Introduction

Albany, a city with a vibrant medical community, offers an array of high - quality options for those considering prosthetic and liposuction breast augmentation. In this article, we will explore the top 3 hospitals in Albany that are renowned for these procedures. We'll look into their facilities, the expertise of their surgeons, patient experiences, and the services they provide. Before we dive into the details of these hospitals, it's essential to understand the basics of breast augmentation and why it has become such a popular procedure.

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. It can help women with small or unevenly sized breasts achieve a fuller, firmer, and better - proportioned look. There are two main methods: prosthetic breast augmentation, which involves the placement of implants, and liposuction breast augmentation, which uses the patient's own fat for enhancement. These procedures can be life - changing for many women, boosting their self - confidence and helping them feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Types of Breast Augmentation

There are primarily two types of breast augmentation: prosthetic and liposuction.

• Prosthetic Breast Augmentation: This involves the insertion of breast implants. The recommended choice of implant type, size, and shape is determined based on the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. 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 (more closely mimics the feel of tissue). Both types have been regularly researched and tested for safety and carry warranties from the manufacturer.
• Liposuction Breast Augmentation: Also known as natural breast augmentation, this procedure uses a gentle form of liposuction to remove stubborn fat cells from other areas of the body. The fat cells are then concentrated and injected into the breasts. This can yield subtle, natural - looking results of about one cup - size enhancement or make a breast implant augmentation look more natural.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

Women who may be good candidates for breast augmentation include those with underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift). It's important for candidates to have realistic expectations and to be in good overall health.

Top 3 Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany

Hospital 1: Capek Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon at Capek Plastic Surgery. With her experienced artistry and feminine touch, she has become a trusted name in breast augmentation. She has extensive knowledge of the different types of breast implants and the natural breast augmentation technique. During the consultation, she explains the various implant options in detail and helps patients choose the right type, size, and shape that is best for their body and goals.

Procedures Offered

• Prosthetic Breast Augmentation: Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. Implants can be placed in either a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.
• Liposuction Breast Augmentation: She can perform natural breast augmentation using the patient's own tissues. She removes fat from other areas of the body through liposuction, concentrates it, and then injects it into the breasts. This can enhance the natural look of the breasts and also reduce fat in other parts of the body.
• Other Related Procedures: In addition to breast augmentation, the hospital also offers breast implant removal (explant), breast lift, breast reduction, gynecomastia (male breast reduction), and mommy makeover. These procedures can be combined to achieve the patient's desired results.

Patient Experience

Many patients trust Dr. Capek to perform their breast augmentation surgery. The hospital provides long - term care and is available for follow - up visits to help patients navigate any questions that arise after their surgery. Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, as well as those from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond, travel to receive her skilled and compassionate care.

Hospital 2: The Plastic Surgery Group

Surgeon Credentials

The Plastic Surgery Group has a team of board - certified plastic surgeons. When choosing a breast surgeon here, patients are advised to look for those who are board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.

Procedure Details

• Breast Augmentation Surgery: The surgeons typically perform breast augmentation surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour to perform. Patients can go home the day of the surgery but need to have an adult drive them and care for them for the first 24 hours.
• Incision and Implant Placement Options: There are different options for breast augmentation incision placement, including along the breast fold (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), and around the areola (periareolar incision). The surgeons will recommend the best incision placement based on the patient's unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to ensure discreet scars. Implants can be placed beneath the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular placement) or directly behind the tissue of the breast (subglandular placement). Submuscular placement is usually a good choice for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant and reduces the possibility of capsular contracture.

Cost and Financing

The cost for breast augmentation at The Plastic Surgery Group is typically $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on many factors such as the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. The hospital offers patient financing to help most patients afford to pursue their desired improvements.

Hospital 3: Deluca Plastic Surgery

Advanced Planning Tools

Deluca Plastic Surgery offers advanced planning tools for breast implant procedures. They start with a consultation where they discuss the patient's goals and analyze the current shape and position of the breasts. Using the scientifically - designed, Mentor breast implant sizing system, patients have the opportunity to “try on” different implants and get a feel for how they look and feel. The hospital also utilizes 3 - D computer simulations based on the patient's breast photos and advance AI algorithms to simulate the breasts in their new size and shape. This advanced imaging helps patients make a more informed decision about the right implant for them.

Procedure Execution

Breast enlargement at Deluca Plastic Surgery is an outpatient procedure that lasts between one and two hours on average. After the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes a small incision on each breast, typically in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple, to minimize visible scarring. A pocket is developed for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is inserted using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination, and the pocket is adjusted to allow the implant to fit properly. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported in a post - operative bra.

Post - operative Care

To ensure quick healing, patients are required to follow the surgeon's instructions for post - op care and activity restrictions. The surgeon provides a post - operative bra and possibly a superior strap to support the implants while they heal. Follow - up visits are scheduled after surgery to ensure proper healing and to detect any complications early. Patients are advised to avoid physical activity for a few weeks after surgery.

Comparison of the Top 3 Hospitals

Important Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital

Surgeon's Credentials

As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification is a sign of the surgeon's competence and expertise. In addition to board certification, look for surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures. You can also check their patient reviews and before - and - after photos to get an idea of their work.

Hospital Facilities

Consider the facilities of the hospital. A well - equipped hospital with modern surgical equipment and a clean, safe environment is essential for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Check if the hospital has an accredited operating suite and if it follows all the necessary safety protocols.

Cost and Financing

Understand the cost of the breast augmentation procedure and what it includes. In most cases, insurance does not cover breast augmentation as it is considered an elective surgery. However, many hospitals offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure. Compare the costs and financing options of different hospitals to find the one that suits your budget.

Patient Reviews and Reputation

Read patient reviews and testimonials about the hospital and its surgeons. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good indication of the quality of care provided. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Short - term Risks

Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - and post - operative care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.

Long - term Risks

Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues that require monitoring and treatment. The most common long - term risks include capsular contracture (increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast) due to abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant. This is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation. Other risks include implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position, like dropping too low), and implant rupture. If saline breast implants break, the implants release a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. Because a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Albany offers several excellent options for prosthetic and liposuction breast augmentation. Capek Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, and Deluca Plastic Surgery are among the top hospitals in the area, each with its own unique features, expertise, and services. When considering breast augmentation, it's important to understand the procedure, the risks involved, and the factors to consider when choosing a hospital and a surgeon. By doing thorough research and consulting with professionals, you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the process. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to help them make an informed decision.