Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses has gained significant popularity over the years, and in Albany, there are several public, formal, and professional hospitals that stand out in providing excellent services in this field. 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, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in the USA in 2022. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals in Albany for implant - type breast augmentation with prostheses, taking into account factors such as doctor expertise, patient reviews, available services, and safety measures.
Why Choose Implant - Type Breast Augmentation?
There are numerous reasons why women opt for implant - type breast augmentation. It can enhance body confidence, address physical concerns such as underdeveloped breasts, and restore volume lost due to factors like pregnancy or weight loss. Here are some common reasons:
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue: Women with underdeveloped breasts may choose breast augmentation to achieve a more proportionate figure.
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body: This can lead to an unbalanced appearance, and breast implants can help create a more harmonious silhouette.
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts: Implants can help correct breast asymmetry and improve the overall shape.
- Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnancy and weight loss can cause breasts to lose their fullness, and implants can restore the lost volume.
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts: In some cases, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift to address these issues.
Types of Breast Implants
Before delving into the top hospitals, it's essential to understand the different types of breast implants available:
| Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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| Saline Implants | These implants have a silicone rubber shell filled with sterile salt water. They are FDA - approved for women over 18 years old. |
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| Silicone Implants | They have a silicone rubber shell filled with elastic silicone gel. They are FDA - approved for women over 22 years old. |
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| Form - Stable Silicone ("Gummy Bear") Implants | These are a type of silicone implant with a more solid consistency. They retain their shape better. |
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The Top 5 Hospitals for Implant - Type Breast Augmentation in Albany
1. Practice of Dr. Lucie Capek
Dr. Lucie Capek is a well - respected board - certified plastic surgeon in Albany. Her patients come from not only the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga but also from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond.
- Expertise: Dr. Capek has extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures. She offers a wide range of options, including choosing from various breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. She can also help patients decide whether to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift.
- Pre - operative Process: Before the surgery, she conducts a detailed consultation using the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. She emphasizes the importance of patients being informed participants in the planning process and ensures they are in optimum health by providing advice on lifestyle, diet, and avoiding smoking.
- Procedure: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. She commonly uses the inframammary fold incision, which has a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture. She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, minimizing bleeding and muscle twitching. The implants are placed either sub - muscular or sub - glandular depending on the patient's anatomy.
- Post - operative Care: Patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains. She schedules follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process and advises patients on long - term care, such as regular mammograms and breast exams. For patients with silicone implants, she recommends periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.
2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York, is highly regarded for breast augmentation procedures.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Dr. Rockmore takes the time to understand each patient's motivations and desires for breast augmentation. He performs a thorough physical examination and discusses the patient's health history to ensure the procedure is safe and effective.
- Customization: He uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. There are a wide variety of implants available, and he helps patients choose the right implant size, shape, material, and profile based on their chest width and desired results. For example, he offers a different approach to implant selection compared to many doctors who focus solely on implant volume.
- Multiple Options: Dr. Rockmore can combine breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift or include it in a comprehensive mommy makeover. He also uses fat grafts in some cases to restore breast volume.
- Recovery and Follow - up: The initial recovery timeline is well - defined. Patients can expect to resume light activities within a week and most strenuous activities within 2 - 4 weeks. He provides a comfortable surgical bra and schedules follow - up visits at 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure, adjusting the timeline for patients traveling from a distance.
3. The Plastic Surgery Group
This group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. They offer comprehensive breast augmentation services.
- Implant Selection: Their plastic surgeons work closely with patients to find the ideal breast implants based on body type and aesthetic goals. They explain the characteristics of different types of implants, including shape, size, profile, and texture. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system during consultations to help patients experience different breast sizes.
- Surgical Procedure: Breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations (under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit) based on the patient's anatomy and implant type. The implant pocket is created either subglandular or submuscular.
- Cost and Financing: The cost of breast implants depends on various factors, and they offer patient financing to help most patients afford the procedure. They emphasize that considering the surgeon's credentials is crucial for the best surgical outcome.
- Recovery and Support: They provide detailed instructions for recovery, including pain management and activity restrictions. Patients are advised to wear a surgical bra for support, and most can resume light activities and work within a week or two, while heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.
4. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience in multiple areas of plastic surgery.
- Range of Services: In addition to breast augmentation, the clinic offers breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, and other breast - related procedures. They can also address complications from previous breast procedures, such as implant leaks or capsular contracture.
- Personalized Consultation: Before the breast surgery, Dr. Kayastha conducts a detailed consultation to understand the patient's goal results. He creates a unique surgical plan and determines if the procedure is the best option for the patient. He also reviews the patient's health history to ensure the surgery is safe.
- Cost Information: They provide clear cost information for different breast procedures. For example, breast augmentation costs between $6,400 - $7,500, and recovery times are also provided, helping patients plan their procedures and recovery periods.
5. Deluca Plastic Surgery
At Deluca Plastic Surgery, they offer advanced techniques and personalized care for breast augmentation procedures.
- Advanced Planning: The breast implant surgery planning begins with a detailed discussion of the patient's goals and an analysis of their current breast shape. They use the scientifically - designed Mentor breast implant sizing system and 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and advanced AI algorithms to help patients visualize their results.
- Minimal Scarring: Surgeons such as Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan carefully place the incisions (usually in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple) to minimize visible scarring. They use a minimal - touch technique during implant insertion to avoid contamination.
- Post - operative Support: They provide a post - operative bra and a superior strap to support the implants during the healing process. They schedule follow - up visits to ensure proper healing and no complications. They also offer financing plans to help patients fund their procedures.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
When deciding on a hospital for implant - type breast augmentation, the following factors should be considered:
- Doctor's Credentials: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams and has the necessary knowledge and skills.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences, including the quality of care, results, and post - operative support.
- Available Services: Look for a hospital that offers a wide range of services, such as different types of implants, combination procedures, and post - operative care options.
- Safety Measures: The hospital should follow strict safety protocols during the surgical procedure and provide proper pre - and post - operative care to minimize the risk of complications.
- Cost and Financing: Consider the cost of the procedure and whether the hospital offers financing options to make it more affordable.
The Risks and Complications of Implant - Type Breast Augmentation
Although breast augmentation is a popular procedure, it is not without risks. Here are some common risks and complications:
- Early Risks: These include bleeding, hematoma, anesthesia side effects (such as nausea), and changes in nipple or breast sensation. However, with proper pre - and post - operative care from experienced surgeons, these risks can be minimized and treated if they occur.
- Long - Term Risks:
- Capsular contracture: This is the most common long - term complication, where abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to feel firm and potentially change shape. It may require a second surgery to treat.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.
- Implant rupture: Saline implants will release their contents (saltwater) if they rupture, which is naturally absorbed by the body. Silicone implants may have a silent rupture, and the FDA recommends periodic ultrasounds or MRIs for women with silicone implants to detect this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers several top - notch hospitals for implant - type breast augmentation with prostheses. These hospitals provide professional, safe, and personalized services to help women achieve their desired breast aesthetics. Each of the top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article has its own strengths, whether it's the expertise of the doctors, the range of available services, or the advanced techniques used. However, it's important for patients to carefully consider their options, taking into account factors such as doctor credentials, patient reviews, and the associated risks. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience.
If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for consultations. You can learn more about the procedures, ask questions, and make a choice that is right for you. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation information, and explore related topics to further educate yourself on the process.
