Plastic Surgery Guide for Breast Augmentation in Albany!

Introduction

Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after plastic surgery procedure in Albany, NY. Women from all walks of life are considering this surgery for various reasons, whether it's to enhance their body image, address the effects of pregnancy and aging, or simply feel more confident in their appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into every aspect of breast augmentation in Albany, including the different types of procedures, costs, recovery, and more.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, improve the shape and projection, and enhance the contour and symmetry of the breasts. There are several methods to achieve this, the most common being the use of breast implants and fat transfer.

According to Rockmore Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. It can be a great solution for women who feel their breasts are too small, lack volume, or have lost fullness over time due to factors like pregnancy or aging.

Types of Breast Enhancement Surgeries

Choosing the Right Procedure for You

Based on Specific Concerns

• Sagging or Drooping Breasts: If breastfeeding has left you with stretched skin and droopier breasts, or if you've noticed sagging due to weight loss or aging, a breast lift is often the best solution. As mentioned in the guide from Rockmore Plastic Surgery, a breast lift can effectively address these issues by lifting the breasts to a more youthful position.
• Small Breast Size: Women with little natural breast tissue who don't feel their breasts match the rest of their frame or struggle to fill out certain clothing items may benefit from breast augmentation. It can add the volume and fullness they desire.
• Breast Asymmetry: Whether you want to increase the size of one breast to match the other or decrease the size, either breast augmentation (for size increase) or breast reduction (for size decrease) can be the right option.
• Lost Volume and Sagging: If you've experienced both a loss of volume and sagging, a breast lift with implants may be ideal. This procedure can address both concerns in one go, restoring the volume and lifting the breasts for a more youthful appearance.
• Overly Large Breasts: Women dealing with chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, problems with bra straps digging into their shoulders, difficulty exercising comfortably, or trouble finding tops that fit may consider breast reduction. It can bring the breasts into better proportion with the body.
• Compromised Breast Augmentation Results: In cases where there are complications after an initial breast surgery, such as implant rupture, “double bubble” implant shifting, or rippling, a breast augmentation revision can correct these issues.

Breast Augmentation with Implants

Implant Materials

There are two main types of breast implant materials: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older, are typically less expensive than silicone implants, and have the advantage of allowing easy adjustment of volume after insertion. If a rupture occurs, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body.

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. They are often thought to have a more natural feel than saline implants and are approved for women over 21. Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman at gjk plastic surgery utilizes 5th - generation silicone implants that have an improved ability to maintain their shape while feeling soft to the touch. There is also a type of form - stable silicone, known as “gummy bear” implants. These implants are firmer and retain their shape even if the shell is broken, providing an extra level of safety.

Implant Shapes

• Round Implants: These implants can provide more upper breast fullness and “cleavage.” They are also less likely to cause concern about rotation as they are the same shape all around. Dr. Kaufman uses rounded implants to provide more lift and projection, improving upper pole fullness and creating a more symmetrical breast result.
• Teardrop - Shaped Implants: Teardrop - shaped implants mimic the appearance of a natural breast, with less fullness in the cleavage area. They have a textured surface to prevent movement within the pocket. However, they need to be carefully positioned as rotation can create an unusual appearance. They are a more common choice for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

Implant Textures

There are two main textures for breast implants: smooth and textured. Smooth breast implants are considered the softest and can create a more mobile breast appearance. However, they may have a higher risk of rippling and capsular contracture. Textured breast implants are less likely to move or become repositioned. The formation of scar tissue around them helps them adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. Outside of the United States and in many recognized American breast augmentation centers, textured implants are the more common selection. It's important to note that some textured implants from certain brands have been recalled due to an association with a rare condition called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Implant Profiles

Implant profiles refer to the projection of the implant. There are several profile options, including low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra high. Low profile implants have a wider base and a lesser degree of projection, making them a good choice for patients with a broader chest or those seeking a subtle enhancement. Moderate and moderate plus profile implants offer a balanced projection with a natural appearance. High and extra high profile implants have a narrower base and greater projection, providing more pronounced projection and enhanced cleavage.

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Also known as lipofilling, breast augmentation with fat transfer uses your own fat harvested from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. This fat is then processed and refined and carefully injected into the breasts to improve volume and shape.

Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman has significant experience in this technique. The key benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation include the use of your body's natural tissue, which reduces the risk of implant - related complications and provides a more organic feel. It can also enhance body contours in the donor areas. However, it's important to note that not all of the transferred fat will survive, typically about 50 - 70% of the fat grafted to the breasts remains permanently.

Selecting the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation is crucial. In Albany, there are several highly qualified surgeons to choose from, but it's important to do your research.

• Board Certification: Look for surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that they have successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. For example, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is board - certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Experience: Surgeons with more experience in breast augmentation are more likely to achieve the results you desire. Dr. Steven Yarinsky has been performing breast augmentations since 1989 and has extensive experience with different types of implants, including the sientra ® “gummy bear” gel implants.
• Before - and - After Photos: Browse the surgeon's before - and - after photos to get a sense of the type of results they can create. This will give you an idea of their aesthetic style and the quality of their work.
• Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials to learn about other patients' experiences with the surgeon. Positive reviews can be a good indicator of the surgeon's skills and the level of patient care.
• Comfort and Communication: During your consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon should address all of your questions and concerns completely, and their staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is the consultation. During this appointment, the surgeon will discuss your goals, perform a thorough physical examination, and take measurements and photos. They will also review the various options available, including implant types, sizes, shapes, and placement. Many surgeons use sizing carts or 3D imaging to help you visualize the potential results.

According to The Plastic Surgery Group, during the consultation, they use the mentor ® volume sizing system to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal breast size. This can be a fun and informative part of the process, allowing you to make a more informed decision.

Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The surgeon will make an incision in one of several locations, including along the breast fold (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), or around the areola (periareolar incision). The choice of incision location depends on factors such as your anatomy, implant choice, and the surgeon's preference.

The surgeon will then create a pocket for the implant, either behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or under the chest muscle (submuscular placement). The implant is inserted into the pocket, and the incisions are closed with sutures. If you are having a fat transfer, liposuction will be performed first to harvest the fat, which will then be processed and injected into the breasts.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - Surgery

After surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling, pain, and discomfort. You will need someone to drive you home and assist with daily activities. You will likely be prescribed pain medication to manage the discomfort. You will also need to wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to help hold the implants in place and reduce swelling.

First Few Days to Weeks

In the first few days, you may be tired and sore. This is normal and should subside within a day or two. Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions on wound care, including how to clean the incisions and when to change the dressings. You will also need to follow a healthy diet and avoid strenuous activities.

Within a week or two, the majority of patients are able to resume light activities and work. However, heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks. Your stitches will usually be removed within two weeks, and your scars will gradually fade over time.

Long - Term Recovery

It can take several months for the final results of your breast augmentation to become apparent. During this time, the implants will settle into their final position, and the swelling will completely subside. You may notice some changes in the shape and feel of your breasts as they continue to heal. It's important to attend all of your follow - up appointments with your surgeon to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.

Cost of Breast Augmentation

The cost of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fee, the cost of anesthesia, and the location of the surgery. According to various sources:

• The Plastic Surgery Group states that the cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on many factors.
• Dr. Steven Yarinsky says the average cost of breast augmentation can range from $7,900 to $11,900, which includes the surgeon's fee, the price of anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees.

It's important to note that most insurance companies consider breast augmentation an elective surgery and do not cover the cost. However, some clinics may offer patient financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some potential risks and complications. Common risks include:

• Capsular Contracture: This is a condition where the scar tissue around the implant tightens, making the breast feel hard. Treatment may involve removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
• Infection: There is a small chance of infection around the area of the implant. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed for a few months until the infection clears up, and a new implant can be placed.
• Impact to Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience changes in nipple sensation, such as hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant Leak / Rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time if they rupture, 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. These situations will usually be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.
• Other Complications: There may also be issues such as bleeding in the implant pocket, fluid accumulation around the implant, asymmetry over time as the implants settle, and the formation of rippling or wrinkling in the implant that is visible. Long - term side effects can include breast implant illness and breast implant associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma, although these events are quite rare.

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation and will take steps to minimize them.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. Whether you're looking to enhance your body image, address the effects of pregnancy and aging, or simply feel more confident, it's important to make an informed decision. By understanding the different types of procedures, choosing the right surgeon, and being aware of the potential risks and recovery process, you can increase your chances of achieving the results you desire.

If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. They can answer all of your questions, evaluate your individual case, and help you create a personalized treatment plan. Share this guide with your friends and family who may also be interested in learning more about breast augmentation, and continue to explore related topics to gain a deeper understanding of the procedure.