Introduction to Textured Breast Prosthesis Augmentation in Albany
Albany, a city known for its high - quality medical facilities, offers a range of options for women interested in textured breast prosthesis augmentation. In this article, we will explore the top aspects of this procedure, including information on popular institutions, breast implants, and relevant considerations.
Understanding Breast Augmentation and Textured Breast Prostheses
Breast augmentation is a popular plastic surgery procedure that aims to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. It can be a life - changing decision for many women, whether they want to restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, balance asymmetrical breasts, or simply enhance their overall appearance.
Textured breast prostheses have become a significant option in breast augmentation. These implants have a surface that is not smooth, which helps to reduce the risk of capsular contracture - a common complication where the body forms a tight scar tissue around the implant. According to research from "Evolution and update on current devices for prosthetic breast reconstruction", the surface texturing was developed in response to the high rates of capsular contracture with smooth - walled implants in the 1960s.
Types of Textured Breast Implants
- Silicone Gel Textured Implants: These implants are filled with silicone gel and are known for their natural - looking and feeling results. They come in different degrees of cohesivity. For example, the "gummy bear" implants, which are form - stable, are a type of silicone gel textured implant. They are firmer and retain their shape better, even if the shell is compromised. Sientra's high - strength cohesive (HSC) gel implants and Allergan's Natrelle 410 are examples of well - known brands in this category.
- Saline Textured Implants: Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are generally less expensive than silicone gel implants and have the advantage that if a rupture occurs, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. Textured saline implants also offer the benefit of reduced capsular contracture risk compared to their smooth counterparts.
Popular Institutions for Textured Breast Prosthesis Augmentation in Albany
1. The Plastic Surgery Group
The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. They have a team of experienced plastic surgeons who work closely with patients to find the ideal breast implants for their body type and aesthetic goals.
Services Offered
- Consultation: During the consultation, patients can discuss their goals, and the surgeons will identify the best breast implants, including considerations such as type, size, shape, profile, and texture. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients experience different breast sizes and select their ideal size.
- Procedure: Breast implant surgery at the Plastic Surgery Group is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision (usually under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit) and create a pocket either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle to place the implant.
- Recovery: The recovery period varies depending on the individual's healing ability. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort, but pain medication will be prescribed. They will need to wear a surgical bra for support, and within a week or two, most patients can resume light activities and work, while heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.
2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery, located in Latham and serving Albany and surrounding areas, is well - known for his breast augmentation procedures. He has performed over 4,000 breast procedures, using a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking results.
Features of the Practice
- Customization: Dr. Rockmore customizes each breast augmentation procedure. He offers a different approach to implant selection, matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts. This helps prevent excess space between the breasts and creates a more natural look.
- Implant Options: He provides both saline - and silicone - filled implants. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and usually require smaller incisions. Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, including the popular "gummy bear" implants.
- Patient Experience: Dr. Rockmore takes the time to understand each patient's motivations and desires. He also discusses potential risks and complications, such as infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture, to ensure that patients are well - informed.
3. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery 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.
Specialties and Offerings
- Comprehensive Breast Procedures: In addition to breast augmentation, K Plastic Surgery offers a range of breast - related procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, and breast reconstruction.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Before any procedure, Dr. Kayastha listens to the patient's goal results, creates a unique surgical plan, and determines whether the procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's health history to ensure surgical safety.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Textured Breast Prosthesis Augmentation
Selecting the right surgeon is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. Here are some factors to consider:
Board Certification
Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized medical board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met specific standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery. For example, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is board - certified, which gives patients confidence in his skills and expertise.
Experience
Look for a surgeon with significant experience in performing textured breast prosthesis augmentations. Surgeons like Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery, who has performed over 4,000 breast procedures, are more likely to have encountered a wide range of cases and can handle potential complications more effectively.
Patient Reviews and Before - and - After Photos
Read patient reviews and look at before - and - after photos of the surgeon's previous patients. This can give you an idea of the surgeon's results and the overall patient experience. For instance, at The Plastic Surgery Group, patients can get an understanding of the expected outcomes by reviewing the featured patients' before - and - after photos.
Communication and Rapport
You should feel comfortable communicating with the surgeon. A good surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide clear explanations about the procedure, risks, and recovery. During the consultation, pay attention to how the surgeon interacts with you and whether you feel confident in their abilities.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Textured Breast Implants
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the implant are important factors that can significantly affect the final appearance of the breasts. Implants come in a variety of sizes, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), rather than cup size. The shape can be round or teardrop (anatomical). Round implants can provide more upper breast fullness and cleavage, while teardrop - shaped implants mimic the appearance of a natural breast and have less fullness in the cleavage area.
Profile
The profile of the implant refers to its projection from the chest. Options include low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and ultra - high. A higher profile implant has more upper fullness and may look more "implanted," while a moderate profile implant can look more natural, especially for women with larger frames and wider chests.
Texture
As mentioned earlier, textured implants are less likely to move or become repositioned compared to smooth implants. They also reduce the risk of capsular contracture. However, they may have a higher propensity for visible rippling and wrinkling, and a higher rate of saline implant deflation. Different manufacturers have their own proprietary texturing methods, such as Allergan's Biocell surface texture, Mentor's Siltex surface texture, and Sientra's True Texture.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Choose implants from a reputable manufacturer. Many manufacturers offer warranties that can provide coverage in case of implant rupture, capsular contracture, or other complications. For example, Sientra's Opus™ breast implants are covered by the Platinum20™ product replacement and limited warranty program, which offers benefits such as free lifetime replacement if an implant ruptures and 20 - year replacement for capsular contracture complications.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, you should discuss your medical history, any medications you are taking, and your goals for the procedure. You may also need to undergo some pre - operative tests, such as blood tests, mammograms, or an electrocardiogram, depending on your age and health.
You will be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin and non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Smoking should also be avoided, as it can interfere with the healing process.
The Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you will be unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision, which can be located under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The choice of incision location depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy and the type of implant being used.
After making the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular). The implant is then inserted into the pocket, and the incisions are closed using sutures.
Post - operative Recovery
Recovery after breast augmentation varies from person to person. Immediately after the surgery, you may experience pain, swelling, and tightness in the chest area. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage the discomfort.
You will need to wear a surgical bra for support, which helps to hold the implants in place and reduces swelling. Most patients can shower the day after surgery, but they should be careful not to get the incision site too wet. Driving is usually restricted for the first few days until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication.
Swelling and tightness usually peak within the first few days and gradually subside over the next few weeks. You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and raising your arms above shoulder height for several weeks. Light activities can be resumed within a week or two, and most patients can return to work after a short period. Aerobic activities can usually be started in about three to four weeks.
Risks and Complications of Textured Breast Prosthesis Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications of breast augmentation. It occurs when the body forms a tight scar tissue around the implant, causing the breast to feel hard and may change its shape. While textured implants are designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, it can still occur. According to "Augmentation Mammaplasty Using Implants: A Review", techniques such as precise hemostasis, perfect sterile technique, and implant placement beneath the pectoralis major muscle may help reduce the risk, but no method can completely prevent it.
Implant Rupture or Leak
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline will be absorbed by the body, and the breast will deflate. You will need to have the implant replaced in a timely manner to prevent the capsule from shrinking. In the case of a silicone implant rupture, the silicone may stay within the capsule or spread to the surrounding tissue. Regular breast examinations are recommended to detect any signs of rupture.
Infection
Infection is a potential risk after any surgical procedure. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, and pain at the incision site. If an infection occurs, it may be treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, the implant may need to be removed and replaced at a later time.
Changes in Sensation
Some women may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after breast augmentation. This can range from decreased sensation to hypersensitivity. In most cases, the sensation returns to normal over time, but in some cases, the changes may be permanent.
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
BIA - ALCL is a rare form of non - Hodgkin T - cell lymphoma that has been associated with breast implants. It is more commonly associated with certain types of textured implants, such as the Allergan Biocell® textured implants, which have been recalled. The incidence of BIA - ALCL is very low, but it is important to be aware of the risk. If you experience symptoms such as swelling, pain, or a mass around the implant, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Textured breast prosthesis augmentation can be a great option for women looking to enhance their breasts. In Albany, institutions like The Plastic Surgery Group, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, and K Plastic Surgery offer high - quality services with experienced surgeons. When considering this procedure, it is essential to choose the right surgeon, carefully select the implants based on your needs and preferences, and be aware of the potential risks and complications.
If you are interested in textured breast prosthesis augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can provide you with personalized information and guidance to help you make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to explore further by reading more about breast augmentation, or share this article with others who may be interested in the topic.
