Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in Albany. As more and more individuals consider this option to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence, it becomes crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the available doctors and facilities. In this article, we will not only explore the newly revealed hospital ranking for breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany but also delve into various aspects related to the procedure itself, including the doctors, types of implants, risks, and recovery.
Understanding the Importance of Ranking
Elective plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation, has witnessed a significant surge in popularity over the years. According to data released in November 2023 from the global intelligence platform Statista, the number of cosmetic surgical procedures in the US increased from 900,000 in 1997 to more than 1.87 million in 2022. With such a large number of options available, rankings serve as a valuable resource for patients. They help individuals make informed decisions by highlighting the most highly rated specialists. For instance, Newsweek has partnered with Statista for the annual ranking of America's best plastic surgeons, providing a comprehensive approach to finding a reliable doctor for breast augmentation.
Doctors Performing Breast Augmentation in Albany
List of Top Doctors in Albany
Healthgrades identified 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Some of the highly - rated ones are as follows:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 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 |
Selection Criteria for Choosing a Doctor
- Rating and Reviews: A high rating is often an indication of patient satisfaction. Doctors with a significant number of positive reviews and ratings above 4 stars are generally a good choice. For example, Dr. Jonathan Canete and Dr. Matthew McDonald, with ratings of 4.90, are likely to have a high level of patient satisfaction.
- Experience: Doctors with more years of experience in performing breast augmentation procedures are more likely to handle various complications and achieve better results. Checking the doctor's professional history and the number of procedures they have performed can give an idea of their experience.
- Certification: Board - certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is an important credential. Plastic surgeons must have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. Surgeons with ABPS certification are recognized for their expertise.
- Communication Skills: During the consultation, the doctor should be able to explain the procedure in detail, answer all your questions, and address your concerns. Good communication is essential for a successful patient - doctor relationship.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a solid silicone rubber shell filled with a sterile salt - water solution. They are approved by the FDA. One of the advantages of saline implants is that in case of a rupture, the saline solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. They are also available in different sizes and shapes. However, some patients may find that saline implants do not feel as natural as silicone implants.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Research shows that silicone implants tend to look and feel the most natural as compared to other types of implants. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations in the US, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, a rupture in a silicone implant may be silent, with no associated symptoms, which is why the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs to check their integrity.
Choosing the Right Implant
The choice of implant type, size, and shape depends on several factors. Your doctor will consider your unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and your desired results. For example, if you have little natural breast tissue, the doctor may recommend submuscular placement and a certain type of implant to achieve a more natural look. During the consultation, your doctor will discuss these options with you and help you make an informed decision.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Consultation
Before the surgery, a consultation with your doctor is necessary. This is the time when you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand the procedure in detail. Your doctor will use tools like the Mentor® volume sizing system to help you visualize your desired breast size and how it will look on your body type. You should also be in optimum health before the surgery. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, and following your primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
Surgical Process
Breast augmentation 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. 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 then creates a pocket for the implant using an instrument like the harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The implant is inserted and positioned either in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on your anatomy and lifestyle. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Most doctors rarely use drains for breast enhancement. You should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, but strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
Long - term Recovery
Over the long term, your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften, which usually takes several months. You should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture. It's important to follow your doctor's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications.
Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation
Early Risks
- Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. However, with proper surgical techniques, the risk of excessive bleeding is minimized.
- Infection: There is a small chance of infection around the area of the implant. In rare cases, the implant might have to be removed for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
- Anesthesia Risks: As with any surgery under general anesthesia, there are associated risks. These risks are carefully evaluated by the anesthesiologist before the procedure.
- Changes in Sensation: Some women may experience changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast, such as hypersensitivity or numbness. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
Long - term Risks
- Capsular Contracture: This condition involves the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Treatment options may include removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, like dropping too low. This may require a corrective surgery.
- Implant Rupture: In the event of a rupture, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period, while a silicone implant rupture may be silent. In most cases, the implants will need to be replaced.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. It typically ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on many factors, including your choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. Some clinics offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure. It's important to consider your surgeon's credentials above cost for the best possible surgical outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular and life - changing procedure in Albany. With the newly revealed hospital ranking, patients have a better chance of finding a reliable doctor. Understanding the different aspects of the procedure, such as the types of implants, the surgical process, recovery, and risks, is crucial for making an informed decision. Always consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and goals.
If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, take the time to research the doctors on the ranking, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations. This will help you choose the best doctor and ensure a successful and satisfying outcome. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to spread the knowledge and help them make informed choices.
