Introduction

Prosthetic breast augmentation plastic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years as more women seek to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of their breasts. In Albany, there are both public and private hospitals that offer this procedure. This article will provide a comprehensive summary of these hospitals, including the services they offer, the experience of their surgeons, the types of implants available, and the associated costs and risks.

What is Prosthetic Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a 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 can be performed to enlarge the size of small breasts, even out breasts that differ in size, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or reconstruct the breast following a mastectomy.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

• Enhanced appearance of the breasts, making them fuller and more proportionate to the body.
• Improved self - confidence and body image, allowing women to feel more comfortable in their clothing and in social situations.
• Correction of asymmetry between the breasts, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
• Restoration of breast volume lost due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight loss.

Public Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in Albany

Albany Medical Center Hospital

Procedure Information

Albany Medical Center Hospital offers breast enlargement using prosthetic implants. The surgery takes around 1 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The surgeon will make a single cut in the breast (either under the breast or around the nipple), separate the breast tissue from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space, insert the implant into the space, and then close the incision with sutures (Turquoise Health).

Post - operative Care

Patients will be given a prescription to control pain if needed, and the surgeon may remove the stitches in a week. They will also receive instructions about returning to regular activities, such as avoiding strenuous activities like weight lifting for at least 4 weeks. The scars will dissolve with time but may not completely disappear. Patients should contact the surgeon if they notice abnormal redness, warmth in the breast, or have a fever (Turquoise Health).

Cost and Quality Metrics

The price reported by the hospital for breast enlargement using prosthetic implants varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. In terms of care quality, it has 2 stars. Metrics such as the effectiveness of care are below the national average, while the efficient use of medical imaging is the same as the national average. Mortality is the same as the national average, patient experience is below the national average, readmission is below the national average, safety of care is above the national average, timeliness of care is below the national average, and price transparency has 5 stars (Turquoise Health).

Private Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in Albany

The Plastic Surgery Group

Breast Implant Options

Patients at The Plastic Surgery Group can choose from a variety of breast implants. These include saline implants, which are filled with sterile salt water and are recommended for patients at least 18 years old. They are FDA - approved, typically less expensive than silicone implants, and the volume can be easily adjusted after insertion. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are filled with silicone gel, are FDA - approved, and are pre - filled before insertion. They are often thought to have a more natural feel than saline implants. Form - stable silicone (“gummy bear”) implants are also available. They have a more solid consistency than traditional silicone breast implants, are firmer, retain their shape, and the silicone does not leak from the shell when a rupture occurs (The Plastic Surgery Group).

Consultation Process

During the consultation, a skilled surgeon will discuss the patient's goals and help identify the best breast implants to use, including the type, size, shape, profile, and texture. The mentor® volume sizing system is used to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal breast size. Once the ideal breast implants are chosen, a surgical plan for breast augmentation will be created and discussed with the patient (The Plastic Surgery Group).

Procedure and Recovery

Breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in one of three locations: under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). A pocket will be created either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular), and the implants will be inserted. After the implants are placed, the incisions are closed using sutures. The recovery period depends on the patient's natural healing ability. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort and will need someone to drive them home and assist with daily activities. They should rest and avoid strenuous activities during the recovery period. A surgical bra may be needed for support, and 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 (The Plastic Surgery Group).

Williams Center

Surgeon Experience

Dr. Alfredo Lloreda at the Williams Center is an experienced surgeon who has performed many breast - related procedures. He walks each patient through every aspect of the breast augmentation procedure and helps them make informed, educated choices that address all concerns (Williams Center).

Implant Placement and Incision Options

Dr. Lloreda prefers to place the implants under the muscle, as this gives the augmented breast a more natural appearance and feel and makes them less likely to interfere with mammograms. He will make an incision in one of three possible areas: around the areola (periareolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), or underneath the breast in its crease (inframammary). All three areas ensure that any scarring after the surgery is as inconspicuous as possible (Williams Center).

Patient Testimonials

Patients at the Williams Center have reported positive experiences. One patient said, “I only wish I had done this years ago. My confidence and self - esteem have zoomed since the surgery and I feel years younger. Dr. Williams and his staff are professional, personable, and competent” (Williams Center).

Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Customized Approach

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. Each breast augmentation is completely individualized, and he helps patients choose the right implant size, shape, material, and profile based on their unique needs and anatomy. 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 (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Combination Procedures

Dr. Rockmore may recommend incorporating a breast lift into the breast augmentation surgery if the patient has sagging breasts. Another option is including breast augmentation with a tummy tuck and liposuction in a comprehensive mommy makeover (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Recovery Timeline

The initial recovery timeline after breast augmentation with Dr. Rockmore 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 comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, patients 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: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. The first postoperative appointment is scheduled a week after surgery to ensure healing is progressing as planned.
• Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

K Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Qualifications

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduated with distinction, attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo, completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park, and further trained in various prestigious institutions. He is passionate about providing excellent results that improve patients’ self - confidence or help them recover from trauma or cancer (K Plastic Surgery).

Breast Procedures Offered

K Plastic Surgery offers a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast augmentation and lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast reduction, breast implant revision, breast reconstruction options, and breast reconstruction recovery. The costs for these procedures vary. For example, breast augmentation costs between $6,400 - $7,500 and takes 1 - 2 weeks with 6 months for full results (K Plastic Surgery).

Consultation Process

Before breast surgery, patients need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. During this appointment, he will listen to the patient's goal results, create a unique plan for the surgery, determine whether the procedure is the best option, answer any questions about the procedure and recovery period, examine the treatment area, and review the patient's relevant health history to ensure surgery is a safe option (K Plastic Surgery).

Dr. Lucie Capek, MD

Patient Eligibility

Patients who suffer from concerns such as underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breast - feeding, and loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift) may be good candidates for breast augmentation with Dr. Lucie Capek. She will determine the recommended choice of implant type, size, and shape based on the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results (Dr. Lucie Capek, MD).

Procedure Details

The breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Capek is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. She makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. The inframammary fold incision (under the breast) is the most commonly recommended approach as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery and inserts and positions the implants in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete (Dr. Lucie Capek, MD).

After - care and Risks

After the procedure, patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, and strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is important to follow her aftercare instructions to avoid complications. The most common early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia risks, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. Over the long term, risks include capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture. Women with silicone implants should have periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture (Dr. Lucie Capek, MD).

Comparing Public and Private Hospitals

Types of Breast Implants

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are FDA - approved and are typically less expensive than silicone implants. The volume of these implants can be easily adjusted after they are inserted into the breasts. They are very safe, even when ruptured, since saline can be absorbed by the body naturally and safely. However, they may be more likely to cause rippling compared to silicone implants 0