Introduction
Albany, a vibrant city with a well - developed healthcare sector, has emerged as a destination for those seeking breast augmentation with prostheses. Whether due to personal aesthetic goals, reconstruction needs after surgery, or a desire to improve body confidence, many individuals are turning to Albany's hospitals and surgeons. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, including the ranking of hospitals, information about surgeons, and key details of the procedure.
Understanding Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Breast augmentation with prostheses, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. It has become one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, with Albany being no exception. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants accounted for 23%.
Why People Choose Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Appearance: Many women feel that larger breasts will make them look better in clothing and swimwear, enhancing their overall appearance and body confidence.
- Correcting Asymmetry: Some women have uneven breasts, and breast augmentation can help correct this imbalance, creating a more symmetrical chest.
- Restoring Volume: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging can cause the breasts to lose volume and firmness. Breast augmentation can restore the lost fullness, giving the breasts a more youthful appearance.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell, which is either filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel (which more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue).
| Type of Implant | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | If they rupture, the saline solution is naturally absorbed by the body. They can be inserted through a smaller incision as they are filled after placement. | They may feel less natural than silicone implants, especially in women with less breast tissue. There is a slightly higher risk of rippling or wrinkling. |
| Silicone Implants | They tend to look and feel more natural, providing a more realistic appearance and texture. They have a lower risk of rippling compared to saline implants. | If they rupture, it may be more difficult to detect as there may be no obvious signs. The silicone gel may not be as easily absorbed by the body, and removal may be more complicated. |
Ranking of Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany
When it comes to breast augmentation, choosing the right hospital is crucial. Here are some of the top - ranked hospitals in Albany for this procedure:
1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
It is ranked #1 in Albany according to US News Best Hospitals. This hospital is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. Although specific details about their breast augmentation services are not fully detailed in the top search results, a hospital with such a high - ranking and broad - spectrum performance is likely to have a well - trained team of surgeons and state - of - the - art facilities for breast augmentation procedures.
2. Albany Medical Center
Ranked #2 in Albany, this hospital is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. Turquoise Health provides some information about the hospital's breast enlargement using prosthetic implant service. The price reported by the hospital for breast enlargement using prosthetic implant varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. The care quality has both strengths and areas for improvement, with above - average safety of care but below - average patient experience and timeliness of care in some metrics.
Top Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Alongside choosing the right hospital, the skill and experience of the surgeon are also vital for a successful breast augmentation. Here are some of the top - rated surgeons in Albany:
| Surgeon Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
What to Look for in a Surgeon
- Board Certification: Surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery have successfully passed rigorous exams in that field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, a board - certified plastic surgeon in Albany, is trusted by many patients for breast augmentation procedures.
- Experience: Look for surgeons with a significant number of past patient ratings and a proven track record in performing breast augmentation surgeries. The surgeons listed above have at least 10 or more past patient ratings, which is a good indication of their experience.
- 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.
- Patient Comfort: During a 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
Pre - Procedure Preparation
Before the surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is necessary. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, review the various options for implants, incision placement, and implant positioning. They will also help you visualize your desired breast size using tools like the Mentor® volume sizing system, as Dr. Lucie Capek does. You will need to be in optimum health, so following a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and avoiding smoking are important. If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, you should follow your primary care physician's advice.
The Surgery
The breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will make an incision either under the breast (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), or around the areola (periareolar incision). The inframammary fold incision is often recommended as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. The surgeon will then create a pocket for the implant, either beneath the chest wall muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). Submuscular placement is often a good choice for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Post - Procedure Recovery
After the surgery, you can expect to be tired and sore for the first few days. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to control discomfort. If you have gauze dressings, they will be removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra. Your stitches will be taken out after about 7 - 10 days. Your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact for 3 - 5 weeks. Over the next several months, your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. Most patients with sedentary jobs can return to work within a week, but strenuous activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions and attend follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process.
Potential Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with it. These include:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when 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 implant area. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed for a few months until the infection clears, and a new implant can be placed.
- Impact on Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness of the nipples around the incision area. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
- Implant Leak/Rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents quickly if they rupture, and the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. Silicone implants may have a silent rupture, and regular MRIs are recommended for women with silicone implants to detect any issues.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. However, the actual amount depends on many factors, including your choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. Insurance usually does not cover breast augmentation as it is considered an elective surgery. Some plastic surgery groups, like The Plastic Surgery Group, offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a range of high - quality hospitals and experienced surgeons for breast augmentation with prostheses. Whether you choose St. Peter's Hospital - Albany or Albany Medical Center, or one of the top - rated surgeons like Dr. Jonathan Canete or Dr. Matthew McDonald, you have access to professional and comprehensive care. It is important to thoroughly research your options, understand the procedure, and have realistic expectations. Remember to consider the hospital's ranking, the surgeon's credentials, the potential risks, and the cost.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, and explore related topics on our website for further information.
