Introduction to Breast Augmentation with Prostheses in Albany
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that many women in Albany consider to enhance their appearance and boost self - confidence. This surgery can help address various concerns such as small breast size, asymmetry, or loss of volume due to factors like pregnancy or weight loss. In Albany, there are numerous hospitals and plastic surgeons available, each with their own expertise and approaches. In this article, we will delve into the details of breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, including top doctors, the procedure itself, implants, and recovery.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Finding the right doctor is crucial for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Healthgrades has identified several top doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 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 |
Doctors for Breast Surgical Procedures
When it comes to breast surgical procedures, including breast augmentation, these doctors also stand out:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Ankesh Nigam, MD | 4.70 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Understanding Breast Augmentation
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. This is usually achieved by using silicone or saline breast implants, although in some cases, the patient's own fat can also be used to add a modest volume. It can enhance the breasts by adding volume and fullness, giving them a more youthful and sensual shape and appearance that improves the breasts' proportion to the body frame.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
- Women who desire larger breasts to create a more balanced figure or to fill out their clothing and bathing suits.
- Those with one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other.
- Women with mild breast drooping who desire an uplift and enlargement.
- Individuals who would like to have more upper pole breast fullness and increased cleavage.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Get larger and more shapely breasts.
- Achieve a more balanced figure.
- Boost self - esteem and develop a more positive self - image.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - Procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with the doctor is necessary. The doctor will explain and help the patient choose various procedure options. For example, they may use breast implant sizers to help the patient visualize the desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Patients should also be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise, and avoid smoking as it decreases the body's ability to heal normally. They should also follow their primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
Surgery
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. It can be done in a doctor's office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. During the procedure, the doctor makes a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold) or around the areola to place the implant. The inframammary fold incision is often recommended as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. The doctor then creates a pocket for the implant using an instrument such as a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The implant is inserted and positioned either under the muscle (sub - muscular), above the muscle (sub - glandular), or in a biplanar position (a combination of both). The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Post - Procedure
After the surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess. They can usually shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. It is important 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. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process, and patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams. If they have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Breast Implants
Implant Shapes
Round Breast Implants
Round implants can provide more upper breast fullness or “cleavage” compared to teardrop - shaped implants. There is minimal concern for rotation with round breast implants as they are the same shape all the way around. If a patient desires more fullness and projection, the doctor can set the implant in a higher placement on the chest.
Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
Teardrop - shaped implants mimic the appearance of a natural breast and have less fullness in the cleavage area. All shaped implants have a textured surface to help prevent movement within the pocket. They are a more common choice for women who have undergone a mastectomy and are receiving a breast reconstruction. However, if a shaped implant rotates, it can create an unusual appearance, so careful positioning is crucial.
Implant Surfaces
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants are considered the softest and can create a more mobile breast appearance as they are able to move within the breast implant pocket. However, to prevent hard breast or thick capsular formation, the pocket for placement of smooth implants typically has to be made much larger than the implant. Complications such as rippling and scar tissue formation around the implant (capsular contracture) can occur, and many surgeons feel that using smooth implants increases the risk and rate of hard breast or capsular contracture formation.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are less likely to move or become repositioned. The formation of scar tissue around these implants helps them adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. This “texturing” can reduce the risk of thick capsule formation and tight capsular contracture. Outside of the United States and in the most highly recognized American breast augmentation centers, textured breast implants are the most common selection amongst board - certified plastic surgeons. However, some textured implants from certain brands, like the Biocell® from Allergan, have been recalled due to an association with a rare condition called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Textured implants from Sientra® and Mentor® are still available and have an exceedingly rare association with BIA - ALCL, if any.
Implant Types
Saline Implants
Saline implants have silicone shells filled with a salt water (saline) solution directly from a sterile IV bag. They are filled after they are inserted into the breast pocket, which allows for a smaller incision and less visible scarring. If a rupture occurs, the salt water can be safely and easily absorbed by the body until the implant is removed and replaced. Saline implants are FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older and can also be used in younger women to balance asymmetry or correct congenital breast shape or size problems.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel - filled implants have cohesive silicone shells and are filled with a softer silicone gel material that has the consistency of honey. They tend to provide a very natural - looking appearance and have a more natural breast feel compared to salt - water - filled implants. There is a lower risk of rippling, making them a preferred choice for thinner women. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women over age 21 and may also be used for younger women in certain circumstances.
Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants
“Gummy bear” implants are also known as “form - stable” implants since they are firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency. If the shell of the implant breaks, the “gummy bear” implant maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. Dr. Steven Yarinsky in the Albany area has had more years of experience using Sientra® implants than any other plastic surgeon. Sientra® offers the Opus™ breast implants, which are composed of high - strength cohesive silicone gel and are available in textured and smooth surface options, round or shaped, and multiple projection levels. These implants are covered by the Platinum20™ warranty program, which offers benefits such as free lifetime replacement if an implant ruptures and 20 - year replacement for capsular contracture complications.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The average cost of breast augmentation can range from $7,900 to $11,900. This includes the surgeon's fee, the price of anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees. The cost can vary based on implant types and brand, type of anesthesia used, the type of procedure done, and how long the procedure may take. If a breast lift is performed with the augmentation, there are additional expenses due to the added time and technical experience involved. The cost of anesthesia has recently increased due to a national shortage of anesthesia providers secondary to the COVID - 19 pandemic. Since each patient has unique needs and aesthetic goals, the doctor will customize every breast enhancement and provide an accurate quote after examining the patient during the consultation.
Breast Augmentation Risks
While breast augmentation is considered a generally safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are some risks. These include infection, loss of nipple sensation, capsular contracture (forming firmer breasts), fluid accumulation around the implant, and implant rupture or leakage. However, a good doctor will go over these risks in detail during the consultation and outline the nature of the recovery to ensure the patient understands what to expect and what to do if they suspect they are experiencing any problems after surgery.
Scars after Breast Augmentation
Scarring cannot be avoided after breast implant surgery, but surgeons use meticulous surgical techniques to minimize the appearance of these lines. Incisions are usually placed in inconspicuous locations such as around the areola or in the fold underneath the breast. Saline implants, which are filled after insertion, allow for a reduced incision size and less scarring overall, while silicone implants, which are pre - filled, require longer incisions and result in slightly longer scars. Over the course of the first year, the scars will become less noticeable, gradually fading from pink to white, lightening, and becoming flatter. The doctor will also advise on proper wound care after surgery and may provide special topical treatment to help minimize the appearance of the final scars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast augmentation with prostheses is a viable option for many women in Albany who wish to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. There are several highly - rated doctors in the area who can perform the procedure with expertise. Understanding the procedure, the different types of implants available, the potential risks, and the recovery process is essential for making an informed decision. It is also important to have realistic expectations and to communicate openly with the doctor about your goals and concerns.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to research the top doctors mentioned in this article, schedule a consultation with them, and discuss your options in detail. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, and continue exploring related topics to ensure you have all the information you need for a successful breast augmentation journey.
