Introduction

Silicone breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular choice for women in Albany seeking to enhance their appearance, regain lost volume, or correct breast asymmetry. The process involves the use of silicone - filled implants to achieve a more voluptuous and proportionate breast shape. In this guide, we will explore every aspect related to silicone breast augmentation in Albany, including the procedure, potential hospitals, cost, recovery, and much more.

What is Silicone Breast Augmentation?

Silicone breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size, improve the shape, and enhance the symmetry of the breasts by inserting silicone - filled implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006, and silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations in 2014.

Types of Silicone Implants

There are different types of silicone implants available, based on the “thickness” of the gel within the implant:

1. Classic style: When squeezed, the upper part of the implant empties out, leaving the upper part of the breast empty.
2. Xtra style: The fill is thicker, giving more perkiness or rounding to the upper part of the breast.
3. Boost style: The gel is really thick and helps produce a very perky, round breast shape (depending on the starting breast shape).

Who is a Good Candidate for Silicone Breast Augmentation?

Several factors determine if a person is a suitable candidate for silicone breast augmentation:

• Underdeveloped natural breast tissue: Women with small or underdeveloped breasts may opt for augmentation to achieve a more balanced figure.
• Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body: This can create an unbalanced appearance, and augmentation can help bring more harmony to the overall physique.
• Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts: Silicone implants can help correct breast asymmetry or abnormal shapes.
• Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many women experience a loss of breast volume after major weight loss or pregnancy, and augmentation can restore the lost fullness.
• Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift): In some cases, especially when there is significant sagging, a breast lift may be combined with augmentation to achieve the desired results.

Popular Plastic Surgery Hospitals in Albany for Silicone Breast Augmentation

DeLuca Plastic Surgery

DeLuca Plastic Surgery in Albany, NY, offers comprehensive services for breast augmentation. Their experienced surgeons are well - versed in the use of both saline and silicone implants. They discuss the options with patients in detail, including the type of implants, incision location, and implant placement. They also provide pre - and post - operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Dr. Lucie Capek, MD

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. She helps patients choose the right type, size, and shape of implants based on their unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. Her practice uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type.

Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Rockmore Plastic Surgery offers a range of breast enhancement surgeries, including silicone breast augmentation. Their surgeons guide patients through the process, helping them understand the different options available. They also provide information on cost, recovery time, and potential risks associated with the procedure.

The Plastic Surgery Group

This group conveniently serves Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. Their plastic surgeons work with patients to find the ideal breast implants, taking into account factors such as type, size, shape, profile, and texture. They also have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries and offer personalized post - operative care.

Malcolm Z. Roth, MD, FACS

Dr. Malcolm Roth has years of experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. He has a good bedside manner and ensures that patients are well - informed about the procedure. His practice offers a variety of implant options, and he discusses implant placement (over or under the muscle) based on the patient's anatomy and preferences.

K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience. He provides breast augmentation services, and patients can review before - and - after photos of his previous patients to get an idea of the potential results. His approach combines finesse and professionalism to achieve the best outcomes for his patients.

The Silicone Breast Augmentation Procedure

Pre - operative Consultation

Before the surgery, a detailed consultation with the plastic surgeon is essential. During this consultation:

• The surgeon will examine the patient's breasts, take measurements, and evaluate their overall health.
• The patient's goals and expectations will be discussed, and the surgeon will provide recommendations on the type, size, and placement of the implants.
• The surgeon may use digital three - dimensional computer simulations or sizing systems like the Mentor® volume sizing system to help the patient visualize the potential results.
• The patient will be informed about the risks, benefits, and recovery process associated with the surgery.

Anesthesia

Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient will be unconscious during the procedure. This ensures that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the operation.

Incision Placement

There are several options for incision placement during silicone breast augmentation:

1. Peri - areolar incision: An incision is made around the lower half of the nipple - areola. This option can result in less visible scarring, but it may have a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
2. Inframammary incision: The incision is made in the breast crease between the breast and the chest wall. This is a common choice as it provides good access to the implant pocket, and the scar is usually well - hidden in the breast crease. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
3. Transaxillary incision: The incision is made in the armpit. This option can result in a scar that is hidden from view, but it may be more challenging to accurately place the implant.

Implant Placement

Silicone implants can be placed in two main locations:

• Sub - muscular (under the pectoralis muscle): Advantages of sub - muscular implants include a lower risk of capsular contracture, lower chance of rippling, better coverage in thin women, and perhaps a more natural upper pole contour. However, the implants can be influenced by the contraction of the pectoralis muscle, especially in very athletic women, and the recovery may be a bit more uncomfortable.
• Sub - glandular (over the muscle): Implants placed over the muscle are more visible, resulting in a larger - looking augmentation and a sharper transition between the natural breast and the edges of the implant. In thin women, the folding of the implant in the sub - glandular pocket can manifest as rippling of the skin.

Closure

After the implant is placed, the incisions are closed using sutures. Some surgeons may use dissolvable sutures, which eliminates the need for suture removal later. In some cases, glue may also be used to help with the closure and reduce scarring.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery area where they will be monitored until they wake up from the anesthesia. There may be some pain, swelling, and discomfort. The patient will be prescribed pain medication to manage the pain. A surgical bra is usually placed over the bandages to minimize swelling and support the breasts. The patient will need someone to drive them home and assist with daily activities for the first 24 - 48 hours.

First Few Days

The breasts will be swollen and the tissues edematous. The tightness of the skin and the squeeze of the pectorals muscle on the implant can give the implants a high and flat appearance. The patient may feel tired and sore, but this is normal and will generally not last more than a day or two. The patient should rest and avoid strenuous activities during this time.

1 - 2 Weeks

If the patient has gauze dressings, they will be removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra. The stitches will be taken out if non - dissolvable sutures were used. Most patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, but strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.

3 - 5 Weeks

The breasts will still be sensitive to physical contact during this time. As the swelling subsides and the tissues begin to stretch from the weight of the implants, the breasts will start to settle. The “drop and fluff” process begins, where the shape of the breasts changes from high and tight to lower and fuller.

Next Several Months

The scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. It will take 3 to 6 months to see the final result, although for some patients this process occurs faster. It is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions, including wearing the support bra, taking any prescribed medications, and attending follow - up appointments.

Cost of Silicone Breast Augmentation in Albany

The cost of silicone breast augmentation in Albany can vary depending on several factors:

• Surgeon's experience and expertise: More experienced board - certified plastic surgeons may charge higher fees than less credentialed surgeons.
• Geographic location of the practice: The cost of the procedure is often higher in large cities where demand for the procedure is greater.
• Surgical facility: Private surgical suites and outpatient surgery centers often charge less than hospital operating rooms.
• Type of implants used: Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline implants, but many women find the extra expense worth the more natural look and feel of silicone.
• Complexity of the procedure: More complex surgeries require more surgery time, increasing the facility and surgeon's fees.
• Additional procedures performed simultaneously: Adding a breast lift or tummy tuck to the breast augmentation can make a lot of sense, but it will increase surgical time and overall costs.

On average, breast augmentation at some practices in Albany may cost between $6,000 - $8,800. However, it is important to get a detailed breakdown of prices from the surgeon during the consultation.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, silicone breast augmentation carries some risks:

Early Risks

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
• 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 placed once the infection is gone.
• Problems with anesthesia: Anesthesia is generally safe, but there can be risks associated with it, such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, a loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.

Long - term Risks

• Capsular contracture: This condition involves tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant are two of the ways capsular contracture can be treated.
• Implant leaks and ruptures: If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is absorbed by the body and there is generally a rapid loss of volume. If a silicone implant leaks, the silicone tends to stay in the general vicinity, although there is a risk that some of the silicone can lead to inflammation or enlarged lymph nodes. The FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic MRIs to check their integrity.
• Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.
• Irregularities in breast contour/shape: This can occur, especially if the implant is not placed correctly or if there are complications during the healing process.
• Asymmetry: Despite the surgeon's best efforts, there may be some degree of asymmetry in the breasts after the surgery.
• Partial or total loss of nipple/areola: This is a rare but serious complication.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon

Selecting the right hospital and surgeon for silicone breast augmentation is crucial:

• Board certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing silicone breast augmentation surgeries. You can ask about the number of procedures they have performed and their success rate.
• Before - and - after photos: Review the surgeon's before - and - after photos to get a sense of the type of results they can achieve.
• Patient reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials to understand the experiences of other patients with the surgeon and the hospital.
• Comfort level: During the 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.

Conclusion

Silicone breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. It offers the opportunity to enhance the appearance, boost self - confidence, and correct various breast - related issues. However, it is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of the procedure, potential risks, cost, and choice of hospital and surgeon. By being well - informed and working with a qualified professional, patients can achieve the desired results and enjoy the benefits of the surgery.

If you are considering silicone breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards enhancing your beauty and confidence!