Introduction

Breast augmentation for sagging breasts is a popular cosmetic procedure sought by many women in Albany. Whether it's due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss, sagging breasts can affect a woman's self - confidence. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and doctors for sagging breast augmentation in Albany, along with important information about the procedure, candidates, recovery, and more.

Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany

Healthgrades lists several highly - rated doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. These doctors have extensive experience and positive patient reviews. Here are some of them:

Understanding Sagging Breasts

Causes of Sagging Breasts

There are several factors that can contribute to breast sagging:

• Gravity: Over time, gravity affects the breasts just as it does the rest of the body. The suspensory tissues that hold up the breasts loosen, and the skin stretches, causing the breasts to sag.
• Loss of Breast Volume: As women age, they may lose breast volume. The skin often doesn't have enough elasticity to contract to the new breast volume, leading to sagging.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the breasts become engorged and then shrink afterward. This can result in smaller, deflated, and sagging breasts.
• Weight Loss: Significant weight loss can cause the breasts to lose volume and become deflated, which also leads to sagging.

Breast Augmentation and Lift Procedures

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a procedure in which a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. Most commonly, silicone or saline breast implants are used, but one's own fat can also be used to add a modest volume.

Types of Breast Implants

• Saline Implants: These are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. Saline implants are FDA - approved for women older than 18.
• Silicone Implants: They have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive ones are often called “gummy bear” breast implants. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women older than 22.

Implant Placement

• Subglandular: The implant is placed above the muscle.
• Submuscular: It is placed behind the pectoralis muscle. This placement is often a good choice for women with little breast tissue as it helps cover the implant and reduces the risk of capsular contracture.
• Biplanar: A combination of subglandular and submuscular placement.

Incisions

• Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast.
• Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin.
• Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissues for a more youthful breast contour. It can be performed alone or in combination with breast augmentation.

Types of Breast Lifts

• Crescent Lift: This method can be used to slightly elevate the nipple position. It leaves a scar on the edge of the areola on its top portion.
• Periareolar Lift: Also known as a Benelli mastopexy, it involves removing a doughnut - shaped portion of skin from around the areola to create some tightening of the breast skin. It is used for mild degrees of ptosis.
• Vertical Mastopexy: A more powerful lifting technique used for more significant sagging. It results in a scar around the areola and straight down like a lollipop and can treat mild to moderate degrees of sag.
• Full Mastopexy: This method is used for more severe sag and allows for maximum lifting and reshaping of the breast. The resultant scar is in an anchor configuration around the areola, straight down, and along the breast crease.

Combining Breast Augmentation and Lift

In many cases, combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is recommended, especially for women with sagging breasts. The advantages of this combination include:

• An improved breast shape.
• Longer - lasting superior fullness, or fullness above the bra line.
• Replacement of the volume lost from pregnancy, weight changes, or the natural aging of the breasts.

Doctors like Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery often perform this combined procedure. He has the experience to use a variety of lifting procedures to meet individual needs and the artistic vision to make the breasts look youthful and natural.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon for sagging breast augmentation is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:

• Board Certification: Choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams in the field and has a deep level of practical knowledge.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation and lift procedures. For example, Dr. Rockmore has performed over 4,000 breast procedures.
• Before - and - After Photos: Browse through the surgeon's before - and - after photos to get an idea of the type of results they can achieve.
• Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews to understand the experiences of others who have undergone procedures with the surgeon.
• Comfort and Communication: During the consultation, you should feel comfortable and that your questions and concerns are being addressed thoroughly. The surgeon and their staff should be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and organized.

Recovery Process

Breast Augmentation Recovery

The recovery process for breast augmentation typically follows this timeline:

• Day 1: Most patients can shower carefully the day after surgery, avoiding getting the incision site too wet. A sponge bath may be recommended in some cases.
• Days 2 - 3: If the patient is comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they can usually resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
• Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but discomfort can usually be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
• Day 7: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. They will have their first postoperative appointment a week after surgery to ensure proper healing.
• Weeks 2 - 4: Patients can resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased.

Patients are usually provided with a surgical bra to wear continuously for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling.

Breast Lift Recovery

For a breast lift, the recovery is as follows:

• After the procedure, patients wake up with a bra in place and can shower the next day. They recover in the surgery center for 2 hours before being driven home.
• Most women need pain medications for only a couple of days at most. After 2 - 3 days, they can drive and slowly get back to their daily routine.
• Strenuous activities should be avoided for 2 weeks after the breast lift, and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3 weeks.
• Swelling and bruising can take 1 - 2 weeks to resolve. Over the next couple of months, scars will fade, and the breasts will soften.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast augmentation and lift procedures can vary depending on several factors:

• Choice of Implants: Silicone implants may be more expensive than saline implants.
• Complexity of the Procedure: Combining a breast lift with augmentation may be more costly than a single procedure.
• Surgeon's Experience: More experienced surgeons may charge higher fees.

On average, breast augmentation can cost between $6,000 - $7,000, while a breast lift can cost around $5,000. However, these are just estimates, and patients will receive a personalized price quote during their consultation.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although breast augmentation and lift procedures are generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications:

• Capsular Contracture: This is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. It can be treated by removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
• 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 and replaced once the infection is gone.
• Impact to Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, a loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the incision area. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant Leak/Rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents quickly if they break or leak, and the body will absorb the saltwater. Gel - filled implants may not show noticeable changes if the scar capsule doesn't break. These situations usually require another surgery to replace the implants.

Conclusion

In summary, Albany offers a range of highly - qualified doctors and hospitals for sagging breast augmentation. Understanding the causes of breast sagging, the available procedures (breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination), the recovery process, cost considerations, and potential risks is essential for anyone considering this type of cosmetic surgery. By carefully choosing a board - certified and experienced surgeon, patients can increase their chances of achieving the desired results.

If you're interested in learning more about sagging breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to reach out to the doctors mentioned in this article for a consultation. Take the first step towards enhancing your confidence and achieving the breast shape you desire!