Introduction to Breast Augmentation in Albany
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that helps many women achieve their desired body shape and boost self - confidence. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics that have been highly recommended by those who have undergone this procedure. Let's explore these medical institutions and the key aspects of breast augmentation they offer.
Overview of Breast Augmentation
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022. There are multiple reasons why women opt for breast augmentation, such as 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 breastfeeding, and loss of firmness and sagging breasts.
There are different types of breast implants available, including saline and silicone implants. All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. Saline implants are filled with a saline solution (sterile salt water), while silicone breast implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural tissue. Both types have been regularly researched and tested for safety and come with warranties from the manufacturer.
Highly Recommended Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
1. Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is well - known in Albany for breast augmentation procedures. Here's what you can expect when choosing this clinic:
Candidate Assessment
Dr. Capek assesses whether a patient is a good candidate for breast implant surgery. Good candidates may suffer from underdeveloped natural breast tissue, small breasts relative to the lower body, asymmetrical breasts, or volume loss due to weight loss or pregnancy. She ensures that patients understand all aspects of the procedure and have realistic expectations.
Types of Implants
Dr. Capek discusses the various implant options with patients, considering the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. Whether it's a saline or silicone implant, she helps the patient make an informed decision.
Pre - Procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with Dr. Capek is essential. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body. Patients are advised to be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, and follow their primary care physician's advice for chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
The Procedure
The breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in their Quada - accredited office - based operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, or a hospital operating room. Dr. Capek makes a small incision, commonly under the breast (inframammary fold incision, which has a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture). She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implants, minimizing bleeding and muscle twitching. Implants can be placed in a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle. Dr. Capek typically does not use drains in first - time breast augmentation patients and closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue. The surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours.
Post - Procedure
Patients can expect a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence after the surgery. They can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Rest for 24 to 48 hours is recommended. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Following Dr. Capek's aftercare instructions is crucial to avoid complications. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams, and those with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds.
Risks
Although rare, early risks of breast augmentation include bleeding, hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Long - term risks may include capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture. However, with Dr. Capek's care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive approach to breast augmentation and other breast enhancement surgeries:
Types of Breast Enhancement Surgeries
Procedure | Cost | Recovery Time | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Breast Lift | $9,000 - $10,000 | 1 - 2 weeks | Removes excess skin and repositions breast tissues to lift the breasts for a more youthful look |
Breast Augmentation | $8,000 - $8,500 | 1 week | Adds volume and size to the breasts through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants |
Breast Lift with Implants | Varies per person | 1 - 2 weeks | Removes excess skin, repositions existing breast tissue, and places an implant for fuller and more lifted breasts |
Breast Reduction | $9,500 - $10,000 | 2 weeks | Removes excess breast tissue to bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the body |
Breast Revision | $8,000 - $9,500 | 1 - 2 weeks | Revises the results of a previous breast augmentation, including implant exchange, removal, or tissue repositioning |
Choosing the Right Procedure
Dr. Rockmore helps patients determine the most suitable breast enhancement surgery based on their concerns. For sagging or drooping breasts, a breast lift may be the best option. For small - sized breasts, breast augmentation is often recommended. Breast asymmetry can be addressed with either breast augmentation or reduction, and for lost volume and sagging, a breast lift with implants may be ideal. For overly large breasts, breast reduction is a solution, and for compromised breast augmentation results, breast revision can be performed.
Customizing Breast Augmentation
Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He offers a wide range of implant sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles. When choosing implants, he takes into account the width of the patient's chest and breasts to prevent excess space between the breasts. He also considers the patient's existing anatomy and desired results when determining the implant profile.
Recovery
Patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess immediately after the surgery. The initial recovery timeline includes being able to shower the day after surgery (with care), resuming driving within 72 hours if no longer on prescription medication, experiencing peak swelling and soreness between days 3 - 5, and being able to return to work and light activities by day 7. Strenuous activities can be resumed within 2 - 4 weeks. Dr. Rockmore provides a surgical bra to support the breasts during the healing process and schedules follow - up visits to monitor the recovery.
3. Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS
Dr. Malcolm Roth is experienced in breast augmentation procedures:
Types of Implants
Silicone implants are the more commonly chosen option as scientific studies have shown them to be safe and to have a natural feel. Saline - filled implants are also available and can lead to excellent results in eligible patients. There are also different types of silicone gel, form - stable implants, shaped implants, and implants of varying base and projection.
Candidates
Women who want to increase breast size, fix asymmetrical breasts, or restore lost volume are candidates for breast augmentation. They must have fully developed breasts, be physically healthy, and have realistic expectations about the surgery outcome.
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed behind the breast, either over the muscle on the chest wall or under the muscle. The operation usually takes 1 - 2 hours and is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Incisions are typically made around the nipple - areola complex, underneath the breast, or in the armpit, resulting in inconspicuous scars.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
For patients who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size and want a more natural look, breast augmentation with fat transfer is an option. This procedure uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other parts of the body, which is then injected into the breasts. Tissue expanders may be placed weeks prior to the fat transfer to increase the breast's capacity to hold fat.
Recovery
After breast augmentation with implants, drainage tubes may be inserted, incisions are stitched, and a surgical bra is worn to minimize swelling. Some patients feel tired and sore for a few days but can return to work within a week. Stitches dissolve on their own, and pain, swelling, and sensitivity diminish over the first few weeks. Scars begin to fade in a few months. After breast augmentation with fat transfer, recovery time is short, and normal activities can be resumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable.
Risks
Risks associated with breast augmentation using implants include capsular contracture, implant leaks and ruptures, implant deflation or shifting, changes in nipple/breast sensation, irregularities in breast contour, asymmetry, and partial or total loss of nipple/areola. Risks related to breast augmentation using fat transfer include those related to liposuction, such as calcification, fat embolism, fat necrosis, oil cysts, loss of volume, and breast firmness issues.
4. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery offers a variety of breast procedures:
Plastic Surgeon Qualifications
Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and medical school at SUNY Buffalo, followed by fellowships in surgical pathology, hand and microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery. Before starting private practice, he gained extensive experience from top - tier surgeons.
Breast Procedures
Procedure | Recovery Time | Cost | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Breast Augmentation | 1 - 2 weeks (6 months for full results) | $6,400 - $7,500 | Enhances breast size, shape, and symmetry |
Breast Lift | 1 - 2 weeks | $7,000 - $7,500 | Lifts the breasts to a more youthful position |
Breast Augmentation and Lift | 1 - 2 weeks | $8,000 - $10,500 | Restores youthful breast volume and position |
Male Breast Reduction | 1 week | $6,000 - $8,000 | Achieves a more masculine chest |
Breast Implant Removal | 2 days - 1 week | $5500 - $6500 | Returns to natural breasts |
Nipple Surgery | 2 - 10 days | Varies by procedure | Reshapes and resizes nipples |
Breast Reduction | 1 - 2 weeks | $8,000 - $9,500 | Relieves issues caused by overly large breasts |
Breast Implant Revision | 2 - 7 days | Varies by procedure | Revises the results of a previous breast implant procedure |
Breast Reconstruction Options | 1 week (6 months for full results) | Varies by procedure | Reconstructs the breast after surgery or trauma |
Breast Reconstruction Recovery | 1 week (6 months for full results) | Varies by procedure | The period required for full recovery after breast reconstruction |
Consultation
Before any breast surgery, patients are advised to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. During this appointment, he listens to the patient's goal results, creates a unique surgical plan, and determines if the desired procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area, reviews the patient's health history, and answers any questions about the procedure and recovery period.
5. Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon, offers comprehensive breast augmentation options:
Breast Augmentation Methods
Dr. Kaufman offers two primary methods for breast augmentation: breast implant augmentation surgery and fat transfer breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Augmentation
He exclusively uses implants made in the United States. The implant materials include silicone implants, specifically 5th - generation silicone implants that maintain their shape while having a soft - to - touch, natural quality. The implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. He offers different shapes, such as rounded implants that provide more lift and projection, and different profiles (low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra high) to match the patient's body type and desired outcome. Dr. Kaufman only uses smooth breast implants as textured implants have been associated with rare adverse outcomes.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting
This method uses the patient's own fat harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. The fat is processed and refined before being injected into the breasts. The key benefits include using natural tissue, reducing the risk of implant - related complications, and providing a more organic feel. It can also enhance body contours in the donor areas.
Personalized Journey
The breast augmentation journey with Dr. Kaufman starts with a consultation where he discusses the patient's goals, reviews the medical and surgical history, and performs an examination with medical photography and measurements. A customized plan is then created, including deciding on the implant volume or the amount of fat to be transferred. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1 - 1.5 hours. Implants are inserted through incisions along the lower breast, and Dr. Kaufman has had success placing implants above the chest muscle to avoid animation deformity and reduce postoperative pain. For fat transfer, liposuction is performed first.
Recovery and Results
Recovery involves some swelling and mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days. Patients are advised to wear a supportive surgical bra. Sutures and drains are removed during follow - up visits. Light exercise can resume in 1 - 2 weeks,