Introduction
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In Albany, there are multiple hospitals and surgeons available for those considering breast augmentation with Bella implants. This article will explore the top hospitals in Albany for this procedure, discuss important aspects of breast augmentation, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.
Top Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany
When it comes to breast augmentation, the expertise of the doctor plays a crucial role. In Albany, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation, and some of the highly - rated ones are:
| Doctor Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Best Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
US News & World Report has released rankings for hospitals in the Albany area. Some of the hospitals that are considered top - notch for various medical procedures and may be suitable for breast augmentation are:
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
For the 11th year in a row, St. Peter's Hospital has been named the best in the Albany area by US News & World Report in its 2024 - 2025 rankings. It is ranked the 15th best hospital in New York overall. St. Peter's is high - performing in multiple medical services such as colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, heart - related procedures, and joint replacements. Although the direct focus on breast augmentation may not be emphasized in these rankings, the hospital's high - performance in other areas indicates a high standard of medical care, which can be reassuring for patients considering breast augmentation.
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is ranked second in the capital region. It is high - performing in 11 procedures and conditions. The hospital's medical expertise and resources can contribute to a successful breast augmentation procedure. A well - equipped medical center can handle any potential complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
This medical center serves veterans in the area. While its primary focus is on veteran healthcare, it also offers a range of medical services. The center has the infrastructure and medical staff to provide quality care for breast augmentation procedures. Veterans considering breast augmentation may find this center a suitable option as it can offer comprehensive care and potentially has resources specifically tailored to their needs.
Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center
Although primarily a children's hospital, in the context of a larger medical complex like Albany Medical Center, it may be affiliated with the facilities and expertise available for adult breast augmentation. The combined resources of the children's hospital and the main medical center can contribute to a well - rounded healthcare experience.
Ellis Hospital
Ellis Hospital is high - performing in 5 procedures and conditions. While not as highly ranked as St. Peter's or Albany Medical Center in some aspects, it still offers a certain level of medical excellence. It can be a viable option for patients looking for a local hospital for breast augmentation, especially if they prefer a more personalized or community - based healthcare environment.
What to Consider Before Breast Augmentation
Candidate Eligibility
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. If you suffer from any of the following concerns, breast implant surgery may be right for you:
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to your 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)
Types of Breast Implants
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).
| Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water, typically require smaller incisions. If they break, the implants release a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. | May not feel as natural as silicone implants. They may be more prone to rippling under the skin in some cases. |
| Silicone Implants | Have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. They closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. | If a silicone implant ruptures, it may be silent (have no associated symptoms), so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity. They usually require larger incisions for placement. |
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
Before your surgery, a consultation with your surgeon is necessary. The surgeon will explain and help you choose your various procedure options. They may use breast implant sizers to help you visualize your desired breast size and how it will look on your body type. Some practices also utilize 3 - D computer simulations based on your breast photos and advanced AI algorithms to simulate your breasts in their new size and shape, crafting a more personalized experience.
Pre - surgery Preparation
It is important to be in optimum health when considering elective surgery. Follow a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Avoid smoking since this decreases your body’s ability to heal normally. Follow your primary care physician’s advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure. You may also be asked to avoid medications such as aspirin, which cause increased bleeding.
The Surgery
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. The surgeon makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach. The surgeon creates a pocket for the implants using an instrument like the harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The implants are then inserted and positioned either in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on your particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.
Post - surgery Recovery
After your surgery, you can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. You may experience some discomfort and swelling in the initial days. 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. It is important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. Breast augmentation recovery times vary from patient to patient depending on your health and the extent of your procedure. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee your recovery process. In the long - term, you should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams, and if you have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation
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
- Changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues such as:
- Capsular contracture (increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast) due to abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant. This is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
- Implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position, like dropping too low)
- Implant rupture
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
When choosing a hospital and surgeon for breast augmentation with Bella implants in Albany, consider the following factors:
- Surgeon's Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. You can check their patient ratings and reviews, as well as their success rate.
- Hospital Reputation: Consider hospitals with a good reputation for medical excellence. Look at rankings like those from US News & World Report to get an idea of the hospital's overall performance in various medical services.
- Facility and Equipment: Ensure that the hospital has modern facilities and up - to - date equipment for performing the procedure safely and effectively.
- Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of the procedure and check if your insurance covers any part of it. Some practices may offer financing plans to help you manage the cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers several hospitals and highly - rated doctors for breast augmentation with Bella implants. Before making a decision, it is essential to carefully consider your candidacy for the procedure, understand the different types of implants, and be aware of the potential risks and recovery process. By choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced surgeon, you can increase the chances of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience. Whether you are looking to enhance your body image, correct asymmetry, or regain volume after pregnancy or weight loss, breast augmentation can be a life - changing decision.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon. Take the time to research and compare different options, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Your journey to achieving the figure you desire starts with informed decision - making. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation and explore more about this topic to make the best choice for yourself.
