Introduction
Breast implant augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure sought by many women in Albany for various reasons, such as enhancing body confidence, restoring breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or achieving a more proportionate figure. However, choosing the right hospital or doctor is crucial to ensure a safe and successful outcome. In this article, we will explore some of the hospitals and doctors in Albany that are known for their excellent results in breast implant augmentation, along with important information about the procedure itself.
Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
There are numerous doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors in the area offering this service. The following are some highly - rated doctors:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
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 |
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Clinics and Their Specialties
Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery, located in Latham and serving Albany and other areas in New York, is well - known for breast augmentation. He has over 4,000 breast procedures experience and uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts.
Customization: Dr. Rockmore offers a high level of customization in breast augmentation. He takes into account various factors such as the patient's chest width, existing breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals to select the right breast implant size, shape, material, and profile.
Patient Results: The clinic provides many before - and - after photos on their website. For example, a 45 - year - old patient who lost significant breast volume after having kids was able to achieve a big B/small C cup using a 330 cc silicone implant and was very satisfied with the results.
Patient Candidate Evaluation: During the consultation, Dr. Rockmore discusses the patient's motivations for the surgery, performs a physical examination, and reviews the patient's health history to determine if breast augmentation is the right choice. He also addresses whether additional procedures like a breast lift might be needed.
The Plastic Surgery Group
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group offers breast augmentation surgery. Their surgeons are experienced in various aspects of the procedure and guide patients through every step.
Procedure Details: The procedure is usually performed at a nearby outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. It takes approximately 1 hour.
Cost and Financing: The cost of breast augmentation typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, depending on factors like implant choice, procedure complexity, and whether it's combined with other procedures. They offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure.
Recovery Guidance: The clinic provides clear instructions on recovery, which generally follows a timeline. Patients may expect to return to work within a week, and the scars gradually fade over several months.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany and the capital region. He approaches plastic surgery with finesse and professionalism and has advanced training in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
Breast Procedures: In addition to breast augmentation, the clinic offers other breast procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, and nipple surgery.
Consultation Process: Before the breast surgery, patients have a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. He listens to the patient's goal results, examines the treatment area, and reviews the patient's health history to create a unique surgical plan and determine the suitability of the procedure.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or enhancement, is a breast enhancement procedure where a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. Most commonly, silicone or saline breast implants are used, but in some cases, a patient's own fat can also be used to add a modest volume to the breasts.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Volume Addition: Women with naturally small breasts or those who have lost breast mass after pregnancy or weight loss are often good candidates. They may want to add volume to achieve a more proportionate figure.
- Asymmetry Correction: Those with asymmetrical breasts can use breast augmentation to balance the size and shape of their breasts.
- Confidence Boost: Women who want to feel more confident in their favorite clothes or during intimacy may choose breast augmentation. This can help them feel better about their body appearance.
- Harmonizing Body Shape: Women with tubular breasts can use breast augmentation to harmonize the size of the breasts with the rest of the body.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is absorbed by the body, and there is a rapid loss of volume. They are FDA - approved for women over 18.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive ones are often called “gummy bear” breast implants. If a silicone implant leaks, the silicone tends to stay in the general vicinity. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women over 22. They are known for providing a more natural - looking and feeling result.
Implant Placement
Subglandular Placement
With subglandular placement, the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Advantages include that the breasts move more naturally as the patient uses her chest muscles, and it may correct slight breast sagging. However, it may have a higher risk of capsular contracture and more interference with mammograms compared to submuscular placement.
Submuscular Placement
Submuscular placement involves putting the implant behind the pectoralis muscle. It can reduce the risk of capsular contracture and interfere less with mammograms. But it may cause more initial discomfort, possibly require drainage tubes, and have a longer recovery period.
Biplanar Placement
Biplanar placement is a combination of the above two methods. It can be a good option for women with some breast sagging, as it may avoid the need for a separate breast lift in some cases.
Incisions
Inframammary Incision
An inframammary incision is a thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. It provides good access for implant placement and often results in scars that are well - hidden in the breast fold.
Periareolar Incision
This incision is made along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. It can be a good choice for smaller incisions and may be less visible, especially in women with darker areolas.
Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is hidden in the armpit. It offers the advantage of leaving no visible scars on the breast itself, but it may be more technically challenging to place the implant accurately.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast augmentation varies from person to person but generally follows a certain timeline:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery, but they need to be 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. Any discomfort can usually be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. They will have their first postoperative appointment to ensure proper healing.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased.
Additional follow - up visits are usually scheduled at 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure to monitor the long - term results and address any concerns.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary significantly. At The Plastic Surgery Group, it typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. However, the actual cost depends on factors such as the choice of implants (silicone implants may be more expensive than saline implants), the complexity of the procedure (e.g., if it's combined with a breast lift or other procedures), and the individual patient's circumstances.
Some clinics offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure. For example, The Plastic Surgery Group offers up to 100% financing for breast augmentation and other elective cosmetic surgery procedures.
Important Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital or Doctor
Board Certification
It is crucial to choose a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams and has a deep level of practical knowledge in the field. This is a sign of their competence and expertise.
Experience
Look for doctors with significant experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. Doctors like Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery, who has performed over 4,000 breast procedures, are more likely to have the skills and knowledge to handle various situations during the surgery and achieve good results.
Patient Reviews and Before - and - After Photos
Reading patient reviews can give you an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of their work, and the overall patient experience. Many clinics, such as Rockmore Plastic Surgery and The Plastic Surgery Group, provide before - and - after photos on their websites. These photos can help you visualize the potential results of the surgery.
Consultation
During the consultation, pay attention to how the doctor listens to your concerns and explains the procedure. A good doctor will take the time to understand your goals, answer all your questions, and provide a detailed plan for the surgery. They should also discuss the potential risks and complications associated with breast augmentation.
Potential Risks and Complications
Implants - Related Risks
- Capsular Contracture: This is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which can make the breast feel hard. Treatment may involve removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Implant Leaks and Ruptures: Saline implants will lose their contents quickly if they rupture, and the body will absorb the saltwater. Silicone implants may leak without obvious external signs, and in some cases, the silicone can cause inflammation or enlarged lymph nodes.
- Implant Deflation or Shifting: The implant may deflate or shift from its original position, which may require additional surgery to correct.
- Change in Nipple/Breast Sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the incision area. These symptoms usually improve over time.
- Irregularities in Breast Contour/Shape: There may be unevenness or asymmetry in the breast contour or shape after the surgery.
- Asymmetry: Although breast augmentation aims to correct asymmetry, in some cases, new asymmetry may occur or pre - existing asymmetry may not be fully corrected.
- Partial or Total Loss of Nipple/Areola: This is a rare but serious complication that can occur during the surgery.
Fat Transfer - Related Risks
If breast augmentation is done with fat transfer, additional risks include:
- Calcification: Calcium deposits may form in the breasts, which can be detected on mammograms.
- Fat Embolism: Fat particles can enter the bloodstream and cause blockages in blood vessels, which is a very serious complication.
- Fat Necrosis: The transferred fat cells may die, leading to lumps or changes in the breast tissue.
- Oil Cysts: These are small, fluid - filled sacs that can form in the breasts after fat transfer.
- Loss of Volume: Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, resulting in a loss of volume. Touch - up injections may be required.
Conclusion
When it comes to breast implant augmentation in Albany, there are several hospitals and doctors that can provide excellent results. Each doctor and clinic has its own specialties and approaches, whether it's the high - level customization at