Introduction

Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that many women in Albany, New York consider to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. Whether it's to increase breast size, correct asymmetry, or restore volume lost due to pregnancy or weight loss, finding the right hospital or doctor is crucial. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive inventory of public and private hospitals and well - known doctors for injection breast augmentation in Albany, along with essential information about the procedure itself.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and improve the shape and contours of the breasts. This operation has been performed in the United States for over 50 years and is considered one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. There are two main methods of breast augmentation: using implants and fat transfer.

Types of Breast Implants

• Silicone Implants: These implants have a solid silicone rubber shell filled with elastic silicone gel, which more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Scientific studies have shown them to be safe, and they are the more commonly chosen option. They tend to look and feel more natural compared to other types of implants, especially on women with less natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women over 21 years old and may also be used in younger women in certain circumstances.
• Saline Implants: Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with a sterile salt - water solution. They are filled after they are inserted into the breast pocket, allowing for a smaller incision and potentially less visible scarring. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is absorbed by the body. Saline implants are FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older and can be used to balance asymmetry or correct congenital breast shape or size problems in younger women.
• Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants: Also known as “form - stable” implants, they are firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency. If the shell of the implant breaks, it maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. Dr. Steven Yarinsky in Albany has extensive experience using Sientra® “gummy bear” implants, which are available in textured and smooth surface options, round or shaped, and multiple projection levels. These implants are FDA - approved for women over 21 and are covered by a comprehensive warranty program.

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Breast augmentation with fat transplantation uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other parts of the body, which is then purified and injected into the breasts. This method is appropriate for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size and want breasts that look and feel as natural as possible. Before the fat transfer, tissue expanders may be placed below the chest wall muscles for several weeks to expand the breasts and increase their capacity to hold fat.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

To be a good candidate for breast augmentation, a woman typically should meet the following criteria:

• Have fully developed breasts.
• Be in good physical health with no significantly untreated medical conditions, as these may impact the healing process after surgery.
• Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. For example, understanding that the procedure can enhance breast size and shape but may not completely change one's body image in an unrealistic way.
• Be seeking the procedure for personal reasons, rather than due to external pressure.

Specific situations where a woman might consider breast augmentation include:

• Wanting to increase the size of underdeveloped natural breast tissue.
• Having disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body.
• Correcting asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts.
• Restoring lost volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
• Addressing loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often in combination with a breast lift).

Inventory of Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany

Healthgrades Findings

Healthgrades found 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, NY. Here are some of the top - rated doctors:

RealSelf Findings

RealSelf lists 23 breast augmentation doctors in Albany, NY. Here are some of them:

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The breast augmentation process begins with a consultation. During this meeting, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, analyze the current shape and position of the breasts, and take measurements. The surgeon will then recommend a range of implant sizes and profiles based on these factors. Some clinics, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, use scientifically - designed sizing systems such as the Mentor breast implant sizing system, allowing patients to “try on” different implants. Advanced imaging techniques, including 3 - D computer simulations and AI algorithms, may also be used to help patients visualize their potential results.

Procedure

Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure that lasts between one and two hours and is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon makes a small incision, typically in one of the following locations:

• Along the breast fold (inframammary incision): This is a common choice as it often leads to favorable and inconspicuous scars. Recent studies suggest that this incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
• In the underarm (transaxillary incision): This option can result in scars that are less visible on the breast itself, but it may have limitations in terms of implant placement and visualization during the procedure.
• Around the areola (periareolar incision): This location can hide the scar well, but it may have a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.

After making the incision, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant either beneath the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). Submuscular placement is often preferred for women with less natural breast tissue as it helps cover the implant, reduces the risk of capsular contracture, and interferes less with mammograms. The implant is then inserted into the pocket and adjusted to fit properly. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported with a post - operative bra.

Recovery

The recovery process varies depending on the individual and the type of breast augmentation procedure. After surgery with implants, drainage tubes may be inserted, and incisions are stitched, taped, and bandaged. A surgical bra is worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts. In the first few days, patients may feel tired and sore, but many can return to work within a week. Stitches usually dissolve on their own, and pain, swelling, and sensitivity typically diminish over the first few weeks. Scars begin to fade in a few months.

For breast augmentation with fat transfer, the recovery time is relatively short. Compression garments are worn over the areas where liposuction was performed, and normal activities can be resumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Implant - Related Risks

• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, making the breast feel hard. It may require the removal of the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacement of the implant.
• Implant Leaks and Ruptures: Saline implants will lose their contents quickly if they rupture, and the body will absorb the saltwater. Silicone implants may have a silent rupture, which is why women with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic MRIs. A rupture or leak may require implant replacement.
• Implant Deflation or Shifting: The implant may lose volume or move from its original position, which can affect the appearance of the breasts and may require corrective surgery.
• Change in Nipple/Breast Sensation: Some women may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation, such as hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or numbness. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time.
• Irregularities in Breast Contour/Shape: The breasts may not have a perfectly symmetrical or desired shape after surgery, which may need further correction.
• Asymmetry: There may be a difference in size or shape between the two breasts, which can be addressed through revision surgery.
• Partial or Total Loss of Nipple/Areola: This is a rare but serious complication that can occur during surgery.

Fat Transfer - Related Risks

• Calcification: The formation of calcium deposits in the breasts, which may be detected on mammograms.
• Fat Embolism: A potentially life - threatening condition where fat particles enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels.
• Fat Necrosis: The death of fat cells, which can lead to lumps or changes in breast texture.
• Oil Cysts: Small, fluid - filled sacs that can form in the breasts.
• Loss of Volume: Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, leading to a loss of breast volume. Touch - up injections may be necessary.
• Firmness of the Breasts: The breasts may feel firmer than normal due to the transferred fat.

Cost of Breast Augmentation

The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on several factors, including the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fee, the cost of anesthesia, and the use of the operating room facilities. The average cost can range from $6,000 to $11,900.

Insurance typically does not cover breast augmentation because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. However, some pre - operative lab work and tests may be covered. Many clinics offer patient financing options to help patients afford the procedure.

Choosing the Right Doctor and Hospital

Selecting the right doctor and hospital for breast augmentation is a crucial decision. Here are some factors to consider:

• Board Certification: Choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams and has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the procedure safely and effectively.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their before - and - after photos to get an idea of their