Introduction
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, and silicone breast augmentation with prostheses has gained significant attention in Albany. It can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts, helping women achieve the figure they desire and boost their self - confidence. In this article, we will explore various aspects related to silicone breast augmentation in Albany, including the best clinics, the procedure itself, types of implants, risks, and recovery.
Why Silicone Breast Augmentation is Popular in Albany
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the US since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations. Silicone implants are preferred by many because they tend to look and feel more natural compared to other types of implants, closely mimicking the feel of natural breast tissue.
In Albany, women are increasingly opting for silicone breast augmentation to address various concerns such as underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, and loss of volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Top Clinics for Silicone Breast Augmentation in Albany
1. Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is highly trusted by patients in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care. Dr. Capek offers a variety of breast augmentation options, including different implant sizes, shapes, and materials. She uses an instrument called the harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for implants, which helps minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. Her approach focuses on ensuring patients are informed participants in the planning process and are ultimately satisfied with their results.
2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore performs breast augmentation at his practice in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. He has extensive experience, having performed more than 4,000 breast procedures. Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He customizes each breast augmentation procedure based on the patient's unique needs, taking into account factors such as breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. He also offers a range of implant options, including saline and silicone implants, and different incision and placement techniques.
3. Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center
Led by Dr. Emily Carter, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. The center offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services, including silicone and saline implants, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction. They are well - known for their individualized approach and superb medical attention, ensuring that each patient's goals and concerns are addressed.
4. Capital City Cosmetic Surgery
Headed by Dr. Michael Reynolds, a renowned plastic surgeon. This practice specializes in advanced breast augmentation techniques, such as endoscopic breast augmentation and fat transfer. Dr. Reynolds is committed to delivering natural - looking results tailored to each patient's unique anatomy, taking into account factors like body type and desired aesthetic outcome.
5. Hudson Valley Plastic Surgery
With Dr. Sophia Lee at the helm, it is a trusted destination for breast augmentation in Albany. The clinic provides a full spectrum of breast enhancement options, including breast augmentation with implant placement, breast lift, and breast reduction. They are known for their attention to detail and commitment to patient satisfaction, ensuring that every step of the process is carefully executed.
6. Empire State Aesthetic Center
Dr. Alexander Johnson, a board - certified plastic surgeon, leads this premier aesthetic center. They offer cutting - edge breast augmentation procedures, utilizing the latest advancements in surgical techniques and implant technology. The center is renowned for its compassionate approach and outstanding surgical outcomes, focusing on providing patients with the best possible experience.
7. Deluca Plastic Surgery
The surgeons at Deluca Plastic Surgery, including Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan, are experienced in breast augmentation. They use the scientifically - designed Mentor breast implant sizing system, allowing patients to “try on” different implants and get a feel for how they will look and feel. The practice also utilizes 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and advanced AI algorithms to help patients visualize their potential results and make more informed decisions.
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Am I a Good Candidate for Silicone Breast Augmentation?
Silicone breast implant surgery may be right for you if you suffer from any of the following concerns:
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to your lower body
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
- Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breast - feeding
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift)
However, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who will assess your overall health, breast anatomy, and goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Types of Silicone Breast Implants
Traditional Silicone Gel Implants
These implants have a solid silicone rubber shell filled with an elastic silicone gel. The gel feels more like natural breast tissue compared to saline. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. Women with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic ultrasounds or MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture. These implants are FDA - approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Also known as form - stable implants, gummy bear breast implants maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. The consistency of the silicone gel inside is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants, and they are firmer. Shaped gummy bear implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. However, if a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct. Placement of these implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.
Comparison of Different Types of Silicone Implants
| Type of Implant | Feel | Leakage Risk | Appearance | Incision Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Silicone Gel Implants | Feels like natural breast tissue | Gel may remain in shell or escape | Natural - looking | Standard incision size |
| Gummy Bear Breast Implants | Firmer | Maintains shape if shell breaks | More defined shape | Slightly longer incision |
The Silicone Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is essential. The surgeon will explain the various procedure options, including the type, size, and shape of the implants. They may use tools like the Mentor® volume sizing system or breast implant sizers to help you visualize your desired breast size and how it will look on your body type. You should be in optimum health, so it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and avoid smoking as it can decrease your body's ability to heal normally. You should also follow your primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
Surgery
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold incision) or around the areola (periareolar incision). Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach. The surgeon will create a pocket for the implant using an instrument such as the harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The implant will be inserted and positioned either in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on your particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Post - procedure
After the surgery, you can look forward to a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. You can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. 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. It is crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. Breast augmentation recovery times vary from patient to patient depending on your health and the extent of your procedure. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee your recovery process. Over the long term, you should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks and Complications
Early Risks
Even with the care of professionally trained surgeons, every surgical procedure carries some risk. The most common early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - and post - operative care, these risks and complications are infrequent and treatable.
Long - term Risks
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, causing increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast. It is the number one reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation.
- Implant malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.
- Implant rupture: If a saline breast implant breaks, the implants release a saltwater solution that is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent (have no associated symptoms), which is why the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic ultrasounds or MRIs to check their integrity.
Cost of Silicone Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of silicone breast augmentation varies for each patient as this procedure is highly individualized. Factors that can influence the cost include the type of implants chosen, the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's experience, and the location of the clinic. For example, at Capek Plastic Surgery, Dr. Capek will give you an estimated cost during the consultation. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with Dr. Rockmore. It is advisable to schedule consultations with multiple clinics to get a better understanding of the cost and what is included in the price.
Recovery and Aftercare Tips
Immediate Post - surgery
After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and tightness. It is normal to feel groggy due to the anesthesia. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding pain medication and wound care. You may need to wear a surgical bra continuously for the first few weeks to support your breasts and minimize swelling.
Showering and Activity Restrictions
You can usually shower within 48 hours, but be careful not to get the incision site too wet. Sponge baths may be recommended in some cases. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks. Start with light activities and gradually increase your level of activity as you heal. For example, 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.
Follow - up Appointments
Regular follow - up appointments with your surgeon are crucial to monitor your recovery progress and ensure that there are no complications. The surgeon will check the incisions, the position of the implants, and your overall healing. They may also provide additional advice on aftercare and answer any questions you may have.
Long - term Care
Continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, follow the recommended schedule for ultrasounds or MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support your overall health and the long - term results of your breast augmentation.
Conclusion
Silicone breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular and effective way for women in Albany to enhance their breast size, shape, and symmetry, and boost their self - confidence. There are several top - notch clinics in Albany, each with experienced surgeons who offer a variety of implant options and personalized treatment plans. However, it is important to understand the procedure, the risks involved, and the recovery process before making a decision. By choosing a reputable surgeon, following pre - and post - operative instructions, and being patient during the recovery period, you can achieve the desired results and enjoy the long - term benefits of breast augmentation.
If you are considering silicone breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure. Take the time to research the clinics and surgeons, read patient reviews, and view before - and - after photos. Empower yourself with knowledge and make an informed decision that is right for you.
