Introduction
Albany offers a wide range of options for breast augmentation and breast plastic surgery, with both public and private hospitals providing high - quality services. Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure that has gained significant popularity over the years. It can help women enhance the shape and size of their breasts, improve self - confidence, and address various concerns related to breast appearance. In this article, we will explore the different public and private hospitals in Albany, the procedures they offer, and other important aspects of breast augmentation and breast plastic surgery.
Understanding Breast Augmentation and Plastic Surgery
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts using a breast implant or fat transfers. According to the Williams Center, this procedure may be performed for several reasons. Some women choose breast augmentation to enlarge small breasts, even out breasts that differ in size, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or reconstruct the breast following a mastectomy. It can also be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) for women who wish to correct the appearance of sagging breasts by improving their contour and elevation.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Good candidates for breast augmentation should be physically healthy and developed, and have realistic expectations for the operation. Some of the expectations that candidates may have include making naturally small breasts larger, balancing uneven - sized breasts, restoring breasts to their pre - pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight - loss size and shape, augmenting the appearance of cleavage, and improving confidence and appearance across a range of clothing.
Procedure Details
The breast augmentation procedure typically takes about an hour to perform, assuming no complications, along with an additional one to two hours in a post - surgery recovery room. The implant can be placed either directly underneath the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle. Dr. Lloreda at the Williams Center prefers to place the implants under the muscle as it gives the augmented breast a more natural appearance and feel and is less likely to interfere with mammograms. Before the procedure, patients need to consider choices such as implant type and size, whether to use their own fat for transfer, and where the incisions should be made.
Public and Private Hospitals in Albany for Breast Surgery
Private Hospitals
Williams Center
The Williams Center in Albany offers breast augmentation services. Their experienced surgeon, Dr. Lloreda, has performed many breast - related procedures. The center provides a comprehensive consultation process where the surgeon walks patients through every aspect of the procedure and helps them make informed choices. Breast augmentation at the Williams Center can be performed in a surgeon’s office - based facility or an outpatient surgery center. Dr. Lloreda performs this cosmetic procedure as an outpatient surgery at the New England Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Center.
The Plastic Surgery Group
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, the Plastic Surgery Group is well - known for its breast surgery services. Their plastic surgeons understand the importance of a woman's breasts in terms of beauty, confidence, and feminine strength. They offer a wide range of breast plastic surgery options, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and more. The group provides personalized treatment plans based on the patient's concerns and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon trusted by patients in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. She is an expert in breast augmentation and offers a variety of options for breast implants, including different sizes, shapes, and materials. She also allows patients to choose to combine cosmetic breast augmentation with a breast lift. Dr. Capek uses advanced techniques during the procedure, such as the harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching.
K Plastic Surgery
At K Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon, offers various breast procedures. These include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, and more. Patients dealing with complications from previous procedures can also turn to Dr. Kayastha for a safe surgery that meets their goal results.
Public Healthcare Facilities - Related Options
St. Peter's Health Partners
St. Peter's Health Partners offers comprehensive breast surgery in both Albany and Troy. Their highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, along with experienced surgical teams and state - of - the - art procedure rooms, provide a high - level of care. They offer breast conservation surgery (such as lumpectomy), advanced breast conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery), breast reconstruction, and mastectomy.
Albany Med Health System - Breast Care Center
The Breast Care Center at Albany Med Health System's South Clinical Campus offers breast surgery services. They have a team of providers dedicated to breast care, including cancer and tumor care. The center also provides plastic and reconstructive surgery services related to the breasts. Contact information is available for different aspects of their services, such as breast surgery (call 518 - 262 - 2592 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112), radiology / mammograms (call 518 - 264 - 9729 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112), and plastic & reconstructive surgery (call 518 - 262 - 2229).
Implant Options in Albany's Breast Augmentation
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are a popular choice among patients. They are preferred because of their more natural look and feel, as well as their reduced likelihood of rippling. Many patients at various Albany hospitals and clinics opt for silicone gel implants for a more realistic appearance of their augmented breasts. According to the data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations in 2014, indicating their widespread acceptance in the field.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are relatively safer in the event of a leak. If a saline implant breaks, it releases a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. They are also easier to replace compared to other types of implants. Some patients in Albany may choose saline implants due to these safety and replacement advantages.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to remove fat from parts of the patient's body and inject it into their breasts. This is a good option for women who are looking for a small increase in breast size. The fat deposits collected from the patient's body have a very low chance of rejection and can be used either for a more modest increase in size or as an addition to a silicone or saline implant.
Incision Options
Surgeons in Albany typically make incisions in one of three possible areas:
- Around the areola (Periareolar): This incision location allows for relatively hidden scarring as the scar can blend in with the natural color and texture of the areola. However, it may carry a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
- In the armpit (Transaxillary): An incision in the armpit can result in scars that are well - hidden from view. This option is preferred by some patients who want to avoid visible scars on the breast. However, it may be more challenging for the surgeon to accurately place the implant using this approach.
- Underneath the breast in its crease (Inframammary): The inframammary incision is commonly recommended as it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. The scar is hidden in the natural fold under the breast, making it less noticeable.
Each patient's physical characteristics and aesthetic goals are different, so a consultation with a surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate incision option.
Cost of Breast Augmentation and Plastic Surgery in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation and plastic surgery in Albany can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Breakdown of Costs
Procedure | Average Cost | Details |
---|---|---|
Breast Implants | $4,875 | This includes surgeon fees, implants, and basic facility costs. It is ideal for adding volume or enhancing shape. |
Implants + Lift | $10,000 - $12,000 | Combining a breast lift with implants can address both volume and sagging issues, resulting in a higher cost. |
Mommy Makeover | Starting around $20,000 | A full - body transformation post - pregnancy, which may include breast augmentation along with other procedures like a tummy tuck. |
According to RealSelf, patients report an average cost of $7,455 for breast augmentation, but the cost in New York may differ from less populated areas. Many hospitals in Albany, such as the Williams Center, offer financing solutions through services like PatientFi to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals.
Combining Procedures
Many women, especially moms looking to restore their pre - baby bodies, choose to combine breast augmentation with other procedures for a more complete transformation:
Breast Lift
Pairing breast implants with a lift enhances volume while correcting sagging and improving shape. This is perfect for moms who have noticed significant changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Tummy Tuck
For a full - body makeover, breast augmentation can be combined with a tummy tuck. This “mommy makeover” tightens loose skin and sculpts the figure for a more youthful look.
Fat Transfer
Combining breast implants with fat grafting allows patients to enhance their curves naturally by transferring fat from areas like the thighs or abdomen to the hips or buttocks, creating an hourglass shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be added to refine the shape, removing excess fat and creating a more sculpted silhouette.
Combining procedures can save recovery time and help patients achieve their ideal look in one go.
Risks and Potential Complications
While breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States, it is not without risks. As with any medical operation, it is very important to select a board - certified, experienced plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Some of the potential complications associated with breast augmentation include:
- Adverse anesthesia reactions: There is a small risk of negative reactions to the anesthesia used during the procedure, which can range from mild to severe.
- Bleeding: Bleeding during or after the surgery can occur, and in some cases, may require additional medical intervention.
- Capsular contracture: This is a condition where the scar or capsule around the implant tightens, making the breast feel hard. It may require further surgery to treat.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or numbness in the nipples or breasts after the surgery. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time.
- Implant deflation or rupture: Saline implants may deflate quickly if they rupture, while silicone implants may have a silent rupture. Regular monitoring, especially with MRI for silicone implants, is recommended.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection around the implant area. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection is cleared.
- Mammography interference: Implants can sometimes interfere with mammograms, but experienced technicians can usually adjust the imaging process to ensure accurate results.
- Removal and/or replacement of the implant: Over time, some patients may require the removal or replacement of the implant due to complications or changes in their aesthetic preferences.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery can vary from person to person, but generally follows a certain timeline:
First Few Days
Patients may be tired and sore after the surgery, which is normal and usually lasts no more than a day or two. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help control discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in the nipples. As the bruising lessens and healing continues, the discomfort will subside.
7 to 10 Days
If there are gauze dressings, they will be removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra. Patients should follow the surgeon's guidelines for wearing the bra. The stitches will also be taken out during this time.
3 to 5 Weeks
The breasts will be sensitive to physical contact during this period. Patients should avoid strenuous activities that may put pressure on the breasts.
Next Several Months
The scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. This process usually takes several months. It is important for patients to follow the surgeon's after - care instructions, including any recommended massage or skincare routines, to promote optimal healing.
Selecting a Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for a successful breast augmentation or breast plastic surgery. Here are some factors to consider:
Board Certification
Surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery 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 by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Experience
Look for surgeons with extensive experience in performing breast surgeries. Surgeons like Dr. Lloreda at the Williams Center and Dr. Lucie Capek have performed many breast - related procedures and have a proven track record.
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 achieve. Many clinics in Albany, such as the Plastic Surgery Group, provide access to such photos for prospective patients.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can help you understand the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of their care, and the satisfaction of their patients. Healthgrades lists 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, along with their patient ratings, which can be a useful resource.
Comfort during Consultation
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
In conclusion, Albany offers a diverse range of public and private hospitals and clinics for breast augmentation and breast plastic surgery. Patients have various options for implants, incisions, and can choose to combine different procedures to achieve their desired results. However, it is essential to carefully consider all aspects, including the risks, cost, recovery process, and most importantly, to select a qualified and experienced surgeon. Whether you are looking to enhance the size and shape of your breasts, correct sagging, or address other breast - related concerns, Albany has the resources to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
If you are interested in breast augmentation or breast plastic surgery in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon. Take the time to do your research, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be considering similar procedures to help them make the best choice.