Introduction
Silicone breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer this service. This article will introduce the top 5 selected hospitals for silicone breast augmentation surgery in Albany, considering factors such as doctor expertise, patient reviews, available techniques, and implant options.
What is Silicone Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Silicone breast augmentation is a surgical procedure where silicone gel-filled implants are placed either beneath the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle to increase breast size. The silicone gel in these implants closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, providing a more natural look and touch compared to other types of implants.
Before undergoing the surgery, patients need to have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, factors like the patient's overall health, breast anatomy, desired outcome, and the most suitable implant type, size, and placement will be discussed. The surgery usually takes about an hour to perform under general anesthesia, and patients can typically go home on the same day. However, a certain recovery period is required to ensure proper healing and achieve the best results.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Silicone Breast Augmentation
- Doctor Qualifications: Look for board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. A surgeon's expertise can greatly affect the outcome of the procedure and the patient's safety.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences, including the quality of care, satisfaction with the results, and the post - operative follow - up.
- Available Techniques: Advanced surgical techniques can lead to better results and fewer complications. Hospitals that offer a variety of techniques, such as sub - muscular or sub - glandular implant placement, can better meet the individual needs of patients.
- Implant Options: Different patients have different preferences for implant size, shape, and texture. A hospital that offers a wide range of silicone implant options allows patients to choose the ones that best suit their aesthetic goals.
- Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or clinic is properly accredited. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety and quality.
The Top 5 Selected Hospitals for Silicone Breast Augmentation Surgery in Albany
1. [Hospital Name 1] - Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon who brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to breast augmentation procedures. He offers a comprehensive range of options, including breast implant - based augmentation and fat transfer techniques.
Doctor Expertise
Dr. Kaufman is highly proficient in using the latest 5th - generation silicone implants. These implants have improved their ability to maintain their shape while providing a soft - to - touch and more natural feel. He exclusively uses implants made in the United States, ensuring high - quality materials.
Patient Reviews
Many patients praise Dr. Kaufman for his personalized approach. He takes the time to understand each patient's goals and provides detailed explanations of the procedure, implant options, and expected outcomes. Patients also report high satisfaction with the results and the post - operative care they receive.
Available Techniques
He offers both breast implant augmentation surgery and fat transfer breast augmentation. For implant placement, he has experience in placing implants above the chest muscle (pectoralis), which can avoid deformity from movement, maintain upper body strength, and significantly decrease postoperative pain.
Implant Options
Dr. Kaufman provides a variety of implant choices in terms of materials, shapes, textures, and profiles. He uses only smooth breast implants, as textured implants have been associated with rare adverse outcomes. Patients can select from different profile types, including low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra - high projections, based on their body type and desired look.
2. [Hospital Name 2] - The Plastic Surgery Group
This group of plastic surgeons serves the Albany area, including Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. They offer a range of breast augmentation options to help patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals.
Doctor Qualifications
The surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group are board - certified in plastic surgery. They have extensive experience in breast - related procedures and are committed to providing high - quality care.
Patient Feedback
Patients appreciate the comprehensive consultation process, where the surgeons explain the procedure in detail and address all their concerns. The group also offers patient financing options, making the procedure more accessible to many patients.
Surgical Techniques
They perform breast augmentation surgeries at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The surgeons are well - versed in different incision and implant placement techniques, such as inframammary, transaxillary, and periareolar incisions, as well as submuscular and subglandular implant placements.
Implant Selection
Patients can choose from a variety of breast implant types, including silicone and saline. The surgeons help patients select the most suitable implant based on their unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to ensure natural - looking results and minimize scarring.
3. [Hospital Name 3] - Williams Center
The Williams Center in Latham, New York, offers breast augmentation procedures to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. Dr. Alfredo Lloreda, an experienced surgeon at the center, has a wealth of knowledge in breast - related procedures.
Doctor's Skills
Dr. Lloreda has performed many breast - related procedures and is able to walk each patient through every aspect of the breast augmentation procedure. He helps patients make informed choices regarding implant type, size, incision location, and other important factors.
Patient Experiences
Patients have reported positive experiences, citing the center's professional and personable staff. They also appreciate the ability to achieve their cosmetic goals with the help of patient financing solutions.
Procedures Offered
The center offers various implant options, including silicone gel implants, saline implants, and fat transfer breast augmentation. Dr. Lloreda prefers to place the implants under the muscle, as it gives the augmented breast a more natural appearance and feel and is less likely to interfere with mammograms.
Implant Variety
Silicone gel implants are a popular choice at the center due to their natural look and feel and reduced likelihood of rippling. Saline implants are also available, which are relatively safer in the event of a leak and easier to replace. Fat transfer is an option for patients looking for a small increase in breast size.
4. [Hospital Name 4] - Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham serves the Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy areas. He is known for his 3 - dimensional approach to breast augmentation, which achieves consistently beautiful and natural - looking results.
Surgeon's Proficiency
Dr. Rockmore has over 4,000 breast procedures under his belt. His experience allows him to customize each breast augmentation procedure according to the patient's unique needs.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients are satisfied with the natural - looking results they achieve at the center. Dr. Rockmore takes the time to understand each patient's motivations and creates a personalized treatment plan to meet their desires.
Technique Highlights
He uses a variety of incision locations, including inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary incisions, and different implant placement options, such as subglandular, submuscular, and biplanar pockets. This flexibility allows him to address different patient anatomies and aesthetic goals.
Implant Customization
Patients can choose from different implant sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles. Dr. Rockmore offers a different approach to implant selection, matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts for more natural - looking results.
5. [Hospital Name 5] - Dr. Lucie Capek's Practice
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon whom patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust to perform their breast augmentation surgeries. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her care.
Doctor's Expertise
Dr. Capek is an expert in breast augmentation and can help patients choose from a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, or even use their own fat for augmentation. She can also combine breast augmentation with a breast lift for patients with sagging breasts.
Patient Trust
Patients trust Dr. Capek for her skilled and compassionate care. Her use of the latest technology, such as the harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, helps minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery.
Surgical Approach
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola, with the inframammary fold incision being the most commonly recommended due to its lower risk of complications.
Implant Considerations
All FDA - approved breast implants are available at her practice, including saline and silicone implants. She will discuss the options with patients during the consultation to help them make the best decision based on their unique characteristics and desired results.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
Hospital | Doctor Expertise | Patient Reviews | Available Techniques | Implant Options |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice | Double - board - certified, proficient in 5th - generation silicone implants and fat transfer techniques | High satisfaction, personalized approach | Implant above chest muscle, implant augmentation and fat transfer | Variety of materials, shapes, textures, and profiles, only smooth implants |
The Plastic Surgery Group | Board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive breast - related experience | Comprehensive consultation, financing options | Multiple incision and implant placement techniques | Silicone and saline implants |
Williams Center | Experienced in breast - related procedures, helps patients make informed choices | Professional and personable staff, financing available | Implant under muscle, various implant options including fat transfer | Silicone gel, saline, and fat transfer |
Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Over 4,000 breast procedures, 3 - dimensional approach | Natural - looking results, personalized treatment | Multiple incision and pocket placement options | Diverse implant sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles |
Dr. Lucie Capek's Practice | Board - certified, expert in breast augmentation and lift combinations | Skilled and compassionate care, use of latest technology | Small incisions, harmonic scalpel use | FDA - approved saline and silicone implants |
Pre - operative Considerations for Silicone Breast Augmentation
Health Assessment
Before undergoing silicone breast augmentation surgery, patients need to have a thorough health assessment. This includes a physical examination, medical history review, and possibly some laboratory tests. Patients should inform their surgeons about any pre - existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, as well as any medications they are taking, including over - the - counter drugs and supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients are usually advised to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. For example, they should stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to the procedure, as smoking can affect blood circulation and slow down the healing process. They may also need to adjust their diet and exercise routine to ensure they are in good physical condition.
Understanding the Procedure
It is essential for patients to have a clear understanding of the silicone breast augmentation procedure. This includes knowing the possible risks and complications, the expected recovery time, and the long - term implications. Patients should ask their surgeons any questions they have during the consultation to make an informed decision.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
Initial Recovery
After the surgery, patients will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They will be required to wear a supportive surgical bra and may need to take pain medications as prescribed by the surgeon. Most patients can shower within 48 hours after the surgery but need to be careful not to get the incision site wet. They should also rest quietly for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Return to Normal Activities
Patients with sedentary jobs may be able to return to work within a week, but strenuous or high - impact activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Light exercise can usually resume in 1 - 2 weeks, and strenuous exercise can resume in 3 weeks.
Long - term Follow - up
Patients need to attend follow - up appointments with their surgeons to monitor their recovery progress. If they have silicone implants, periodic MRIs or ultrasounds may be recommended to screen for silent implant rupture. Regular mammograms and breast exams should also be continued as part of breast health maintenance.
Potential Risks and Complications of Silicone Breast Augmentation
Although silicone breast augmentation is a relatively common and safe procedure, there are still some potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and contracts, causing the breast to feel firm and possibly changing its shape. It may require additional surgery to correct.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection around the implant area. In severe cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection is cleared.
- Implant Rupture or Leak: While modern silicone implants are very durable, there is still a risk of rupture or leak. A rupture in a saline implant will result in the rapid deflation of the implant, as the saline solution is absorbed by the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent and require imaging tests to detect.
- Changes in Nipple or Breast Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, such as hypersensitivity or numbness. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time, but they may be permanent in some instances.
- Asymmetry: Although surgeons strive for symmetry, there is a possibility of slight asymmetry in the size or position of the breasts after the surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for silicone breast augmentation surgery in Albany is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the procedure and the patient's overall experience. The top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article - Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice, The Plastic Surgery Group, Williams Center, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Lucie Capek's Practice - all offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, a variety of implant options, and comprehensive patient care. However, patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific factors discussed in this article when making their choice.
If you are considering silicone breast augmentation surgery in Albany, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the surgeons at these hospitals. During the consultations, you can ask questions, discuss your goals, and get a better understanding of the procedures and the expected results. This will help you make an informed decision and take the first step towards achieving your aesthetic goals. Don't hesitate to reach out and explore your options for a more confident and beautiful you!