Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure for many women in Albany. Whether it's to enhance natural beauty, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or address asymmetry, finding the right hospital and doctor is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking list of hospitals and doctors for girls' breast augmentation in Albany, along with important information about the procedure, including its cost, risks, and recovery process.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital for Breast Augmentation
The choice of hospital can significantly impact the outcome of breast augmentation surgery. A reputable hospital will have experienced and board - certified plastic surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and a high standard of patient care. The quality of the surgical environment, post - operative care, and the doctor's expertise all play a vital role in ensuring a safe and successful procedure. Choosing a subpar hospital may lead to complications, poor aesthetic results, and a less comfortable recovery experience.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Here is a selection of some of the top - rated doctors:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5 stars) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
Leading Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany is ranked #1 in Albany according to US News Best Hospitals. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. It also has a score of 53.3/100 in the Best Hospitals for Obstetrics & Gynecology rankings. The hospital likely has a well - equipped surgical environment and a team of experienced medical professionals, making it a good choice for breast augmentation.
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is ranked #2 in Albany. It is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. The center may offer a wide range of services related to breast augmentation, including pre - operative consultations, state - of - the - art surgical techniques, and comprehensive post - operative care.
Ellis Hospital
Ellis Hospital in Schenectady is also a notable option as it is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions. It may provide quality care for breast augmentation patients, with attention to patient safety and positive outcomes.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a breast enhancement procedure in which a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. In most cases, the procedure uses silicone or saline breast implants, but your own fat can also be used to add a modest volume to the breasts. This procedure is popular among women who want to add volume to naturally small breasts, balance asymmetrical breasts, feel more confident in their clothes, or correct the shape of tubular breasts.
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 breaks, the implants release a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. Saline implants are FDA - approved for women older than 18.
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 are FDA - approved for women older than 22. Since a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity.
Pre - operative Considerations
Consultation
Before the surgery, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary. The surgeon will use breast implant sizers to help the patient visualize the desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. The patient should be an informed participant in the planning of the procedure, discussing their motivations, goals, and any concerns with the surgeon.
Health Requirements
Patients should be in optimum health when considering elective surgery. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, not smoking as it decreases the body's ability to heal normally, and following the primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room.
Incision Placement
Common incision locations include:
- Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach.
- Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin.
- Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit.
Implant Placement
There are 3 types of pockets that are used for breast augmentation:
- Subglandular: Above the muscle
- Submuscular: Behind the pectoralis muscle
- Biplanar: A combination of each
Most women may benefit from a submuscular pocket, which provides a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant. If there is some slight sagging of the breast, a biplanar approach may avoid the need for a lift.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
Immediate Post - operative
Patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after the breast augmentation. Since it is an outpatient procedure, they can return home after a brief period of observation. 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).
Short - term Recovery
- 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 any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. They will have their first postoperative appointment a week after the surgery to ensure that their healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving the arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Long - term Recovery
As months pass, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade. Patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician. If they have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany varies with the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors. For example, at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore. It is important for patients to understand all the costs involved, including the surgeon's fee, the cost of the implants, anesthesia fees, and facility fees.
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, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast.
Long - term Risks
- Capsular contracture: This is the most common long - term issue, which is the increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast due to abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant. It is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
- Implant malposition: The shifting of the implant into an undesirable position, like dropping too low.
- Implant rupture: While saline implants will release a saltwater solution if they break, silicone implant rupture may be silent and require periodic ultrasounds for detection.
Conclusion
In summary, breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure in Albany, and there are several excellent hospitals and doctors to choose from. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany, Albany Medical Center, and Ellis Hospital are among the top - rated hospitals in the area. When considering breast augmentation, it is essential to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon, understand the different types of implants and their risks, and follow all pre - operative and post - operative instructions. With proper planning and care, women can achieve their desired aesthetic results and enhance their self - confidence.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, take the time to research the hospitals and doctors, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful and satisfying experience. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany.
