Introduction to the top 4 specialized institutions for breast reduction in Albany!
Albany is home to several exceptional specialized institutions for breast reduction surgery. These institutions offer a range of services, experienced surgeons, and a commitment to patient care. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 4 specialized institutions for breast reduction in Albany, providing detailed information about their services, surgeons, and patient experiences.
1. Capek Plastic Surgery
Services and Procedures
Capek Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, is a well - known institution for breast reduction in Albany. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, at this clinic aims to reduce the size of overly large breasts and reshape them to be proportionate to the patient's body. The surgery can relieve physical discomfort such as shoulder pain, neck pain, and skin irritation under the breasts, as well as address emotional concerns related to the size of the breasts.
Dr. Capek uses different techniques for breast reduction. In many cases, an anchor incision is made. This incision circles around the areola, vertically down towards the breast crease, and along the crease under the breasts in an “anchor” shape. For smaller reductions, a “lollipop” incision may be used. The procedure usually takes between two to four hours and is performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center. Liposuction, like vaser liposelection, may also be utilized for reducing breasts that are fatty and need a minor to moderate reduction, which is virtually scar - less but has limited lifting effect.
Patient Qualification
Ideal candidates for breast reduction at Capek Plastic Surgery are women who have fully developed breasts, are in a healthy state, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. They should have breasts that are too large compared to their body frame, causing physical or emotional discomfort. Some signs that a patient may be a good candidate include difficulty finding tops or dresses that fit, experiencing shoulder or neck pain due to breast weight, having skin irritation under the breasts, being self - conscious about the large size of the breasts, having poor posture caused by excessive breast weight, or experiencing difficulty breathing or shoulder grooving from bra straps.
However, the clinic does not recommend the procedure for patients with a BMI higher than 32 due to the increased risk of complications. Pre - surgical weight loss may be necessary. It is also crucial for patients to stop smoking and avoid nicotine - containing products for at least 6 weeks prior to and 6 weeks after the surgery, as smoking can lead to serious complications during the healing process.
Patient Experience and Recovery
Before the surgery, patients meet with Dr. Capek to discuss the best procedure options, medical history, prescription medications, and expectations. Dr. Capek also explains how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect during the recovery period. After the procedure, patients are wrapped in a padded dressing for 24 hours followed by a surgical bra for optimal healing. They may experience some discomfort and tenderness for a few days, which can be managed with Tylenol or prescription pain medication. Drains are removed the day after surgery, and patients can shower on the second day. It is important for patients to sleep on their back with their torso elevated to relieve pressure on the breasts, reduce swelling, and pain. Follow - up appointments are scheduled to ensure proper healing.
Many patients from the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust Dr. Capek for their breast reduction surgery. Some also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Services and Procedures
At K Plastic Surgery, under the leadership of board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD, breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a key service. The goal is to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, providing relief from symptoms caused by large hanging breasts such as neck pain, poor posture, and an aching back.
Dr. Kayastha offers different customization options for breast reduction based on individual factors. These include liposuction for minimal size changes caused by fat, which is a less invasive option with no scarring on the front of the breast. A vertical (lollipop) incision is used for moderate reductions with significant sagging, allowing for the removal of excess tissue and skin and the re - positioning of the nipple. The inverted t (anchor) incision is reserved for the most dramatic breast reduction and reshaping, offering the largest incision for correcting significant sagging and asymmetry.
Patient Qualification
Candidates for breast reduction at K Plastic Surgery are healthy individuals experiencing discomfort from large breasts. They need to be in good health, including the ability to maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking for six weeks pre and post - operation. To ensure long - lasting results, candidates should be finished giving birth and breastfeeding. If a patient is bothered by having very large breasts and is healthy enough to undergo surgery, they are likely a good candidate.
Patient Experience and Recovery
Dr. Kayastha and his team focus on delivering the best possible patient experience combined with excellent results. From the first appointment through the post - operative appointments, he explains everything clearly to the patients. Verified patient reviews mention that he is kind, friendly, and answers all concerns and questions about the procedure.
After the surgery, a surgical support bra is used immediately to ensure proper healing. Discomfort peaks in the first 48 hours and is well - controlled with oral pain medication. Patients generally need to wait between four and six weeks before returning to their active routines. Breast reduction typically requires one to two weeks away from work and regular activities. Dr. Kayastha provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ease the recovery process.
3. Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS
Services and Procedures
Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth offers breast reduction surgery for women who are unhappy about having large breasts or want to treat symptoms such as back pain, breathing problems, and poor posture. The procedure involves removing fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to create smaller breasts that are more in proportion to the rest of the body.
One of the following incisions may be used during the breast reduction: two rings, one larger than the other, around the areola; a keyhole shape, around the areola and down to the breast crease; or an anchor shape, beginning in the breast crease and extending up to and around the areola. Liposuction alone can also be used to reduce breast size when patients have more fatty than glandular tissue in their breasts, leaving little - to - no scarring. Additionally, Dr. Roth performs male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery) for men with overdeveloped breasts.
Patient Qualification
Ideal candidates for female breast reduction are women with oversized breasts causing medical problems, low self - esteem, or physical or social discomfort. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot undergo the surgery. For male breast reduction, candidates are men with large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. They should have completed breast development, be in good physical and emotional health, not smoke, and not be overweight. Ideally, they should have firm, elastic skin that can reshape itself after surgery.
Patient Experience and Recovery
After the breast reduction surgery, patients typically experience soreness, swelling, and bruising for several days. Bandages are removed after 2 days and replaced with a surgical bra. Physical activity should be limited for 1 to 2 weeks, and exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Stitches are removed after 2 to 3 weeks, at which point most patients return to work and other regular activities. A patient testimonial mentions that Dr. Roth is very kind and follows up with patients after the surgery, and the care at Albany Meds Hospital where the surgery may take place is excellent.
For male breast reduction, after the surgery, there is bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Discomfort usually dissipates after a few days with the help of prescribed pain medication. A compression garment is worn for about 2 weeks and at night for several additional weeks to reduce swelling. Stitches are removed after 1 or 2 weeks, and patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be performed after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
4. The Plastic Surgery Group
Services and Procedures
The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany offers breast reduction surgery to help patients who are unhappy with their overly large breasts. The surgery can free patients from physical and emotional pain and allow them to move more freely and confidently.
Mostly, the plastic surgeons at this group use an anchor - shaped incision for breast reduction. Through this incision, they reduce the extra tissue, fat, and skin that cause the breasts to be too large. They also reposition the nipple and areola and shape the breasts around them, giving a new, firmer contour. Sometimes, liposuction is used to reduce extra fatty tissue under the arms. When the breasts are very large or hang extremely, both the nipples and areolas are usually repositioned through grafting.
Patient Qualification
Women may be good candidates for breast reduction at The Plastic Surgery Group if their breasts are too large for their frame, they are self - conscious about the size of their breasts, they frequently have neck, shoulder, or back pain because of the weight of their breasts, they have chafing or rashes under their breasts, one of their breasts is larger than the other, or their physical activity is limited by the weight and size of their breasts.
Patient Experience and Recovery
After the surgery, in the first day or 2, a drainage tube may be inserted to eliminate blood and fluids more effectively from the incision areas. Most patients experience some discomfort and pain for about 3 to 7 days, which can be controlled with prescription medication. Initially, an elastic bandage held in place with a surgical bra is worn. Stitches are usually removed within 3 weeks after surgery. Patients need to continue wearing the surgical bra for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. During the recovery period, they should not do any heavy lifting or strenuous pushing and need to reduce their physical activity. They should follow the surgeon's directions regarding returning to work, exercise, and sexual activity.
Scarring is inevitable with breast reduction surgery, but the plastic surgeons make every effort to conceal and minimize the incisions. While the scars will fade over time, they will not go away completely. It is important to follow the surgeon's directions before and after surgery to promote optimum scar healing.
Comparative Analysis of the Four Institutions
| Institution | Services Offered | Patient Qualification | Recovery Process | Patient Testimonials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capek Plastic Surgery | Anchor and lollipop incisions, liposuction for minor - moderate reduction, breast reduction combined with lift | Healthy, fully - developed breasts, realistic expectations, no smoking, BMI < 32 recommended | 24 - hour padded dressing, surgical bra, drains removed next day, sleep on back, follow - up appointments | Patients from different areas trust Dr. Capek for her skilled and compassionate care |
| K Plastic Surgery | Liposuction, vertical and inverted t incisions for customization | Healthy, able to maintain weight, quit smoking, finished child - bearing and breastfeeding | Surgical support bra, 4 - 6 weeks to return to active routines, 1 - 2 weeks off work, comprehensive aftercare | Dr. Kayastha and his team are praised for clear explanations and excellent patient care |
| Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS | Multiple incision options for female breast reduction, male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery) | Non - pregnant/non - breastfeeding women, healthy men with completed breast development, non - smokers, non - overweight | Bandages removed after 2 days, surgical bra, limited activity for 1 - 2 weeks, avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks, stitches removed in 2 - 3 weeks (female); compression garment, pain medication, light exercise after 1 week, avoid strenuous for 4 - 6 weeks (male) | Dr. Roth is commended for his kindness and follow - up care |
| The Plastic Surgery Group | Anchor - shaped incision, liposuction for under - arm fat, nipple/areola grafting for large/sagging breasts | Breasts too large for frame, pain, self - consciousness, physical activity limitations | Drainage tube first 1 - 2 days, pain for 3 - 7 days, stitches removed in 3 weeks, wear surgical bra for weeks, follow surgeon's directions | Focus on relieving physical and emotional pain and improving patient confidence |
Common Questions about Breast Reduction
Cost
The cost of breast reduction varies by institution and individual factors. At K Plastic Surgery, it ranges from $13,000 - $14,500. The Plastic Surgery Group's cost ranges from $7,500 to $8,000. However, a consultation is needed to get an accurate cost estimate at each institution. Some institutions may offer financing options to help patients pay for the procedure.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance may cover breast reduction surgery if there is a medical need, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain from bra indentations in the shoulders, and rashes. The tissue to be removed must also meet certain weight requirements calculated based on the patient's height and weight. At DeLuca Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tauber discusses the medical problems with patients during the consultation and writes a letter to the insurance provider, including a photo of the breasts (without showing the face) and an estimate of the weight to be removed. If the amount meets the weight requirements of the insurance carrier, the surgery may be covered.
Scarring
Scarring is inevitable with breast reduction surgery. Different incisions result in different types of scars. An anchor incision leaves a more extensive scar, while a circular or lollipop incision may leave a less noticeable one. Surgeons at all institutions make efforts to minimize and conceal the incisions, and various post - operative techniques such as taping, silicone sheeting, scar cream, massage, and lasers may be used to optimize the appearance of the scars. The scars will fade over time but may not disappear completely.
Loss of Sensation
There is a possibility of losing some sensation in the nipples or breasts after breast reduction surgery, especially with certain incision patterns. In most cases, the feeling returns during the recovery process, but permanent sensitivity loss can occur. Patients are advised to discuss this concern with their surgeons during the consultation.
Recovery Time
Recovery time also varies. Generally, patients need to take 1 - 2 weeks off work. Full recovery, including the resolution of swelling and the ability to return to all normal activities, may take several weeks to months. Each institution provides specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these top 4 specialized institutions for breast reduction in Albany - Capek Plastic Surgery, K Plastic Surgery, Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS, and The Plastic Surgery Group - offer a variety of services, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive patient care. Each institution has its own unique approach to breast reduction, from the incision techniques used to the patient qualification criteria and recovery processes. By understanding the details of each institution, patients can make an informed decision about which place is the best fit for their needs.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery in Albany, we encourage you to reach out to these institutions for consultations. Take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history with the surgeons. Compare the services, costs, and patient experiences. This way, you can embark on your breast reduction journey with confidence and look forward to the positive changes it can bring to your life.
