Introduction to Silicone Breast Augmentation in Albany
Silicone breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in Albany, New York. Women are choosing this option to enhance their appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve a more balanced and proportionate figure. In 2025, with the changing trends and advancements in the field of plastic surgery, a new ranking of silicone breast augmentation in Albany has emerged, which is of great interest to those considering this procedure.
The Popularity of Breast Augmentation in the US
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations. The growing number of procedures is due to a greater number of options for safe, less invasive surgeries and an increasing cultural emphasis on self - care and confidence. The statistics from a global intelligence platform, Statista, showed that in 1997, there were 900,000 cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S., and by 2022, this number had grown to more than 1.87 million.
Key Considerations Before Silicone Breast Augmentation
Candidates for Silicone Breast Augmentation
Several factors determine whether a person is a good candidate for silicone breast augmentation. Women who may benefit from this procedure include those with 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 breastfeeding, and loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift).
Before undergoing the surgery, it is crucial to consult a plastic surgeon. Dr. Lucie Capek, a board - certified plastic surgeon in Albany, evaluates each patient's unique situation, including breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. She also takes into account the patient's overall health, as any unmanaged medical issues may impact the healing process after surgery. Additionally, patients should have realistic expectations about the results and understand that breast augmentation is a personal choice that should be guided by their own desires rather than external influences.
Types of Silicone Implants
There are different types of silicone implants available for breast augmentation. The most common ones are silicone gel implants and form - stable silicone (or "gummy bear") implants.
- Silicone Gel Implants: These implants have cohesive silicone shells and are filled with a softer silicone gel material that has the consistency of honey. They tend to provide a very natural - looking appearance and have a more natural breast feel compared to salt - water - filled implants. There is also a lower risk of rippling, making them a preferred choice for thinner women with less natural breast tissue to camouflage the implant. These implants are FDA - approved for women over age 21 and may also be used for younger women in certain circumstances.
- Form - Stable Silicone (Gummy Bear) Implants: These implants are firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency, not as flowing or liquid as in the original silicone gel - filled implants. If the shell of the implant breaks or is compromised, the "gummy bear" implant maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. For example, Dr. Steven Yarinsky in the Albany area has extensive experience using Sientra® "gummy bear" implants. These implants are available in textured and smooth surface options, round or shaped, and multiple projection levels.
When choosing an implant type, factors such as implant size, shape, texture, and profile also need to be considered. Implant size and shape should be chosen to match the patient's body frame and proportions. The texture can be either smooth or textured, with smooth implants allowing for a more natural movement of the device and textured implants being less likely to move or become repositioned and reducing the risk of thick capsule formation. The profile of the implant, which refers to the degree to which it projects from the chest, can range from low to extra - high projections, and the choice depends on the patient's body type and desired outcome.
Ranking of Surgeons for Silicone Breast Augmentation in Albany
Local Surgeon Rankings in Albany
In Albany, there are many skilled plastic surgeons performing silicone breast augmentation. According to Healthgrades, 155 doctors perform breast augmentation in the area, and some of the top - rated ones are as follows:
| Surgeon'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 |
These surgeons have received high ratings from past patients, indicating their expertise, patient care, and successful outcomes. For example, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon, brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to every breast augmentation procedure. He uses only 5th - generation silicone implants made in the United States, which have improved shape - maintaining ability and a soft, natural feel. Dr. Kaufman offers a comprehensive range of options, including different implant materials, shapes, textures, and profiles, and is proficient in both breast implant - based breast augmentation and fat - transfer techniques.
National Rankings and Their Relevance
Newsweek has partnered with Statista to create rankings of America's best plastic surgeons. In the 2024 ranking for breast augmentation, top surgeons from across the country were recognized. Some of the well - known names include William P. Adams Jr., MD from University Park, Texas; Rod J. Rohrich, MD from Dallas, Texas; and Dennis Hammond, MD from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although these are national rankings, they can still be relevant to Albany residents. It shows the standard of excellence in the field of breast augmentation, and Albany patients can look for local surgeons who use similar advanced techniques and have a high - level of expertise, like those ranked nationally.
The national rankings are compiled through an elaborate process. Thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April 2024, resulting in the collection of more than 8,400 votes for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. Only surgeons from the 20 states with the most plastic surgeons were included in the ranking, and surgeons who offer only reconstructive or non - elective corrections were excluded from consideration. A score was calculated for each surgeon based on the number of recommendations, a quality assessment, and relevant certification. In - state and out - of - state recommendations, quality score, and certification score all contribute to the overall ranking.
The Silicone Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Process
Before the surgery, a consultation with the plastic surgeon is essential. Dr. Lucie Capek, for example, uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, perform a complete medical and surgical history review, conduct an examination with medical photography and measurements, and then provide a personalized recommendation. The patient will also need to follow certain pre - operative instructions, such as ceasing blood - thinning medications according to the doctor's advice, arranging for transportation and care from a close friend or family member, setting up a recovery area at home, purchasing a surgical bra, and fasting and avoiding fluids the night before the surgery.
It is also important for patients to have a clear understanding of the procedure, its potential risks, and expected outcomes. Surgeons will explain the different options available, such as the type of implant, incision location, and implant placement. This allows patients to be informed participants in the planning of their procedure and ensures they are comfortable and satisfied with the results.
Intra - operative Details
The silicone breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek typically makes a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold) or around the areola to place the implant. 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.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant. There are different types of pocket placements, including sub - glandular (above the muscle), sub - muscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), and bi - planar (a combination of each). The choice of pocket depends on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. For most women, a sub - muscular pocket provides a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant. The surgeon then inserts and positions the silicone implant in the pocket. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
After the surgery, patients can expect to experience some swelling, tenderness, redness, and bruising. They will be fitted with a specialized surgical bra and, in some cases, drains for immediate recovery. It is important to follow the surgeon's after - care instructions to avoid any complications. Patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery and should wear the sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks.
Most patients can resume light activities within a week if they have sedentary jobs. Strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. The recovery time varies 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 with silicone implants should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician, and periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Potential Risks and Complications
Short - term Risks
Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. The most common early risks of silicone breast augmentation procedures include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - operative and post - operative care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable. For example, surgeons take precautions to minimize bleeding during the surgery, such as using instruments like the harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching.
Long - term Risks
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues that require monitoring and treatment. The most common long - term complications include capsular contracture, which is the increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast due to abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant; implant malposition, where the implant shifts into an undesirable position, like dropping too low; and implant rupture. If a saline breast implant breaks, the salt - water solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. However, because a silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants should have periodic MRIs to check their integrity.
Benefits of Silicone Breast Augmentation
Aesthetic Benefits
Silicone breast augmentation offers significant aesthetic benefits. It can increase breast size and improve shape and contour, creating a more balanced and proportionate figure. This can enhance the body's silhouette, make clothing fit better, and improve the overall appearance. Women who have underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts can achieve a more symmetrical and attractive look. For example, round silicone implants can provide more upper breast fullness and enhance cleavage, while teardrop - shaped implants can mimic the appearance of natural breasts and give a more natural look.
Psychological Benefits
Improved self - confidence is one of the most important psychological benefits of silicone breast augmentation. Many women report a significant boost in self - esteem after the procedure. They feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies, which can have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives. Women who were previously self - conscious about their breast size may feel more empowered and free to express themselves. They may also be more willing to participate in activities that they previously avoided due to body image concerns.
Cost Considerations
The cost of silicone breast augmentation in Albany can vary depending on several factors. These include the type of implant, the surgeon's fee, the cost of anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related fees. The average cost of breast augmentation can range from $7,900 to $11,900, according to some sources. Implant type and brand play a significant role in the cost. For example, high - end silicone implants, such as the Sientra® opus™ breast implants, may be more expensive due to their advanced features and better warranty.
It's important to note that health insurance typically does not cover cosmetic breast augmentation. However, it may cover pre - operative lab work and tests, such as mammograms, prescriptions, and medical clearance from the primary care physician. Some surgeons offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure.
Conclusion
In 2025, silicone breast augmentation remains a popular choice for women in Albany seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. With the new rankings of surgeons, patients have valuable information to make informed decisions about their breast augmentation journey. Before undergoing the procedure, it is crucial for patients to carefully consider their candidacy, understand the different types of silicone implants, and be aware of the potential risks and benefits. They should also choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide personalized care and achieve the desired results.
If you are considering silicone breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. This will allow you to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards achieving the look you desire.
