Introduction
Breast implant augmentation is a widely sought - after cosmetic procedure in Albany. With numerous plastic departments and surgeons available, it can be overwhelming for patients to choose the right one. In this article, we will not only touch on the rankings but also explore various aspects related to breast implant augmentation such as top surgeons, implant types, procedures, costs, and risks. This information aims to assist those considering this procedure in making an informed decision.
Overview of Breast Implant Augmentation in Albany
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. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA. In Albany, there is a significant demand for this procedure as well, with many women looking to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence.
There are multiple reasons why women opt for breast implant augmentation. Some may have underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, or may have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Top Surgeons for Breast Implant Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. These doctors have a solid track record based on patient ratings.
| Surgeon Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Another well - known surgeon in Albany is Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. MD, FACS. He has over 40 years of experience in plastic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery training at prestigious institutions such as the Eastern Virginia Medical College and the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Nose Hospital. He is certified by both the American Board of Surgery (1983) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (1987). Dr. DeLuca specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body and is known for achieving pleasing and natural results.
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, is also highly regarded. Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust her to perform breast augmentation surgery. She is an expert in guiding patients through the decision - making process regarding implant type, size, and shape based on their unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results.
Types of Breast Implants
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell that is either filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. If they break, the implants release the saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. They tend to be less expensive than silicone implants. However, some patients may find that they do not feel as natural as silicone implants.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are more popular, accounting for 77% of all breast augmentations in 2014 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Research shows that silicone implants tend to look and feel the most natural as compared to other types of implants. But, a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds or MRIs to check their integrity.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is essential. For example, Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers (like the Mentor® volume sizing system) to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Patients need to be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise, avoid smoking as it decreases the body’s ability to heal normally, and follow their primary care physician’s advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
During the Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Surgeons make a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold incision), around the areola (periareolar incision), or in the underarm (transaxillary incision). Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach.
The surgeon creates a pocket for the implants either beneath the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular placement) or directly behind the tissue of the breast (subglandular placement). For example, Dr. Capek creates the pocket using an instrument called the harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Post - procedure
After the surgery, patients can usually shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. They should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
It is crucial to follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. Over the long term, patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician. If they have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary significantly. It typically ranges from $6,000 to $8,500, according to different practices. For example, the Plastic Surgery Group states that the cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000, while Rockmore Plastic Surgery indicates that it costs between $8,000 and $8,500. The actual amount depends on many factors including the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures.
Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation
Short - term Risks
The most common early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia risks such as nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. With the care of a professionally trained surgeon, these risks are infrequent and treatable.
Long - term Risks
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues that require monitoring and treatment. The most common long - term problems are capsular contracture, which is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, making the breast feel hard; implant malposition, where the implant shifts into an undesirable position; and implant rupture.
Alternative Breast Enhancement Surgeries
While breast augmentation is a popular choice, there are other breast enhancement surgeries available in Albany.
Breast Lift
By removing excess skin and repositioning breast tissues, a breast lift lifts the breasts to sit higher on the chest for a more youthful and “perky” look. It costs between $9,000 and $10,000, and the recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.
Breast Lift with Implants
This surgery removes excess skin and repositions existing breast tissue before placing a silicone or saline implant in the breast. It creates fuller and more lifted breasts. The cost varies per person, and the recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue to bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the body. It may also include areola resizing and the correction of breast asymmetry. It costs between $9,500 to $10,000, and the recovery time is 2 weeks.
Breast Revision
This secondary procedure revises the results of a previous breast augmentation. It may include an exchange of implants, removal of implants, or repositioning of the tissues surrounding the implants. It costs between $8,000 to $9,500, and the recovery time is 1 to 2 weeks.
Choosing the Right Plastic Department and Surgeon
When selecting a plastic department and surgeon for breast implant augmentation in Albany, there are several factors to consider. First, ensure that the surgeon 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.
Look at the surgeon’s before - and - after photos to get an idea of the type of results they can achieve. Read patient reviews and testimonials to understand the experiences of previous patients. Also, during the consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon and their staff should address all of your questions and concerns completely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast implant augmentation in Albany offers a way for women to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. There are many experienced surgeons available, each with their own areas of expertise. Different types of breast implants come with their own advantages and risks, and the cost and recovery time can vary depending on multiple factors.
It is crucial for anyone considering breast implant augmentation to do thorough research, have in - depth consultations with potential surgeons, and understand all aspects of the procedure. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the desired results while minimizing risks.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implant augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. You can also share this article with others who may be considering this procedure to help them make a more informed choice.
