Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a widely sought - after cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's figure, boost self - confidence, and address various breast - related concerns. In Albany, there are several plastic surgery hospitals and practices that offer silicone breast augmentation, which is known for providing a more natural look and feel compared to other implant types. This article will explore some of the top silicone tertiary - grade plastic surgery hospitals in Albany for prosthetic breast augmentation, discussing their services, surgeons, patient experiences, and more.
Importance of Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Hospital
Selecting the appropriate plastic surgery hospital for breast augmentation is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures your safety during the procedure. A reputable hospital will have well - trained surgeons, proper surgical facilities, and adhere to strict safety protocols. Secondly, it impacts the quality of results. Experienced surgeons at high - quality hospitals can better understand your aesthetic goals and achieve a more natural and satisfying outcome. Moreover, a good hospital will offer comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, which is essential for a smooth recovery.
Top Silicone Tertiary - Grade Plastic Surgery Hospitals in Albany for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
Dr. Lucie Capek's Practice
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon whose practice is 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 care.
Services Offered
- Variety of Implant Options: Dr. Capek offers a wide range of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. Both saline and silicone implants are available, with silicone implants being used in 77% of all breast augmentations, according to 2014 data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She also discusses the possibility of using the patient's own fat for augmentation.
- Combination Procedures: Patients can choose to combine their breast augmentation with a breast lift, which is beneficial for those with sagging breasts.
Patient Suitability
Dr. Capek believes that breast implant surgery may be suitable for patients with the following concerns:
- 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 breastfeeding
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)
Procedure Process
Before the surgery, a consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola, with the inframammary fold incision being the most commonly recommended due to a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. She creates the implant pocket using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. Implants can be placed in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery and should 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 are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, regular mammograms and breast exams are recommended, and patients with silicone implants should have periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.
Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore performs breast augmentation at his practice in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. His practice is known for its high - quality services and natural - looking results.
Services Offered
- Customized Breast Augmentation: Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach to ensure consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He offers a wide variety of implant sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles to meet each patient's unique needs.
- Combination Procedures: He may recommend incorporating a breast lift into the breast augmentation surgery for patients with sagging breasts. Another option is a comprehensive mommy makeover, which combines breast augmentation with a tummy tuck and liposuction.
Patient Suitability
Breast augmentation is a great choice for many women, including those who want to:
- Add volume to naturally small breasts or breasts that have lost mass after pregnancy
- Balance asymmetrical breasts
- Feel more confident in their favorite clothes or during intimacy
- Harmonize the size of the breasts with the rest of the body to correct the shape of tubular breasts
Procedure Process
During the consultation, Dr. Rockmore discusses the patient's motivations for surgery, performs a physical examination, and reviews the patient's health history. Incisions can be made in the inframammary fold, periareolar area, or transaxillary (armpit) area. Implants can be placed in subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar positions. For breast augmentation with fat transfer, Dr. Rockmore often uses fat grafts, but it may have limitations in adding volume compared to implants.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery. They can shower the day after surgery (with care). Most patients can resume driving within 72 hours if no longer taking prescription medication. Swelling, tightness, and soreness peak around days 3 - 5. By day 7, most patients can return to work and light activities. Strenuous activities can be resumed around weeks 2 - 4. Additional follow - up visits are scheduled at 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure.
The Plastic Surgery Group
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group is a popular choice for breast augmentation.
Services Offered
- Range of Implant Options: They offer saline and silicone implants, including form - stable silicone (gummy bear) implants. The choice of implant type depends on the patient's age (saline for at least 18 - year - olds and silicone for at least 22 - year - olds) and aesthetic goals.
- Personalized Consultation: During the consultation, patients discuss their goals, and the surgeons help them select the ideal breast implants in terms of type, size, shape, profile, and texture. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system to assist patients in visualizing different breast sizes.
Procedure Process
Breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. A pocket is created either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle, and the implants are inserted. The incisions are then closed using sutures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort after surgery. They need someone to drive them home and should rest during the recovery period. Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort. A surgical bra is worn for support and to reduce swelling. Most patients can resume light activities and work within a week or two, but heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany and the entire capital region. He has advanced training in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive Breast Procedures: In addition to breast augmentation, the practice offers breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast implant revision, and breast reconstruction.
- Before - and - After Photos: Patients can review before - and - after photos of Dr. Kayastha's previous patients to get an idea of the potential results.
Procedure Process
Before the breast surgery, patients have a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. He listens to the patient's goal results, creates a unique plan for the surgery, and determines whether the procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's health history to ensure surgery is safe.
Costs
The costs of different breast procedures at K Plastic Surgery vary. For example, breast augmentation costs between $6,400 - $7,500, breast lift costs $7,000 - $7,500, and breast augmentation and lift combined costs $8,000 - $10,500.
Deluca Plastic Surgery
Deluca Plastic Surgery offers breast augmentation in Albany. They use advanced techniques and technologies to provide a personalized experience for patients.
Services Offered
- Advanced Consultation Process: Planning for breast implant surgery begins with a discussion of the patient's goals and an analysis of their current breast shape. They use the Mentor breast implant sizing system and 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and AI algorithms to help patients decide on the right implant.
- Types of Implants: Both saline and silicone implants are available. Silicone implants come in different styles, such as "classic," "xtra," and "boost," to meet different patient goals for upper breast shape.
Procedure Process
Breast enlargement is an outpatient procedure that lasts between one and two hours on average. The surgeon makes a small incision on each breast, usually in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple. A pocket is developed for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is inserted using a minimal - touch technique, and the skin is closed with absorbable sutures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients need to follow the surgeon's post - operative care instructions, including wearing a post - operative bra and possibly a superior strap. Follow - up visits are scheduled to ensure proper healing. Physical activity should be avoided for a few weeks after surgery.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital
Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications
The surgeon's experience is of utmost importance. Surgeons like Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, and Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha are board - certified, which indicates they have met the rigorous standards set by professional organizations. Their years of experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries can give patients confidence in their skills. For example, Dr. Rockmore has performed more than 4,000 breast procedures.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the quality of care and the results achieved at a particular hospital. For instance, many patients at Dr. Capek's practice have reported excellent care, very little pain and bruising, and a fast recovery after breast augmentation.
Range of Services
A hospital that offers a wide range of services is beneficial. Some patients may want to combine breast augmentation with other procedures, such as a breast lift or a mommy makeover. Practices like Rockmore Plastic Surgery and K Plastic Surgery offer multiple breast - related procedures, allowing patients to have comprehensive care in one place.
Technology and Techniques
The use of advanced technology and techniques can improve the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Deluca Plastic Surgery uses 3 - D computer simulations and AI algorithms to help patients choose the right implants, providing a more personalized experience.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the hospital, the type of implants, and the complexity of the procedure. Most hospitals provide a personalized price quote during the consultation. Additionally, some hospitals, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, offer financing plans to help patients manage the cost of the procedure.
Breast Implant Types
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are FDA - approved and typically less expensive than silicone implants. They can be adjusted in volume after insertion, and in case of rupture, the saline solution is naturally absorbed by the body. However, they may not feel as natural as silicone implants.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and are known for their more natural look and feel. They come in different levels of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive being the "gummy bear" implants. In case of rupture, the silicone gel stays within the implant shell. Silicone implants are recommended for women over 22 years old.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, there are some risks and complications to be aware of.
Early Risks
- Bleeding and Hematoma: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which can lead to a hematoma (collection of blood) under the skin.
- Infection: An infection can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include pain, redness, swelling, and fever.
- Anesthesia Risks: Side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions, are possible.
- Changes in Sensation: Patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be temporary or permanent.
Long - Term Risks
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens, causing the breast to become firm and possibly change shape. It is the most common 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 or moving to the side.
- Implant Rupture: Silicone implants may have a silent rupture, which means there are no obvious symptoms. That's why periodic MRIs or ultrasounds are recommended for women with silicone implants. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater solution is absorbed by the body.
Conclusion
When it comes to prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany, there are several excellent silicone tertiary - grade plastic surgery hospitals to choose from. Dr. Lucie Capek's practice, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, K Plastic Surgery, and Deluca Plastic Surgery all offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a range of options to meet different patient needs. However, it is crucial to carefully consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, patient reviews, range of services, technology, and cost before making a decision. Remember, breast augmentation is a significant decision, and choosing the right hospital can ensure a safe and satisfying outcome.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, take the time to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons at different hospitals. This will allow you to ask questions, understand the procedure better, and choose the option that is best for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to these hospitals to learn more about their services and to start your journey towards achieving your desired breast appearance.
