Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of a woman's breasts. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. In this article, we will explore the top five selected hospitals for breast augmentation surgery in Albany, providing you with detailed information about each one, including the doctors, procedures, costs, and recovery times.

Overview of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, involves the placement of breast implants to achieve the desired cosmetic result. 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 and has been consistently in the top 5 since 2006. Nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA in 2022.

Women may choose breast augmentation for various reasons, such as having underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, or deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The recommended choice of implant type, size, and shape is determined based on a patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results.

Types of Breast Implants

All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell that is either filled with saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel (which more closely mimics the feel of tissue).

The Top Five Selected Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Albany

1. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore performs breast augmentation at his practice in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York. He has over 4,000 breast procedure experiences and uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts.

Doctors: Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, a board - certified plastic surgeon.

Procedures:

• Breast implant selection is carefully customized to match the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts, preventing excess space between the breasts.
• Common incision locations include inframammary (a thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast), periareolar (along the lower border of the areola), and transaxillary (hidden in the armpit).
• Implant placement options are subglandular (above the muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), and biplanar (a combination of each). Most women are recommended a submuscular pocket for a natural slope and additional implant coverage.
• Dr. Rockmore also often uses fat grafts to restore breast volume, either in conjunction with a breast lift or implants or alone.

Cost: The cost of breast augmentation at his practice varies with the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors. Patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation.

Recovery:

• Most patients can shower the day after surgery if careful not to wet the incision site.
• Can resume driving within 72 hours if comfortable and not taking prescription medication.
• Swelling, tightness, and soreness peak between days 3 - 5, but discomfort can be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
• Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities by day 7. They have their first postoperative appointment a week after surgery.
• Patients can resume most strenuous activities between weeks 2 - 4, and restrictions on lifting and arm movement may be eased.
• Additional follow - up visits are scheduled for 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure.

2. Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa - Latham

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 28 years of experience. Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust her to perform their breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her care.

Doctors: Dr. Lucie Capek, a board - certified plastic surgeon with 2 board certifications.

Procedures:

• Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers during the consultation to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type.
• The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in her quada - accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room.
• She makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. The inframammary fold incision is the most commonly recommended approach as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
• She creates the pocket for implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. Implants are placed in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position depending on the patient's shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.
• She does not typically use drains in first - time breast augmentation patients and closes incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue.

Cost: Information about the cost is not specifically provided in the references, but patients can schedule a consultation to get more details.

Recovery:

• Patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks.
• Patients should rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Those with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
• It is important to follow Dr. Capek’s aftercare instructions, and follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process.
• Patients with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to screen for silent implant rupture, and continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their PCP.

3. The Plastic Surgery Group

This group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, & Troy. They have a team of experienced plastic surgeons who perform breast augmentation surgeries.

Doctors: The practice has multiple plastic surgeons, but the references do not specifically name them all.

Procedures:

• Patients can choose from a variety of types of breast implants, and surgeons will discuss options for incision and implant placement.
• Incision placement options include along the breast fold (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), and around the areola (periareolar incision). The surgeon will recommend the best one based on the patient's unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to keep scars discreet.
• Implant placement can be beneath the muscle of the chest wall (submuscular placement) or directly behind the tissue of the breast (subglandular placement). Submuscular placement is usually a good choice for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant and reduces the possibility of capsular contracture and interference with mammograms compared to subglandular placement.
• The surgeons typically perform breast augmentation surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist, and the procedure takes approximately 1 hour.

Cost: The cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000, but the actual amount depends on many factors including the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it will be combined with other procedures. The practice offers patient financing to help most patients afford the procedure.

Recovery:

• Most patients are able to return to work within a week of surgery.
• In the first few days, patients may be tired and sore, and the surgeon will prescribe pain medication. The discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in the nipples, will subside as bruising lessens and healing continues.
• After 7 to 10 days, gauze dressings are removed and replaced by a surgical bra, and stitches are taken out.
• For 3 to 5 weeks, the breasts will be sensitive to physical contact.
• Over the next several months, scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften.

4. K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon, serves Albany, NY and the entire capital region. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.

Doctors: Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience.

Procedures:

• Dr. Kayastha offers breast augmentation to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. He can also handle complications from previous procedures, such as breast implant leaks or capsular contracture.
• Before the surgery, patients can review before - and - after photos of his previous patients to get an idea of the results.
• During the consultation, he will listen to the patient's goal results, create a unique plan for the surgery, determine if the procedure is the best option, and examine the treatment area and review the patient's relevant health history to ensure surgery is safe.

Cost: The cost of breast augmentation at K Plastic Surgery is $6,400 - $7,500, and recovery takes 1 - 2 weeks with 6 months for full results.

Recovery: Recovery time is about 1 - 2 weeks, and patients need to follow the doctor's after - care instructions. Full results are visible after 6 months.

5. Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center

Led by Dr. Emily Carter, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, this center offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services.

Doctors: Dr. Emily Carter, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience.

Procedures:

• They offer services including silicone and saline implants, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction.
• The center is well - known for its individualized approach and superb medical attention. They will customize the breast augmentation procedure according to each patient's unique needs and desires.

Cost: Cost information is not provided in the references. Patients should schedule a consultation to get a personalized quote.

Recovery: Similar to other practices, patients will need to follow the post - operative instructions provided by the doctor, including wound care, wearing a support bra, and attending follow - up appointments. The exact recovery timeline may vary depending on the individual patient and the specific details of the procedure.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor for Breast Augmentation

When choosing a hospital and doctor for breast augmentation surgery in Albany, there are several factors to consider:

1. Credentials: Look for board - certified plastic surgeons. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field of plastic surgery, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. For example, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, and Dr. Emily Carter are all board - certified plastic surgeons.
2. Experience: Check the doctor's years of experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. More experienced doctors are likely to have better results and handle complications more effectively. For instance, Dr. Capek has 28 years of experience, and Dr. Kayastha has 20 years of experience.
3. Patient Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of the doctor's reputation, the quality of care, and patient satisfaction. Websites like RealSelf can provide real - life stories and feedback from patients.
4. Before - and - After Photos: Review the doctor's before - and - after photos to see the type of results they can achieve. This can help you determine if their aesthetic style aligns with your desired outcome.
5. Comfort Level: During the consultation, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the doctor and their staff. They should be able to address all of your questions and concerns completely, and make you feel at ease.
6. Cost and Financing: While cost should not be the only factor, it is still an important consideration. Compare the costs of different hospitals and doctors, and check if they offer financing options to help you afford the procedure.

Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks and potential complications:

• Capsular Contracture: This is the most common long - term complication. It involves the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Treatment may involve 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 may 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 area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant Leak/Rupture: If a saline breast implant breaks, the implant releases a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, so the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic ultrasounds to check their integrity. In most cases, implant leak or rupture is corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.
• Implant Malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women, enhancing their body image and self - confidence. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. Rockmore Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa - Latham, The Plastic Surgery Group, K Plastic Surgery, and Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center are among the leading providers in the area. Each of these facilities has experienced and qualified doctors, a variety of procedures to choose from, and they can provide personalized care to meet the unique needs of each patient.

However, it is crucial to do thorough research, consider all the factors when choosing a hospital and doctor, and have realistic expectations about the results and recovery process. Remember to also discuss the potential risks and complications with your doctor and follow their pre - and post - operative instructions carefully.