Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure sought by many women in Albany. Whether it's to enhance self - confidence, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct asymmetry, this surgery offers a range of benefits. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the ranking of breast augmentation doctors in Albany, the charging standards for breast augmentation procedures, and other important aspects related to this plastic surgery.
Top Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany
Healthgrades has identified 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Here are some of the highly - rated doctors:
Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5 stars) | Address |
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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 |
Factors Contributing to Their High Ranking
- Experience: Highly - rated doctors usually have years of experience performing breast augmentation surgeries. Their experience allows them to handle various complications that may arise during the procedure and achieve better results.
- Patient Satisfaction: A high rating is often a result of patient satisfaction. Doctors who communicate well with their patients, understand their needs, and provide excellent post - operative care are more likely to receive positive reviews.
- Technical Skills: Skill in performing the surgery is crucial. This includes the ability to make precise incisions, place implants correctly, and ensure a natural - looking outcome.
- Board Certification: Many of these top - rated doctors are board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that they have met certain standards of education, training, and experience in the field.
Charging Standards for Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown of the cost and the influencing factors:
General Cost Range
- At Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, NY (Albany County), breast augmentation typically costs between $8,600 and $8,800. This cost includes anesthesia fees, facility fees, all office and surgeon fees, and post - op care.
- The Plastic Surgery Group states that the cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on many factors such as the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures.
Factors Affecting the Cost
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Surgeon's Experience and Expertise:
More experienced board - certified plastic surgeons may charge higher fees than less credentialed surgeons. Their extensive experience and track record of successful surgeries often justify the higher cost. For example, a surgeon with 20 years of experience in breast augmentation may charge more than a surgeon who is relatively new to the field.
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Geographic Location of the Practice:
The cost of the procedure is often higher in large cities where demand for the procedure is greater. Albany, being a relatively populated area, may have different price ranges compared to smaller towns. According to data on breast augmentation costs by state, New York has an average breast augmentation cost (surgeon's fees only) ranging from $5,000 to $11,000. The cost in a prime location within Albany might be on the higher end of the local range due to factors like higher overhead costs for the clinic.
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Surgical Facility:
Private surgical suites and outpatient surgery centers often charge less than hospital operating rooms. The facilities in Albany may vary in terms of quality and cost. For instance, a state - of - the - art surgical center with advanced equipment and better post - operative care facilities may charge more for the use of their space.
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Type of Implants Used (Saline vs. Silicone):
Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline implants. However, many women find the extra expense worth the more natural look and feel of silicone. Saline implants are filled with a salt - water solution and are generally less expensive. If a patient in Albany chooses silicone implants, it will likely increase the overall cost of the breast augmentation procedure.
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Complexity of the Procedure:
More complex surgeries require more surgery time, increasing your facility and surgeon's fees. For example, if a patient has a pre - existing breast condition that needs to be addressed during the augmentation, or if the desired shape and size require a more intricate surgical approach, the cost will be higher.
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Additional Procedures Performed Simultaneously:
Adding a breast lift or tummy tuck to your breast augmentation can make a lot of sense, but it will increase surgical time and overall costs. For instance, a breast lift combined with breast augmentation will likely result in a higher bill as it involves more steps and more time in the operating room.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost
Fat transfer breast augmentation usually requires more surgical time and generally costs more than using implants. It may also require a follow - up procedure to achieve the fullness you desire. Some women see this natural breast augmentation as cost - effective, though, because it doesn’t require regular implant monitoring or potential implant replacement down the road.
Breast Augmentation Procedure Details
Candidate Selection
The first step toward realizing your goal of having larger breasts is to meet with your plastic surgeon for a consultation. The surgeon will discuss your feelings and ensure you have realistic expectations. You will be able to choose from a variety of types of breast implants. Some women may require a breast lift in addition to their breast augmentation to attain the firm, full shape they desire. Breast augmentation can also be combined with other procedures in a comprehensive mommy makeover.
Incisions and Implant Placement
The options for breast augmentation incision placement include:
- Along the breast fold (inframammary incision): This is a common incision method as it allows for good access to the implant pocket and the scars are often well - hidden in the breast fold.
- In the underarm (transaxillary incision): This incision results in less visible scarring on the breast itself. However, it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately using this approach.
- Around the areola (periareolar incision): The scars are relatively hidden around the areola. This method may be preferred by some patients, but it may also have a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
During breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon will create a space for the implant, called “the pocket,” behind the breast tissue in either of the following areas:
- Beneath the muscle of your chest wall (submuscular placement): This is usually a good choice for women who have little of their own breast tissue because the chest muscle helps cover the implant. This placement also reduces the possibility of capsular contracture and interferes less with mammograms over subglandular placement.
- Directly behind the tissue of your breast (subglandular placement): This may result in a quicker recovery time and a more natural - looking breast contour in some cases, but it has a slightly higher risk of visible rippling and capsular contracture.
Procedure Process
Surgeons typically perform breast augmentation surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour to perform. You will be able to go home the day of your surgery; you will need to have an adult drive you and care for you for the first 24 hours.
Recovery and After - care
Recovery Timeline
- First few days: As with any surgery, you may be tired and sore after your breast augmentation surgery. This is normal and will generally not last more than a day or 2. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe a pain medication to help control the majority of your discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in your nipples. This will subside as the bruising lessens and healing continues.
- 7 to 10 days: If you have gauze dressings, they will be removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra. Follow the guidelines your plastic surgeon gives you for wearing this. Your stitches will be taken out.
- 3 to 5 weeks: Your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact during this time.
- Next several months: Your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. Generally, this process takes a period of several months.
Impact on Breast Examinations
Not if the mammography is conducted by experienced technicians. More x - rays will be taken and in some cases ultrasound exams may be given to ensure the most thorough detection of any abnormalities. Always visit a certified radiology center for these types of exams.
Insurance Coverage
In most cases, insurance companies consider breast augmentation an elective surgery, so it is not covered. However, some plastic surgery groups offer up to 100% financing for this procedure, as well as many other types of elective cosmetic surgery procedures.
Other Considerations
Choosing the Right Surgeon
There is no shortage of qualified breast surgeons in and around Albany, New York, so selecting the one who’s right for you can be a challenge. Here are some tips:
- Board Certification: Choose surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification in a particular field indicates that that doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in that field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge.
- Before - and - After Photos: Browse his or her before - and - after photos to get a good sense of the type of results he or she can create.
- Comfort and Communication: When you visit a surgeon for a consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. He or she should address all of your questions and concerns completely, and his or her staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized.
Ability to Breastfeed
The location of the incisions and the implants’ placement will usually determine whether you’ll be able to breastfeed. If the incision does not affect the nipple, there is a higher likelihood that you’ll be able to breastfeed in the future. The quality of breast milk is not affected by the presence of breast implants. However, patients should tell their doctors if they plan to breastfeed after their surgery.
Safety of the Procedure
While complications can arise during any surgical procedure, the rates associated with breast augmentation procedures are extremely low. Your surgeon will address all of your concerns and review possible complications as part of your consultation. Common complications include:
- Capsular contracture: This condition involves tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant, are 2 of the ways capsular contracture can be treated.
- Infection: There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In these rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months. A new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
- Impact to nipple sensation: In some cases of breast augmentation surgery, women can experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
- Implant leak / rupture: In the event of a breast implant breaking or leaking, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time, usually a couple of hours, and the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. In the case of gel - filled implants, there may not be any noticeable change if the scar capsule surrounding the implant does not break. In most cases, these situations will be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast augmentation in Albany offers a range of options for women looking to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. The ranking of doctors provides a good starting point for finding a qualified surgeon, and understanding the charging standards and influencing factors is crucial for budgeting. The procedure details, recovery process, and other considerations such as breastfeeding and safety should also be carefully weighed before making a decision. Remember, plastic surgery is a significant personal decision, and it's essential to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon to ensure you make the best choice for your body and your goals.
If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact a qualified plastic surgeon for a consultation, ask questions, and explore your options. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field of plastic surgery.