Introduction
Breast atrophy can be a concern for many women, impacting not only their physical appearance but also their self - confidence. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals offering excellent breast atrophy repair surgery services. These hospitals are equipped with experienced medical teams, advanced technologies, and state - of - the - art facilities to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. In this article, we will take an in - depth look at some of the popular hospitals in Albany for breast atrophy repair surgery.
St. Peter's Health Partners
Overview
St. Peter's Health Partners is a well - established healthcare provider in Albany. It offers comprehensive breast surgery services in both Albany and Troy. The hospital has a team of highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, along with experienced surgical teams and state - of - the - art procedure rooms.
Services Related to Breast Surgery
- Breast Conservation Surgery: This is one of the most common forms of breast cancer surgery. A lumpectomy is a type of breast conservation surgery where the tumor and some of the surrounding breast tissue are removed. It is a preferred option for many patients as it aims to preserve as much of the breast as possible while effectively treating the cancer.
- Advanced Breast Conserving Surgery (Oncoplastic Surgery): This advanced technique combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices. The goal is to conserve breast tissue. After the cancer is removed, the surgeon uses the patient's own breast tissue for reconstruction. Oncoplastic breast surgery is not widely available in the U.S., but the breast surgeons at St. Peter's Hospital are specially trained in this cutting - edge technique.
- Breast Reconstruction and Mastectomy: Mastectomy involves the removal of the whole breast tissue along with the cancerous tumor. Breast reconstruction can be performed simultaneously with the mastectomy for immediate restoration of volume and shape. In cases where radiation therapy is necessary, reconstruction can be done at a later date. For appropriate candidates, immediate reconstruction allows for a skin - sparing mastectomy. The surgeon will consult with each patient to determine the best approach.
Why Choose St. Peter's Health Partners for Breast Atrophy Repair
The hospital's accreditation by relevant bodies and the expertise of its medical staff make it a reliable choice. The advanced surgical techniques, especially in the field of breast reconstruction, can be highly beneficial for patients with breast atrophy. The multidisciplinary approach of the medical team ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, from diagnosis to post - operative follow - up.
Albany Med Health System - Breast Care Center
Location and Basic Information
The Breast Care Center of Albany Med Health System is located at the south clinical campus at 25 Hackett Blvd, Floor 4, Albany, NY 12208. The center operates from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The fax number for referrals is 518 - 262 - 1112. The contact numbers for different services are as follows: breast surgery - call 518 - 262 - 2592 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112; radiology/mammograms - call 518 - 264 - 9729 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112; plastic & reconstructive surgery - call 518 - 262 - 2229. There is free parking in a convenient lot near the building’s entrance.
Services Offered
General Breast Care
The center offers a full range of breast care services, whether the needs are preventive, routine, chronic, or unexpected. It guides patients through screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of breast disease, as well as routine preventive care.
Specific Diagnostic and Treatment Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Mammography | 3D digital mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) is available, which provides more detailed images compared to traditional mammograms, increasing the chances of early cancer detection. |
| 3D digital stereotactic breast biopsy | This is an advanced biopsy technique that uses 3D imaging to precisely target the area of concern in the breast, reducing the need for more invasive procedures. |
| Breast biopsy with needle localization and surgical excisional biopsy | These are diagnostic procedures used to determine if a breast abnormality is cancerous. Needle localization helps the surgeon accurately locate the lesion during surgery. |
| Chemotherapy and radiation therapy | In cases of breast cancer, these treatment modalities are available at the center, provided by experienced oncologists. |
| Computer - aided detection (CAD) | CAD is a technology that helps radiologists detect potential abnormalities in mammograms more accurately. |
| Breast ultrasound | It is used to complement mammography and can provide additional information about breast tissue, especially in cases where mammograms are inconclusive. |
| Breast surgery | Includes various types of breast surgeries such as lumpectomies, mastectomies (simple, modified, or skin - sparing), and hidden scar lumpectomy and mastectomy, providing options for different patient needs. |
| Bone density exam | Important for assessing the overall health of the patient, especially as some breast cancer treatments can affect bone density. |
| Lymph node dissections and biopsies | These procedures are used to determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, which is crucial for staging the cancer and planning treatment. |
| Lymphoscintigraphy (sentinel node mapping) | This is a minimally invasive technique used to identify the sentinel lymph node, the first node in the lymphatic system to receive drainage from the breast, helping in accurate cancer staging. |
| Immunotherapy | An emerging treatment option for breast cancer that uses the body's immune system to fight the cancer. |
| Nurse navigators | They assist patients throughout their breast care journey, from diagnosis to treatment, providing support and guidance. |
| Preoperative needle localization | Helps the surgeon precisely locate the lesion during surgery, especially for small or non - palpable lesions. |
| Personalized treatment | The center tailors treatment plans according to each patient's specific condition, taking into account factors such as age, medical history, and cancer stage. |
Advantages for Breast Atrophy Repair
The wide range of breast care services available at the center means that patients can receive comprehensive care under one roof. The advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The personalized treatment approach is also beneficial for patients with breast atrophy, as it can be customized to meet their specific aesthetic and medical needs.
Albany Med Health System - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Overall Excellence
The Albany Med Health System is known for its tradition of surgical excellence in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The plastic and reconstructive surgery team offers the broadest range of cosmetic and reconstructive options in the region. The physicians have trained and cared for patients at some of the most prestigious centers in the world and bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Breast Reconstruction Options
- Tissue Expander Reconstruction: This is a common method of breast reconstruction. A tissue expander is placed under the chest muscle or breast tissue, and it is gradually filled with saline solution over time to stretch the tissue and create a pocket for the eventual placement of a permanent breast implant.
- Free Flap Reconstruction: In this procedure, the plastic surgeon uses all the patient's own tissues, typically from the abdomen. This method provides a more natural - looking and feeling breast, as it uses the patient's own tissue. The surgeon in the Albany Med Health System, like Dr. Jeff Kim who has a specialty in autologous “free flap” breast reconstruction, can perform this highly specialized procedure.
- Combination Approach: This approach combines the two methods, using the patient's own tissue from the back, latissimus muscle, plus a tissue expander/implant underneath. It offers a customized solution based on the patient's specific needs and body characteristics.
- Nipple and Areola Reconstruction and Tattooing: After breast reconstruction, this procedure is used to recreate the nipple and areola, enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the breast.
Other Relevant Procedures
In addition to breast reconstruction, the system also offers a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that can be related to breast atrophy repair. For example, breast lift and breast enlargement procedures can be used to address the issues of sagging and volume loss associated with breast atrophy. Other procedures such as arm lift, body contouring after major weight loss, and body lift can also help improve the overall body appearance, which may be beneficial for patients who have undergone breast atrophy repair.
Benefits for Patients
The availability of a wide range of breast reconstruction options allows patients to choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. The expertise of the plastic and reconstructive surgeons ensures high - quality surgical results. The fact that the procedures are performed in a well - established and respected healthcare system also provides patients with peace of mind.
Best Doctors in Albany for Breast Surgical Procedures
According to Healthgrades, there are 21 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in Albany. Some of the top - rated doctors are as follows:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Ankesh Nigam, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
These doctors have a significant number of past patient ratings, indicating their experience and the satisfaction of their patients. When considering breast atrophy repair surgery, patients can choose a doctor based on their ratings, expertise, and location.
Women's Choice Award for Breast Centers in Albany
Award Criteria
The Women's Choice Award® identifies America's best hospitals and healthcare facilities across the nation based on robust criteria. These criteria include relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and appropriate accreditations. The goal is to help women make smart healthcare choices. The methodology is 100% objective, replicable, and uniform, using the most recent publicly available clinical data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction survey results, relevant accreditation information from appropriate sources, and the American Hospital Directory.
Relevance to Breast Atrophy Repair
Hospitals that receive this award are likely to have a high level of quality care, including in the field of breast - related procedures such as breast atrophy repair. Patients can use the list of award - winning hospitals as a starting point when choosing a hospital for their breast surgery, as it provides an indication of the hospital's overall quality and patient - centered care.
Conclusion
In Albany, there are several excellent hospitals and doctors available for breast atrophy repair surgery. St. Peter's Health Partners offers comprehensive breast surgery services with advanced techniques such as oncoplastic surgery. The Albany Med Health System, through its Breast Care Center and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery department, provides a wide range of breast care services, from diagnosis to reconstruction, with a personalized approach. There are also top - rated doctors in the area, as recognized by Healthgrades. Additionally, the Women's Choice Award can be a useful tool for patients to select a high - quality healthcare provider.
If you or someone you know is considering breast atrophy repair surgery in Albany, we encourage you to research these hospitals and doctors further. You can visit the hospitals' websites, read patient reviews, and consult with the doctors to find the best option that meets your needs. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic to help them make informed decisions about their breast health.
