Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic surgery procedure that offers numerous benefits to women. Whether it's to enhance self - confidence, restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy or weight loss, or correct unevenly sized breasts, many women in Albany are considering this life - changing surgery. Among the various breast implant options, Allergan Motiva implants have gained significant popularity for their high - quality and natural - looking results. In this article, we will not only explore some of the top doctors performing breast augmentation in Albany but also provide in - depth information about the breast augmentation process, its suitability, risks, and recovery.
Overview of Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or modifying the size of the breasts. The most common method involves the placement of implants, which can be made of silicone or saline. Other fat - grafting techniques are also used to increase the size and change the shape of the breasts. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States and has consistently been in the top 5 since 2006, with nearly 300,000 breast augmentations performed in the USA in 2022.
Purposes of Breast Augmentation
- Enhancing self - confidence: Women with small or unevenly sized breasts often experience a lack of self - confidence. Breast augmentation can provide a fuller, firmer, and better - proportioned look, which in turn can boost self - esteem.
- Restoring breast volume: Pregnancy, weight reduction, or aging can cause a loss of breast volume. This surgery can help restore the lost volume and bring back the pre - pregnancy or youthful breast appearance.
- Altering breast shape: It can provide a more rounded or 'teardrop' shape to the breasts, improving their overall aesthetic appeal.
- Correcting unevenly sized breasts: Some women may have naturally uneven breasts, and breast augmentation can help achieve symmetry.
- Breast reconstruction: After surgeries such as mastectomy, breast augmentation can be used for breast reconstruction, helping patients regain a sense of normalcy.
Suitability for Breast Augmentation
To determine if breast augmentation is suitable for you, several factors need to be considered. Generally, if you are a healthy adult (at least 18 years old) interested in the surgery for any of the reasons mentioned above, you are likely a suitable candidate. However, there are some important aspects to keep in mind:
Health considerations
It is crucial to consult a doctor beforehand, preferably one familiar with your full medical history. Smoking increases the risk of complications, so it is advisable to stop smoking before the surgery. Certain medications like aspirin can cause increased bleeding and should be avoided. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure should be well - managed under the advice of your primary care physician.
Breastfeeding
Women who receive implants can still breastfeed. However, there are some considerations to take into account. For example, the surgical technique used may affect breastfeeding, and it's important to discuss this with your surgeon if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
Severely drooping breasts
Breast augmentation alone may not correct severely drooping breasts. In such cases, a breast lift may be required in addition to breast augmentation to lift the breasts and make them look fuller.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Implant options
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. There are two main types:
- Saline implants: These are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants and are approved for women older than 18.
- Silicone implants: Their durable silicone shells are filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often called “gummy bear” breast implants. Silicone implants are approved for women older than 22 and more closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue.
Incision locations
Surgeons can make incisions in different places depending on patient preference and the surgeon's recommendation:
- Axillary (armpit): The incision is hidden in the armpit, resulting in less visible scarring on the breast.
- Periareolar (around the areola): The incision is made along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This can make the scar less noticeable.
- Periumbilical (belly button): The implant is inserted through an incision in the belly button. This approach offers a more hidden scar, but it may have some limitations in terms of implant placement.
- Inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest): This is the most commonly recommended approach as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. The incision is made in the natural fold under the breast, making the scar relatively hidden.
Implant placement
There are three main types of implant placement:
- Subglandular: The implant is placed above the muscle, providing a quicker recovery time but may have a higher risk of visible rippling.
- Submuscular: The implant is placed behind the pectoralis muscle. This provides a more natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant, reducing the risk of visible rippling and capsular contracture.
- Biplanar: It is a combination of the subglandular and submuscular placements. This approach can be beneficial for patients with some degree of breast sagging as it may avoid the need for a lift in some cases.
Fat transfer option
Fat transfer is an alternative method where fat is taken from other parts of the body (donor region) by liposuction and then injected into the breasts. This option is usually only used if you prefer natural results and are only looking for a small increase in size. However, there is a limitation to how much volume can be added with fat transfer, and implants are often a more predictable option for larger size increases.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
Immediate post - operative period
The breast augmentation procedure usually takes between one and two hours and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, you will have someone pick you up from the clinic and arrange for someone to stay with you on the first night. You may have drainage tubes and gauze, which will be removed after a few days. It is important to take it easy for the first week or so and avoid strenuous activities.
Recovery timeline
The recovery process can vary from patient to patient, but here is a general timeline:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery, being careful not to get the incision site too wet (sponge baths may be recommended in some cases).
- Days 2 - 3: If you are comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, you 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. You will have your first postoperative appointment a week after your surgery to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: You should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving your arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Long - term considerations
Over the long term, you should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture. It is also likely that you will need to replace your implants at some point in the future, typically after about 15 years.
Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation
Early risks
Although uncommon, 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. With the care of a professionally trained surgeon, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
Long - term risks
- Capsular contracture: This is the most common long - term complication, where abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast. It is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.
- Implant rupture: If saline breast implants break, the implants release a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
When considering Allergan Motiva breast augmentation surgery in Albany, it is essential to choose a qualified and experienced doctor. Here are some of the top doctors based on patient ratings from Healthgrades:
Doctor's 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 |
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 (in one source; 4.40 in another) | 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 |
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with Allergan Motiva implants can be a life - changing decision for many women in Albany. It offers the opportunity to enhance self - confidence, restore breast volume, and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing breast appearance. However, it is crucial to understand the procedure thoroughly, including its suitability, risks, and recovery process. When choosing a doctor for the surgery, it is recommended to consider their experience, patient ratings, and qualifications. By making an informed decision and following your surgeon's instructions, you can increase the likelihood of a successful and satisfying outcome.
Call to action: If you are considering Allergan Motiva breast augmentation surgery in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top doctors mentioned above. Take the first step towards achieving your desired breast appearance and improved self - confidence today!