Introduction
Albany, a well - known location in the medical field, has a number of hospitals and doctors offering plastic breast implant procedures. Whether you are considering enhancing your appearance through breast augmentation or seeking reconstruction after a medical condition, having access to a reliable hospital ranking list is crucial. This article will provide in - depth information about the top plastic breast implant hospitals in Albany, doctors, procedures, risks, and more.
Top Hospitals for Plastic Breast Implants in Albany
1. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is one of the leading institutions in Albany. It is regionally ranked and rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions according to US News. As a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital, it offers a high - level of medical expertise.
When it comes to plastic and reconstructive surgery, Albany Medical Center's plastic and reconstructive surgery team provides a broad range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. For breast - related procedures, they are equipped to handle both cosmetic breast enlargement and reconstructive breast surgeries such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Their fellowship - trained microsurgeons, the only ones in the region, can offer advanced reconstructive options, including the use of unique techniques like diep flap reconstruction for breast reconstruction.
2. St. Peter's Hospital
St. Peter's Hospital has been named the best in the Albany area for 11 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report in the 2024 - 2025 rankings. It was also ranked the 15th best hospital in New York overall.
This hospital is high - performing in several key areas relevant to breast implant procedures and overall breast health. It is recognized in colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, and prostate cancer surgery, which shows its proficiency in cancer - related surgeries. Since breast cancer can be a factor that leads to breast reconstruction surgeries, the hospital's experience in cancer surgeries is a valuable asset. Moreover, it has been awarded in bariatrics, comprehensive breast centers, heart care, and women's services, which indicates a comprehensive approach to women's health, including breast - related treatments.
Leading Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Some of the top - rated doctors include:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
These doctors have high ratings from past patients, indicating their skill, experience, and patient - satisfaction levels. Patients can be more confident in choosing a doctor from this list as they have a proven track record of providing good service in breast augmentation procedures.
Types of Breast Implants and the Procedure
Types of Breast Implants
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. There are two main types:
- Saline implants: Filled with a saline solution (sterile salt water). They have been regularly researched and tested for safety precautions and carry warranties from the manufacturer. If a saline implant breaks, the solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body.
- Silicone breast implants: Filled with elastic silicone gel, which more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Similar to saline implants, they are also subject to safety research and testing, and come with manufacturer warranties. However, a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. It can be carried out in an accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room.
The surgeon makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture, and is thus the most commonly recommended approach. The surgeon then creates a pocket for the implants using an instrument called the harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The implants are inserted and positioned either in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. The surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Patient Qualifications for Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implant surgery may be suitable for women who suffer from the following concerns:
- 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
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)
However, it's important to be in optimum health when considering elective surgery. Patients should 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.
Post - Procedure Care and Recovery
Immediate Post - Procedure
After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and are advised to wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Surgeons like Dr. Lucie Capek rarely use drains for breast enhancement. Patients should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Those 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.
Long - Term Care
It is essential to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. Breast augmentation recovery times vary from patient to patient depending on their health and the extent of the procedure. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process. 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 are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks Associated with Breast Implant Surgery
Early Risks
Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - and post - surgical care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
Long - Term Risks
- Capsular contracture: This is the most common long - term issue, where abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, leading to increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast. It is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, like dropping too low.
- Implant rupture: As mentioned earlier, saline implants will release a saltwater solution if they break, while silicone implant ruptures may be silent and require regular ultrasounds for detection.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor
When choosing a hospital and doctor for breast implant surgery, several factors should be considered:
- Hospital Reputation: Look at the hospital's overall rankings, such as those by U.S. News & World Report. Hospitals with high rankings are more likely to have better - trained staff, advanced equipment, and a lower risk of complications.
- Doctor's Experience and Ratings: Check the doctor's past patient ratings, years of experience in performing breast implant procedures, and their training background. Doctors with high ratings and extensive experience are generally more reliable.
- Available Services: Consider the hospital's availability of comprehensive services related to breast health, including pre - operative consultations, post - operative care, and the ability to handle any potential complications.
- Cost: While cost should not be the only factor, it is still an important consideration. Compare the costs of different hospitals and doctors, and make sure to understand what is included in the cost, such as the surgery fee, implant cost, and follow - up care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany has several excellent hospitals and highly - rated doctors for plastic breast implant procedures. Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital stand out for their high - performance rankings and comprehensive medical services. Patients have a range of options when it comes to types of breast implants, and the surgical procedure has become more refined over the years. However, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with the surgery and follow proper post - operative care. When considering breast implant surgery, take the time to research and choose the right hospital and doctor for your specific needs.
If you are interested in learning more about plastic breast implant procedures in Albany, we encourage you to reach out to the hospitals mentioned in this article or schedule a consultation with one of the top - rated doctors. Share this article with friends or family who may also be considering similar procedures, and stay informed about the latest developments in breast - related medical treatments.
