Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's self - confidence and body image. In Albany, there are numerous medical facilities and experienced doctors offering this service. However, finding the best hospital for breast augmentation is crucial for a successful and safe procedure. This article will provide an in - depth look at the top hospitals and doctors in Albany for breast augmentation, considering factors such as doctor ratings, patient reviews, experience, and available services.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size, shape, and symmetry of a woman's breasts. This can be achieved through the use of breast implants (either silicone or saline) or by fat transfer from other parts of the body. According to various sources, it has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States for decades. Since 2006, breast augmentation with implants has remained at the top of the list of cosmetic surgical procedures, with silicone gel implants being used in 77% and saline implants in 23% of all breast augmentations in 2014, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
A suitable candidate for breast augmentation is a woman who has fully developed breasts, is physically healthy, and has realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. Common reasons for considering breast augmentation include underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (in some cases, paired with a breast lift).
Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Doctors with High Ratings from Healthgrades
Healthgrades is a reliable platform that provides ratings and reviews of medical professionals. In Albany, there are several doctors who perform breast augmentation with high ratings:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
Doctors with Positive Patient Reviews on RealSelf
RealSelf is another platform where patients share their experiences and reviews of medical procedures. Here are some well - reviewed doctors in Albany for breast augmentation:
Doctor's Name | Reviews | Experience | Address |
---|---|---|---|
Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 159 reviews | 25 yrs exp, 1 board cert | 15 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, New York |
David Tauber, MD | 88 reviews | 17 yrs exp, 1 board cert | 5 Ulenski Dr., Albany, New York |
Sanjiv Kayastha, MD | 154 reviews | 20 yrs exp, 1 board cert | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd., Ste. 206, Latham, New York |
Jeffrey Ridha, MD | 49 reviews | 16 yrs exp, 2 board certs | 72 Railroad Pl., Saratoga Springs, New York |
Lucie Capek, MD | 74 reviews | 28 yrs exp, 2 board certs | 1003 Loudon Rd., Ste. 101, Latham, New York |
Services Offered by Top Providers in Albany
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha - K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He offers a wide range of breast procedures:
- Breast Augmentation: Enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. Recovery takes 1 - 2 weeks with full results in 6 months, and it costs between $6,400 - $7,500.
- Breast Lift: Lift breasts to a more youthful position. Recovery is 1 - 2 weeks, and it costs $7,000 - $7,500.
- Breast Augmentation and Lift: Restore youthful breast volume and position. Recovery is 1 - 2 weeks, and it costs $8,000 - $10,500.
- Male Breast Reduction: Achieve a more masculine chest. Recovery is 1 week, and it costs $6,000 - $8,000.
- Breast Implant Removal: Return to natural breasts. Recovery is 2 days - 1 week, and it costs $5,500 - $6,500.
- Nipple Surgery: Reshape and resize nipples. Recovery time varies by procedure.
- Breast Reduction: Find relief from overly large breasts. Recovery is 1 - 2 weeks, and it costs $8,000 - $9,500.
- Breast Implant Revision: Recovery time varies by procedure.
- Breast Reconstruction Options: Recovery takes 1 week with full results in 6 months, and the cost varies by procedure.
The Plastic Surgery Group
The Plastic Surgery Group offers breast augmentation surgery and answers many common questions about the procedure:
Incisions for Breast Augmentation
- Inframammary Incision: Along the breast fold.
- Transaxillary Incision: In the underarm.
- Periareolar Incision: Around the areola.
The surgeon will recommend the best incision based on the patient's unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to ensure discreet scars.
Implant Placement
- Submuscular Placement: Beneath the muscle of the chest wall. It's a good choice for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant, reduces the risk of capsular contracture, and interferes less with mammograms.
- Subglandular Placement: Directly behind the breast tissue. The breasts move more naturally with this placement, and it may correct slight breast sagging.
Cost and Recovery
The cost of breast augmentation at The Plastic Surgery Group is typically $6,000 to $7,000, depending on factors such as implant choice and procedure complexity. Most patients can return to work within a week. Recovery includes a few days of tiredness and soreness, removal of gauze dressings and stitches in 7 - 10 days, breast sensitivity for 3 - 5 weeks, and scar fading over several months.
Dr. Lucie Capek - Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of options for breast augmentation. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek typically makes an inframammary fold incision, which has a lower risk of capsular contracture. She uses a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours, wear a sports bra for 2 - 3 weeks, and rest for 24 - 48 hours. Those with sedentary jobs can return to work within a week, and strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Doctor's Credentials
It is essential to choose a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams and has in - depth knowledge and skills in the field. For example, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which gives patients confidence in his expertise.
Patient Reviews and Ratings
Reading patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and RealSelf can provide valuable insights into the doctor's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. A doctor with high ratings and positive reviews is more likely to provide satisfactory results.
Experience
Doctors with more years of experience in performing breast augmentation procedures are generally more likely to handle various situations and complications effectively. For instance, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has 25 years of experience, which shows his long - standing expertise in the field.
Range of Services
A hospital that offers a comprehensive range of breast - related services, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast implant removal, can be more convenient for patients. It allows them to address other breast - related concerns in the future if needed.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on several factors. It is important to consider the overall cost and also look for hospitals that offer financing options. The Plastic Surgery Group, for example, offers up to 100% financing for breast augmentation and other elective cosmetic surgery procedures.
The Process of Breast Augmentation
Consultation
The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with the surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will listen to the patient's goals, explain the procedure in detail, review the available options for implants, incisions, and implant placement, and examine the treatment area and the patient's relevant health history. Some surgeons, like those at Deluca Plastic Surgery, use advanced tools such as the Mentor breast implant sizing system and 3 - D computer simulations to help patients visualize the results.
Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgical center. The procedure takes approximately 1 - 2 hours. The surgeon makes an incision, creates a pocket for the implant, inserts the implant, and then closes the incision. Different techniques are used to minimize bleeding and ensure the best results.
Recovery
Recovery time varies from person to person. In general, patients may experience some tiredness and soreness in the first few days. Gauze dressings are removed in a few days, and stitches are taken out in 7 - 10 days. The breasts may be sensitive for 3 - 5 weeks, and scars will gradually fade over several months. It is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions, including wearing a surgical bra and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period.
Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Implants - Related Risks
- Capsular Contracture: This is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. It can be treated by removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Implant Leak/Rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents quickly if they rupture, and the body will absorb the saltwater. Silicone implants may not show obvious signs of rupture, which is why the FDA recommends periodic MRIs for women with silicone implants.
- Implant Deflation or Shifting: The implant may deflate or shift to an undesirable position, requiring additional surgery to correct.
Other Risks
- Infection: There is a small chance of infection around the implant area. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed for a few months until the infection clears, and then a new implant can be placed.
- Change in Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the incision area. These symptoms usually disappear over time.
- Irregularities in Breast Contour/Shape and Asymmetry: The final breast shape may not be perfectly symmetrical or may have irregularities, which may require further corrective surgery.
- Partial or Total Loss of Nipple/Areola: Although rare, this can occur as a complication of the surgery.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Medical Preparation
Patients should be in good overall health before undergoing breast augmentation. They should follow their primary care physician's advice for treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure. It is also important to avoid smoking, as it can decrease the body's ability to heal normally.
Pre - surgical Instructions
During the consultation, the surgeon will provide detailed pre - surgical instructions. These may include avoiding certain medications, adjusting the diet, and informing the surgeon about any current medications, allergies, or medical conditions. For example, some medications may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, so they need to be stopped in advance.
Conclusion
Albany offers a wide range of excellent options for breast augmentation. From highly - rated doctors to state - of - the - art facilities, patients have the opportunity to choose the best provider for their needs. When considering breast augmentation, it is crucial to do thorough research, consult with multiple doctors, and carefully weigh the factors such as doctor's credentials, patient reviews, experience, services offered, and cost. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation procedure.
If you are interested in breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top doctors mentioned in this article. Learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and take the first step towards achieving your desired results. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to help them make an informed decision as well.