Introduction to the Top Five Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany!

Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, offering women the chance to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. In Albany, there are several exceptional hospitals and clinics that stand out in providing top - notch breast augmentation services. This article will introduce you to the top five institutions that excel in this field, along with an in - depth look at the breast augmentation procedure itself.

Overview of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery operations in the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it has been consistently in the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures since 2006, with nearly 300,000 breast augmentations performed in the USA in 2022. This procedure involves increasing the size and improving the shape of the breasts through the placement of implants or the use of fat transfer.

Who is a Good Candidate?

A woman may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if she has the following concerns:

• Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
• Disproportionately small breasts compared to her lower body
• Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
• Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss, or after pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)

Types of Breast Implants

All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell that is either filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel (which more closely mimics the feel of tissue). Here's a comparison of the two:

Top Five Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany

1. Practice of Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore's practice in Latham, which serves Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York, is highly regarded for breast augmentation. He has experience performing more than 4,000 breast procedures and uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts.

Key Features

• Customized Approach: Dr. Rockmore offers an individualized breast augmentation to meet each patient's unique needs. He takes into account the width of the patient's chest and breasts when choosing implants, preventing excess space between the breasts for a full and natural look.
• Range of Options: He uses both saline and silicone implants, as well as fat grafts. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions. Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive ones being “gummy bear” breast implants. Fat grafts can be used alone, in conjunction with a breast lift, or with implants.
• Incisions and Placement: Dr. Rockmore offers common incision locations such as inframammary (beneath the breast fold), periareolar (along the lower border of the areola), and transaxillary (hidden in the armpit). He also recommends different implant placement options including subglandular (above the muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), and biplanar (a combination of both) based on individual needs.
• Patient - Centered Care: During the consultation, he discusses the patient's motivations, performs a physical examination, and reviews the health history to ensure breast augmentation is the safest and most effective choice. He also provides a comfortable surgical bra after surgery and schedules regular follow - up visits to monitor the recovery process.

2. Capek Plastic Surgery

Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek is well - known in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her care.

Key Features

• Expert Consultation: Dr. Capek uses a Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. She discusses all options regarding implant type, size, and shape, guiding patients through the important decision - making process.
• Advanced Surgical Techniques: She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and she makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola. The inframammary fold incision is commonly recommended due to a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
• Aftercare: After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement. She also emphasizes the importance of following aftercare instructions to avoid complications and schedules follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process.
• Long - Term Monitoring: She advises patients to continue with regular mammograms and breast exams. For patients with silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.

3. The Plastic Surgery Group

This group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. It offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services.

Key Features

• Personalized Consultation: During the consultation, the plastic surgeon explains the procedure in detail, reviews the various options for implants, incision placement, and implant placement. They also assess if a breast lift or combination with other procedures like a mommy makeover is necessary for the patient to achieve the desired results.
• Incision and Implant Placement Options: Options for breast augmentation incision placement include along the breast fold (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), and around the areola (periareolar incision). The surgeon recommends the best option based on the patient's unique anatomy and other factors. For implant placement, they offer submuscular (beneath the chest wall muscle) and subglandular (directly behind the breast tissue) options, with submuscular placement often being a good choice for women with little breast tissue.
• Financing Options: The cost of breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on many factors. They offer patient financing to help most patients afford the procedure.
• Recovery Guidance: They provide detailed recovery guidance, including what to expect in the first few days, weeks, and months after surgery. Most patients can return to work within a week, and they also offer advice on pain management and scar care.

4. Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS

Dr. Malcolm Roth has extensive experience in breast augmentation. He offers different types of breast implants and techniques to meet patients' needs.

Key Features

• Implant Options: He provides silicone - filled and saline - filled implants. Silicone implants are more commonly chosen as they are considered safe and provide a natural feeling. Saline implants are also an option and can lead to excellent results for qualified patients.
• Implant Placement: Implants can be placed over or under the muscle on the chest wall, depending on the patient's anatomy and discussion with Dr. Roth. Incisions are typically placed around the nipple - areola complex, underneath the breast, or occasionally in the armpit, resulting in inconspicuous scars.
• Fat Transfer Option: Dr. Roth also offers breast augmentation with fat transfer for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size and want more natural - looking breasts. The procedure involves harvesting fat from other parts of the body using liposuction and injecting it into the breasts.
• Risk Management: He discusses the risks associated with both implant - based and fat - transfer breast augmentation, such as capsular contracture, implant leaks, and complications related to liposuction in the case of fat transfer. He also provides guidance on minimizing these risks.

5. Practice of Dr. Gabriel Kaufman

Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, with a high rating of 4.70 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades, is another excellent option for breast augmentation in Albany. While specific details about his unique approach are limited compared to some others, his high patient rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction.

Key Features

• Experience: With a high patient rating, it can be assumed that Dr. Kaufman has significant experience in performing breast augmentation procedures and is able to deliver good results.
• Patient - Centered Care: A high rating also suggests that he likely provides personalized care, listens to patients' concerns, and ensures that they are comfortable throughout the process.

Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation

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 deep level of practical knowledge. For example, in Albany, many of the top surgeons like Dr. Rockmore, Dr. Capek, and Dr. Roth are board - certified, which gives patients more confidence in their skills.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the surgeon's bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. For instance, on RealSelf, patients share their experiences with different surgeons in Albany, such as their satisfaction with the results, the friendliness of the staff, and the effectiveness of the aftercare.

Range of Services

Consider the hospital or surgeon's range of services. Some facilities offer a variety of breast augmentation options, including different types of implants and the possibility of combining with other procedures like breast lifts or mommy makeovers. A comprehensive range of services allows patients to choose the most suitable option for their needs.

Cost and Financing

Breast augmentation costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other surgeries. It is important to understand the total cost and inquire about financing options. Many facilities in Albany, like The Plastic Surgery Group, offer patient financing to help make the procedure more affordable.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients typically have a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the procedure, review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the patient's goals and expectations. The surgeon will also help the patient choose the appropriate implant type, size, shape, and placement. Patients are usually advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and to avoid smoking as it can affect the body's ability to heal. They may also need to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding.

During the Procedure

The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes an incision either under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit to place the implant. They then create a pocket for the implant either beneath the muscle or directly behind the breast tissue. The implant is inserted and positioned, and the incision is closed with sutures and glue. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They are usually advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower within 48 hours. A sports bra or surgical bra is worn to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, but strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions, which may include taking medications, attending follow - up appointments, and avoiding certain activities. Over the long term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams, and those with silicone implants may need periodic screenings for implant rupture.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Early Risks

Early risks of breast augmentation include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. However, with the care of a professional surgeon, these risks are infrequent and can usually be treated. For example, in the case of an infection, the implant may need to be temporarily removed until the infection clears up.

Long - Term Risks

Long - term risks include capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), implant malposition (shifting of the implant), and implant rupture. Capsular contracture is the most common reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is absorbed by the body, while a silicone implant rupture may be silent and require regular screenings. These complications are not completely predictable or avoidable, and having breast augmentation with implants is a lifelong commitment.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can have a significant impact on a woman's self - confidence and physical appearance. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. When choosing a facility, it is important to consider factors such as the surgeon's qualifications, patient reviews, range of services, and cost. Understanding the breast augmentation procedure, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery, as well as the associated risks, is also crucial. Whether you choose Dr. Rockmore's practice, Capek Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, Dr. Roth's services, or Dr. Kaufman's clinic, make sure to have a thorough consultation and make an informed decision.

Take the first step towards achieving your desired look by scheduling a consultation with one of these top breast augmentation providers in Albany. Explore your options, ask questions, and take control of your beauty journey today!