Introduction
Breast scar treatment is a concern for many individuals who have undergone breast surgeries such as breast reduction, augmentation, or biopsy. In Albany, there are several regular institutions that offer high - quality breast scar treatment services. This article will explore four such institutions, as well as provide in - depth information about breast scars, their treatment options, and relevant factors to consider.
Understanding Breast Scars
Types of Breast Surgeries that Leave Scars
There are various breast surgeries that can result in scars:
- Breast Reduction: As described in the Breast Reduction Scars: Healing, Appearance & Treatment from the Cleveland Clinic, there are two main types of incisions. The vertical (lollipop) procedure involves one incision around the areola and one running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. The inverted (anchor) procedure has three incisions: around the areola, from the areola to the crease, and along the breast crease.
- Breast Augmentation: In the Breast Augmentation Scars: Location, Healing Timeline and Treatments by Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, a transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation creates a small incision in the armpit area. Other methods include periareolar incisions around the areola and inframammary incisions in the breast crease.
- Breast Lift: Incisions usually occur around the areola, with additional ones down to the breast crease or outward from the areola.
- Biopsies: Can leave a small, round scar or a small linear scar on the affected breast area.
- Gynecomastia: Incisions can be several small lines around the bottom of the breast for liposuction or one large incision along the breast and around the areola if nipple and areola repositioning is required.
Appearance and Complications of Breast Scars
Breast scars vary in appearance. They can be thin lines, lighter or darker than the natural skin tone, and may be pink, red, purple, gray, or dark brown. Some people are at risk of developing raised scars, such as keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Type of Scar | Description |
---|---|
Keloid Scars | These are raised scars that grow larger than the incision site. They develop slowly over months to years and do not fade over time. People with darker skin tones are more prone to keloid scars due to genetic factors. |
Hypertrophic Scars | Appear one to two months after surgery. They are raised but do not extend beyond the incision site and fade over time. |
Four Regular Institutions for Breast Scar Treatment in Albany
Albany Med Health System - Breast Care Center
The Albany Med Health System offers a comprehensive range of breast care services, including those related to breast scar treatment. According to the Breast Care Services and Care Center page, their services cover preventive, routine, chronic, and unexpected breast care needs.
- Accreditations: Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for services in breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, computed tomography, and MRI. This accreditation indicates a high - standard of care in breast - related procedures.
- Scar - Related Services: They offer a variety of surgical and non - surgical treatments for breast scars. Surgical options may include hidden scar lumpectomy and hidden scar mastectomy. Non - surgical treatments could involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy as part of the overall breast cancer treatment plan, which may also impact scar management. Additionally, they provide a wide range of breast reconstruction services that can help in reducing the visibility of scars.
- Patient - Focused Approach: The system guides patients through screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of breast disease, as well as routine preventive care. They also have access to the latest therapies and clinical trials through their partnership with New York Oncology Hematology (NY OH).
- Location and Contact: The Breast Care Center is located at Albany Medical Center's South Clinical Campus, 25 Hackett Blvd., Floor 4, Albany, NY 12208. The hours are from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. For referrals, the fax number is 518 - 262 - 1112. Breast surgery can be reached at 518 - 262 - 2592 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112, radiology / mammograms at 518 - 264 - 9729 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112, and plastic & reconstructive surgery at 518 - 262 - 2229.
Doctors in Albany Specializing in Breast Surgical Procedures
According to Best Breast Surgical Procedure Doctors in Albany, NY on Healthgrades, there are several experienced doctors in Albany who can handle breast surgeries and potentially deal with scar treatment:
- Dr. Todd Beyer, MD: Rated 4.80 out of 5 stars. He is located at 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. His high rating suggests a high level of patient satisfaction, which may also translate to his skills in breast surgery and scar management.
- Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD: Also rated 4.80 out of 5 stars. She is at 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208. Her patients' positive feedback indicates her expertise in providing breast - related treatments, including those that can minimize scarring.
- Dr. Christa Abraham, MD: With a 4.80 - star rating and located at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Her skills in breast surgical procedures may be valuable for patients seeking to address breast scars.
Advanced Cosmetic Surgery
As per the Breast Augmentation Scars: Location, Healing Timeline and Treatments page, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery offers specific services related to breast augmentation scars, which can be applicable to other breast surgery scars as well.
- Scar Treatment Options: They provide advice on scar creams to reduce redness and prevent pigmentation changes. For example, they recommend an occlusive cream to lock in moisture and a silicone cream. If patients are dissatisfied with the final appearance of their scars, they offer wound revision and laser treatments. Wound revision involves removing excess scar tissue, while laser treatments can address contour irregularities and pigmentation issues.
- Aftercare Guidance: The clinic provides detailed aftercare instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure, not aggressively scrubbing the scarred area, and proper implant massage. These steps are crucial for minimizing scar appearance during the healing process.
Deluca Plastic Surgery
Based on the Breast Augmentation NYC, Albany, NY page, Deluca Plastic Surgery offers breast augmentation services with a focus on minimizing visible scarring.
- Precision in Incision Placement: Surgeons like Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan carefully place incisions, typically in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple, to minimize scar visibility. This is an important factor in reducing the aesthetic impact of breast surgery.
- Advanced Planning: They use a scientifically - designed mentor breast implant sizing system and 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and AI algorithms. This helps patients visualize the results of their breast augmentation and make informed decisions, which can indirectly affect scar management by ensuring the most appropriate surgical approach.
- Post - operative Care: After surgery, patients are provided with a post - operative bra and a superior strap to support the implants during healing. Regular follow - up visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any potential scar - related issues.
Treatment Options for Breast Scars
Non - Surgical Treatments
- Creams or Ointments: Silicone - based creams or ointments can make scars less noticeable. Some come in the form of silicone gel sheets. However, as the Cleveland Clinic notes, although many people believe vitamin E oil reduces scar appearance, there is insufficient evidence to prove its effectiveness. Before using any cream, patients should consult their healthcare provider.
- Cryosurgery (Cryotherapy): Healthcare providers use a special tool to freeze scar tissue. This destroys the scar tissue and leaves a smaller, less noticeable scar.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce the size of keloid scars. But like all treatments, there are potential risks such as skin discoloration, itching, and injection site pain.
- Laser Treatments: Laser skin resurfacing can make scars less noticeable by removing layers of skin. It can also address hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation around the scar.
- Massage: A scar massage promotes healing and reduces itching. Patients should wait until it is safe to start massaging (usually a few weeks after surgery) and be shown how to do it correctly by their provider, using lotion or cream.
Surgical Treatments
- Scar Revision: Involves making an incision over the scar, removing excess scar tissue, and stitching the wound closed for a less noticeable appearance. However, this is not suitable for all patients and may carry risks such as scar regrowth.
- Breast Reconstruction: As offered by institutions like Albany Med Health System, breast reconstruction can help in hiding scars. It can involve using the patient's own tissue or implants to reshape the breast after surgery.
Aftercare and Preventive Measures
Aftercare for Breast Scars
Proper aftercare is essential for minimizing the appearance of breast scars:
- Wound Care: Follow the provider's instructions for keeping the incision area clean. Wear a surgical bra or bandages as recommended and report any problems such as pain, swelling, or bleeding immediately.
- Avoiding Harmful Habits: Scratching the scars can interfere with the healing process and make them more noticeable. Smoking can also impede healing and worsen scarring, so patients should consider quitting before surgery. Additionally, sun exposure should be limited, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used, or scars should be covered with clothing.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of developing prominent breast scars:
- Choose an Experienced Surgeon: As seen with the highly - rated doctors in Albany, an experienced surgeon can use techniques to minimize scarring during the surgical procedure, such as precise incision placement.
- Follow Pre - operative Instructions: This may include lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and following any specific medical advice given by the doctor before surgery.
Conclusion
In Albany, patients have several options when it comes to breast scar treatment. Institutions like Albany Med Health System, along with experienced doctors, offer a wide range of services, from surgical to non - surgical treatments. Understanding the different types of breast scars, available treatment options, and the importance of aftercare and prevention can help patients make informed decisions about their breast scar treatment. By choosing a regular institution and following the guidance of medical professionals, patients can achieve the best possible results in minimizing the appearance of breast scars.
If you or someone you know is dealing with breast scars, we encourage you to explore these institutions further. You can contact them for more information, schedule a consultation, and take the first step towards effective breast scar treatment. Share this article with others who may benefit from this valuable information, and continue to educate yourself on breast health and scar management.