Understanding Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Breast augmentation with prostheses, also known as breast enlargement using prosthetic implants, is a popular cosmetic procedure. It involves adding breast implants to the breast tissue to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. This procedure is often sought by women who lack confidence in their appearance or have uneven breasts. 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, consistently ranking in the top 5 since 2006. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA.
How the Procedure Works
The surgery typically takes around 1 to 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The surgeon makes a single cut either under the breast or around the nipple. Then, the breast tissue is separated from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space. The implant is inserted into this space, and the incision is closed with sutures.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Patients are usually given a prescription for pain control if needed. The surgeon may remove the stitches in about a week. Instructions will be provided regarding returning to regular activities, such as avoiding strenuous activities like weight lifting for at least 4 weeks, as the breasts will be sensitive during the healing process. Scars will gradually fade but may not completely disappear. Some pain and swelling are normal in the first few weeks. Patients should contact their surgeon immediately if they notice abnormal redness, warmth in the breast, or have a fever.
Public Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital, located at 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, with contact number (518) 262 - 2400, offers breast augmentation with prostheses. The hospital's reported prices for this procedure vary depending on whether you pay in cash or are part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.
In terms of care quality, it has received a 2 - star rating. Some of its performance metrics are as follows:
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of care | Below the national average |
| Efficient use of medical imaging | Same as the national average |
| Mortality | Same as the national average |
| Patient experience | Below the national average |
| Readmission | Below the national average |
| Safety of care | Above the national average |
| Timeliness of care | Below the national average |
| Value of care hip/knee replacement | Average complications and lower payment |
| Value of care heart attack measure | Average mortality and average payment |
| Value of care pneumonia measure | Average mortality and average payment |
| Value of care heart failure measure | Average mortality and higher payment |
It also has a 5 - star rating for price transparency.
Albany Medical Center South Clinical Campus
This campus also offers breast augmentation with prostheses. Similar to Albany Medical Center Hospital, the reported prices for the procedure vary based on cash payment or insurance plans with pre - negotiated rates. The process, benefits, and post - procedure expectations are the same as described above.
Other Plastic Surgery Centers in Albany for Breast Augmentation
Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System is a well - known choice for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Its plastic and reconstructive surgery team offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options, including breast enlargement. The physicians have trained at prestigious centers worldwide and bring extensive experience. The system provides breast enlargement services through Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital. Albany Medical Center is also home to the cleft - craniofacial center, offering comprehensive care for various conditions.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He offers breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and other breast - related procedures. Dr. Kayastha has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. Before undergoing a breast procedure, patients can review before - and - after photos of his previous patients. The recovery time and costs for different breast procedures at K Plastic Surgery are as follows:
| Procedure | Recovery Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Breast augmentation | 1 - 2 weeks and 6 months for full results | $6,400 - $7,500 |
| Breast lift | 1 - 2 weeks | $7,000 - $7,500 |
| Breast augmentation and lift | 1 - 2 weeks | $8,000 - $10,500 |
| Male breast reduction | 1 week | $6,000 - $8,000 |
| Breast implant removal | 2 days - 1 week | $5500 - $6500 |
| Nipple surgery | 2 - 10 days | Varies by procedure |
| Breast reduction | 1 - 2 weeks | $8,000 - $9,500 |
| Breast implant revision | 2 - 7 days | Varies by procedure |
| Breast reconstruction options | 1 week and 6 months for full results | Varies by procedure |
| Breast reconstruction recovery | 1 week and 6 months for full results | Varies by procedure |
Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is an expert in breast augmentation. She offers a variety of options for breast implants, including different sizes, shapes, and materials. She also allows patients to choose to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in the office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. After the surgery, patients can expect a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. The recovery process involves specific aftercare instructions, such as showering within 48 hours, wearing a sports bra for the first 2 - 3 weeks, and restricting strenuous activities for 6 - 8 weeks.
The Plastic Surgery Group
This group offers breast implants to patients in Albany. Breast implants come in various shapes, sizes, types (saline, silicone, form - stable silicone), textures (smooth and textured), and profiles. The plastic surgeons work with patients to find the ideal breast implants for their body type and aesthetic goals. During the consultation, the mentor® volume sizing system is used to help patients experience different breast sizes. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery period depends on the patient's natural healing ability, with pain, swelling, and discomfort being common initially.
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon. He offers two primary methods for breast augmentation: breast implant augmentation surgery and fat transfer breast augmentation. For breast implant augmentation, he uses 5th - generation silicone implants made in the United States, with rounded shapes, smooth textures, and different profiles (low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra high). The fat transfer method uses the patient's own fat harvested from other areas of the body. The consultation process is comprehensive, involving a discussion of goals, medical history, examination, and personalized recommendations. The surgical procedure usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, and the recovery time and results vary depending on the method chosen.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Considerations for Surgeon Selection
When choosing a surgeon for breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, several factors should be considered. Firstly, the surgeon's qualifications and certifications are crucial. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons, as this indicates that they have met certain standards of education, training, and experience. For example, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery and Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman are board - certified, which gives patients confidence in their skills.
Secondly, experience matters. Surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation are more likely to achieve better results. You can ask about the number of breast augmentation procedures they have performed and look at before - and - after photos of their previous patients. For instance, Dr. Kaufman has a wealth of experience and artistic vision, and patients can view his breast augmentation before - and - after gallery.
Another important factor is the surgeon's approach to patient care. A good surgeon will take the time to listen to your goals, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations. They will also explain the potential risks and complications of the procedure and ensure that you have realistic expectations. Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery, for example, uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and wants patients to be informed participants in the planning of their procedure.
Hospital and Facility Considerations
When it comes to choosing a hospital or facility for breast augmentation, care quality is a top priority. You can look at the hospital's ratings and performance metrics. For example, Albany Medical Center Hospital has a 2 - star rating for care quality, with different performance levels in various metrics such as effectiveness of care, patient experience, and safety of care. Price transparency is also important. Albany Medical Center Hospital has a 5 - star rating for price transparency, which means patients can have a better understanding of the costs involved.
The location and convenience of the hospital or facility are also factors to consider. It should be easily accessible, especially during the recovery period when you may need to make multiple follow - up visits. Some facilities, like Capek Plastic Surgery, are conveniently located near Albany, making it easier for patients in the area to access their services.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although breast augmentation with prostheses is a common and generally safe procedure, it is not without risks. In the immediate postoperative period, common risks include bleeding in the implant pocket and infection. Specific to breast implants, complications 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 potential issues include changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry over time as the implants settle, and the formation of rippling or wrinkling in the implant that is visible. Long - term side effects can occur, such as breast implant illness and breast implant associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma, although these events are quite rare.
Patients should have a detailed discussion with their surgeon about these risks before undergoing the procedure. Surgeons, like those mentioned in the Albany area, are trained to minimize these risks and handle any complications that may arise. It is also important for patients to follow the aftercare instructions carefully to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Cost of Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
The cost of breast augmentation with prostheses can vary significantly depending on several factors. The type of implant (saline, silicone, form - stable silicone) can impact the cost. Saline implants are typically less expensive than silicone implants. The size, shape, and profile of the implant also play a role in determining the cost.
Additional costs may include the surgeon's fee, the cost of the hospital or surgical facility, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care. For example, at K Plastic Surgery, the cost of breast augmentation ranges from $6,400 - $7,500, while at other facilities, the cost may be different based on the specific services and implants used. It is recommended that patients have a consultation with their chosen surgeon to get an accurate cost breakdown based on their individual needs.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure in Albany, with several public hospitals and plastic surgery centers offering the service. Public hospitals like Albany Medical Center Hospital and Albany Medical Center South Clinical Campus provide options for patients, along with their associated care quality and price transparency. Additionally, private plastic surgery centers such as K Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, and the practices of Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman offer specialized and personalized services for breast augmentation.
When considering breast augmentation, it is essential to choose the right surgeon and hospital, taking into account factors such as qualifications, experience, care quality, and cost. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. By making informed decisions and following the guidance of medical professionals, patients can achieve their desired aesthetic goals and enhance their self - confidence.
If you are considering breast augmentation with prostheses in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons. Take the time to learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and review before - and - after photos. This will help you make the best decision for your individual needs and ensure a positive experience. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation in Albany, and continue to explore related topics to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the process.
