Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost self - confidence. In Albany, there are various regular hospitals and clinics offering breast augmentation with prostheses or autologous fat. In this article, we will delve into the updated ranking of these establishments, taking into account factors such as doctor ratings, patient testimonials, and the range of services offered. We'll also explore details about the breast augmentation procedure itself, including the types of implants, pre - and post - operative care, and recovery time.
1. Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
According to Healthgrades, there are multiple doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Let's take a detailed look at some of the top - rated ones:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
These doctors have earned high ratings from their patients, indicating their proficiency and the quality of care they provide. Patients can feel more confident choosing a doctor with a significant number of past patient ratings, as it reflects their experience and expertise in breast augmentation procedures.
2. Types of Breast Augmentation Procedures
2.1 Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
One of the most common methods of breast augmentation is using prostheses. These can be made of either silicone or saline. Silicone implants have a durable silicone shell filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive ones often called “gummy bear” breast implants. They offer a more natural look and feel. Saline implants, on the other hand, are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions. According to Rockmore Plastic Surgery, both types of implants are FDA - approved, with saline for women older than 18 and silicone for women older than 22.
The choice of implant size, shape, and profile is crucial. Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery uses a 3 - dimensional approach to match the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts, ensuring full and natural - looking results. The profile of the implant, which refers to the degree to which it projects from the chest, also affects the final appearance. Higher profile implants have more upper fullness but may look more “implanted,” while moderate profile implants can look more natural, especially for women with larger frames and wider chests.
2.2 Autologous Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation
Autologous fat transfer involves taking fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, through liposuction and injecting it into the breasts. This method is often chosen by those who prefer natural results and only need a small increase in breast size. At Capek Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lucie Capek can perform natural breast augmentation using the patient's own tissues or combine it with implant placement. However, there is a limitation to how much volume can be added with fat transfer, and it may present resorption issues. For larger increases in breast size, implants are usually a better option.
3. Leading Clinics for Breast Augmentation in Albany
3.1 Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has extensive experience, having performed over 4,000 breast procedures. His practice in Latham serves Albany and surrounding areas. He offers a comprehensive approach to breast augmentation, including customizing the procedure based on each patient's unique needs. He provides detailed consultations, discussing the patient's motivations, performing a physical examination, and reviewing the patient's health history. He also offers various options for implant selection, incision location, and implant placement. For example, common incision locations include inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary, and implant placement can be subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar. The recovery process at his clinic is well - managed, with specific guidelines for each stage of recovery, ensuring patients heal properly and achieve the desired results.
3.2 GJK Plastic Surgery
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman at GJK Plastic Surgery is a well - regarded plastic surgeon and breast surgical oncology doctor. He takes an innovative and meticulous approach to breast augmentation, offering multiple options such as enhancement using implants, non - implant - based augmentation with fat grafting, or volume - enhancing fillers. His practice focuses on patient well - being and satisfaction, and he tailors each treatment to the individual patient. He also has expertise in revision breast augmentation, addressing concerns such as size, position, or capsular contracture from previous breast enhancement procedures. Patient testimonials praise his compassion, professionalism, and the natural - looking results he achieves.
3.3 Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery uses her experienced artistry and feminine touch in breast augmentation procedures. She offers a wide range of breast - related services, including breast augmentation with implants, natural breast augmentation using autologous fat, breast implant removal, breast lift, breast reduction, and gynecomastia treatment. During the consultation, she educates patients about the different options and helps them choose the best one for their body and goals. For example, in cases of breast drooping, she can recommend a combination of breast lift and augmentation to achieve the desired shape and volume.
4. Pre - operative Considerations
Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients need to take several important steps:
- Consultation: This is the first and most crucial step. It involves discussing your goals, expectations, and concerns with the surgeon. The surgeon will also assess your breast shape, size, and overall health. For example, at Deluca Plastic Surgery, the consultation includes an analysis of your current breast shape and position, and based on your measurements and post - operative goals, the surgeon will recommend a range of implant sizes and profiles. You may also have the opportunity to “try on” different implants using the scientifically - designed, Mentor breast implant sizing system or through 3 - D computer simulations.
- Medical Evaluation: You should have a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health for the surgery. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and a review of your medical history. Any pre - existing medical conditions should be discussed with the surgeon, as they may affect the outcome of the surgery or the recovery process.
- Lifestyle Changes: You need to make certain lifestyle changes before the surgery. As per Medical Departures, this includes stopping smoking, as it increases the risk of complications. You should also eat a nutritious, balanced diet to aid in recovery and avoid medications such as aspirin, which can cause increased bleeding.
5. The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure typically takes between one and two hours and is usually an outpatient procedure. Here's a step - by - step overview:
- Anesthesia: You will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain - free during the surgery. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your preferences and the surgeon's recommendation.
- Incision: The surgeon will make a small incision on each breast. Common incision locations include the breast fold (inframammary), the border of the nipple (periareolar), or the armpit (transaxillary). Surgeons like Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan at Deluca Plastic Surgery carefully place the incisions to minimize visible scarring.
- Implant Placement: A pocket or space is created for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is then inserted using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination, and the pocket is adjusted to ensure the implant fits properly. If autologous fat transfer is being used, the fat is first harvested from another part of the body through liposuction and then injected into the breasts.
- Closure: The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and you will be given a post - operative bra to support the breasts during the healing process.
6. Post - operative Care and Recovery
Proper post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery:
- Initial Recovery: You can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after the surgery. Since it is an outpatient procedure, you'll be able to go home after a brief period of observation. You may have drainage tubes and gauze, which will be removed after a few days. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications for pain and preventing infection.
- Activity Restrictions: In the first few weeks, you should avoid physical activity. For example, most patients can shower the day after surgery as long as they are careful not to get the incision site too wet. You should also avoid driving until you are no longer taking prescription medication and are comfortable enough to operate a vehicle. Swelling, tightness, and soreness usually peak within the first few days and can be managed with over - the - counter medicine.
- Follow - up Visits: Your surgeon will schedule follow - up visits to monitor your healing progress and ensure that no complications develop. The first visit is usually about a week after the surgery. Additional follow - up visits may be scheduled at 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure.
- Long - term Recovery: Over the next several weeks and months, your breasts will gradually soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade. You can gradually return to more strenuous activities, such as working out, but it is important to wait until your surgeon gives you the go - ahead.
7. Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, and the location of the clinic. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, the cost varies with the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors. Patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation. It's important to note that breast augmentation is an elective surgery and is generally not covered by insurance. Some clinics may offer financing plans to help patients manage the cost, as mentioned by Deluca Plastic Surgery.
8. Risks and Complications
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, there are some risks and complications to be aware of:
- Infection: This is a rare but possible complication. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. It usually requires treatment with antibiotics.
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. In the case of saline implants, the salt water will be absorbed by the body, and the breast will deflate. Silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect, and it may require additional imaging tests. In either case, implant replacement may be necessary.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard and sometimes look distorted. It may require surgical intervention to correct.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation after the surgery.
Conclusion
In Albany, there are several excellent options for breast augmentation with prostheses or autologous fat. Top - rated doctors and well - established clinics offer a wide range of services, personalized treatment plans, and high - quality care. However, it is crucial for patients to do their research, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and have realistic expectations. By understanding the different types of procedures, pre - and post - operative care, and the potential risks involved, patients can make an informed decision and achieve the desired results. Whether you are looking to enhance your curves, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct unevenly sized breasts, breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended doctors or clinics. Read patient testimonials, view before - and - after photos, and ask all the questions you may have. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, and explore related topics such as post - operative diet for faster recovery or the latest trends in breast implant technology.
