Introduction
Breast augmentation plastic surgery has become an increasingly popular choice for many women in Albany. Whether it's to enhance self - confidence, correct asymmetry, or restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and doctors for breast augmentation in Albany, providing you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision before your surgery.
Overview of Breast Augmentation in Albany
Popularity of the Procedure
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been consistently in the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA. Albany, being a major city, also witnesses a significant number of women opting for this procedure.
Reasons for Choosing Breast Augmentation
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
- Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breast - feeding
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)
Ranking List of Popular Hospitals and Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades' List of Breast Augmentation Doctors
Healthgrades has compiled a list of 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Here are some of the highly - rated ones:
| 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 | 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 |
Best Breast Surgical Procedure Doctors by Healthgrades
Healthgrades also has a list of 21 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in Albany. Some top - rated ones are:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Notable Doctors and Their Practices
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore
Dr. Rockmore performs breast augmentation at his practice in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. He has over 4,000 breast procedure experiences and uses a 3 - dimensional approach for natural - looking results. He offers a variety of implant options, including different sizes, shapes, and materials. For example, he can use saline or silicone implants, with saline implants made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and silicone implants having durable silicone shells filled with a gel. He also helps patients select the right implant profile based on their anatomy and desired results. Higher profile implants have more upper fullness, while moderate profile implants can look more natural for women with larger frames.
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha
Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving Albany and the entire capital region. He has advanced training in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He offers a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, male breast reduction, and breast implant removal. The cost of his procedures varies, for example, breast augmentation costs between $6,400 - $7,500, and breast lift costs between $7,000 - $7,500.
Dr. Lucie Capek
Dr. Capek is an expert in breast augmentation. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size. She typically makes an incision either under the breast or around the areola and creates the implant pocket using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. After surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra for the first 2 - 3 weeks. However, strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
Hospitals in Albany
US News' Ranking of Best Hospitals in Albany
US News ranks hospitals in the Albany, New York metropolitan area according to their performance in complex care in medical specialties and common procedures. Some of the top - ranked hospitals are:
| Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | High - Performing Specialties/Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 in Albany | 2 specialties & 15 procedures/conditions |
| Albany Medical Center | #2 in Albany | 13 procedures/conditions |
| Ellis Hospital | - | 5 procedures/conditions |
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. Most commonly, it uses silicone or saline breast implants, but in some cases, the patient's own fat can be used to add a modest volume to the breasts.
Types of Breast Implants
- Saline Implants: These are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. If a saline implant breaks, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body.
- Silicone Implants: They have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive ones are called “gummy bear” breast implants. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity. Silicone implants are approved for women over 22, while saline implants are approved for women over 18.
Implant Placement and Incision Options
Implant Placement
- Subglandular: The implant is placed above the muscle.
- Submuscular: The implant is placed behind the pectoralis muscle. This is the most common choice for most women as it provides a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant.
- Biplanar: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. It may be used for patients with some breast sagging to avoid the need for a lift.
Incision Options
- Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. It is a common choice as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
- Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin.
- Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast augmentation varies from patient to patient, but here is a general timeline:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower carefully the day after surgery, or sponge baths may be recommended.
- Days 2 - 3: If comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, patients can resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but discomfort can usually be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. The first postoperative appointment is usually scheduled at this time to ensure proper healing.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Patients can resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased.
Doctors usually provide a surgical bra to wear continuously for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Over time, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and scars will fade.
Complications and Risks
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are some potential risks:
- Early Risks: These include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast.
- Long - Term Risks: Capsular contracture (abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant, leading to increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast) is the most common long - term issue and may require a second surgery. Other risks include implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position) and implant rupture.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Considerations
- Credentials: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that they have met the high standards of education, training, and experience required in the field.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with a significant number of breast augmentation procedures under their belt. For example, Dr. Rockmore has performed over 4,000 breast procedures.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from past patients to get an idea of their experiences with the surgeon and the hospital. High - rated surgeons like those on the Healthgrades list are a good starting point.
- Before - and - After Photos: Ask to see before - and - after photos of the surgeon's previous breast augmentation patients to evaluate their work and see if their aesthetic aligns with your goals.
- Hospital Quality: Consider the reputation and quality of the hospital where the surgery will be performed. Hospitals ranked highly by US News, such as St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center, are generally reliable choices.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation plastic surgery can be a life - changing decision for many women in Albany. With the right hospital, surgeon, and information, you can achieve the results you desire while minimizing risks. We have explored the top hospitals and doctors in Albany, the different aspects of breast augmentation including implant types, placement, and recovery, as well as the considerations for choosing the right healthcare providers.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations thoroughly. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure a positive surgical experience. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation in Albany, and don't hesitate to explore related topics to expand your knowledge further.
