Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In Albany, a city known for its rich history and healthcare facilities, there are several top - notch hospitals and doctors that specialize in this field. This article will delve into the ranking of cosmetic breast augmentation hospitals in Albany, along with important information about the procedure, the qualifications of the surgeons, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the surgery.
General Overview of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size, shape, and fullness of a woman's 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 since 2006. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA.
Women may opt for breast augmentation for various reasons. Some have underdeveloped natural breast tissue, while others have experienced a loss of volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Additionally, some women may have asymmetrical breasts or simply desire a more proportionate figure.
Factors Affecting the Ranking of Breast Augmentation Hospitals
Surgeon Qualifications and Experience
The experience and qualifications of the plastic surgeons are crucial factors in determining the quality of a breast augmentation hospital. Board - certified plastic surgeons have completed rigorous training and passed comprehensive exams in their field. For example, surgeons like Dr. Lucie Capek and Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. Dr. Rockmore has performed more than 4,000 breast procedures, which indicates a high level of expertise.
Hospital Facilities and Technology
State - of - the - art facilities and the use of advanced technology can significantly impact the outcome of a breast augmentation procedure. Hospitals that are equipped with modern operating suites, such as the Quada - accredited office - based operating suite at Capek Surgical Arts, provide a safer and more comfortable environment for patients. Additionally, the use of tools like the harmonic scalpel during surgery, as used by Dr. Capek, can minimize bleeding and muscle twitching.
Patient Reviews and Satisfaction
Patient reviews and satisfaction rates are also important when ranking breast augmentation hospitals. Positive reviews from past patients can provide insights into the quality of care, the surgeon's skills, and the overall patient experience. For instance, patients have reported excellent care, little pain and bruising, and fast recovery after having their breast augmentation surgeries at certain hospitals in Albany.
Range of Services
Hospitals that offer a wide range of services related to breast augmentation are more likely to rank higher. This includes not only the basic breast augmentation procedure but also options such as combining it with a breast lift, using different types of implants (saline or silicone), and providing after - care services. The Albany Med Health System, for example, offers a broad range of cosmetic and reconstructive options, including breast reconstruction, breast lift, and breast reduction.
The Ranking of Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Hospitals in Albany
Top Doctors Performing Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has listed several doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Here is a list of some of the top - rated doctors along with their ratings and locations:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5 stars) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Hospitals Associated with Top - Rated Doctors
These doctors are associated with different hospitals and medical facilities in Albany. While specific hospital rankings are difficult to provide, we can highlight some well - known medical institutions that are likely to be at the top in terms of breast augmentation services.
Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System is a well - respected medical institution in the region. It offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast augmentation. The plastic and reconstructive surgery team at Albany Med consists of physicians who have trained at prestigious centers around the world. They are capable of providing advanced breast reconstruction options, such as DIEP flap reconstruction, which is a complex and specialized procedure. The system also has facilities for treating adults and children and offers long - term solutions for various conditions.
Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Lucie Capek, who practices at Capek Surgical Arts, is a board - certified plastic surgeon highly regarded for her breast augmentation procedures. She offers a variety of options for breast implants, including different sizes, shapes, and materials. Dr. Capek uses advanced techniques, such as the mentor® volume sizing system, to help patients visualize their desired breast size. The Quada - accredited office - based operating suite provides a safe and comfortable environment for the surgeries. Many patients from the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, as well as from other places like New York City, Vermont, and Massachusetts, trust Dr. Capek for their breast augmentation surgeries.
Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham serves patients from Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. He has a high level of experience in breast augmentation, having performed over 4,000 breast procedures. Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He offers a wide range of options for implant selection, including different sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles. His patients have reported satisfaction with the results, and he provides personalized care throughout the process.
Pre - surgery Considerations
Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?
Before deciding to undergo breast augmentation, it is important to assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Some common reasons that make a woman a suitable candidate include underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to the 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). However, it is essential to have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your specific situation and expectations.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right plastic surgeon is a crucial decision. As mentioned earlier, look for board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation. You can also review before - and - after photos of their previous patients to get an idea of the type of results they can achieve. Additionally, it is important to feel comfortable and unrushed during the consultation, and the surgeon should address all your questions and concerns.
Preparing for the Surgery
Before the surgery, you will need to have a consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, review the various options for implants, incision placement, and implant placement. You may also be provided with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as avoiding certain medications, following a healthy diet and exercise routine, and not smoking. For example, smoking can decrease the body's ability to heal normally, so it is recommended to quit smoking before the surgery.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of FDA - approved breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants have a solid silicone rubber shell filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. Silicone implants have a durable silicone shell filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, and the most cohesive ones are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. Research shows that silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural compared to saline implants.
Incision Placement
There are several options for incision placement during breast augmentation:
- Inframammary incision: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. Recent studies suggest that this incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach.
- Periareolar incision: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin.
- Transaxillary incision: Hidden in the armpit.
Implant Placement
There are three main types of implant placement:
- Subglandular: Above the muscle
- Submuscular: Behind the pectoralis muscle. This is usually a good choice for women with little of their own breast tissue as the chest muscle helps cover the implant and reduces the possibility of capsular contracture.
- Biplanar: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. It may be recommended for women with some slight breast sagging to avoid the need for a lift.
The Surgery Itself
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes 1 - 2 hours to complete. The surgeon will make an incision, create a pocket for the implant, and then insert and position the implant. Some surgeons, like Dr. Capek, use an instrument called the harmonic scalpel to create the pocket, which helps minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. After the implant is placed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and glue.
Post - surgery Recovery
Immediate Aftercare
After the surgery, you can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess. You will be able to go home after a brief period of observation. Most patients can shower within 48 hours after the surgery, but they need to be careful not to get the incision site too wet. You will also be advised to wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling.
Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline can vary from person to person, but here is a general overview:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower carefully.
- Days 2 - 3: If you are comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, you may be able to resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but discomfort can usually be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. You will have your first postoperative appointment to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: You should be able to resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving your arms above shoulder height may be eased.
Long - term Considerations
Over the long term, it is important to continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture. Additionally, breast implants may require replacement after about 15 years, and there is a risk of complications such as capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although breast augmentation is a relatively safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are some potential risks and complications.
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to feel hard and potentially change shape. It may require surgical treatment, such as removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Infection: There is a small chance of infection around the implant area. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed for a few months until the infection clears, and then a new implant can be placed.
- Impact on nipple sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the incision area. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
- Implant leak/rupture: If a saline implant breaks, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, which is why regular screenings are recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a variety of excellent options for cosmetic breast augmentation. The ranking of hospitals and doctors in this field is influenced by factors such as surgeon qualifications, hospital facilities, patient reviews, and the range of services offered. Before undergoing breast augmentation, it is crucial to carefully consider whether you are a suitable candidate, choose the right surgeon, and be well - informed about the pre - surgery preparation, the procedure itself, and the post - surgery recovery. While there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, with proper care and a qualified surgeon, most patients can achieve their desired results and experience an improvement in their self - confidence and body image.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top - rated doctors mentioned in this article. Take the time to research and understand all aspects of the procedure to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany.
