Introduction

Breast implant augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's body image and self - confidence. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and medical practices that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. This article aims to share the top 5 hospitals for breast implant augmentation in Albany, along with comprehensive information about the procedure, including candidates, implant types, costs, and after - care.

What is Breast Implant Augmentation?

Breast implant augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, change the shape, and improve the symmetry of the breasts. It involves the placement of breast implants, which can be made of different materials such as saline, silicone gel, or a combination of both. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in the USA in 2022.

Reasons for Breast Augmentation

• Underdeveloped natural breast tissue: Some women are born with naturally small or underdeveloped breasts and wish to enhance their size.
• Loss of breast volume: After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, women may experience a loss of breast volume and firmness. Breast augmentation can help restore the lost volume.
• Asymmetrical breasts: A difference in the size or shape of the two breasts can be corrected through breast augmentation to achieve a more balanced appearance.
• Improving body proportion: For some women, larger breasts can create a more proportionate figure, especially when the lower body is more developed.

The Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Implant Augmentation in Albany

1. Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek, a board - certified plastic surgeon, heads Capek Plastic Surgery. She has over 28 years of experience and holds 2 board certifications. The practice is located at 1003 Loudon Rd., Ste. 101, Latham, New York. The hospital offers a wide range of breast augmentation options, including different implant sizes, shapes, and materials. Dr. Capek uses the latest technology, such as breast implant sizers, to help patients visualize their desired breast size. She also uses the harmonic scalpel during surgery to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching.

Procedure and After - care

• The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek typically makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola.
• Patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery and need to wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Sedentary workers may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
• Long - term follow - up includes regular mammograms and breast exams. For silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.

2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham serves Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. With over 4,000 breast procedures under his belt, he uses a 3 - dimensional approach for breast augmentation, ensuring consistently beautiful and natural - looking results. The practice offers consultations where Dr. Rockmore discusses the patient's motivations, performs a physical examination, and reviews the health history to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Customization and Techniques

• Dr. Rockmore offers a unique approach to implant selection, matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts. He also provides options for breast implant size, shape, material, and profile.
• Common incision locations for breast augmentation at this practice include inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary incisions. He will recommend the most appropriate one based on the patient's needs and body type.
• For implant placement, he offers subglandular, submuscular, and biplanar options. Most women are recommended a submuscular pocket for a natural slope and additional implant coverage.

Recovery Process

The initial recovery timeline is as follows:

3. The Plastic Surgery Group

The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. The surgeons here have extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery. They offer consultations where patients can discuss their feelings, goals, and expectations. The practice provides a variety of breast implant options and explains the different incision and implant placement choices.

Incision and Placement Options

• Incision options include inframammary (along the breast fold), transaxillary (in the underarm), and periareolar (around the areola). The surgeons will recommend the best option based on the patient's anatomy, implant choice, and other factors.
• For implant placement, they offer submuscular (beneath the chest wall muscle) and subglandular (directly behind the breast tissue) options. Submuscular placement is often recommended for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant and reduces the risk of capsular contracture.

Cost and Recovery

The cost of breast augmentation at this practice typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, depending on factors such as implant choice and procedure complexity. Most patients can return to work within a week, and the recovery process follows a general timeline similar to other practices, with scars gradually fading over several months.

4. Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center

Led by Dr. Emily Carter, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services. These include silicone and saline implants, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction. The center is known for its individualized approach and superb medical attention.

Services and Patient Care

During the consultation, Dr. Carter takes the time to understand the patient's goals and creates a personalized treatment plan. She and her team provide detailed pre - operative instructions to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Post - surgery, patients receive comprehensive after - care support to help them recover quickly and achieve the best results.

5. K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon at K Plastic Surgery, has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He serves Albany and the entire capital region. The practice offers various breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and male breast reduction.

Procedure and Consultation

Before any breast surgery, patients are required to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. During this appointment, he listens to the patient's goals, examines the treatment area, and reviews the relevant health history. He then creates a unique plan for the surgery and determines the most suitable procedure. The cost of breast augmentation at this practice ranges from $6,400 to $7,500, and the recovery time is typically 1 - 2 weeks, with full results visible in about 6 months.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two main types of FDA - approved breast implants: saline and silicone gel implants. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

Saline Implants

• Composition: Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water.
• Advantages: They generally require smaller incisions for placement. In case of a rupture, the saline solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body, which is a relatively safe process.
• Disadvantages: Some patients may feel that saline implants do not feel as natural as silicone implants, especially in thinner patients.

Silicone Gel Implants

• Composition: Silicone gel implants have a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel.
• Advantages: They tend to look and feel more natural compared to saline implants, as the gel more closely mimics the feel of breast tissue. Cohesive silicone gel (gummy bear) implants are especially popular as they maintain their shape better.
• Disadvantages: A silicone implant rupture may be silent, meaning there are no obvious symptoms. Therefore, women with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic ultrasounds or MRIs to check for rupture.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon

Selecting the right hospital and surgeon for breast implant augmentation is crucial for a successful outcome. Here are some factors to consider:

Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience

• Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has passed rigorous exams and has the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Check the surgeon's experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have better outcomes and be more familiar with handling potential complications.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the surgeon's and the hospital's reputation. Positive reviews can give you confidence in their services, while negative reviews can highlight potential issues.

Range of Services and Technology

Choose a hospital that offers a wide range of breast augmentation options, including different implant types, sizes, and shapes. The use of advanced technology, such as 3 - D imaging or modern surgical techniques, can also enhance the quality of the procedure.

Personalized Approach

A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals, body type, and medical history. They will create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and expectations.

Preparing for Breast Implant Augmentation

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will assess your suitability for the surgery, discuss your expectations and desired aesthetic outcome, and explain the different aspects of the procedure, including the types of implants, incision options, and potential risks.

Medical Evaluation

Undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly some laboratory tests. This is to ensure that you are in good health and suitable for the surgery. If you have any pre - existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your surgeon may work with your primary care physician to manage them before the surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

Make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. Stop smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery, as smoking can reduce blood flow and delay the healing process. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to be in the best possible physical condition.

Pre - operative Instructions

Follow all pre - operative instructions given by your surgeon. This may include avoiding certain medications, such as aspirin or blood - thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. You may also be asked to stop taking supplements or herbal remedies.

The Breast Implant Augmentation Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast implant augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia and monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

Incision

The surgeon will make an incision in one of the following locations:

• Inframammary: A thin line is made along the breast fold. This is a common incision location as it allows for good access to the breast pocket and the scars are usually well - hidden.
• Periareolar: The incision is made around the lower border of the areola. This option can be suitable for patients who want the scars to be less visible, but it may have a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
• Transaxillary: The incision is hidden in the armpit. This option results in no visible scars on the breast, but it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately.

Implant Placement

After making the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant. There are three main placement options:

• Subglandular: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue, in front of the chest wall muscle. This placement may be suitable for patients with more breast tissue and can result in a quicker recovery.
• Submuscular: The implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This placement can provide more natural - looking results, especially in patients with little breast tissue, and may reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
• Biplanar: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. This approach can offer the benefits of both methods, such as a natural slope and reduced muscle movement interference.

Closure

Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incision using dissolvable sutures, glue, or surgical tape. The entire procedure usually takes about 1 - 2 hours to complete.

Recovery and After - care

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which are normal after the procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage the discomfort.

Showering and Clothing

You will typically be able to shower within 48 hours after surgery, but you need to be careful not to get the incision site too wet. You will need to wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks to support the breasts and reduce swelling.

Return to Work and Activities

Patients with sedentary jobs can usually return to work within a week. However, strenuous activities, such as running, lifting heavy objects, or exercising, should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks to allow the breasts to heal properly.

Follow - up Appointments

It is important to attend all follow - up appointments scheduled by your surgeon. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your recovery, checking for any complications, and ensuring that the implants are in the correct position.

Long - term Care

You should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams. If you have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture. Also, be aware of any changes in the appearance or feel of your breasts and report them to your surgeon immediately.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant augmentation carries some risks. Although these risks are relatively rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon, it is important to be aware of them.

Early Risks