Introduction

Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in Albany are considering. Choosing the right hospital is crucial for achieving the desired results and ensuring safety. In this article, we will carefully introduce three hospitals in Albany that are well - known for breast augmentation with prostheses.

Why Choose Albany for Breast Augmentation

Albany has a number of highly - skilled plastic surgeons and advanced medical facilities. 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, and Albany offers a wide range of options for patients. Nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA in 2022, and Albany's medical community is well - equipped to meet the growing demand.

3 Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses in Albany

1. Capek Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Information

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon. Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust her to perform their breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.

Implant Options

• All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell that is either filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel (more closely mimics the feel of tissue). Both types have been regularly researched and tested for safety precautions and carry warranties from the manufacturer.
• Silicone gel implants were used in 77%, and saline implants in 23%, of all breast augmentations in 2014.

Procedure Process

1. Consultation: Before surgery, a consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. She also takes into account patients' overall health, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
2. Surgery: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The implants are inserted in either a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
3. Aftercare: Patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement. Plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams with their PCP. If they have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.

Cost

The cost of a breast augmentation varies for each patient as this procedure is highly individualized. Dr. Capek will give an estimated cost during the consultation.

Patient Reviews

Some patients have reported that the surgery was a good process, with excellent care, very little pain and bruising, and a fast recovery. They also noted that the results were definitely worth it.

2. The Plastic Surgery Group

Surgeon Information

The Plastic Surgery Group has a team of skilled plastic surgeons. They are conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. Their surgeons are experienced in breast augmentation procedures and can help patients achieve their ideal breast aesthetic.

Implant Options

• Saline Implants: Filled with sterile salt water, FDA - approved, typically less expensive than silicone implants. There are no restrictions when it comes to incision placement, and the volume of these implants can be easily adjusted after they are inserted into the breasts. They are very safe, even when ruptured, since saline can be absorbed by the body naturally and safely.
• Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, FDA - approved, and pre - filled before insertion. They are often thought to have a more natural feel than saline implants.
• Form - stable Silicone (Gummy Bear) Implants: FDA - approved implants with a more solid consistency than traditional silicone breast implants. They are firmer and retain their shape, and the silicone does not leak from the shell when a rupture occurs, making them very safe.

Procedure Process

1. Consultation: During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals and identify the best breast implants to use, including the type, size, shape, profile, and texture. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal breast size. A surgical plan for breast augmentation will then be created and discussed with the patient.
2. Surgery: Breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision, typically in one of three locations: under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The surgeon will create a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular). The implants are then inserted into the pockets, and the incisions are closed using sutures. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour to perform.
3. Aftercare: The recovery period depends on the patient's body's natural healing ability. Patients may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort. They will need someone to drive them home and assist with daily activities. Pain and swelling are common during this period, but pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. A surgical bra may be needed for support and to lessen swelling. Within a week or two, the majority of patients are able to resume light activities and work. Heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.

Cost

The cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000. The actual amount depends on many factors including the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. The Plastic Surgery Group offers patient financing to help most patients afford to pursue their desired improvements.

3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Information

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has extensive experience, having performed more than 4,000 breast procedures. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. His practice in Latham serves Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York.

Implant Options

• Saline Implants: Made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions than 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. Both saline and silicone implants are FDA - approved — saline for women older than 18 and silicone for women older than 22.

Procedure Process

1. Consultation: Dr. Rockmore will discuss the patient's motivations for undergoing surgery extensively. He will also perform a physical examination and discuss the patient's health history to ensure that breast augmentation is the safest and most effective choice. He offers a different approach to implant selection, matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts for full and natural - looking results.
2. Surgery: Dr. Rockmore begins the surgery by making an incision in an area depending on the patient's specific needs and body. Common incision locations include inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary. He creates a pocket where the implant will be placed, with options of subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar. The surgery is an outpatient procedure.
3. Aftercare: Patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery. The initial recovery timeline typically has the following milestones:
   • Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet.
   • Days 2 & 3: If comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, patients should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
   • Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but discomfort can be remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
   • Day 7: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. The first postoperative appointment is scheduled a week after surgery.
   • Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased.
   Dr. Rockmore provides a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation at Rockmore Plastic Surgery varies with the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors. Patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with Dr. Rockmore.

Comparison of the Three Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation

Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience

It is essential to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Surgeons with more experience are more likely to achieve better results and handle any complications that may arise during or after the surgery. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, and the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group all have a good track record in breast augmentation procedures.

Implant Options

Different patients have different preferences for implant types, sizes, shapes, and textures. The hospital should offer a wide range of options to meet the diverse needs of patients. Saline implants are generally less expensive and have more flexibility in volume adjustment, while silicone implants are known for their natural feel. Form - stable silicone implants provide additional safety in case of rupture.

Procedure and Technology

Advanced surgical techniques and technologies can reduce the risk of complications and improve the overall outcome of the surgery. For instance, the use of a harmonic scalpel in surgery can minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. Some hospitals also use 3 - D computer simulations to help patients visualize their potential results.

Cost

Cost is an important factor for many patients. However, it should not be the only consideration. A high - quality breast augmentation procedure may be more expensive but can also provide better long - term results and fewer complications. It is important to get a detailed cost estimate and understand what is included in the price, such as surgeon's fees, implant costs, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care.

Aftercare and Follow - up

Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery. The hospital should provide clear instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments. Regular follow - up visits allow the surgeon to monitor the patient's recovery progress and address any concerns in a timely manner.

Conclusion

When considering breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, Capek Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, and Rockmore Plastic Surgery are three excellent choices. Each hospital has its own strengths in terms of surgeon experience, implant options, procedure features, cost, and aftercare. Before making a decision, it is recommended that patients thoroughly research each hospital, schedule consultations with the surgeons, and carefully consider all the factors mentioned above. This way, patients can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results from their breast augmentation procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany or want to schedule a consultation, reach out to these hospitals today. Share this article with friends who may also be considering breast augmentation to help them make a well - informed choice.