Introduction to Silicone Breast Augmentation Surgery in Albany
Silicone breast augmentation surgery is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in Albany. It offers women the opportunity to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of their breasts, leading to improved self - confidence and a more proportionate body appearance. With a growing demand for this procedure, it's essential to know about the top hospitals and surgeons in the area. This article will delve into the best places for silicone breast augmentation in Albany, along with important aspects such as types of implants, recovery, and risks.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several top doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. These doctors have high ratings based on past patient experiences and their skills in the field. Here are some of the notable doctors:
Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
These doctors have demonstrated a high level of expertise and patient satisfaction in performing breast augmentation surgeries, including those using silicone implants.
Popular Hospitals and Clinics for Silicone Breast Augmentation
1. Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is a well - known board - certified plastic surgeon in the Albany area. She is highly experienced in breast augmentation procedures. Patients from various locations, including New York City, Vermont, and Massachusetts, trust her for her skilled and compassionate care.
**Implant Options**: Dr. Capek offers a variety of breast implant options, including silicone gel implants and saline implants. Silicone gel implants are used in a significant majority (77% in 2014 as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) of breast augmentations due to their more natural feel.
**Procedure**: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. The inframammary fold incision (under the breast) is often recommended as it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
**Recovery**: After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Most patients with sedentary jobs can return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery in Albany is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
**Services Offered**: Besides breast augmentation, the clinic offers a range of breast - related procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, and breast implant removal. For breast augmentation, the recovery time is typically 1 - 2 weeks for initial recovery and up to 6 months for full results. The cost of breast augmentation at this clinic ranges from $6,400 - $7,500.
**Consultation Process**: Before the breast surgery, patients are required to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. During the consultation, he listens to the patient's goals, creates a unique surgical plan, and determines if the procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's health history.
3. The Plastic Surgery Group
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group is a popular choice for breast implants. Their plastic surgeons work closely with patients to find the ideal breast implants based on the patient's body type and aesthetic goals.
**Types of Implants**: They offer different types of breast implants, including saline, silicone, and form - stable silicone (gummy bear) implants. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, are FDA - approved, and are typically less expensive. Silicone implants are pre - filled with silicone gel and are often thought to have a more natural feel. Form - stable silicone implants are firmer and retain their shape, and the silicone does not leak from the shell when a rupture occurs.
**Consultation and Procedure**: During the consultation, the surgeons use the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients experience different breast sizes. The breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit.
**Recovery**: The recovery period depends on the patient's natural healing ability. Pain, swelling, and discomfort are common, and patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Most patients can resume light activities and work within a week or two, while heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.
4. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, has extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures, having performed over 4,000 breast procedures.
**Customized Approach**: He uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He helps patients choose the right breast implant size, shape, material, and profile based on their body type and aesthetic goals. For example, he matches the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts to prevent excess space between the breasts.
**Implant Materials**: Both saline and silicone implants are available. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions. Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive ones being referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants.
**Recovery Timeline**: Immediately after the surgery, patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess. They can shower the day after surgery if careful, resume driving within 72 hours if comfortable, and return to work and light activities within a week. Most strenuous activities can be resumed within 2 - 4 weeks.
5. Deluca Plastic Surgery
Deluca Plastic Surgery offers breast augmentation procedures using both saline and silicone implants. They take into account the patient's anatomy, type of implant, and patient preferences when deciding on the surgery.
**Implant Placement**: Implants can be placed over (sub - muscular) or under (sub - glandular) the pectoralis muscle. Sub - muscular implants have a lower risk of capsular contracture, rippling, and provide better coverage in thin women. However, they can be influenced by the contraction of the pectoralis muscle in very athletic women. Sub - glandular implants are more visible and may result in a larger - looking augmentation and a sharper transition between the natural breast and the implant edges.
**Recovery and Results**: After surgery, the breasts go through a “drop and fluff” process. Swelling subsides, and the tissues stretch from the weight of the implants. It takes 3 to 6 months to see the final result, although the process may occur faster for some patients.
Types of Silicone Implants Used in Albany
Silicone implants used in Albany come in various types and characteristics:
- **Classic Silicone Implants**: These implants have a certain consistency of silicone gel. However, the upper part of the implant may empty out when staining, leaving the upper part of the breast less full.
- **Xtra Silicone Implants**: The fill in these implants is thicker, which gives more perkiness or rounding to the upper part of the breast, providing a more aesthetically pleasing upper breast shape.
- **Boost Silicone Implants**: With a very thick gel, these implants help produce a very perky, round breast shape. The choice of which type of silicone implant to use depends on the patient's goals regarding the upper breast shape.
- **Form - Stable Silicone (Gummy Bear) Implants**: These are FDA - approved implants with a more solid consistency than traditional silicone breast implants. They are firmer and retain their shape, and the silicone does not leak from the shell when a rupture occurs, offering a high level of safety.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon
1. Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
Look for surgeons who have a significant amount of experience in performing silicone breast augmentation surgeries. Check their track record, number of procedures performed, and patient testimonials. Experienced surgeons are more likely to handle any complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
2. Hospital or Clinic Facilities
The facilities at the hospital or clinic should be modern, clean, and well - equipped. Advanced equipment can ensure a safer and more precise surgical procedure. Also, check if the facility has proper after - care services in place.
3. Patient Reviews and Reputation
Read patient reviews online or ask for referrals from friends or family who have had breast augmentation surgeries. A hospital or surgeon with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and satisfactory results.
4. Cost and Insurance Coverage
Breast augmentation is usually considered an elective cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. However, it's important to understand the total cost, including the surgeon's fee, implant cost, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care. Compare the costs at different hospitals and clinics to make an informed decision.
Pre - operative Considerations for Silicone Breast Augmentation
1. Consultation with the Surgeon
A thorough consultation with the surgeon is crucial. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your physical condition, breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals. They will also discuss the different types of silicone implants available, the surgical procedure, and the expected recovery process. Make sure to ask all your questions and express your concerns during this consultation.
2. Health Evaluation
Your surgeon will likely ask you to undergo a health evaluation, including blood tests, mammograms, and other relevant tests. It's important to be in good health before the surgery. If you have any pre - existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, make sure to inform your surgeon, as these may affect the surgical outcome and recovery.
3. Lifestyle Changes
You may need to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. This includes quitting smoking, as smoking can decrease your body's ability to heal normally. Also, follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to improve your overall health and prepare your body for the surgery.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
1. Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery area for a short period. You may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. You will need someone to drive you home and assist with daily activities for the first few days.
2. Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline can vary from patient to patient. Generally, patients can expect the following milestones:
- **Day 1**: Most patients can shower carefully the day after surgery, but sponge baths may be recommended in some cases.
- **Days 2 - 3**: If you are comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, you 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 can usually be easily managed with over - the - counter medicine.
- **Day 7**: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. You will have your first postoperative appointment a week after the surgery to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
- **Weeks 2 - 4**: You should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving your arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
3. Follow - up Appointments
Regular follow - up appointments with your surgeon are essential for monitoring your recovery. Your surgeon will check the healing of your incisions, the position of the implants, and your overall well - being. They may also recommend certain exercises or therapies to aid in the recovery process.
Risks and Complications Associated with Silicone Breast Augmentation
Although silicone breast augmentation is a relatively safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, there are some risks and complications to be aware of:
1. Short - term Risks
- **Bleeding**: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In most cases, it can be managed with proper surgical techniques and post - operative care. However, excessive bleeding may require additional treatment.
- **Infection**: Infection is a possible complication, which can be minimized by following proper surgical protocols and post - operative care instructions. Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
- **Anesthesia Risks**: Anesthesia is used during the surgery, and there are associated risks such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, and changes in blood pressure. Your anesthesiologist will assess your health before the surgery to minimize these risks.
- **Changes in Sensation**: You may experience changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. This can be temporary or permanent, depending on the individual case.
2. Long - term Risks
- **Capsular Contracture**: This occurs when the body forms scar tissue around the implant, causing the breast to become firm and potentially change shape. It may require additional surgery to correct.
- **Implant Malposition**: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to correct the position.
- **Implant Rupture**: Although silicone implants are designed to be durable, rupture can occur. A silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), which is why the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs to check their integrity.