Introduction to Breast Augmentation with Prosthetic Surgery in Albany

Breast augmentation with prosthetic surgery has become a popular choice for many women in Albany who wish to enhance their body image and boost their self - confidence. This surgical procedure involves the placement of breast implants to increase the size, improve the shape, and enhance the symmetry of the breasts. With the growing demand for this cosmetic surgery, there are numerous hospitals and doctors in Albany offering breast augmentation services. In this article, we will announce the top three hospitals for breast augmentation with prosthetic surgery in Albany, as well as provide in - depth information about breast augmentation, including the procedure, considerations, and after - care.

What is Breast Augmentation with Prosthetic Surgery?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the breasts’ form, size, and symmetry. Prosthetic implants, which come in various forms such as cohesive gel (often referred to as “gummy bear”), saline, and silicone implants, are placed during the surgery to achieve the desired cosmetic result. The choice of implant type, size, and shape is determined based on the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA. The procedure can help address a variety of concerns, such as 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 (often paired with a breast lift).

Why Choose Breast Augmentation?

• Improved Body Image: For many women, having larger, more symmetrical breasts can significantly enhance their body image and make them feel more confident and attractive. It can help them feel better in clothing and swimwear, and improve their overall self - esteem.
• Restoring Volume: Women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss may choose breast augmentation to restore the fullness and shape of their breasts.
• Correcting Asymmetry: Asymmetrical breasts can be a source of self - consciousness for some women. Breast augmentation can help correct this issue by creating a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
• Enhancing Proportions: Some women may feel that their breasts are too small in proportion to their lower body. Breast augmentation can help create a more balanced and proportionate figure.

Top Three Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Prosthetic Surgery in Albany

1. GJK Plastic Surgery

Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, a double - board certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon at GJK Plastic Surgery, brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to every breast augmentation procedure. He is committed to incorporating the latest techniques and technologies while adhering to the highest patient care and safety standards.

Advantages

• Comprehensive Options: Dr. Kaufman offers both breast implant - based breast augmentation and fat transfer techniques. For breast implant augmentation, he uses only implants made in the United States. He offers a variety of implant materials, shapes, textures, and profiles to customize the procedure according to the patient's body type and desired outcome. For example, his 5th - generation silicone implants have improved shape - maintaining ability and a more natural feel. He also offers rounded implants for more lift and projection, and different profile options from low to extra - high projections.
• Patient - Centered Approach: During the consultation, Dr. Kaufman takes the time to understand the patient's goals, conducts a comprehensive medical and surgical history review, and performs an examination with medical photography and measurements. He then provides a personalized recommendation and discusses all the options, the surgical plan, and postoperative expectations. A second consultation is always welcome before the surgical date.
• Low - Risk Implant Placement: Dr. Kaufman has excellent results with placing implants above the chest muscle (pectoralis), which helps avoid deformity from movement (animation deformity), maintain upper body strength, and significantly decrease postoperative pain. He also inserts implants through incisions along the lower breast (inframammary fold) to minimize incision visibility.

2. Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, as well as patients from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond. She has extensive experience in breast augmentation and offers a wide range of options for this popular procedure.

Advantages

• Customized Implant Selection: Dr. Capek determines the recommended choice of implant type, size, and shape based on the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type.
• Advanced Surgical Techniques: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in her quada - accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. She uses an instrument called the harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, which helps minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. She also closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue and rarely uses drains for first - time breast augmentation patients.
• Comprehensive After - Care: After the surgery, Dr. Capek provides detailed after - care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Patients can shower within 48 hours, wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, and plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. She also schedules follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process and provides long - term care.

3. The Plastic Surgery Group

Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, & Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group has a team of experienced plastic surgeons who offer breast augmentation surgery. They are dedicated to providing high - quality care and helping patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals.

Advantages

• Multiple Incision and Placement Options: The surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group offer various options for breast augmentation incision placement, including along the breast fold (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), and around the areola (periareolar incision). They also recommend the best implant placement (submuscular or subglandular) based on the patient's unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to ensure natural - looking results and discreet scars.
• Affordable Financing Options: The cost for breast augmentation at The Plastic Surgery Group is typically $6,000 to $7,000, depending on many factors. They offer patient financing to help most patients afford to pursue their desired improvements, making the procedure more accessible.
• Comprehensive Consultation: During the consultation, the surgeons explain the procedure in detail, review the various options available, and address all the patient's questions and concerns. They also provide information on how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect during the recovery period, and potential complications.

Comparing the Top Three Hospitals

Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation

Doctor's Qualifications and Experience

It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in plastic surgery, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. You can also look at the doctor's before - and - after photos to get an idea of the type of results they can achieve. For example, the doctors at the top three hospitals in Albany mentioned above are all highly qualified and experienced in breast augmentation procedures.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you insights into the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the overall experience at a particular hospital. You can find these reviews on the hospital's website, online review platforms, or by asking for referrals from friends or family who have had breast augmentation surgery. Positive reviews about the doctor's bedside manner, surgical skills, and after - care can be reassuring when making your decision.

Hospital Facilities and Safety Standards

The hospital's facilities should be well - equipped and meet high safety standards. Look for hospitals that have accreditation from recognized organizations and follow strict safety protocols during the surgery and in the post - operative care. For example, Capek Plastic Surgery has a quada - accredited office - based operating suite, which ensures a safe and comfortable environment for the procedure.

Cost and Financing Options

Breast augmentation surgery can be a significant investment. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other procedures. It is important to get a detailed cost breakdown during the consultation. Some hospitals, like The Plastic Surgery Group, offer patient financing options to make the procedure more affordable.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Pre - operative Consultation

Before the surgery, a consultation with the plastic surgeon is necessary. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient's suitability for the surgery, discuss the patient's expectations and desired aesthetic outcome, and review the various options available, such as implant type, size, shape, incision placement, and implant placement. The surgeon will also conduct a physical examination, take medical history, and may perform some tests to ensure the patient's health is optimal for the surgery. For example, at GJK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kaufman conducts a comprehensive consultation that includes a medical and surgical history review, an examination with medical photography and measurements, and a personalized recommendation.

Pre - operative Preparation

Patients are usually advised to follow certain pre - operative instructions to ensure a successful surgery. This may include avoiding certain medications, such as aspirin and blood thinners, for a period of time before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Patients should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and avoid smoking, as smoking can decrease the body's ability to heal normally. Some surgeons may also recommend nutritional supplements to boost the body's ability to recover.

The Surgery

The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgery typically takes 1 - 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The surgeon will make a small incision, either under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola (periareolar incision), or in the underarm (transaxillary incision), and create a pocket behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The implant is then inserted into the pocket, and the incision is closed with sutures. Some surgeons, like Dr. Kaufman, use techniques to minimize the visibility of the incisions and reduce the risk of complications.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients will be given a prescription for pain medication to control discomfort. They will also need to wear a supportive surgical bra for a few weeks to help with the healing process. It is important to follow the surgeon's after - care instructions carefully, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, such as weightlifting and running, for a certain period of time. Patients will also need to attend follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their recovery and address any concerns. For example, at Capek Plastic Surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours after the surgery, wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, and rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They may return to work within a week if they have a sedentary job, and strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Immediate Risks

Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some risks. Immediate risks may include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. These risks are usually infrequent and can be managed with proper care. For example, if an infection occurs, the surgeon may need to remove the implant temporarily and treat the infection with antibiotics before replacing the implant.

Long - term Risks

Long - term risks associated with breast implants may include capsular contracture, where scar tissue around the implant hardens and distorts the shape of the breast, causing discomfort and pain. This may require revisional surgeries and/or removal of the implant. Other long - term risks include implant malposition, implant rupture, and changes in nipple sensation. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. However, if a silicone implant ruptures, it may be silent, and the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs or ultrasounds to check the integrity of the implants.

Psychological Impact of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery goes beyond physical transformation; it can have a significant impact on a woman's emotional well - being. Many women who undergo breast augmentation experience a boost in self - confidence and an improved body image. However, it is important to have realistic expectations. Some women may have body image concerns before the surgery, and it is crucial to address these concerns during the pre - operative consultations. Surgeons can work with patients to develop a plan that aligns with their desired outcomes. Additionally, patients may experience preoperative anxiety and a post - surgery emotional rollercoaster. It is important to have a strong support system in place, including friends, family, or support groups, and to seek professional support if needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, breast augmentation with prosthetic surgery is a popular and effective way for women in Albany to enhance their body image and boost their self - confidence. The top three hospitals for breast augmentation with prosthetic surgery in Albany - GJK Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery, and The Plastic Surgery Group - offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a variety of options to meet the individual needs of patients. However, before making a decision, it is important to consider factors such as the doctor's qualifications and experience, patient reviews, hospital facilities, cost, and potential risks. By choosing a reputable hospital and being well - informed about the procedure, patients can have a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience.

If you are considering breast augmentation with prosthetic surgery in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top hospitals mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations with the surgeon, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your beauty and self - assurance, and step into a future filled with confidence and vitality.