Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that has been growing in popularity in Albany. With more and more women looking to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence, the demand for skilled and competent breast augmentation plastic surgeons in the area has been on the rise. In this article, we will explore the new release of the ranking of public and competent breast augmentation plastic surgery in Albany, as well as provide in - depth information about breast augmentation itself, including surgeons, procedures, trends, and more.
Top Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany
According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, and they have an average rating of 4.4 stars. Let's take a closer look at some of the top - rated doctors:
Doctor Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
When choosing a breast augmentation doctor, it's crucial to consider their experience, patient reviews, and certifications. Board - certified plastic surgeons like those listed above have successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts using a breast implant or fat transfers. It can be performed for various reasons, such as enlarging small breasts, evening out uneven breast sizes, restoring breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or reconstructing the breast following a mastectomy.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Candidates for breast augmentation should be physically healthy and developed, as well as realistic in their expectations. Here are some common reasons women choose breast augmentation:
- Making naturally small breasts larger
- Balancing breasts that are uneven in size
- Restoring breasts to the size and shape they were before pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and/or weight loss
- Augmenting the appearance of cleavage
- Improving confidence and appearance across a range of clothing
Breast Implant Options
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are what many patients prefer because of their more natural look and feel, as well as their reduced likelihood of rippling. They have durable silicone shells that are filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. Cohesive silicone gel sticks together and does not leave the breast pocket if a rupture occurs. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women older than 22.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They are relatively safer in the event of a leak, as the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. Saline implants typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants and are FDA - approved for women older than 18.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to remove fat from parts of a patient’s body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and inject it into their breasts. This is a good option for women who are looking for a small increase in breast size. Fat deposits that are synthesized and transferred to the breasts have a very low chance of rejection and can be used for either a more modest increase in size or an addition to a silicone or saline implant. However, there is a limitation to how much volume can be added with fat transfer to achieve a predictable result, and fat transfer may present resorption issues.
Incision Options
Inframammary Incision
This incision is made along the breast fold, creating a thin line that is usually well - hidden. It allows the surgeon good access to the breast pocket and is a common choice. Over the years, the use of inframammary incisions has increased, from 68% in the early period (2005 - 14) to 80% in the recent period (2015 - 20), according to a study analyzing trends in breast augmentation techniques.
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is made along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This incision may be less visible as it blends with the natural color change of the areola. However, its use has decreased from 24% in the early period to 14% in the recent period.
Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is hidden in the armpit. It can provide a scar - free breast area, but it may be more challenging for the surgeon to place the implant precisely. The surgeon will use endoscopic techniques in some cases to aid in the procedure.
Implant Placement
Subglandular Placement
In subglandular placement, the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. This placement was more common in the past but has decreased in use. In the early period (2005 - 14), 19% of cases used subglandular placement, and this dropped to 7% in the recent period (2015 - 20). It may result in a more “implanted” look, especially in women with less breast tissue.
Submuscular Placement
Submuscular placement involves placing the implant beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This has become a more popular option, with its use increasing from 22% in the early period to 56% in the recent period. It provides a more natural slope of the breast, additional coverage of the implant, and reduces the possibility of capsular contracture. It also interferes less with mammograms compared to subglandular placement.
Biplanar Placement
Biplanar placement is a combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. It can be a good option for women with some slight sagging of the breast, as it may avoid the need for a lift in some cases.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation can vary based on several factors, including location, the surgeon’s experience, the type of implants used, and whether the procedure is combined with other surgeries. Here is a general breakdown of the costs:
- Breast implants: The average cost is around $4,875, which includes surgeon fees, implants, and basic facility costs. This is ideal for adding volume or enhancing shape.
- Implants + lift: If you’re combining a breast lift with implants, expect to pay between $10,000 and $12,000.
- Mommy makeover: For a full - body transformation post - pregnancy, prices start around $20,000.
Some practices offer patient financing options to help patients afford the procedure. It's important to note that insurance companies generally consider breast augmentation an elective surgery and do not cover the cost, but some plastic surgery groups offer up to 100% financing.
Recovery Process
First Few Days
As with any surgery, you may be tired and sore after your breast augmentation surgery. This is normal and will generally not last more than a day or two. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe a pain medication to help control the majority of your discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in your nipples. This will subside as the bruising lessens and healing continues.
7 to 10 Days
If you have gauze dressings, they will be removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra. Follow the guidelines your plastic surgeon gives you for wearing this. Your stitches will be taken out.
3 to 5 Weeks
Your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact during this time. Swelling, tightness, and soreness may peak during the first few days of this period, but any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
Next Several Months
Your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. Generally, this process takes a period of several months. The “dropping” or “drop and fluff” process, where the muscles and tissues surrounding the implants soften and relax, allowing the breasts to take on a more natural appearance, also occurs over these months.
Combining Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures
Breast Lift
Pairing breast implants with a lift enhances volume while correcting sagging and improving shape. This is perfect for moms who’ve noticed big changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Slight sagging may be corrected with breast augmentation alone, but more significant sagging usually requires a combined procedure.
Tummy Tuck
For a full - body makeover, breast augmentation can be combined with a tummy tuck. This “mommy makeover” tightens loose skin and sculpts your figure for a more youthful look.
Fat Transfer
Combining breast implants with fat grafting allows you to enhance your curves naturally by transferring fat from areas like the thighs or abdomen to your hips or buttocks, creating an hourglass shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction can also be added to refine your shape, removing excess fat and creating a more sculpted silhouette.
Trends in Breast Augmentation
Over the years, there have been several trends in breast augmentation techniques. A study analyzing data from the continuous certification process of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) between 2005 and 2020 found the following trends:
- The use of textured implants increased from 2% in 2011 to 16% in 2016, reflecting a belief that they could reduce problems with scar tissue (contracture) around the implants. However, starting in 2019, their use dropped precipitously due to FDA warnings about a rare form of cancer associated with this type of implant (breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA - ALCL), and they were used in 0% of cases from 2020 onwards.
- There has been a shift towards evidence - based practice, with an increased use of the inframammary incision and “under the muscle” (submuscular) implant placement, which are consistent with new evidence - based studies to maximize patient safety and satisfaction.
Patient Preferences in Albany
At the Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, patients are prioritizing safety and appearance when it comes to breast augmentation. A national survey conducted by RealSelf.com found that women considering breast augmentation rank the safety and look of the implants as their top priorities. Local plastic surgeons in Albany have noticed that their patients carefully research breast augmentation before consultations and usually already know the differences between various implant styles and have definite priorities.
The survey also found that about 80% of the women responding said they considered the look of implants a higher priority than feel, and cohesive silicone gel implants are preferred over saline implants by 3 out of every 4 breast augmentation patients, which matches what local surgeons see in the capital district.
Risks and Potential Complications
While breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, there are certain risks involved. It's very important to select a board - certified, experienced plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. The potential complications associated with breast augmentation include:
- Adverse anesthesia reactions
- Bleeding
- Capsular contracture: This condition involves tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. It can be treated by removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Women may experience hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
- Implant deflation or rupture: In the event of a breast implant breaking or leaking, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time, usually a couple of hours, and the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. In the case of gel - filled implants, there may not be any noticeable change if the scar capsule surrounding the implant does not break. In most cases, these situations will be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.
- Infection: There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In these rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
- Mammography interference: However, if the mammography is conducted by experienced technicians, more x - rays will be taken, and in some cases, ultrasound exams may be given to ensure the most thorough detection of any abnormalities. Always visit a certified radiology center for these types of exams.
- Removal and/or replacement of the implant: Over time, it is likely that you will need to replace your implants, typically after about 15 years.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right breast augmentation surgeon is a crucial step in the process. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Choose a board - certified plastic surgeon: Board certification in plastic surgery indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.
- Review before - and - after photos: Browsing a surgeon's before - and - after photos can give you a good sense of the type of results they can create.
- Read patient reviews: Patient reviews can provide insights into the surgeon's bedside manner, communication skills, and the overall patient experience.
- Have a consultation: During the consultation, you should