The Significance of Breast Augmentation and Hospital Rankings
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic surgery procedure. It allows women to enhance their appearance, boost self - confidence, and correct certain breast - related issues. As per global intelligence platform Statista, the number of cosmetic surgical procedures in the US has grown from 900,000 in 1997 to over 1.87 million in 2022. Breast augmentation specifically has been a popular choice for many women who wish to have larger, fuller, and more proportionate breasts.
When it comes to breast augmentation in Albany, the ranking of hospitals plays a crucial role. It helps patients make informed decisions about where to have their surgery. A well - ranked hospital is more likely to have experienced surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and a good track record of successful surgeries.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to increase breast size and enhance breast shape. This is typically achieved through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants. There are also fat transfer breast augmentation options available, which involve removing fat from other parts of the body and re - injecting it into the breasts to add volume.
Reasons for Choosing Breast Augmentation
- Many women may choose breast augmentation to balance unevenly sized breasts, which can cause self - consciousness in terms of appearance.
- Some women may have lost breast fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. Breast augmentation can help restore that lost volume.
- For women with naturally small breasts, breast augmentation can provide a more proportionate and feminine silhouette, making them feel more confident in swimsuits, lingerie, and other clothing.
- It can also correct tuberous breast deformities, improving the overall shape and appearance of the breasts.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant shell leaks, the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body, and the implant will collapse. They are FDA - approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older. Structured saline breast implants contain an inner structure to make the implant feel more natural.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket, and a leaking silicone - gel implant will not collapse. They are FDA - approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older. Women who choose silicone implants may need regular check - ups via ultrasound or MRI to assess the condition of the implants.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Form - stable implants, also known as gummy bear breast implants, maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. The silicone gel inside is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants, and they are firmer. Shaped gummy bear implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. However, if a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct. Placement of these implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.
Round Breast Implants
Round breast implants tend to make breasts appear fuller. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection. Since they are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.
Smooth vs. Textured Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling and can move with the breast implant pocket, providing more natural movement. However, they may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin. Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside the breast. But it's important to note that breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces.
Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Saline | Leakage is less of a concern as the body absorbs the saline; can be inserted through a smaller incision; FDA - approved for 18+ | May feel less natural than silicone; potential for rippling |
Silicone | Feels more like natural breast tissue; less visible rippling | Requires regular monitoring; if leakage occurs, gel may need to be removed |
Gummy Bear | Maintains shape well; reduces risk of rippling and implant rotation | Requires a longer incision; more expensive |
Round | Creates a fuller look; less rotation concern | May not look as natural in some cases |
Smooth | Soft and natural movement | Visible or palpable rippling |
Textured | Less likely to move and reposition; reduced risk of capsular contracture | Increased risk of BIA - ALCL |
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Board Certification
It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field of plastic surgery, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge and expertise. In Albany, when looking for a surgeon for breast augmentation, patients should ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by recognized organizations.
Experience
An experienced surgeon is more likely to perform a successful breast augmentation. Surgeons who have performed a large number of breast augmentation procedures are familiar with different anatomical variations, implant types, and potential complications. For example, dr. jeffrey rockmore from Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany, has experience performing more than 4,000 breast procedures.
Before - and - After Photos
Browsing through a surgeon's before - and - after photos can give patients an idea of the type of results they can expect. It helps in assessing the surgeon's aesthetic style and their ability to create natural - looking results. Surgeons should be able to provide a portfolio of their previous breast augmentation cases.
Patient Testimonials and Ratings
Patient testimonials and ratings are valuable resources. They can provide insights into the surgeon's bedside manner, communication skills, and the overall patient experience. In Albany, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation, and on platforms like Healthgrades, patients can find ratings for each doctor. For instance, dr. jonathan canete, md has a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars.
The Ranking of Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
According to Healthgrades, in Albany, there are several highly - rated doctors for breast augmentation. Here is a list of some of the top - rated doctors:
Doctor'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 |
America - Wide Ranking of Plastic Surgeons for Breast Augmentation
Newsweek, in partnership with Statista, released the rankings of America's Best Plastic Surgeons in 2024 for breast augmentation. The ranking is based on several factors including the number of recommendations, a quality assessment, and relevant certification.
To compile the ranking, 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.
Here are some of the top - ranked plastic surgeons for breast augmentation in America:
- william p. adams jr., md (university park - texas)
- rod j. rohrich, md (dallas - texas)
- dennis hammond, md (grand rapids - michigan)
- david hidalgo, md, facs (new york - new york)
- adam r. kolker, md, facs (new york - new york)
The Procedure of Breast Augmentation
Consultation
The first step in the breast augmentation process is the consultation. During this meeting, the patient discusses her goals, concerns, and expectations with the surgeon. The surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, review the various implant options available, and discuss the choice of incision and implant placement. The surgeon will also perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history to ensure that breast augmentation is a safe and suitable option.
Incisions
There are several options for breast augmentation incisions:
- Inframammary: A short incision is made in the crease underneath the breast (inframammary fold). This incision provides a wider access point, allowing for precise placement of larger implants and leaves a thin, 1 - 2 inch scar that is easily concealed within the crease.
- Periareolar: The incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. Cosmetic surgeons often use this incision type when also performing a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time, as the scar is located within the natural transition in pigmentation.
- Transaxillary: A small incision is made within the armpit. The breast implant is placed using a specialized camera and instruments to ensure optimal placement. This results in a small scar within the armpit and no scar on the breast itself.
- Transumbilical: An incision is made just above the belly button. Each breast implant is inserted through this incision and then brought up to the breast. This technique has the advantage of a single scar with no scarring on the breast itself.
Implant Placement
There are two main areas where the implant can be placed:
- Submuscular placement: The implant is placed beneath the muscle of the chest wall. This is usually a good choice for women with little of their own breast tissue as the chest muscle helps cover the implant, reduces the possibility of capsular contracture, and interferes less with mammograms compared to subglandular placement.
- Subglandular placement: The implant is placed directly behind the tissue of the breast.
The Surgery Itself
Most breast augmentation surgeries are performed at an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. After the surgery, the patient can usually go home the same day, but will need an adult to drive her and care for her for the first 24 hours.
Recovery Process after Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - Surgery
Right after the surgery, patients may feel tired and sore. The plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication to control the discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in the nipples. This discomfort is normal and usually subsides within a day or two as the bruising lessens and healing begins.
First Week
Most patients are able to return to work within a week. Gauze dressings, if used, are removed after a few days and replaced by a surgical bra. The stitches are typically taken out during this time.
Weeks 2 - 5
During this period, the breasts are sensitive to physical contact. Swelling, tightness, and soreness may peak around days 3 - 5 but can be managed with over - the - counter medicine. Strenuous exercise should be limited for about 2 - 4 weeks.
Next Several Months
The scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften over a period of several months. The implants will also settle into their final positions. If the implants are placed partially beneath the pectoral muscle, they may initially sit high on the chest, but this normalizes over time as the muscles and tissues adjust.
Potential Complications of Breast Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
This condition involves the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, making the breast feel hard. Treatment options include removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
Infection
There is a small chance of infection around the area of the implant. In rare cases, the implant might have to be removed for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
Impact to Nipple Sensation
Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, a 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 leaks, the saltwater will be absorbed by the body over a short period. For gel - filled implants, there may not be any noticeable change if the scar capsule surrounding the implant does not break. In most cases,