Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery that can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. However, like any surgical procedure, it may sometimes lead to complications or less - than - satisfactory results, making post - operative repair necessary. In Albany, there are several hospitals that are highly recommended for breast augmentation post - operative repair. This article will provide a comprehensive introduction to these facilities, as well as offer in - depth information about breast augmentation and its associated aspects.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing breast size. It involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles. There are various reasons why women choose breast augmentation. Some may feel their breasts are small, or one breast is smaller than the other. Others may want to improve their body image after pregnancy or significant weight loss, or correct uneven breasts following surgery for other conditions.
Types of Breast Implants
There are mainly two types of FDA - approved breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They have the advantage of requiring a shorter scar for insertion as they can be filled after being placed in the breast pocket. However, they may be more prone to visible “rippling.” Silicone breast implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, providing a more natural look and feel. “Gummy bear” implants, a type of silicone gel implant, are more cohesive, with a lower risk of leak or rupture.
Incisions for Breast Augmentation
Surgeons typically choose from three main incision sites for breast augmentation:
- Inframammary incision: Made along the breast fold. This is a common choice as it allows for good access to the breast pocket and often results in less - visible scars. Recent studies suggest that this approach has a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture.
- Transaxillary incision: Made in the underarm area. This option can leave the breasts themselves scar - free, but it may limit the surgeon's control during implant placement.
- Periareolar incision: Made around the areola. It can be a good choice for women who are less concerned about a small scar on the areola. The scar can blend in well with the natural pigment of the areola.
Implant Placement
There are two primary locations for implant placement:
- Subglandular placement: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. This may result in a more natural look in some cases, but it has a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to submuscular placement.
- Submuscular placement: The implant is placed beneath the chest wall muscle. This placement can provide better coverage of the implant, especially in women with little natural breast tissue. It also reduces the likelihood of visible rippling and interferes less with mammograms over subglandular placement.
Complications After Breast Augmentation
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, complications can occur, which may require post - operative repair. Some common complications include:
- Capsular contracture: This is when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard and sometimes changing its shape. It is classified into four grades on the Baker scale. Mild cases may be managed with medications or non - surgical means, while more severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue) or capsulotomy (partial reduction of the scar tissue).
- Implant malposition: Implants may not settle into the correct position. They may remain too high, too far apart, or drop too low. Revision surgery can correct these issues by repositioning the implants.
- Symmastia: Also known as “uni - boob,” it occurs when one or both implants are positioned too close to the mid - line over the breastbone. Surgical correction of the pockets and reduction of scar tissue may be required.
- Double bubble deformity: There are two types of this deformity. It can occur immediately after implant surgery or over time due to factors like weight loss, pregnancy, or natural gravity. It gives the appearance of a breast sitting on top of the implant. A breast lift or pocket correction can often correct this issue.
- Implant rippling: Irregularities of the implant surface that can be felt or seen through the skin. This can be due to thin skin tissue covering the implants, a saline implant leaking, or implant placement above the muscle. Using a silicone implant or changing the implant placement may help correct this problem.
- Implant rupture: Saline implants will deflate and the body will absorb the saltwater if they rupture. Silicone implants may have a “silent rupture,” where there are no obvious symptoms. Periodic ultrasounds are recommended for women with silicone implants to detect ruptures. Implant replacement is usually required in case of rupture.
Highly Recommended Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Post - Operative Repair in Albany
The Plastic Surgery Group
The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. Their surgeons are well - experienced in breast augmentation and post - operative repair.
- Expertise: They offer a comprehensive range of services related to breast augmentation, from the initial surgery to handling various complications. Their plastic surgeons will thoroughly discuss the patient's concerns and goals during the consultation, explaining the procedure in detail and presenting different options.
- Patient care: The group takes pride in providing excellent patient care. They perform breast augmentation surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center, and the patient is closely monitored during the recovery process. They offer patient financing to help patients afford the desired improvements.
- Success rate: With a focus on using the latest techniques and following strict safety protocols, they have achieved high success rates in both primary breast augmentation and post - operative repair procedures.
DeLuca Plastic Surgery
DeLuca Plastic Surgery has extensive expertise in breast implant revision surgery.
- Revision specialty: They are well - versed in handling all kinds of complications related to previous breast augmentation surgeries, such as bottoming out, breast asymmetry, implant malposition, and capsular contracture. Their surgeons, Dr. Tauber and Dr. Yan, use advanced techniques like suturing to tighten the breast pocket and using a mesh internal surgical scaffold for better support.
- Experience: With over 30 + years of breast surgery experience and having performed over 1,500 cosmetic breast procedures, they have a deep understanding of the intricacies of breast augmentation and revision surgeries. Their complication / revision rate on primary breast augmentations is below 2%.
- Post - operative care: They provide extensive post - operative care, including a recovery program designed to optimize the patient's healing process. They are available for emergency care 24/7 after surgery.
Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is an expert in breast augmentation and related procedures.
- Advanced techniques: Dr. Capek uses the latest technology, such as the harmonic scalpel, during the breast augmentation procedure to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. She also offers patients a variety of implant options and tailors the surgery according to the patient's unique anatomy and goals.
- Patient - centered approach: She spends time with patients during the consultation, using breast implant sizers to help them visualize the desired breast size. She wants patients to be well - informed participants in the planning of their procedure to ensure satisfaction with the results.
- Complication management: In case of complications after breast augmentation, Dr. Capek is experienced in handling them, whether it's capsular contracture, implant malposition, or other issues. She provides comprehensive after - care instructions to minimize the risk of complications.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers high - quality breast augmentation and post - operative repair services.
- Customization: He offers a wide range of breast implant options, including different filler materials (saline, silicone gel, and “gummy bear” implants), textures, shapes, and sizes. He customizes the breast augmentation procedure according to each patient's specific needs and aesthetic goals.
- Minimizing pain: Dr. Kayastha uses meticulous breast pocket incision techniques to minimize inflammation and pain during the recovery process. He also provides detailed instructions on pain management and after - care to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Handling complications: For patients with complications from previous breast surgeries, Dr. Kayastha has the skills and experience to perform revision surgeries, such as implant replacement, repositioning, or treating capsular contracture.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Post - Operative Repair
Surgeon's Qualifications
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a high level of practical knowledge and skill. Surgeons with more experience in breast augmentation and revision surgeries are more likely to achieve better results.
Hospital Reputation
Research the hospital's reputation by reading patient testimonials and reviews. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care, have strict safety protocols, and achieve positive patient outcomes.
Range of Services
Choose a hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast augmentation and post - operative repair. This includes handling different types of complications, offering a variety of implant options, and providing pre - operative and post - operative care.
Cost
While cost should not be the only factor, it is an important consideration. The cost of breast augmentation post - operative repair can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of implants used, and other factors. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.
Preparing for Post - Operative Repair
Just like with the initial breast augmentation surgery, proper preparation is essential for post - operative repair.
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your concerns, goals, and the history of your previous breast augmentation. The surgeon will examine your breasts, review your medical history, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
- Medical evaluation: You may need to undergo a medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging studies, to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery.
- Medication adjustment: Inform the surgeon about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over - the - counter drugs. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Lifestyle changes: If you smoke, it is recommended to stop smoking for at least a few weeks before and after the surgery to improve your body's ability to heal. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain good overall health.
Recovery After Post - Operative Repair
The recovery process after breast augmentation post - operative repair can vary depending on the type and complexity of the procedure.
- Immediate post - operative period: You will likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first few days after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage the discomfort. You may also need to wear a compression bandage or a supportive surgical bra to reduce swelling and support the breasts.
- Short - term recovery: Most patients can return to work within a week or two, depending on the nature of their job. However, you should avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and exercise, for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when you can resume normal activities.
- Long - term recovery: Over time, the swelling will subside, and the scars will gradually fade. It may take several months for the final results to be fully visible. You will need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and ensure that everything is healing properly.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation post - operative repair is an important aspect of ensuring the best possible results from breast augmentation surgery. In Albany, there are several hospitals, such as The Plastic Surgery Group, DeLuca Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery, and K Plastic Surgery, that are highly recommended for their expertise, experience, and patient - centered care. When considering post - operative repair, it is important to choose a qualified surgeon and a reputable hospital, and to follow the pre - operative and post - operative instructions carefully. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of a successful repair and achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
If you are considering breast augmentation post - operative repair in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended hospitals mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your concerns and goals with the surgeon, and make an informed decision about your treatment. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek further information. Your journey to a more satisfying breast appearance starts now!
