Introduction

Prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in Albany and beyond consider for various reasons, such as enhancing their figure, regaining lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correcting breast asymmetry. When it comes to choosing the best hospital for long - term prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany, there are several factors to consider, including the expertise of the surgeons, the range of services offered, patient reviews, and the hospital's track record of successful outcomes. In this article, we will explore some of the top options available in Albany and provide in - depth information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

What is Prosthetic Breast Augmentation?

Prosthetic breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to increase the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. The implants can be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel, and come in various sizes, shapes, and textures. 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.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for prosthetic breast augmentation typically include women who have the following concerns:

• Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
• Disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body
• Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
• Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)

Types of Breast Implants

There are two main types of FDA - approved breast implants: saline and silicone. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Top Surgeons and Clinics for Breast Augmentation in Albany

Dr. Lucie Capek

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is highly trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.

Services Offered

Dr. Capek offers a wide range of breast augmentation options, including different implant sizes, shapes, and materials, as well as the possibility of using your own fat for augmentation. She also allows patients to combine cosmetic breast augmentation with a breast lift.

Procedure Process

• Consultation: Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. She explains all the procedure options and ensures that patients are informed participants in the planning process.
• Surgery: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed 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, with the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) being the most commonly recommended approach due to a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, minimizing bleeding and muscle twitching. Implants are placed in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle. She typically does not use drains in first - time breast augmentation patients and closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue. The surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
• Aftercare: Patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. They should rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is important to follow Dr. Capek's aftercare instructions and attend follow - up appointments. Over the long term, regular mammograms and breast exams are necessary, and if a patient has silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.

Patient Reviews

One patient said, "The surgery itself was as good a process as something like that can be. Excellent care, very little pain and bruising with a fast recovery. Definitely worth it."

Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth

Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth is also well - known for his work in breast augmentation in Albany. He has a reputation for not only being a great surgeon but also having great compassion, empathy, and an outstanding bedside manner.

Services Offered

He offers a variety of breast augmentation options, including silicone and saline implants. Scientific studies have shown silicone breast implants to be safe and natural - feeling, and saline - filled implants can also lead to excellent results in eligible patients. He also offers breast augmentation with fat transfer, which is appropriate for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size and want breasts that look and feel as natural as possible.

Procedure Process

• Consultation: The consultation helps determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure and discusses the goals and expectations of the surgery.
• Surgery: The operation usually takes one to two hours and is generally performed as an outpatient procedure either under general anesthesia or utilizing local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Incisions are typically placed either around the nipple - areola complex, underneath the breast, or occasionally in the armpit. Implants are placed behind the breast, either over the muscle on the chest wall or under the muscle, depending on the patient's anatomy and discussion with Dr. Roth.
• Aftercare: After breast augmentation with implants, drainage tubes may be inserted, incisions are stitched, taped, and bandaged, and a surgical bra is put over the bandages. Some patients may feel tired and sore for a few days post - surgery but many can return to work within a week. Stitches usually dissolve on their own, and post - operative pain, swelling, and sensitivity typically diminish over the first few weeks. After breast augmentation with fat transplantation, recovery time is short, and compression garments are typically worn over the areas that received liposuction.

Patient Reviews

One patient on Healthgrades stated, "Not only is he a great surgeon, but he has great compassion, empathy, and an outstanding bedside manner. He is the only surgeon who actually came out and spoke to my family. He went above and beyond! Highly recommend him."

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire capital region. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.

Services Offered

He offers a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast implant revision, and breast reconstruction. For breast augmentation, he can help patients enhance their breast size, shape, and symmetry.

Procedure Process

• Consultation: Before the breast surgery, a consultation with Dr. Kayastha is essential. He listens to the patient's goal results, creates a unique plan for the surgery, and determines if the procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's relevant health history.
• Surgery: The specific surgical approach for breast augmentation will depend on the patient's individual case and the chosen implant type and placement.
• Aftercare: Recovery times and aftercare instructions vary depending on the procedure. For example, for breast augmentation, it may take 1 - 2 weeks for initial recovery and 6 months for full results, with a cost ranging from $6,400 - $7,500.

Patient Reviews

One patient said, "I recently had a breast augmentation done by Dr. K, and it was amazing! Dr. K spent a ton of time with me during the consultation, and he really puts a lot of effort into ensuring the best results."

Other Considerations for Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon

Qualifications and Experience

It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in breast augmentation. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met the rigorous standards set by the relevant professional organizations. Look for surgeons who have been performing breast augmentation procedures for many years and have a proven track record of successful outcomes.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience at a particular hospital or with a specific surgeon. Look for reviews that mention things like the surgeon's communication skills, bedside manner, the results of the surgery, and the aftercare provided.

Range of Services

Choose a hospital or surgeon that offers a wide range of breast augmentation options, including different types of implants, placement techniques, and the possibility of combining with other procedures like breast lift. This allows you to customize the procedure to meet your specific needs and goals.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implants used, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's fees. While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved and whether the hospital or surgeon offers financing options.

Location and Accessibility

Consider the location of the hospital or surgeon's office and how accessible it is for you. You will need to attend pre - operative consultations, the surgery itself, and follow - up appointments, so a convenient location can make the process more manageable.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Early 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
• Changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast
• Infection

Long - term Risks

Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues that require monitoring and treatment:

• Capsular contracture: This is the formation of abnormal scar tissue around the implant, which can cause increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast. It is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
• Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.
• Implant rupture: If a saline breast implant breaks, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic ultrasounds or MRIs to check their integrity.

Recovery and Aftercare

General Recovery Tips

After breast augmentation surgery, it is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully. Here are some general tips:

• Rest: Plan to rest quietly for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects for several weeks.
• Wear a Supportive Bra: Wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks to provide support and minimize swelling.
• Showering: You can usually shower within 48 hours after surgery, but follow your surgeon's specific instructions.
• Follow - up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.

Long - term Aftercare

Over the long term, continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, make sure to have the recommended periodic ultrasounds or MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.

Conclusion

Choosing the best hospital for long - term prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Surgeons like Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth, and Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha offer a range of services, have experienced teams, and positive patient reviews. However, it is important to thoroughly research your options, consider factors such as qualifications, patient testimonials, and costs, and have an in - depth consultation with your chosen surgeon to ensure that you are making the right choice for your individual needs and goals.

If you are considering breast augmentation, take the first step by scheduling a consultation with a reputable surgeon in Albany. By being well - informed and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can increase the likelihood of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience.