Introduction to the TOP 5 Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in Albany!
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that many women consider to enhance their appearance and boost self - confidence. In Albany, there are several outstanding hospitals that offer high - quality prosthetic breast augmentation services. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 hospitals in Albany for this procedure.
1. Understanding Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
What is Prosthetic Breast Augmentation?
Prosthetic breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or enhancement, is a surgical procedure used to increase the size of the breasts. This is typically achieved by inserting breast implants, which are either filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. These implants are placed either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest - wall muscle.
Benefits of Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
There are numerous benefits to prosthetic breast augmentation. Firstly, it can enhance the appearance of the breasts, making them fuller and more proportionate to the body. This can lead to increased self - esteem and body confidence. Secondly, it can correct uneven breasts, providing a more symmetrical look. Additionally, it can restore lost breast volume due to factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
Candidates for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
Good candidates for prosthetic breast augmentation are women who are physically healthy, have fully developed breasts, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. Women who have underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, or those who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding are potential candidates.
2. The TOP 5 Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in Albany
2.1. Albany Medical Center Hospital
General Information
Albany Medical Center Hospital is a well - known medical institution in the area. Its address is 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, and it can be contacted at (518) 262 - 2400.
Quality of Care
When it comes to the quality of care, the hospital has mixed performance metrics. In terms of the effectiveness of care, it is below the national average. However, in the efficient use of medical imaging and mortality, it performs on par with the national average. Patient experience and readmission rates are below the national average, while the safety of care is above the national average. The timeliness of care is below the national average. In terms of value of care, for hip/knee replacement, it has average complications and lower payment; for heart attack, pneumonia, and heart failure measures, it has average mortality with average or higher payment respectively. It also has a 5 - star rating for price transparency.
Prosthetic Breast Augmentation Services
The breast augmentation procedure at Albany Medical Center Hospital typically takes around 1 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The surgeon makes a single cut in the breast (either under the breast or around the nipple), separates the breast tissue from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space, inserts the implant into the space, and then closes the incision with sutures. After the procedure, patients are given a prescription to control pain if needed, and the surgeon may remove the stitches in a week. Patients are also instructed to avoid strenuous activities like weight - lifting for at least 4 weeks.
2.2. The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany
General Information
This facility is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, & Troy. It has 21 reviews, indicating that it has a relatively active patient base. Contact information can be obtained for a consultation by calling (518) 541 - 7220.
Expertise in Breast Augmentation
The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services. Surgeons here will discuss with patients in detail to understand their feelings and ensure they have realistic expectations. Patients can choose from a variety of breast implants, and the surgeons will recommend the best incision placement (such as along the breast fold, in the underarm, or around the areola) and implant placement (beneath the muscle of the chest wall or directly behind the breast tissue) based on the patient's unique anatomy and other factors.
Cost and Recovery
The cost for breast augmentation at this facility is typically $6,000 to $7,000, with the actual amount depending on factors like the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. Most patients are able to return to work within a week. The recovery timeline includes being tired and sore in the first few days, having gauze dressings removed and replaced by a surgical bra in 7 to 10 days, breasts being sensitive to physical contact in 3 to 5 weeks, and scars gradually fading over the next several months.
2.3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
General Information
Located in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has extensive experience, having performed more than 4,000 breast procedures. Patients can request a consultation using the online form or by calling (518) 328 - 3330.
Customized Breast Augmentation Approach
Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach for breast augmentation, aiming to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He takes into account factors such as the patient's existing anatomy, desired results, and body type when customizing the procedure. This includes careful selection of breast implant size, shape, material, and profile. For example, in terms of implant material, he offers both saline and silicone implants, with different advantages for each. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions, while silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive being “gummy bear” breast implants.
Recovery and Results
After the breast augmentation procedure, patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess initially. The recovery timeline is well - structured. Most patients can shower the day after surgery (with caution), resume driving within 72 hours if comfortable and off prescription medication, and return to work and light activities by day 7. Strenuous activities can be resumed in weeks 2 - 4. Over time, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade.
2.4. Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS
Surgeon's Reputation
Dr. Malcolm Roth has a great reputation in the field of plastic surgery. Patients have highly praised him, stating that “not only is he a great surgeon, but he has great compassion, empathy, and an outstanding bedside manner. He is the only surgeon who actually came out and spoke to my family. He went above and beyond! Highly recommend him.”
Breast Augmentation Techniques
Dr. Roth offers different breast augmentation techniques. Implants can be placed either behind the breast, over the muscle on the chest wall, or under the muscle. The operation usually takes one to two hours and is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or utilizing local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Incisions are typically placed around the nipple - areola complex, underneath the breast, or occasionally in the armpit, which usually lead to favorable and inconspicuous scars.
Options for Breast Augmentation
In addition to traditional breast augmentation with implants, Dr. Roth also offers breast augmentation with fat transfer. This procedure uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other parts of the body, which is then injected into the breasts. It is suitable for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size and want breasts that look and feel as natural as possible.
2.5. Capek Surgical Arts
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts is an expert in breast augmentation. She helps patients achieve the figure they desire by offering a variety of options, including different breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, and even the possibility of using the patient's own fat. She also allows patients to choose to combine their cosmetic breast augmentation with a breast lift.
Procedure Process
Before the procedure, a consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in the office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. She makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant, and creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
After - care and Risks
After the procedure, 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. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, and strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation with Dr. Capek has some risks, such as early risks of bleeding, hematoma, anesthesia side - effects, and long - term risks like capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture. However, with her pre - and post - surgery care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience
It is crucial to choose a hospital with board - certified plastic surgeons. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. Experience also matters, as surgeons with more experience are likely to have better skills and a better understanding of how to handle different situations during the surgery. For example, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has performed more than 4,000 breast procedures, which gives patients more confidence in his abilities.
Hospital's Reputation and Quality of Care
Research the hospital's reputation by reading patient reviews and checking its performance metrics. A hospital with a good reputation for patient safety, quality of care, and positive patient outcomes is a better choice. As seen in the case of Albany Medical Center Hospital, although it has some areas where its performance is below the national average, its high rating for price transparency and above - average safety of care are important factors to consider.
Available Implant Options
Different hospitals may offer different types of breast implants, such as saline and silicone implants, as well as different shapes and sizes. It is important to have a variety of options to choose from so that the surgeon can select the most suitable implant for your body type and desired results. For instance, at The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany, patients can choose from a wide range of breast implants based on their needs.
Cost and Financing Options
Cost is an important factor for many patients. In Albany, the cost of breast augmentation can vary. The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany has a typical cost range of $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on various factors. Additionally, check if the hospital offers financing options to help patients afford the procedure. Some hospitals may offer up to 100% financing for breast augmentation.
After - care Services
Good after - care services are essential for a successful recovery. A hospital should provide clear instructions on post - operative care, including pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions. It should also schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's recovery process. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts provides comprehensive after - care instructions and is available for follow - up visits and long - term care.
4. Common Concerns and Risks in Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
Risks Associated with Implants
One of the main risks of prosthetic breast augmentation is capsular contracture, which is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, making the breast feel hard. Implant leaks and ruptures can also occur. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is absorbed by the body, while a silicone implant rupture may be silent and require periodic ultrasounds to detect. Implant deflation or shifting can lead to an uneven appearance of the breasts. There may also be a temporary or permanent change in nipple/breast sensation, irregularities in breast contour/shape, asymmetry, and in rare cases, partial or total loss of nipple/areola.
Risks Associated with Fat Transfer (if applicable)
When breast augmentation is done with fat transfer, there are risks related to liposuction, such as infection, bleeding, and uneven fat distribution. In addition, there are risks like calcification, fat embolism, fat necrosis, oil cysts, loss of volume, and changes in the firmness of the breasts. Touch - up injections of fat may be necessary due to the loss of volume when fat is reabsorbed by the body.
Scarring
Scarring is a concern for many patients. However, surgeons usually make incisions in inconspicuous places, such as in the armpit, in the crease on the underside of the breast, or around the areola, to minimize scar visibility. With proper after - care, scars will gradually fade over time.
Long - term Implications
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a lifelong commitment. Implants may need to be replaced after about 15 years, and patients may require a second or third surgery to address associated problems such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. It is also important to continue with regular mammograms and breast exams, and for women with silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a variety of excellent hospitals for prosthetic breast augmentation. Albany Medical Center Hospital, The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS, and Capek Surgical Arts each have their own unique strengths, whether it's in terms of surgeon experience, range of services, or patient - centric care. When considering prosthetic breast augmentation, it is important to carefully weigh the factors mentioned above, including the surgeon's qualifications, hospital reputation, available implant options, cost, and after - care services. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the desired results and enjoy the benefits of breast augmentation.
If you are interested in prosthetic breast augmentation, we encourage you to do further research on these hospitals, schedule consultations with the surgeons, and discuss your concerns and expectations. Share this article with others who may be considering this procedure, and explore related topics such as breast augmentation recovery tips and the latest trends in breast implant technology.
