Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular choice for women looking to enhance their appearance, boost their self - confidence, and achieve a more proportionate figure. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering prosthetic breast augmentation surgery, each with its own unique technical features. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals in Albany for this procedure, including the details of their services, expertise, and what makes them stand out.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Before delving into the specific hospitals, it's essential to understand what breast augmentation entails. Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. It involves the insertion of breast implants, which can be filled with either saline or silicone gel.
Types of Breast Implants
Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. Filled after insertion into the breast pocket. | FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older. Easier to adjust volume after insertion. Safer if ruptured as the saline can be naturally absorbed by the body. Generally less expensive. | May feel less natural compared to silicone implants. There is a risk of rippling. |
Silicone Implants | Cohesive silicone shells filled with a softer silicone gel with a honey - like consistency. | FDA - approved for women over 21. Provide a more natural - looking appearance and feel. Lower risk of rippling. | More expensive. If ruptured, the silicone gel may not be as easily detectable as with saline implants. |
Form - Stable (Gummy Bear) Implants | Firmer silicone implants that maintain their shape better. The silicone does not leak easily if the shell is broken. | Very safe. Provide a more natural shape. Lower risk of capsular contracture. | More expensive. Limited availability compared to other types. |
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue
- Those with disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body
- Women with asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
- Individuals who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Women with mild to moderate breast sagging (may be combined with a breast lift)
Top 5 Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation Surgery in Albany
1. The Plastic Surgery Group
The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. They have a team of skilled plastic surgeons who are well - versed in breast augmentation procedures.
Technical Features
- Implant Selection: They offer a wide variety of breast implants, including saline, silicone, and form - stable silicone (gummy bear) implants. Their surgeons work closely with patients to determine the best implant type, size, shape, profile, and texture based on the patient's body type and aesthetic goals. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system during consultations to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal size.
- Incision Options: The surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group offer multiple incision options, including the inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit) incisions. The choice of incision location depends on the patient's anatomy and the type of implant being used.
- Implant Placement: They have expertise in both subglandular (above the muscle) and submuscular (behind the chest muscle) implant placement. Submuscular placement is usually recommended for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant and reduces the risk of capsular contracture.
Recovery and Cost
The recovery period after breast implant surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group depends on the patient's body's natural healing ability. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort, but pain medication is prescribed to manage it. They usually need to wear a surgical bra for support and to lessen swelling. The cost of breast implants depends on the characteristics of the chosen implants, including the manufacturer, model, and filling.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery approaches plastic surgery with finesse and professionalism. He is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
Technical Features
- Personalized Approach: Dr. Kayastha takes a personalized approach to breast augmentation. Before the surgery, he schedules a consultation to listen to the patient's goal results, create a unique surgical plan, and determine if the procedure is the best option. He will examine the treatment area and review the patient's relevant health history to ensure surgery is safe.
- Range of Procedures: In addition to breast augmentation, the clinic offers other breast procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast implant revision, and breast reconstruction.
- High - Quality Results: Patients can review before - and - after photos of Dr. Kayastha's previous patients to get an idea of the results they can expect. His experience and skills contribute to achieving a more balanced, symmetrical, or proportionate look.
Recovery and Cost
The recovery time for breast augmentation at K Plastic Surgery is typically 1 - 2 weeks, with full results visible in 6 months. The cost of breast augmentation ranges from $6,400 - $7,500, but the actual amount may vary depending on various factors.
3. Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital offers breast enlargement using prosthetic implants. They provide detailed information about the procedure to their patients.
Technical Features
- Procedure Details: The surgery at Albany Medical Center Hospital takes around 1 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The surgeon makes a single cut in the breast (either under the breast or around the nipple), separates the breast tissue from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space, inserts the implant, and then closes the incision with sutures.
- Post - operative Care: Patients are given a prescription to control pain if needed, and the surgeon may remove the stitches in a week. They are also given instructions about returning to regular activities, such as avoiding strenuous activities like weight lifting for at least 4 weeks.
Cost and Quality Metrics
The price reported by Albany Medical Center Hospital for breast enlargement using prosthetic implants varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. In terms of care quality, the hospital has a 2 - star rating. Some metrics show below - average performance in areas like effectiveness of care and patient experience, while safety of care is above the national average.
4. Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek is highly trusted by patients in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga for breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also travel from other areas to receive her care.
Technical Features
- Expertise in Implant Options: Dr. Capek offers a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. She is well - versed in both saline and silicone implants and can help patients decide which is best for their needs. Research shows that she often recommends silicone implants as they tend to look and feel the most natural.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: During the breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implants, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery.
- Personalized Planning: Before the procedure, Dr. Capek uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. She wants patients to be informed participants in the planning process.
Recovery and Risks
After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation with Dr. Capek has some risks, but she takes precautions to minimize them, and any complications are usually infrequent and treatable.
5. Dr. Steven Yarinsky
Considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Saratoga Springs and the Albany / capital district region, Dr. Steven Yarinsky has been performing breast augmentations since 1989. He offers a wide range of implant options.
Technical Features
- Extensive Implant Experience: Dr. Yarinsky has the most experience of any plastic surgeon in the Albany and upstate New York area since 2012 doing breast augmentations with the Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants. He has used these implants for over eight years and offers the latest Opus™ breast implants by Sientra®, which are designed to look and feel extremely natural without sacrificing shape retention.
- 3D Imaging: He may use state - of - the - art Crisalix® 3 - D and 4 - D computer imaging so that patients can preview how they might look with the implant type and size they choose. This helps patients make more informed decisions about their breast augmentation.
- Customized Implant Selection: Dr. Yarinsky takes into consideration the amount and firmness of the patient's natural breast tissue, chest measurements, skin quality, and pre - operative cup size to help make an informed implant suggestion that suits the patient's unique needs and desires.
Recovery and Cost
Recovery at Dr. Yarinsky's practice involves wearing a support bra and avoiding tub bathing, swimming, and hot tub use for six to eight weeks. Sutures are usually removed within two weeks. The average cost of breast augmentation ranges from $7,900 to $11,900, which includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Credentials
It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field of plastic surgery, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. You can also browse their before - and - after photos to get an idea of the results they can achieve.
Hospital Reputation and Quality of Care
Look at online reviews, patient testimonials, and quality metrics of the hospital. Factors such as the effectiveness of care, patient experience, and safety of care are important considerations.
Range of Implant Options
Each patient has different needs and aesthetic goals. A hospital that offers a wide range of breast implant types, sizes, shapes, and textures can provide more options to achieve the desired results.
Cost and Financing Options
Breast augmentation can be costly. It's important to understand the total cost, including the surgeon's fee, implant cost, anesthesia, and operating room charges. Some hospitals offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure.
After - care Services
Good after - care is essential for a successful recovery. Ensure that the hospital provides detailed post - operative instructions, follow - up appointments, and support during the healing process.
Conclusion
Albany offers a variety of excellent hospitals and clinics for prosthetic breast augmentation surgery. Each of the top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article has its own unique technical features, experienced surgeons, and approaches to patient care. Whether you're looking for a wide range of implant options, personalized planning, or minimally invasive techniques, there is an option for you. Before making a decision, it's important to thoroughly research each hospital, consult with the surgeons, and consider your own needs and preferences.
If you're considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals, schedule consultations, and learn more about the procedures. You can also share this article with friends or family who may be interested in learning about breast augmentation in Albany. Your journey to enhanced confidence and a more beautiful figure starts with making an informed decision.