Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for women who desire to enhance the size, shape, and fullness of their breasts. Teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation, in particular, aims to create a more natural - looking breast appearance. In Albany, a city with a rich medical landscape, there are several hospitals that excel in providing this specialized service. This article will present the new top five list of hospitals for teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany, along with an in - depth exploration of breast augmentation in general.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Many women may feel that their breasts are too small, lack enough volume or youthful contour, lack upper pole fullness, or are too droopy. Breast augmentation is a procedure that enhances the breasts by adding volume and fullness, giving them a more youthful and sensual shape and appearance that improves the breasts’ proportion to the body frame. For example, women with small breasts may choose breast augmentation to create a more balanced figure or to fill out their clothing and bathing suits better.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
- Those who desire larger breasts to create a more balanced figure or to fill out their clothing and bathing suits.
- Women with one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other.
- Individuals with mild breast drooping who desire an uplift and enlargement.
- People who would like to have more upper pole breast fullness and increased cleavage.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Get larger and more shapely breasts.
- Achieve a more balanced figure.
- Boost self - esteem and develop a more positive self - image. As one patient stated, “I love my breasts! I have never in all my 42 years of living have ever been able to say that, let alone even claim to have breasts at all. Now, thanks to the procedure, I am so happy with my new look.”
Breast Implant Shapes and Types
Breast Implant Shapes
Round Breast Implants
Round implants can provide more upper breast fullness or “cleavage” compared to teardrop - shaped gummy bear implants. If a patient desires more fullness and projection, the implant can be set in a higher placement on the chest. There is minimal concern for rotation with round breast implants, as they are the same shape all the way around and any rotation after placement would not change their appearance.
Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
A teardrop - shaped implant mimics the appearance of a natural breast and has less fullness in the cleavage area than other implant choices. All shaped implants have a textured surface to help prevent movement within the pocket where they are placed. There is more projection towards the bottom and more tapering for flattening at the top of a teardrop - shaped gummy bear implant. Teardrop implants are a more common choice for women who have undergone a mastectomy and are receiving a breast reconstruction. However, if a shaped implant rotates it can create an unusual appearance, so they need to be carefully positioned in the pocket, which emphasizes the importance of having the procedure done by a board - certified plastic surgeon.
Breast Implant Surfaces
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants are considered the softest. They can create a more mobile breast appearance as they are able to move within the breast implant pocket. To prevent hard breast or thick capsular formation, the pocket for placement of smooth implants typically has to be made much larger than the implant. Complications such as rippling and scar tissue formation around the implant (capsular contracture) can occur, and many surgeons feel that using smooth implants increases the risk and rate of hard breast or capsular contracture formation.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are less likely to move or become repositioned. The formation of scar tissue around these implants helps them adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. This “texturing” can reduce the risk of thick capsule formation and tight capsular contracture, which can cause hard breasts. Outside of the United States and in highly recognized American breast augmentation centers, textured breast implants are the most common selection amongst board - certified plastic surgeons. Your breasts may feel more natural to touch with use of textured implants compared to smooth implants due to a thinner capsule forming around a textured implant. However, textured implants from Allergan named Biocell® have been recalled per FDA recommendation in 2019 due to an association with a rare condition called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), while textured implants from Sientra® and Mentor® are still available and have an exceedingly rare association with BIA - ALCL, if any.
Breast Implant Types
| Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | FDA Approval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Silicone shells filled with a salt water (saline) solution directly from a sterile I.V. bag. Filled after insertion into the breast pocket. | Allows for a smaller incision, resulting in less visible scarring. Salt water can be safely and easily absorbed by the body if rupture occurs. Approved for patients 18 years and older, can be used to balance asymmetry or correct congenital problems in younger women. | May have a higher risk of rippling compared to silicone gel implants. | For patients 18 years and older |
| Silicone Gel Implants | Cohesive silicone shells filled with a softer silicone gel material with the consistency of honey. | Provide a very natural - looking appearance and a more natural breast feel. Lower risk of rippling compared to saline implants, preferred for thinner women with less natural breast tissue. | If rupture occurs, it may be more difficult to detect compared to saline implants. | For women over age 21, can be used in younger women in certain circumstances |
| Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants | Firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency. If the shell breaks, the implant maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. | Dr. Steven Yarinsky has more years of experience using Sientra® implants in the Albany / capital district region. They are covered by Sientra®’s Platinum20™ product replacement and limited warranty program. Approved for women over age 21, can be used in younger women in certain circumstances. | May be more expensive than other types of implants. | For women over age 21, can be used in younger women in certain circumstances |
The New Top Five List of Hospitals for Teardrop - Shaped Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in Albany
Although the specific new top five list of hospitals for teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany may vary based on different evaluation criteria, we can analyze some of the well - known hospitals in the area that are likely to be on the list.
1. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is a prominent medical institution in the area. It has high - performing departments and a team of experienced plastic surgeons. The hospital is likely to offer a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services, including teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation. It has reported prices for breast enlargement using prosthetic implants, which vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan. The surgery takes around 1 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. Patients can expect proper post - operative care, including pain management and instructions on returning to regular activities. The hospital also has a certain evaluation in care quality, such as being above the national average in safety of care and having a 5 - star price transparency.
2. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany is ranked #1 in Albany, NY according to some rankings. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital likely has a well - equipped plastic surgery department with surgeons experienced in breast augmentation. Their services are expected to be of high quality, and they may offer the latest techniques and technologies for teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation. Patients can also anticipate comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, ensuring a smooth surgical experience.
3. Plastic Surgery Group in Albany
The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany is conveniently located to serve the local population. They offer breast implants in a variety of shapes, sizes, types, textures, and profiles. Their plastic surgeons work closely with patients to find the ideal breast implants for their body type and aesthetic goals. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system during consultations to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal breast size. This hospital is likely to have expertise in teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation, providing personalized care from consultation to the surgical procedure and post - operative recovery.
4. Clinics with Experienced Surgeons
There are also clinics in Albany with well - known plastic surgeons. For example, doctors like Dr. Susan Gannon, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, Dr. Todd Beyer, etc., who have high patient ratings. These clinics may offer specialized teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation services. The experienced surgeons can provide in - depth consultations, carefully select the appropriate implants, and perform the surgery with precision, ensuring good results for patients.
5. Facilities with Advanced Technology
Some facilities in Albany that invest in advanced technology for breast augmentation are also likely to be on the top list. Advanced technology can enhance the accuracy of the procedure, improve the quality of results, and reduce the risk of complications. These facilities may use state - of - the - art imaging techniques to help patients visualize the expected outcome before the surgery and more precise surgical tools during the operation.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative
Before the breast augmentation procedure, patients will have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, examine the patient's breasts, take measurements, and consider factors such as the amount and firmness of the patient's natural breast tissue, chest measurements, skin quality, and pre - operative cup size. The surgeon will then make an informed implant suggestion. New state - of - the - art Crisalix® 3 - D and 4 - D computer imaging may be used so that the patient can preview how they might look with the implant type and size they choose.
Intra - operative
For safety, convenience, and comfort, the procedure is usually done as an outpatient procedure in an accredited office facility, often using general anesthesia or IV sedation. A small incision is made around the areola or in the fold beneath the breast. The surgeon uses the patient's choice of saline, silicone gel, or “gummy bear” type silicone gel filled implants. The implant is inserted under the breast tissue and usually is placed partially beneath the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle to camouflage the surface and provide a more naturally appearing upper breast contour.
Post - operative
After the surgery, patients are provided with a support bra to wear, along with gauze dressing and a Velcro® strap on the upper chest to hold the breast implants in the correct position. They should avoid tub bathing, swimming, and hot tub use for six to eight weeks. Any discomfort is well - controlled with oral medication. Sutures are usually removed within two weeks (up to three weeks if a breast lift is done on the same day). Light activities can be resumed as tolerated, and aerobic activities can be started in about three to four weeks.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
While breast augmentation is considered a generally safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks. These include infection, loss of nipple sensation, capsular contracture (forming firmer breasts), fluid accumulation around the implant, and implant rupture or leakage. It is crucial for patients to have a detailed discussion with their surgeon about these risks before the procedure so that they can make an informed decision.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The average cost of breast augmentation can range from $7,900 to $11,900, which includes the surgeon’s fee, the price of anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees. The range in cost is related to implant types and brand, type of anesthesia used, the type of procedure done, and how long that procedure may take. If a breast lift is performed with the augmentation, there are additional expenses. Health insurance usually does not cover cosmetic breast augmentation, but it may cover pre - operative lab work and tests. Some hospitals or clinics may also offer financing options for patients.
Conclusion
Teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help women achieve their desired breast appearance. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer this service. When considering breast augmentation, patients should thoroughly research the hospitals and surgeons, understand the procedure, its risks, and the expected recovery process. They should also have clear communication with their surgeon about their aesthetic goals. By making an informed decision, patients can increase the likelihood of a successful breast augmentation and be satisfied with the results.
If you are interested in teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Research the top hospitals on our list further and read patient reviews to find the best fit for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany.
