Introduction
Plastic breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's self - confidence and body image. In Albany, many women are looking for the best public hospitals to perform this surgery. This article will explore the early - release ranking list of public hospitals for plastic breast augmentation in Albany, providing detailed information on the top hospitals, surgeons, the procedure itself, and more.
Top Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany
According to the US News Best Hospitals, several hospitals in the Albany area have been ranked based on their performance in complex care and common procedures. These rankings can serve as a useful guide for women seeking breast augmentation surgery.
1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital has retained its #1 ranking in Albany in the 2024 - 2025 list by U.S. News & World Report. It is also named a best regional hospital and ranked 17th in New York State. This is the 11th consecutive year it has received the best regional hospital designation. The hospital is a high - performing facility in 2 adult specialties (gastroenterology/gi surgery and urology) and 12 conditions/procedures, including aortic valve surgery, colon cancer surgery, and heart - related procedures. While these are not directly related to breast augmentation, the overall high - quality care provided by the hospital can give patients confidence in its surgical services.
2. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is ranked #2 in Albany. It is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. Although the specific details related to breast augmentation are not elaborated on in the ranking, its strong performance in general medical procedures implies a high - level of surgical expertise and infrastructure that could be advantageous for breast augmentation surgeries.
3. Ellis Hospital
Ellis Hospital, located in Schenectady, is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions. This indicates that the hospital has a certain level of competence in surgical procedures, which is relevant when considering a surgical procedure like breast augmentation.
| Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | High - Performing Specialties/Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 | 2 adult specialties, 12 conditions/procedures |
| Albany Medical Center | #2 | 13 procedures/conditions |
| Ellis Hospital | - | 5 procedures/conditions |
Top Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in Albany
When it comes to breast augmentation, the skill and experience of the surgeon are crucial. Here are some of the top surgeons in Albany based on patient ratings from Healthgrades:
1. Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD
Dr. Canete has a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars. He is located at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Such a high rating suggests that patients are highly satisfied with his services, which may include excellent surgical skills, good communication, and high - quality after - care.
2. Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO
With a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars and an office at 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211, Dr. McDonald also seems to be a popular choice among patients. His expertise and patient - centered approach are likely to contribute to his high rating.
3. Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD
Dr. Hoffert has a 4.90 - star rating. His office is at 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054. The high rating indicates that he is well - regarded by his patients, potentially offering a high - level of surgical proficiency and compassionate care.
| Surgeon Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 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 |
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase breast size and improve the shape and contours of the breasts. It is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue may be good candidates. For example, some women may have breasts that are disproportionately small compared to their lower body, and breast augmentation can help achieve a more balanced figure.
- Those with asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts can benefit from the procedure. Breast augmentation can help correct these issues and create a more symmetrical appearance.
- Women who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breast - feeding may also opt for breast augmentation. This can restore the fullness and firmness of the breasts.
- Women with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts may consider combining breast augmentation with a breast lift to achieve the desired results. If the nipples point downward or are positioned below the breast crease, it's likely that a breast lift is needed in addition to breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. There are two main types of filling materials:
- Saline implants: These are filled with a saline solution (sterile salt water). If a saline implant breaks, the solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body.
- Silicone implants: The elastic silicone gel in these implants more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. However, a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs to check their integrity. Research shows that silicone implants tend to look and feel the most natural as compared to other types of implants.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is necessary. The surgeon will explain the various procedure options, including the choice of implants, incision placement, and implant position. For example, the surgeon may use a mentor® volume sizing system to help the patient visualize the desired breast size and how it will look on her body type. The patient should also be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, avoiding smoking as it decreases the body's ability to heal normally, and following the 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. The surgeon makes a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold incision) or around the areola (periareolar incision). Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is therefore the most commonly recommended approach. The surgeon creates a pocket for the implants using an instrument like the harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The implants are then inserted and positioned in either a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) 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.
Post - procedure
After the surgery, the patient can look forward to a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. The patient can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. It is important 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. The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process. Over the long term, patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams. If they have silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation varies for each patient as it is a highly individualized procedure. Factors that affect the cost include the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. Generally, the cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000. Most insurance companies consider breast augmentation an elective surgery and do not cover the cost. However, some plastic surgery groups offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. The most common early risks of breast augmentation procedures include:
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can lead to complications and may require additional treatment.
- Infection: There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In these rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
- Problems with anesthesia: Anesthesia always has some associated risks, such as allergic reactions or adverse effects on the respiratory or cardiovascular systems.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Women may experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues that require monitoring and treatment:
- Capsular contracture: This condition involves the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant are two ways to treat capsular contracture.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, like dropping too low.
- Implant rupture: As mentioned earlier, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period if they break, while silicone implant rupture may be silent and require periodic MRIs for detection.
How to Choose a Hospital and Surgeon for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Choosing the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Here are some tips:
- Check credentials: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. For example, a surgeon like Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. MD, FACS, who is certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has a high - level of expertise.
- Review patient reviews: Look for patient reviews and testimonials. High ratings, like those of Dr. Jonathan Canete, Dr. Matthew McDonald, and Dr. Eugene Hoffert, can be a good indication of patient satisfaction with the surgeon's skills and after - care.
- Look at before - and - after photos: Browse the surgeon's before - and - after photos to get a sense of the type of results they can create. This can help you determine if their aesthetic style matches your expectations.
- Consider the hospital's reputation: Choose a hospital with a good reputation for surgical procedures. Hospitals like St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center, which are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, have a proven track record of providing high - quality care.
- Communication: During the consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon should address all of your questions and concerns completely, and the staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers several high - quality public hospitals and skilled surgeons for plastic breast augmentation. When considering this procedure, it is essential to understand the details of the surgery, including the types of implants, the procedure itself, the cost, and the potential risks. By carefully researching and choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced surgeon, women can increase their chances of achieving the desired results and having a positive surgical experience. Remember to always consult with a medical professional before making any decisions about breast augmentation.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany or are considering the procedure, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top - rated surgeons mentioned in this article. Share this article with friends who might also be interested in breast augmentation to help them make informed decisions.
