Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in Albany, New York. Many women in the area are interested in enhancing the size and shape of their breasts, whether to address personal aesthetic goals or to correct changes due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. With a multitude of plastic surgery hospitals and surgeons available, finding the top ones can be a challenging task. This article aims to introduce you to the top 5 breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals in Albany, along with detailed information about the procedure, considerations, and what to expect.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. It can be achieved through the use of breast implants or fat transfers. The procedure may be performed to enlarge small breasts, even out breasts of different sizes, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or reconstruct the breast following a mastectomy.
Common Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Enhancing Aesthetics: Many women desire fuller and more symmetrical breasts to feel more confident in their appearance, especially when wearing certain types of clothing or swimwear.
- Post - pregnancy Restoration: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause significant changes in breast volume and shape. Breast augmentation can help restore the pre - baby breast appearance.
- Weight Loss Effects: After substantial weight loss, breasts may lose their fullness. Augmentation can add back the volume and firmness.
- Reconstruction: Women who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical conditions may choose breast augmentation as part of the reconstruction process.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgery Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Selecting the right plastic surgery hospital is crucial for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Here are some important factors to consider:
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
Look for board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their training, certifications, and number of successful procedures they have performed. Surgeons with a good reputation are more likely to achieve the desired results and minimize risks. For example, Healthgrades found 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, and many of them have high patient ratings, which can be a good indicator of their skills and patient satisfaction. Some top - rated surgeons include Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD, with a 4.90 rating out of 5 stars, and Dr. Todd Beyer, MD, with a 4.80 rating.
Hospital's Reputation
Research the hospital's overall reputation in the community. Read patient reviews, look for awards or recognition, and check if the hospital has a history of providing high - quality care in plastic surgery. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to have a well - trained staff, modern facilities, and a commitment to patient safety.
Facility Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by a recognized organization. Accreditation means that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. This helps ensure that you will receive care in a safe and regulated environment.
Range of Services
A good plastic surgery hospital should offer a comprehensive range of breast augmentation options. This includes different types of implants (such as silicone gel and saline implants), the option of fat transfer, and the ability to combine breast augmentation with other procedures like breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction if needed.
Cost and Financing Options
Breast augmentation costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's fees. In Albany, the cost of breast augmentation typically ranges from around $6,000 to $10,000 or more. Many hospitals offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. For example, The Plastic Surgery Group offers patient financing to help most patients afford to pursue their desired improvements.
Top 5 Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgery Hospitals in Albany
1. Williams Center
The Williams Center in Latham, New York, is a well - known destination for breast augmentation. The center offers a personalized approach to the procedure, with experienced surgeons like Dr. Alfredo Lloreda. He walks each patient through every aspect of the procedure, helping them make informed choices about implant type, size, incision location, and more.
Services Offered
- Breast augmentation using various types of implants, including silicone gel and saline implants.
- Breast augmentation combined with fat transfer for a more natural - looking result.
- Options for breast lift or breast augmentation combined with a lift for women with sagging breasts.
Patient Experience
Patients at the Williams Center often report high levels of satisfaction. One patient from Schenectady, NY, said, "I only wish I had done this years ago. My confidence and self - esteem have zoomed since the surgery and I feel years younger. Dr. Williams and his staff are professional, personable and competent."
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation at the Williams Center can vary. Breast implants alone have an average cost of $4,875, which includes surgeon fees, implants, and basic facility costs. Combining implants with a lift can cost between $10,000 and $12,000, and a mommy makeover starts around $20,000.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of breast procedures in Albany. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery, and is passionate about providing excellent results that improve patients' self - confidence.
Services Offered
Procedure | Description | Recovery Time | Cost Range |
---|---|---|---|
Breast Augmentation | Enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry | 1 - 2 weeks and 6 months for full results | $6,400 - $7,500 |
Breast Lift | Lift breasts to a more youthful position | 1 - 2 weeks | $7,000 - $7,500 |
Breast Augmentation and Lift | Restore youthful breast volume and position | 1 - 2 weeks | $8,000 - $10,500 |
Male Breast Reduction | Achieve a more masculine chest | 1 week | $6,000 - $8,000 |
Breast Implant Removal | Return to natural breasts | 2 days - 1 week | $5,500 - $6,500 |
Patient Consultation
Before any breast surgery, Dr. Kayastha conducts a consultation where he listens to the patient's goals, creates a unique surgical plan, and determines if the procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's health history to ensure surgery is safe.
3. The Plastic Surgery Group
The Plastic Surgery Group, conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, offers comprehensive breast augmentation services. Their surgeons are experienced in helping women achieve their desired breast appearance.
Services Offered
- Multiple incision options for breast augmentation, including inframammary, transaxillary, and periareolar incisions, to minimize scarring.
- Submuscular and subglandular implant placement options based on the patient's anatomy and desired results.
- Combination of breast augmentation with other procedures such as breast lift and mommy makeover.
Cost and Financing
The cost of breast augmentation at The Plastic Surgery Group is typically $6,000 to $7,000, depending on factors like implant choice and procedure complexity. They offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients can return to work within a week of breast augmentation surgery. The recovery timeline includes a few days of soreness, followed by the removal of gauze dressings and stitches. Scars will gradually fade over several months. The surgeons also provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
4. Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. She has extensive experience in breast augmentation and helps patients achieve the figure they desire.
Procedure Options
Dr. Capek offers a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, including silicone and saline implants. She also gives patients the option of using their own fat for breast augmentation. Additionally, patients can choose to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift.
Patient Consultation
During the consultation, Dr. Capek uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. She also ensures that patients are well - informed about the procedure and are comfortable with the plan.
Recovery and Risks
Patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery and should wear a sports bra for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Most patients with sedentary jobs can return to work within a week. While breast augmentation with Dr. Capek is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks such as bleeding, infection, and changes in nipple sensation.
5. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham serves Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts in breast augmentation procedures.
Customized Breast Augmentation
Dr. Rockmore offers a wide range of options for breast implants, including different sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles. He helps patients choose the right implant based on their body type, existing anatomy, and desired results. He also considers factors like breast width to create a more natural appearance.
Combination Procedures
Dr. Rockmore may recommend combining breast augmentation with a breast lift for patients with sagging breasts or including it in a comprehensive mommy makeover with a tummy tuck and liposuction.
Recovery Process
The recovery process at Rockmore Plastic Surgery follows a general timeline. Patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery. They can shower the day after surgery (with precautions), resume driving within 72 hours if comfortable, and most can return to work in about a week. Strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
Types of Breast Implants
There are several types of breast implants available, each with its own characteristics. The choice of implant depends on factors such as the patient's body type, desired results, and personal preferences.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are a popular choice among patients because they have a more natural look and feel. The gel inside the implant closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue. They are also less likely to ripple compared to other types of implants. However, in the event of a rupture, silicone gel implants may require more careful monitoring, and the FDA recommends periodic MRIs for women with silicone implants.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are relatively safer in the event of a leak because the body can naturally absorb the saltwater. Saline implants are also easier to replace. However, they may be more prone to rippling, especially in thinner patients.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer breast augmentation involves using liposuction to remove fat from other parts of the patient's body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and injecting it into the breasts. This is a good option for women who are looking for a small increase in breast size and a more natural - looking result. Fat transfer has a very low chance of rejection, but there is a limit to how much volume can be added, and some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time.
Incision Options for Breast Augmentation
The choice of incision location for breast augmentation is an important decision that can affect the visibility of scars and the overall outcome of the procedure. Surgeons typically make incisions in one of the following areas:
Inframammary Incision
This incision is made along the breast fold, where the breast meets the chest. It provides good access to the implant pocket and allows for precise placement of the implant. The scar is usually well - hidden under the breast. Many surgeons prefer this incision as it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture, as suggested by recent studies.
Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit. This option results in a scar that is hidden from view in most clothing. However, it may be more challenging to place the implant precisely through this incision, and there is a slightly higher risk of implant malposition.
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is made along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This incision can be a good option for women who want the scar to be less visible. However, there is a small risk of changes in nipple sensation.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a successful breast augmentation surgery. Here are some steps you can take:
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. The surgeon will examine your breasts, explain the procedure in detail, and help you choose the appropriate implant type, size, and incision location.
Healthy Lifestyle
Adopt a healthy lifestyle in the weeks leading up to surgery. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. Smoking can interfere with the body's ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.
Medication and Supplements
Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding medications and supplements. Some medications, such as blood thinners and certain supplements, may need to be stopped before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Arrange for Support
Arrange for someone to drive you home from the surgery and to assist you during the initial recovery period. You may also want to stock up on groceries, prepare easy - to - make meals, and have a comfortable place to rest at home.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery period after breast augmentation surgery is an important time for healing and achieving the best results. Here's what to expect:
Immediate Post - Surgery
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which is normal. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage the discomfort.
First Few Days
Most patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery, but they need to be careful not to get the incision site wet. You may be instructed to wear a surgical bra or sports bra continuously to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
Weeks 1 - 2
During the first one to two weeks, you may experience tightness and soreness in the breasts. Your stitches will be removed, and you may