Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in Albany are interested in. Finding a reliable and high - performing public hospital for this procedure is crucial. In this article, we will explore the top - ranking public hospitals in Albany for breast augmentation with prostheses, understand the procedure itself, and look into other important aspects such as surgeons, costs, and recovery.
Understanding Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. It can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better - proportioned look through the placement of implants in the breast. Women may choose to undergo breast augmentation for various medical and aesthetic reasons, like balancing breast size and compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery. The procedure may also be combined with others such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.
There are two main types of breast implants commonly used: saline and silicone. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, and the most cohesive ones are often called “gummy bear” breast implants. Both types are FDA - approved; saline for women older than 18 and silicone for women older than 22.
Top Public Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Let's take a look at some of the public hospitals in Albany that consistently rank high for breast augmentation with prostheses.
1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital is ranked #1 in Albany. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. According to U.S. News & World Report's 2024 - 25 rankings, it was named the best in the Albany area for the 11th year in a row. It was also ranked the 15th best hospital in New York overall. The hospital was ranked high - performing in various surgeries and conditions including colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, heart - related procedures, and orthopedic surgeries like hip and knee replacement. While these are not directly related to breast augmentation, a hospital with such a high - performing status in general complex care is likely to have a well - equipped and experienced team for breast augmentation procedures as well.
2. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is ranked #2 in Albany. It is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. In the capital region, it is highly regarded and plays a significant role in providing medical services. The hospital offers a full range of breast care services as part of the Albany Med Health System. They guide patients through screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of breast disease, as well as through routine preventive care. For breast augmentation, they can potentially offer a comprehensive approach considering their expertise in breast - related services.
3. Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Although specific details about its performance in breast augmentation are not as readily available as the above two, as a VA medical center, it has a wealth of resources and a commitment to providing high - quality healthcare. It serves veterans in the Albany area and may have specialized services and a team of medical professionals trained in various surgical procedures, including breast augmentation.
4. Bernardi & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center
While mainly focused on children's care, being part of the Albany Medical Center network, it may have some ancillary services or support related to breast health and could potentially contribute to a more holistic approach in cases where breast augmentation is related to certain medical conditions in patients of all ages.
5. Ellis Hospital
Ellis Hospital in Schenectady (part of the Albany metropolitan area) is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions. This hospital has a certain level of proficiency in surgical and medical procedures, which indicates that it has the necessary infrastructure and skilled staff that could handle breast augmentation with prostheses effectively.
Top Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in Albany
In addition to choosing a good hospital, selecting an experienced surgeon is also very important for a successful breast augmentation procedure. According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Here are some of the top - rated surgeons:
| Surgeon | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary significantly depending on several factors. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham (serving Albany), the cost 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. Jeffrey Rockmore. Similarly, at Deluca Plastic Surgery, the cost of breast enlargement varies depending on the patient's situation and desired outcome. Financing plans are often available to help patients cover the cost.
Pre - operative Considerations
Before undergoing breast augmentation with prostheses, patients need to have an in - depth consultation with their surgeon. At Deluca Plastic Surgery, the planning of the breast implant procedure starts with a discussion of the patient's goals and an analysis of the current shape and position of the breasts. Surgeons use the Mentor breast implant sizing system, allowing patients to “try on” different implants and get a feel for how they look and feel. 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and advanced AI algorithms are also utilized to help patients decide on the right implant.
Patients also need to be in good overall health. Surgeons will perform a physical examination and discuss the patient's health history to ensure that breast augmentation is the safest and most effective choice for their needs. If a patient has any pre - existing medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, these need to be well - managed before the surgery.
The Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that lasts between one and two hours on average. At Deluca Plastic Surgery, after the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes a small incision on each breast, usually in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple. A pocket is developed for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is inserted using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination, and the pocket is adjusted to allow the implant to fit properly. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported in a post - operative bra.
At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, there are different incision locations and implant placement options. Common incision locations include inframammary (a thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast), periareolar (along the lower border of the areola), and transaxillary (hidden in the armpit). Implant placement options include subglandular (above the muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), and biplanar (a combination of each). The surgeon will recommend the best options based on the patient's individual needs.
Recovery Process
Recovery after breast augmentation is an important phase. Immediately after the surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess. Since it is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home after a brief period of observation. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, the initial recovery timeline typically follows these milestones:
- Day 1: 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).
- Days 2 & 3: If the patient is comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they 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: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. The first postoperative appointment is scheduled a week after the surgery to ensure that 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 arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Patients are usually provided with a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks. This compression garment supports the breasts as they heal and helps to minimize swelling. As months pass, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade.
Potential Complications
Although breast augmentation with prostheses is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are potential complications. These include infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. A capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, which can cause the breast to feel hard and may distort its shape. Surgeons take every precaution to keep the risk of complications very low, such as using a minimal - touch technique during the implant insertion to avoid contamination.
Long - term Considerations
It is likely that patients will need to replace their breast implants at some point in the future, typically after about 15 years. Breast augmentation revision gives patients the opportunity to make sure their results remain aligned with their body shape and goals over the years. Also, if a patient plans to breastfeed in the future, they should discuss this with their surgeon during the consultation, as the techniques used can ensure a high likelihood of successful breastfeeding, and the presence of implants usually doesn't hinder milk production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, there are several excellent public hospitals to choose from, such as St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bernardi & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, and Ellis Hospital. Along with selecting a good hospital, patients should also focus on finding an experienced surgeon. Understanding the cost, pre - operative considerations, the procedure itself, the recovery process, potential complications, and long - term considerations is essential for a successful breast augmentation journey.
If you are interested in breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon in Albany. Learn more about the procedures, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for you. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to help them in their research.
