Introduction
Breast sagging is a common concern for many women. Factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, and aging can lead to deflated and sagging breasts. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer breast lift procedures. This article will take a comprehensive look at the ranking and price list of hospitals for breast suspension for sagging breasts in Albany, along with detailed information about the procedure, cost factors, recovery, and more.
What Causes Breast Sagging?
Before delving into the hospitals and clinics, it's important to understand the common causes of breast sagging. According to Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, a board - certified plastic surgeon in Albany, the most common causes include:
- Gravity: As we age, the suspensory tissues that hold up our breasts loosen. The skin becomes stretched, and gravity causes the breasts to sag, just as it affects the rest of our bodies.
- Loss of breast volume: With age, women can lose breast volume. The skin typically lacks the elasticity to contract to the new breast volume, resulting in sagging.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the breasts become engorged and then shrink afterward. This often leads to smaller, deflated, and sagging breasts in many women.
- Weight loss: Breast size can fluctuate with weight. Significant weight loss can cause the breasts to lose volume and become deflated, leading to sagging.
Types of Breast Lifts
There are various breast lifting procedures available, and the choice depends on the degree of ptosis (sagging), breast size, skin elasticity, and the desired shape. Dr. Rockmore discusses the following types:
- Breast augmentation: For mild or first - degree ptosis, placement of breast implants alone can sometimes restore the upper volume of the breast and provide sufficient lift.
- Crescent lift: This method can slightly elevate the nipple position. It leaves a scar on the edge of the areola on its top portion.
- Periareolar lift (Benelli mastopexy): Used to treat mild degrees of ptosis or laxity. A doughnut - shaped portion of skin is removed from around the areola, creating some tightening of the breast skin. The lifting effect is limited, so it's suitable for mild cases only.
- Vertical mastopexy: A more powerful lifting technique for more significant sagging. It results in a scar around the areola and straight down like a lollipop and can treat mild to moderate degrees of sag.
- Full mastopexy: Used for more significant types of sag and allows for maximum lifting and reshaping of the breast. The resultant scar is around the areola, straight down, and then along the crease of the breast in an anchor configuration.
Another resource also mentions additional types such as the scarless lift (with more minimal scars often in conjunction with other techniques) and the vampire lift (which uses injections of platelet - rich plasma).
Top Hospitals and Clinics in Albany for Breast Lift
Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore specializes in breast lift surgery for women in Latham, Troy, Saratoga, Utica, and throughout Albany County. He has vast experience with thousands of breast procedures and the ability to use a variety of lifting procedures to meet individual needs. At the consultation, Dr. Rockmore physically examines the breast skin and evaluates the sagging. He then discusses the appropriate breast lift options based on the patient's specific situation. The cost of a breast lift at this practice near Albany varies with the specifics of the surgery (such as technique and whether implants are included) and individual patient factors. Patients will receive a personalized price quote during their consultation. They can also visit the pricing page for general price ranges.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany and the entire capital region. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. Before the first appointment, patients can review before - and - after photos of Dr. Kayastha’s previous patients. The cost of a breast lift at this clinic is in the range of $7,000 - $7,500, with a 1 - 2 - week recovery time. Other breast procedures offered include breast augmentation, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, and more, each with their own cost and recovery periods.
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital offers breast - related procedures, including reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction). While this may not be strictly a breast lift, it can be related in cases where there are issues with large, sagging breasts. The price reported for reduction mammaplasty varies depending on whether you're paying in cash or are part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. The breast care center at the hospital's south clinical campus provides various services such as breast care, cancer & tumor care, and has dedicated contact numbers for different aspects like breast surgery, radiology/mammograms, and plastic & reconstructive surgery.
Doctor Ratings in Albany
Healthgrades has identified 21 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in Albany. Some of the top - rated doctors based on past patient ratings are:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
These ratings can provide patients with an idea of the quality of care they can expect from these doctors.
Cost Factors for Breast Lift
The cost of a breast lift can vary widely. According to a breast lift cost guide, the average cost of a breast lift is around $8,128, but it can range from $3,950 to $14,500. The factors influencing the cost include:
- Surgeon's experience level: More experienced surgeons may charge higher fees due to their expertise and track record of successful procedures.
- Location of the practice: Practices in more affluent areas or areas with a higher cost of living may have higher prices. For example, the average cost of a regular breast lift in New York state is around $7,711.
- Type of breast lift: Different types of breast lifts, such as anchor lift, crescent lift, etc., have different average cost ranges. For instance, an anchor lift has an average cost range of $6,100 to $15,098, while a crescent lift ranges from $3,000 to $12,250.
- Anesthesia type: The cost of anesthesia can add to the overall cost of the procedure.
- Facility fees, anesthesia fees, surgical supplies: These additional costs are not always included in the base price of the breast lift.
Insurance and Financing
Most health insurance companies do not cover breast lifts as they are typically considered cosmetic procedures. However, many surgeons offer patient financing options. For example, the CareCredit credit card can be used to pay for breast lifts and related expenses not covered by health insurance. Patients can use the acceptance locator on the CareCredit website to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near them that accepts this credit card.
Procedure and Recovery
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure at a surgery center. On the day of surgery, the patient meets with the surgeon, who marks the chest while the patient is standing. Then, a board - certified anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia. The surgeon then performs the procedure using one of the chosen techniques. This may involve making incisions, reshaping the tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola. After the surgery, the incisions are closed with sutures, and a bandage is applied, followed by a surgical bra.
Recovery
After waking up from surgery, the patient wears a bra for the first week. There are no heavy wraps or compression devices, and they can shower the next day. Most women need pain medications for only a couple of days. After 2 to 3 days, they should be able to drive and slowly return to their daily routine. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 2 weeks after the breast lift, and heavy lifting for 3 weeks. The breasts will have some swelling and bruising, which can take 1 to 2 weeks to completely resolve. Over the next couple of months, the scars will fade, and the breasts will soften, leading to a more natural and final result.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery has potential risks and side effects. These include:
- Scarring: Most breast lift scars will fade over time but may still be visible. Surgeons aim to make the scars as minimal and subtle as possible.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some loss of feeling can occur, and in rare cases, it may be permanent.
- Asymmetrical breasts: Breast size and shape can change during the healing process, and a breast lift doesn't radically alter pre - existing breast size.
- Partial or total loss of nipples or areolae: Damage to the nipple or areola due to blood supply being stopped during surgery is rare.
- Bleeding, infection or reactions to anesthesia: Any surgery carries the risk of bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia.
Conclusion
In Albany, there are several options for women seeking breast lift procedures to address sagging breasts. Rockmore Plastic Surgery, K Plastic Surgery, and Albany Medical Center Hospital are among the top providers in the area, each with experienced doctors and a range of services. The cost of the procedure can vary based on multiple factors, and it's important for patients to have a detailed consultation to understand the specific price and potential risks. Recovery requires some time and restrictions, but the results can lead to more youthful and lifted breast contours. If you're considering a breast lift in Albany, it's recommended to research the hospitals and doctors, read patient reviews, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations.
Ready to take the next step? Contact one of the hospitals or clinics mentioned above to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a breast lift can enhance your appearance and confidence.