process after breast augmentation can vary from person to person, but generally follows a certain timeline:

• Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet (sponge baths may be recommended in some cases).
• Days 2 & 3: If you’re comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, you should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of your procedure.
• Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
• Day 7: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. You will have your first postoperative appointment a week after your surgery to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
• Weeks 2 - 4: You should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving your arms above shoulder height may also be eased.

Surgeons usually provide patients with a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Over time, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade.

Potential Risks and Complications

For Implant - based Breast Augmentation

• Capsular Contracture: This condition involves tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. It may require removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
• Infection: There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
• Implant Leak / Rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time if they rupture, and the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. In the case of gel - filled implants, there may not be any noticeable change if the scar capsule surrounding the implant does not break. In most cases, these situations will be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.
• Impact to Nipple Sensation: Women may experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Irregularities in Breast Contour / Shape and Asymmetry: These may occur, and revision surgery may be required to correct them.
• Partial or Total Loss of Nipple / Areola: This is a rare but serious complication.

For Fat - Transfer Breast Augmentation

• Calcification
• Fat Embolism
• Fat Necrosis
• Oil Cysts
• Loss of Volume: Because of the loss of volume that occurs when fat is reabsorbed by the body, touch - up injections of fat are occasionally necessary.
• Firmness of the Breasts

Cost of Breast Augmentation

The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary widely depending on several factors. According to The Plastic Surgery Group, the cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000. However, the actual amount depends on your choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. K Plastic Surgery quotes the cost of breast augmentation in the range of $6,400 - $7,500. It is important to note that insurance companies usually consider breast augmentation an elective surgery and do not cover the cost, but many practices offer patient financing options to help patients afford the procedure.

Top Clinics for Implant Breast Augmentation in Albany

Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany and other areas, performs breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create natural - looking results. He has over 4,000 breast procedure experiences and uses a 3 - dimensional approach. Dr. Rockmore offers personalized consultations to discuss the patient's goals, motivations, and suitability for the procedure. He also provides detailed information about implant options, incision locations, and implant placement to help patients make informed decisions. His clinic showcases before - and - after photos of breast augmentation procedures, allowing patients to visualize potential results.

The Plastic Surgery Group

Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group offers breast augmentation surgery. Their surgeons explain the procedure in detail during consultations, review various implant options, incision placement, and implant placement. They perform the surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia. The group offers patient financing to help patients afford the procedure and emphasizes the importance of choosing a board - certified plastic surgeon for the best outcome.

Dr. Lucie Capek, MD

Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek is trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga for breast augmentation. She is an expert in guiding patients through the selection of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, and even considers the option of using the patient's own fat. Dr. Capek uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. She takes care during the surgery to minimize risks and provides comprehensive aftercare instructions.

How to Choose the Right Hospital and Surgeon

When choosing a hospital and surgeon for implant breast augmentation in Albany, consider the following factors:

• Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams and has a high level of practical knowledge.
• Experience: Look for surgeons with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. You can check the number of years they have been in practice and the number of similar surgeries they have completed.
• Patient Reviews: Read reviews from past patients to get an idea of their experiences with the surgeon and the hospital. Positive reviews can be an indication of good patient care and satisfactory results.
• Before - and - After Photos: Review the surgeon's before - and - after photos to assess the quality of their work and the type of results they can achieve.
• Comfort during Consultation: During the consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon should address all of your questions and concerns completely, and the staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized.

Conclusion

Implant breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. By understanding the procedure, types of implants, potential risks, and recovery process, and by carefully choosing the right hospital and surgeon, you can increase the chances of a successful and satisfying outcome. Whether you opt for the services of Rockmore Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, or Dr. Lucie Capek, make sure to have a detailed consultation and ask all your questions to feel confident about your decision.

If you're considering implant breast augmentation in Albany, take the next step by scheduling a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Share your goals, concerns, and expectations, and get personalized advice. Also, feel free to share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany.