Introduction
Silicone breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure for many women in Albany. It offers the opportunity to enhance one's appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve a more proportionate figure. With the growing demand for this procedure, it's crucial to know which hospitals and doctors in Albany have a good reputation for performing silicone breast augmentations. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at the top hospitals and doctors, the procedure itself, its safety, cost, and much more.
Best Doctors for Silicone Breast Augmentation in Albany
Top - Rated Doctors
According to Healthgrades, there are several highly - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Here is a list of some of the top ones:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 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 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
These doctors have a significant number of past patient ratings, which indicates their experience and the trust patients have in them. A high rating often reflects the quality of service, the surgical skills, and the post - operative care provided by the doctor.
Doctors Specializing in Related Complications
Complications can sometimes arise after breast augmentation, such as capsular contracture. Healthgrades also lists doctors who treat capsular contracture of breast implants in Albany:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lynn Choi, MD | 5.00 | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Casian Monaco, MD | 5.00 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Malcolm Roth, MD | 4.50 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Having access to doctors who can handle potential complications is an important factor when choosing a hospital or doctor for silicone breast augmentation. These specialists can provide the necessary treatment and follow - up care if any issues occur.
Silicone Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - Procedure Consultation
Before undergoing silicone breast augmentation, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek, a well - known plastic surgeon in Albany, uses tools like breast implant sizers or the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. The doctor will also analyze the patient's current breast shape, position, and take measurements. Based on these and the patient's post - operative goals, the surgeon will recommend a range of implant sizes and profiles.
During the consultation, the doctor will also discuss the patient's medical history, including any pre - existing conditions like high blood pressure. It's important for patients to be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle, and avoid smoking as it can decrease the body's ability to heal normally.
Types of Breast Implants
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. There are two main types of filling materials:
- Saline implants: These are filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants and are FDA - approved for women older than 18. However, they may not feel as natural as silicone implants in some cases.
- Silicone implants: Filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are FDA - approved for women older than 22. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural compared to saline implants, but a rupture may be silent, and the FDA recommends periodic MRIs or ultrasounds for women with silicone implants to screen for silent rupture.
The Surgical Procedure
Silicone breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek, for instance, makes a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold incision) or around the areola. The inframammary fold incision is often recommended as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture.
The surgeon then creates a pocket for the implant using an instrument like the harmonic scalpel, which helps minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The implant can be placed in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess. Since it's an outpatient procedure, they can return home after a brief period of observation. Most patients can shower within 48 hours, but they need to be careful not to get the incision site too wet. A sports bra or a post - operative bra is worn around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks to support the implants and help with healing.
Recovery Timeline
The initial recovery timeline has several milestones:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower carefully or have a sponge bath.
- Days 2 & 3: If comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, patients can resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness usually peak during this period, but discomfort can be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. The first postoperative appointment is scheduled at this time to ensure proper healing.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Patients can resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased.
Additional follow - up visits are scheduled at 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure. Over the long term, patients with silicone implants should have periodic MRIs or ultrasounds, and continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician.
Safety and Risks
Short - Term Risks
Even with the care of professional surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. The most common early risks of breast augmentation include:
- Bleeding: This can occur during or after the surgery. Surgeons take precautions to minimize bleeding, but in some cases, it may require additional treatment.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to prevent this, and proper wound care is crucial.
- Anesthesia risks: Reactions to anesthesia can range from mild to severe. An anesthesiologist monitors the patient during the procedure to ensure safety.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in the sensation of their nipples or breasts.
Long - Term Risks
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues:
- Capsular contracture: This is the most common long - term complication. It occurs when abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to become firmer and potentially change shape. In severe cases, it may require additional surgery.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low. This can sometimes be corrected without additional major surgery, but in some cases, a revision surgery may be necessary.
- Implant rupture: Saline implants will deflate if they rupture, and the saltwater is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. Silicone implants, on the other hand, may have a silent rupture, which is why regular screening is recommended.
Cost of Silicone Breast Augmentation
The cost of silicone breast augmentation varies for each patient as the procedure is highly individualized. Factors that influence the cost include the type of implants, the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees. Dr. Lucie Capek, for example, will give an estimated cost during the consultation. Some clinics may also offer financing plans to help patients cover the cost of the procedure.
Conclusion
Silicone breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. With a wide range of highly - rated doctors available, patients have the opportunity to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon. Understanding the procedure, the recovery process, the safety risks, and the cost is crucial before making a decision. It's important to have realistic expectations and to have in - depth consultations with potential surgeons.
If you're considering silicone breast augmentation in Albany, take the time to research the doctors on the reputation list, schedule consultations, and ask all the necessary questions. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about silicone breast augmentation in Albany. And don't hesitate to explore related topics such as breast lift procedures or the latest advancements in breast implant technology.
