Introduction
Pectus excavatum, an abnormal inward curve of the breastbone, can be both a cosmetic concern and a health issue, as severe forms can put pressure on the heart and lungs. For those in Albany seeking plastic surgery to correct this condition, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the available hospitals, their rankings, and the associated costs. This article aims to provide detailed information on the top hospitals in Albany for pectus excavatum plastic surgery, along with insights into pricing and important considerations.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum is a condition where the breastbone sinks into the chest, creating a sunken or concave appearance. It may be visible at birth or become more prominent during puberty. Some of the potential causes include pulling on the breastbone and rib cage from shortened diaphragm muscle tendons and problems with the cartilage of the rib cage.
Risk factors for pectus excavatum include being male, being white, having a family history of similar problems, and certain genetic conditions such as scoliosis, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers - Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and Turner syndrome. The main symptom is the visible inward curve of the chest wall, which can range from mild to severe. Severe cases may lead to difficulty exercising, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain.
Treatment options for pectus excavatum vary. Those without symptoms may only need breathing exercises and aerobic activity. For others, surgery is the main approach to correct the deformity. The two common surgical procedures are the Nuss procedure, which secures a metal bar to the breastbone to push it into a better position for two to three years, and the Ravitch procedure, which removes cartilage from the breastbone and ribs, places the breastbone in its proper position, and uses a metal strut and mesh to hold it in place for 6 to 12 months (source: SUNY Upstate).
Ranking of Hospitals in Albany for Pectus Excavatum Plastic Surgery
1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
Located at Albany, NY 12208 - 1789, St. Peter's Hospital ranks #1 in Albany, NY according to US News Best Hospitals. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. While specific data on its performance in pectus excavatum plastic surgery is not explicitly stated in the provided sources, its overall high - performance in multiple areas indicates a certain level of surgical expertise and medical capabilities. The hospital's well - roundedness in different medical fields likely contributes to a comprehensive approach to patient care, which is beneficial for complex surgeries like pectus excavatum correction.
2. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center, situated at Albany, NY 12208 - 3478, ranks #2 in Albany. It is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. The hospital is a notable option for pectus excavatum plastic surgery. Its plastic and reconstructive surgery team offers the broadest range of cosmetic and reconstructive options in the region. The fellowship - trained microsurgeons, the only ones in the area, can provide the most advanced reconstructive options, which may be relevant for cases of pectus excavatum, especially those with complex requirements such as post - cancer treatment or trauma - related reconstruction. Additionally, the hospital is home to the Cleft - Craniofacial Center, which provides one - stop care for various congenital conditions from birth through adulthood, suggesting a high - level of multidisciplinary care that could be applied to pectus excavatum patients as well (source: Albany Med Health System).
3. Ellis Hospital
Based in Schenectady, NY 12308 - 2425, Ellis Hospital is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions. Although there is no direct information about its pectus excavatum plastic surgery services, its general high - performance indicates a certain standard of surgical care. The hospital may offer reliable support in terms of pre - operative evaluations, surgical techniques, and post - operative care for patients considering pectus excavatum correction.
Top Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Specialists in Albany
When it comes to pectus excavatum plastic surgery, the expertise of the surgeons is of utmost importance. Healthgrades has identified several top cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive surgery specialists in Albany:
| Surgeon | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Vladimir Kalas, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 258 Hoosick St Ste 105, Troy, NY 12180 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Douglas Hargrave, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 206, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Kei Mun Slaughter, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 1072 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 101, Latham, NY 12110 |
These surgeons have received positive ratings from past patients, which reflects their skills, patient - centered care, and overall quality of service. Patients seeking pectus excavatum plastic surgery in Albany can consider consulting with these specialists to understand their treatment approaches and options.
Price List for Pectus Excavatum Plastic Surgery
Determining the exact cost of pectus excavatum plastic surgery is challenging as it depends on multiple factors such as the complexity of the case, the surgical procedure used (Nuss or Ravitch), the hospital's location, the surgeon's experience, and additional costs like anesthesiologist’s fee, surgery center/hospital operating room fee, implants, prescriptions, pre - op clearance and lab work, compression garments, and travel costs.
While there is no specific price list for pectus excavatum plastic surgery in the given sources, we can look at the general price ranges for related cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries at Deluca Plastic Surgery in Albany:
Breast and Chest Surgery Cosmetic Surgeon Fees
| Procedure | Low Price ($) | High Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuberous breast correction | 4,000 | 8,400 |
| Breast augmentation | 2,000 | 3,750 |
| Breast lift | 3,000 | 7,200 |
| Breast lift + augmentation | 3,500 | 8,400 |
| Male breast reduction (gynecomastia) | 4,000 | 8,400 |
| FTM/FTNB top surgery | 4,000 | 8,400 |
| MTF top surgery | 2,000 | 4,800 |
Although these are not direct costs for pectus excavatum plastic surgery, they give an idea of the potential financial investment in chest - related surgical procedures. Pectus excavatum surgery may involve similar components such as working on the chest area, anesthesia, and post - operative care, so these price ranges can serve as a rough reference. It's important to note that these are only estimates and subject to change without notice. A consultation with a surgeon is necessary for an accurate estimate based on individual surgical goals (source: Deluca Plastic Surgery).
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Selecting the appropriate hospital and surgeon for pectus excavatum plastic surgery is a critical decision. Here are some factors to consider:
- Hospital Reputation: Look at the overall ranking and performance of the hospital in relevant medical specialties. As seen in the case of St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center, a hospital's high - performance in multiple areas can be an indicator of its surgical capabilities and quality of care.
- Surgeon's Experience: Check the surgeon's experience in performing pectus excavatum surgeries. Surgeons who have performed a large number of these procedures are more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and developed effective treatment strategies. For example, some surgeons in the national or international list have performed over 1000 pectus excavatum surgeries, which is a strong sign of their expertise.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from past patients to understand their experiences with the hospital and the surgeon. Positive reviews can give you confidence in the quality of care, while negative reviews may raise red flags and prompt further investigation.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Pectus excavatum surgery may require the involvement of multiple medical specialties such as thoracic surgery, plastic surgery, and anesthesiology. A hospital that can offer a multidisciplinary approach, like Albany Medical Center with its various specialized centers, is better equipped to handle complex cases and provide comprehensive care.
- Cost and Insurance: Understand the total cost of the surgery, including all additional fees. Check if your insurance covers pectus excavatum plastic surgery, and if not, explore financing options such as those available through care credit.
Conclusion
In Albany, patients seeking pectus excavatum plastic surgery have several reliable options in terms of hospitals and surgeons. St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and Ellis Hospital offer different levels of expertise and services. The top plastic & reconstructive surgery specialists in the area also provide a range of skills and experience. While the exact cost of pectus excavatum plastic surgery is difficult to determine, general price ranges for related surgeries can give a rough idea.
It's essential for patients to carefully consider their options, conduct thorough research, and have in - depth consultations with the hospital and surgeons. By taking these steps, patients can make an informed decision and increase the likelihood of a successful pectus excavatum plastic surgery outcome. If you're considering this surgery, don't hesitate to reach out to the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article for more information and to schedule a consultation. You can also explore additional resources and support groups to learn more about the experiences of other patients.
