Introduction

Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for many women in Albany. Whether it's to enhance self - confidence, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct asymmetry, finding the right plastic surgery hospital and doctor is crucial. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ranking list of breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals in Albany, along with detailed information about the best doctors, procedures, costs, recovery, and more.

Top Doctors Performing Breast Augmentation in Albany

Healthgrades' List of Outstanding Doctors

Healthgrades identified 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Among them, several stand out with high ratings:

These doctors have received a significant number of past patient ratings, indicating their experience and expertise in breast augmentation procedures.

RealSelf's Verified Doctors

RealSelf also lists 23 breast augmentation doctors in Albany. Here are some notable ones:

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a breast enhancement procedure in which a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. Most commonly, silicone or saline breast implants are used, but in some cases, a patient's own fat can be used to add a modest volume to the breasts.

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. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% and saline implants in 23% of all breast augmentations.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

• Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue.
• Those with disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body.
• Individuals with asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts.
• Women who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Those with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (in some cases, combined with a breast lift).

Types of Breast Implants

Saline Implants

Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. If a saline implant breaks, the implants release a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, and the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs to check their integrity. Research shows that silicone implants tend to look and feel the most natural as compared to other types of implants.

Choosing the Right Implant

When it comes to choosing the right breast implant, several factors need to be considered:

Size and Shape

Breast implants come in many sizes and shapes. Many doctors and websites focus solely on implant volume, but some doctors like Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore offer a different approach to implant selection. He aims to match the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts, preventing excess space between the breasts for full and natural - looking results.

Profile

The profile refers to the degree to which implants stick out or project from the chest. Higher profile implants have more upper fullness and look more “implanted,” while moderate profile implants can look more natural, making them better matches for women with larger frames and wider chests. The choice of profile is determined by the desired look of the breasts and the patient's existing anatomy.

Breast Augmentation Procedures

Incisions

There are several common incision locations for breast augmentation:

• Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. This is a commonly recommended approach as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
• Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin.
• Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit.

During the consultation, the doctor will help the patient decide which option is best based on their specific needs and body.

Implant Placement

There are three main types of pockets for breast implant placement:

• Subglandular: Above the muscle. This placement may be less invasive but has a higher risk of capsular contracture and may interfere more with mammograms compared to submuscular placement.
• Submuscular: Behind the pectoralis muscle. This is usually a good choice for women who have little of their own breast tissue because the chest muscle helps cover the implant. It also reduces the possibility of capsular contracture and interferes less with mammograms.
• Biplanar: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. This approach may be used for patients with some slight sagging to avoid the need for a lift.

Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation

Some doctors, like Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, often use fat grafts to restore volume to the breast. This can be done in conjunction with a breast lift or implants or alone. However, there is a limitation to how much volume can be added with fat transfer to achieve a predictable result. For those who want a larger increase in their breast size, implants are typically a better solution as implants are more predictable and don't present the resorption issues that come with fat transfer. On the other hand, implants don't last forever, so there are trade - offs.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany

The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures.

At The Plastic Surgery Group, the cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000. Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha's breast augmentation procedure costs between $6,400 - $7,500. However, it's important to note that these are just estimates, and patients should receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with the doctor.

Recovery from Breast Augmentation

Immediate Post - Surgery

Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess. Since it is an outpatient procedure, they’ll be able to return home after a brief period of observation. The initial recovery timeline typically aligns with the following milestones:

• Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet (sponge baths may be recommended in some cases).
• Days 2 & 3: If the patient is comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
• Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
• Day 7: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. They will have their first postoperative appointment a week after the surgery to ensure that their healing is progressing as planned.
• Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving their arms above shoulder height may also be eased.

Long - Term Recovery

As months pass, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade. Additional follow - up visits are usually scheduled for 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure, though this timeline can be adjusted for patients traveling from a distance. It's important to follow the doctor's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications.

Doctors like Dr. Lucie Capek usually recommend that patients shower within 48 hours after surgery and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications

While breast augmentation is a relatively low - risk procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still potential risks and complications:

• Capsular Contracture: This condition involves the 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 ways to treat capsular contracture.
• 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 will be placed once the infection is gone.
• Impact to Nipple Sensation: In some cases, women can experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant Leak / Rupture: In the event of a breast implant breaking or leaking, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time, usually a couple of hours, 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. In most cases, these situations will be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Hospital and Doctor

Selecting the right plastic surgery hospital and doctor for breast augmentation is a crucial decision. Here are some tips to consider:

• Board Certification: Choose a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in that field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.
• Experience: Look for doctors with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. You can check the number of years they have been in practice and the number of breast augmentation surgeries they have performed.
• Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of their work, and the overall patient experience.
• Before - and - After Photos: Browse the doctor's before - and - after photos to see the type of results they can achieve. This will give you a better understanding of their surgical skills and aesthetic preferences.
• Consultation: During the consultation, pay attention to how the doctor communicates with you. They should address all of your questions and concerns completely, and their staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized. You should feel comfortable and unrushed during the consultation.

Conclusion

In summary, breast augmentation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and self - confidence. In Albany, there are many skilled doctors and plastic surgery hospitals to choose from. By understanding the procedure, the types of implants, the potential risks, and the recovery process, you can make an informed decision about your breast augmentation journey.

We encourage you to explore further by scheduling consultations with the top - rated doctors mentioned in this article. Take the time to ask questions, review before -