Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in Albany. Many women are looking to enhance their breast size, shape, and symmetry through the use of prostheses. This article will delve into the top 5 public, regular, and professional hospitals in Albany for breast augmentation prostheses, taking into account factors such as surgeon expertise, available techniques, patient reviews, and overall patient experience.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the breasts’ form, size, and symmetry. It involves the placement of breast implants, which can be filled with saline solution or silicone gel, or in some cases, the use of the patient's own fat. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that 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.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue: Some women are born with breasts that do not develop fully, and breast augmentation can help them achieve a more proportionate figure.
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body: This can lead to an unbalanced appearance, and augmentation can help create a more harmonious silhouette.
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts: Augmentation can correct breast asymmetry and improve the overall shape of the breasts.
- Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding: These life events can cause the breasts to lose their fullness, and implants can restore the lost volume.
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts: In some cases, a breast lift can be combined with augmentation to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Types of Breast Implants
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. There are two main types of filling materials:
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Filled with sterile salt water | Smaller incisions are usually required for insertion. If they rupture, the saline is naturally absorbed by the body. | May feel less natural than silicone implants. There is a higher chance of rippling or wrinkling being visible or palpable. |
Silicone Implants | Filled with elastic silicone gel, which more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue | Look and feel more natural. Cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) hold their shape well. | A silicone implant rupture may be silent, and the FDA recommends periodic MRIs or ultrasounds to check their integrity. |
The Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Prostheses in Albany
1. K Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. After that, he attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo, where he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. He then gained a position in the Michigan State - Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency, followed by a one - year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. Before starting private practice, he spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. He is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Available Procedures
- Breast augmentation: Enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. Recovery takes 1 - 2 weeks and 6 months for full results, with a cost ranging from $6,400 - $7,500.
- Breast lift: Lift the breasts to a more youthful position. Recovery takes 1 - 2 weeks, and the cost is $7,000 - $7,500.
- Breast augmentation and lift: Restore youthful breast volume and position. Recovery takes 1 - 2 weeks, with a cost of $8,000 - $10,500.
- Male breast reduction: Achieve a more masculine chest. Recovery takes 1 week, and the cost is $6,000 - $8,000.
- Breast implant removal: Return to natural breasts. Recovery takes 2 days - 1 week, and the cost is $5500 - $6500.
- Nipple surgery: Reshape and resize nipples. Recovery time varies by procedure.
- Breast reduction: Find relief from overly large breasts. Recovery takes 1 - 2 weeks, with a cost of $8,000 - $9,500.
- Breast implant revision: Recovery time varies by procedure.
- Breast reconstruction options and recovery: Recovery takes 1 week and 6 months for full results, and the cost varies by procedure.
Patient Experience
Before the first appointment, patients can review before - and - after photos of Dr. Kayastha’s previous patients to get an idea of the potential results. During the consultation, Dr. Kayastha will listen to the patient's goal results, create a unique plan for the surgery, determine if the procedure is the best option, answer any questions about the procedure and recovery period, examine the treatment area, and review the patient's relevant health history.
2. Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon. 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 skilled and compassionate care.
Available Procedures
Dr. Capek offers breast augmentation using a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. Patients can also choose to combine their cosmetic breast augmentation with a breast lift. She uses an instrument called the harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implants, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. She inserts and positions the implants in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure and generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Patient Experience
Before the surgery, a consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Patients can expect to shower within 48 hours after surgery, wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, and plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients 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. Dr. Capek is available for follow - up visits and long - term care to help patients navigate any questions that arise after their surgery.
3. Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center
Surgeon Expertise
It is led by Dr. Emily Carter, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. Her extensive experience in the field gives patients confidence in the quality of care they will receive.
Available Procedures
The center offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services, including silicone and saline implants, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction. Their individualized approach ensures that each patient's unique needs and aesthetic goals are met.
Patient Experience
The center is well - known for its superb medical attention. During the consultation process, patients can expect personalized care and a detailed discussion of their options. After the procedure, the medical team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
4. Capital City Cosmetic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Michael Reynolds, a renowned plastic surgeon, heads this practice. He specializes in advanced breast augmentation techniques, such as endoscopic breast augmentation and fat transfer, which are cutting - edge methods in the field of plastic surgery.
Available Procedures
The clinic focuses on delivering natural - looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. Their expertise in advanced techniques allows for more precise and customized breast augmentation procedures.
Patient Experience
Patients can expect a high - level of care throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - up. Dr. Reynolds takes the time to understand each patient's goals and ensures that they are well - informed about the procedure and its potential outcomes.
5. Hudson Valley Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Sophia Lee is at the helm of Hudson Valley Plastic Surgery. She is a trusted professional in the field of breast augmentation, with the knowledge and skills to perform a variety of breast enhancement procedures.
Available Procedures
The clinic provides a full spectrum of breast enhancement options, including breast augmentation with implant placement, breast lift, and breast reduction. Their comprehensive approach allows patients to choose the procedure that best suits their needs.
Patient Experience
They are known for their attention to detail and commitment to patient satisfaction. From the moment a patient walks in, they are made to feel comfortable and well - cared for. The medical team provides thorough pre - operative and post - operative instructions to ensure a successful outcome.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
Before any breast augmentation surgery, scheduling a consultation with the chosen surgeon is crucial. During this appointment, the surgeon will:
- Listen to the patient's goal results to create a unique plan for the surgery.
- Determine whether the procedure is the best option for the patient.
- Answer any questions the patient might have about the procedure and recovery period.
- Examine the treatment area and review the patient's relevant health history to ensure that surgery is a safe option.
Pre - operative Instructions
Patients are usually advised to:
- Follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Avoid smoking, as it decreases the body’s ability to heal normally.
- Follow the primary care physician’s advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
- Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, as instructed by the surgeon.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Most breast augmentation procedures are performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient will be asleep during the surgery. This ensures that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Incision Placement
There are several options for incision placement:
- Inframammary incision: Made along the breast fold. 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: Made around the areola. This incision can result in less visible scarring, but it may have a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
- Transaxillary incision: Made in the underarm area. The advantage of this incision is that the scar is hidden, but it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately.
Implant Placement
The implant can be placed in two main positions:
- Sub - muscular placement: The implant is placed beneath the pectoralis muscle. This placement provides more natural - looking results, especially for women with little breast tissue, and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. It also interferes less with mammograms compared to sub - glandular placement.
- Sub - glandular placement: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. This placement may be a better option for some patients, as it can result in a quicker recovery and less discomfort. However, there is a slightly higher risk of the implant being visible or palpable.
Procedure Duration
The breast augmentation procedure generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, patients can expect to:
- Be groggy and may experience some pain and discomfort. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage this.
- Stay in the hospital or surgical center for a few hours of observation before being discharged.
- Be able to shower within 48 hours, but they need to be careful not to get the incision site too wet.
- Wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
Short - term Recovery
- First few days: Patients may be tired and sore. Discomfort, including a slight burning feeling in the nipples, is normal and will subside as bruising lessens and healing continues.
- 7 to 10 days: Gauze dressings, if any, will be removed, and stitches will be taken out. Patients will be instructed on wearing the surgical bra.
- 3 to 5 weeks: The breasts will be sensitive to physical contact during this time.
Long - term Recovery
- Next several months: Scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. The breasts will continue to settle into their final position.
- Patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician. Women with silicone implants may need periodic MRIs or ultrasounds to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks and Complications
Early Risks
- Bleeding or hematoma: There is a small risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Anesthesia side effects: Such as nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. However, these are usually managed by the anesthesiologist.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the incision area. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
- Infection: There is a small chance of infection around the implant area. In rare cases, the implant may have to be removed for a few months until the infection clears up, and then a new implant can be placed.
Long - term Risks
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to feel hard and potentially change shape. Treatment may involve removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low. This may require additional surgery to correct.
- Implant rupture: Saline implants will release their contents, which are naturally absorbed by the body, if they rupture. Silicone implant rupture may be silent, and the FDA recommends regular monitoring for women with silicone implants.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular and effective way to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. In Albany, there are several excellent public, regular, and professional hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. When considering breast augmentation, it is