Introduction
Albany, the capital city of New York, is not only known for its commerce, rich history, architecture, and higher - education institutions but also for its flourishing plastic surgery industry. Among all the plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation is highly sought - after by many women. It can enhance a woman's figure, boost self - confidence, and improve overall body image. In this article, we will take an in - depth look at the top five plastic surgeons in Albany who have a good reputation for breast augmentation surgery.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Definition and Popularity
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts using a breast implant. 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, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue: Some women are born with breasts that do not fully develop, leading to a smaller breast size than they desire.
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body: This can cause an imbalance in the overall body silhouette, making a woman feel self - conscious.
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts: Asymmetry can be a source of distress for many women, and breast augmentation can help create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
- Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding: These life events can cause the breasts to lose their fullness and firmness, and breast augmentation can restore the volume.
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts: In some cases, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift to address these issues and achieve a more youthful and perky breast appearance.
Criteria for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Augmentation
Board Certification
Board certification in plastic surgery is a crucial factor. It indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in that field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. Surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have met high - standards of education, training, and experience.
Experience
The number of breast augmentation surgeries a surgeon has performed is an important consideration. A surgeon with extensive experience is more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and be able to handle any complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Patient Reviews and Referrals
Reviews and referrals from former patients can provide valuable insights into a surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of their work, and patient satisfaction. A surgeon with a high number of positive reviews and referrals is generally a good sign.
Before - and - After Photos
Looking at a surgeon's before - and - after photos can give you an idea of the type of results they can achieve. Pay attention to the naturalness of the results, the symmetry of the breasts, and the overall aesthetic outcome.
Communication and Comfort
During the consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon should listen to your concerns, answer all your questions completely, and provide clear and honest information about the procedure, risks, and expected results.
The Top Five Plastic Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr.
Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience. He began his career as a certified plastic surgeon in Albany over 35 years ago and spent nearly nine years training alongside some of the most noted plastic surgeons in the world, including Dr. Thomas Rees and Dr. Sherrell J. Aston.
- Education and Training: He obtained his plastic surgery training at two of the most prestigious institutions for plastic surgery doctors: Eastern Virginia Medical College, a preeminent program for developing techniques in breast reconstruction, and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Nose Hospital. He also graduated magnum cum laude from Dartmouth College and attended Deerfield Academy for secondary education.
- Certifications and Associations: Dr. DeLuca is certified by both the American Board of Surgery (1983) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (1987). He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Philosophy and Approach: He is dedicated to achieving the most aesthetically pleasing and natural results possible through meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and a true and trusted eye for beauty. His charity work with Operation Smile shows his compassionate nature and commitment to helping others.
- Patient Experience: Many patients find him to be a caring, thoughtful, and gifted plastic surgeon. His personally trained and tightly - knit team of nurses and assistants combine to create a surgical experience that is regarded for the quality of aesthetic results, patient safety, and comfort. His extensive surgical experience has led to consistently optimal results and an extremely low post - op complication rate.
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany and the entire capital region. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
- Education and Training: He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduated with distinction in all subjects, and then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. He also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park, a residency in plastic surgery at Michigan State - Grand Rapids, a one - year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco, and an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco.
- Approach to Breast Procedures: Dr. Kayastha approaches plastic surgery with finesse and professionalism. He is passionate about providing excellent results that improve patients’ self - confidence or help them recover from trauma or cancer. Before the first appointment, patients can review before - and - after photos of his previous patients to get a sense of the expected results.
- Breast Procedures Offered: He offers a variety of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast implant revision, and breast reconstruction. The cost of breast augmentation ranges from $6,400 - $7,500, and the recovery time is typically 1 - 2 weeks, with full results visible in 6 months.
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is a trusted and popular choice for breast augmentation revision and explant surgery among women in Latham, Troy, Saratoga, Utica, and throughout Albany County, New York.
- Experience: He has performed thousands of breast procedures, each one individualized to match that woman’s unique body and aesthetic desires. His 3 - dimensional approach and personal consultation process lay a framework for customized, natural - looking results.
- Breast Augmentation Revision: He offers several types of breast augmentation revision procedures, including breast implant removal (explant), breast implant exchange, and breast implant revision. He frequently combines breast augmentation revision with a breast lift to address skin stretching issues.
- Patient Testimonials: Real patients have expressed their satisfaction with the results of their breast augmentation and nipple repair with Dr. Rockmore. He listens to patients' needs and expectations, and the procedures turn out as desired.
- Recovery and Aftercare: Most women return to work after 7 to 10 days and resume exercise after 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Rockmore provides detailed instructions for aftercare and clears patients to return to their usual activities as they heal.
Dr. Lucie Capek
Dr. Lucie Capek is an expert in breast augmentation. She helps patients choose from a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, and also offers the possibility of using the patient's own fat for augmentation.
- Expertise and Options: She is well - versed in guiding patients through the decision - making process based on their unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. All FDA - approved breast implants she uses have a solid silicone rubber shell filled with either saline solution or elastic silicone gel, and they come with manufacturer warranties.
- Procedure and Technique: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in her quada - accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. She makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola, creates the implant pocket using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching, and inserts the implants in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position.
- Aftercare and Recovery: Patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Those with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. She also provides long - term care and schedules follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process.
- Risks and Complications: Although the risks of breast augmentation are uncommon, early risks include bleeding, anesthesia side effects, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Long - term risks include capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture. However, with her care, these risks are infrequent and treatable.
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is a breast surgical oncology doctor and plastic surgeon who practices in the capital region of New York. He takes an innovative and meticulous approach to providing patients with impeccably natural - looking results.
- Philosophy and Approach: He prioritizes patient well - being and satisfaction, forming a partnership with each patient to address their aesthetic goals without fear of over - treatment. He designs a tailored surgical approach for each individual patient to optimize results.
- Breast Procedures Offered: He offers breast augmentation using implants, non - implant - based augmentation with fat grafting or volume - enhancing fillers, breast lift, revision breast augmentation, breast reconstructive surgery, and breast cancer surgery. For breast augmentation, implants offer the most projection and volume correction, while fat transfer provides a more subtle natural result, and filler correction gives immediate results that last a few months.
- Patient Testimonials: Many patients have expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with Dr. Kaufman. He has helped breast cancer patients through reconstruction surgery and has received high praise for his compassion, expertise, and positive attitude.
Comparing the Five Surgeons
Surgeon | Experience | Education | Certifications | Specialties | Patient Focus |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. | Over 40 years | Dartmouth College, Albany Medical College, Eastern Virginia Medical College, Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Nose Hospital | American Board of Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery, member of multiple associations | Cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body | Achieving natural results, patient safety and comfort |
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha | Multiple years of training and experience | Cornell University, SUNY Buffalo, various fellowships | American Board of Plastic Surgery | Plastic surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, various breast procedures | Improving patient self - confidence, providing excellent results |
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore | Performed thousands of breast procedures | Not specified | Board - certified plastic surgeon | Breast augmentation revision and explant surgery | Customized, natural - looking results |
Dr. Lucie Capek | Not specified | Not specified | Board - certified plastic surgeon | Breast augmentation, various implant options | Guiding patients through the process, long - term care |
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman | Not specified | Not specified | Breast surgical oncology doctor, plastic surgeon | Breast augmentation, reconstruction, cancer surgery | Patient well - being, natural results, tailored approach |
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon. During this appointment, discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. The surgeon will examine the treatment area, review your health history, and explain the procedure in detail. They will also help you choose the appropriate type of breast implant, incision placement, and implant position.
Medical Evaluation
Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and a review of your medical history. Inform your surgeon about any medications you are taking, health conditions you have, or allergies you may have.
Lifestyle Changes
Make necessary lifestyle changes before the surgery. This may include quitting smoking, as smoking can decrease your body’s ability to heal normally. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve your overall health and increase your chances of a successful recovery.
Pre - operative Instructions
Follow your surgeon's pre - operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, not eating or drinking before the surgery, and arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure and assist you during the initial recovery period.
Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery
The Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will make an incision either under the breast, around the areola, or in the underarm. They will create a pocket for the implant, either beneath the chest muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, and insert the implant. The incision will then be closed with sutures and glue.
Recovery
- First few days: You may be tired and sore after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help control the discomfort. There may be a slight burning feeling in your nipples, which will subside as the bruising lessens and healing continues.
- 7 to 10 days: Gauze dressings will be removed, and you will be instructed to wear a surgical bra. Stitches will be taken out.
- 3 to 5 weeks: Your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact during this time.
- Next several months: Scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. It is important to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, including wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow - up appointments.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Immediate Risks
- Bleeding or hematoma: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may result in a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin).
- Anesthesia side effects: Common side effects of anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or numbness in the nipples or breasts.