Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that offers women the opportunity to enhance their body confidence and reshape their appearance. In Albany, there is a growing demand for high - quality implant breast augmentation and fat breast augmentation services. This article will introduce you to the top 10 hospitals and clinics in Albany for these procedures, along with essential information about breast augmentation, including types of implants, candidates, risks, and recovery.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, fullness, and improve the shape of the breasts. It can be achieved through the use of breast implants (either silicone or saline) or by transferring the patient's own fat from other parts of the body. As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006.

Types of Breast Augmentation

Implant Breast Augmentation

Implant breast augmentation involves the placement of either silicone or saline implants. Silicone implants have a gel - like substance that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, while saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations in 2014, according to available data.

Fat Breast Augmentation

Fat breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat transfer, takes fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks and injects it into the breasts. This method provides a more natural - looking and - feeling result, and it has the added benefit of body contouring in the donor area.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

• Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue.
• Those with disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body.
• Patients with asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts.
• Women who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
• Individuals with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift).

Top 10 Hospitals and Clinics for Breast Augmentation in Albany

1. Doctors' Practices

According to Healthgrades, there are many highly - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation:

2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery, located in Latham and serving Albany and surrounding areas, is well - known for his breast augmentation procedures. He has over 4,000 breast procedure experiences and uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He offers a variety of implant options, including silicone and saline, and also provides breast augmentation with fat transfer. The cost of the procedure varies based on implant choice, surgery specifics, and patient factors.

3. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery (Dr. Steven Yarinsky)

Dr. Steven Yarinsky, considered one of the best plastic surgeons in the Saratoga Springs and Albany/Capital District region, offers breast augmentation with a wide range of implant options. He has extensive experience with Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants since 2012, more than any other plastic surgeon in the area. His patients can expect beautiful and natural - looking results, and he offers a comprehensive warranty program for Sientra® implants.

4. Capek Plastic Surgery (Dr. Lucie Capek)

Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek is trusted by patients throughout the Capital District areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. She offers a variety of breast implant options and uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. Her breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and she takes measures to minimize bleeding and risks during surgery.

5. Deluca Plastic Surgery

Deluca Plastic Surgery has a team of surgeons, including Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan. They start the breast implant procedure planning with a detailed consultation, using advanced imaging techniques such as 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and AI algorithms. The procedure is an outpatient one, and they offer financing plans for patients who need help funding their breast enlargement.

6 - 10 Considerations

While specific rankings beyond the above - mentioned ones may vary depending on different evaluation criteria, other hospitals and clinics in Albany that are likely to be in the top 10 consideration for breast augmentation include those associated with the best - performing general hospitals in the area. For example, St. Peter's Hospital - Albany, which is ranked #1 in Albany, NY by US News Best Hospitals and is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions, may have well - equipped plastic surgery departments for breast augmentation. Albany Medical Center, ranked #2 in Albany and high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions, is also a strong candidate. These general hospitals often have comprehensive medical resources and a team of experienced healthcare professionals.

Breast Implant Options

Implant Shapes

Round Breast Implants

Round implants can provide more upper breast fullness and cleavage. There is minimal concern for rotation as they are the same shape all around. They can be set at a higher placement on the chest for more fullness and projection.

Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants

Teardrop - shaped implants mimic the appearance of natural breasts and have less fullness in the cleavage area. They have a textured surface to prevent movement, but rotation can create an unusual appearance, so careful positioning by an experienced surgeon is crucial.

Implant Surfaces

Smooth Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants are the softest option and can create a more mobile breast appearance. However, they are associated with a higher risk of capsular contracture and rippling, and the pocket for their placement usually needs to be larger than the implant to prevent these complications.

Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants are less likely to move and have a reduced risk of thick capsule formation and tight capsular contracture. They feel more natural to touch. However, some textured implants from certain brands, like Allergan's Biocell®, 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 this condition.

Implant Types

Saline Implants

Saline implants have silicone shells filled with a salt - water solution. They are filled after insertion, allowing for a smaller incision and less visible scarring. If a rupture occurs, the salt water can be safely absorbed by the body. They are FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older.

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel implants have a cohesive silicone shell filled with a softer silicone gel material. They tend to provide a more natural - looking appearance and feel compared to saline implants, with a lower risk of rippling. They are FDA - approved for women over age 21.

Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants

“Gummy bear” implants are firmer and maintain their shape better. If the shell breaks, the implant retains its shape and does not leak gel. Dr. Steven Yarinsky has extensive experience with Sientra® “gummy bear” implants in the Albany area, and these implants are covered by a comprehensive warranty program.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, examine the breasts, take measurements, and recommend the appropriate implant size, shape, and type. Some surgeons, like Dr. Lucie Capek, use the Mentor® volume sizing system, and others, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, utilize 3 - D computer simulations to help patients visualize the results.

Surgery

Breast augmentation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The surgeon makes an incision in one of several locations, such as around the areola, in the fold beneath the breast, or in the armpit. Then, a pocket is created for the implant, which can be placed above the muscle (subglandular), behind the pectoralis muscle (submuscular), or in a combination (biplanar). The implant is inserted, and the incisions are closed with sutures or glue.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - Surgery

Patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery. They will typically be given a surgical bra to wear continuously for the first few weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Showering is usually allowed within 24 - 48 hours, but soaking in water (e.g., tub bathing, swimming, hot tub use) should be avoided for 6 - 8 weeks.

Short - Term Recovery

Swelling, tightness, and soreness usually peak within the first 3 - 5 days. Most patients can resume light activities within a week and more strenuous activities within 2 - 4 weeks. Sutures are typically removed within 2 - 3 weeks.

Long - Term Recovery

Over the months following surgery, the breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and scars will fade. Patients with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture, and regular mammograms and breast exams should be continued.

Risks and Complications

While breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are risks involved. These include infection, bleeding, problems with anesthesia, changes in nipple or breast sensation, capsular contracture (formation of firm scar tissue around the implant), implant malposition, and implant rupture. It's important for patients to have a detailed discussion with their surgeon about these risks before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Cost of Breast Augmentation

The cost of breast augmentation can range from $7,900 to $11,900, according to Dr. Steven Yarinsky. The cost includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees. The range in cost is related to implant types and brand, type of anesthesia used, the type of procedure done, and the time it takes. If a breast lift is combined with augmentation, there are additional expenses. Many clinics offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on a woman's self - confidence and body image. In Albany, there are numerous high - quality hospitals and clinics offering both implant breast augmentation and fat breast augmentation. The top 10 hospitals and clinics mentioned in this article have experienced surgeons, a variety of implant options, and comprehensive aftercare programs. However, it's crucial for patients to do thorough research, have detailed consultations with multiple surgeons, and understand the risks and benefits before making a decision.

If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Learn more about the procedures, ask questions, and make an informed choice that's right for you. Share this article with others who might be interested in breast augmentation to spread the valuable information.