Introduction
When it comes to breast augmentation in Albany, there is a diverse range of options available, including both top - level and private hospitals. This article will delve into the details of these hospitals, the doctors practicing in them, the breast augmentation procedures, costs, recovery, and much more. We'll use information from various high - quality sources to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering breast augmentation in Albany.
Overview of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a widely sought - after cosmetic procedure. According to data released in November 2023 from global intelligence platform Statista, in 1997, there were 900,000 cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S., and by 2022, that number had grown to more than 1.87 million. This increasing trend is due to a greater number of options for safe, less invasive surgeries and an increasing cultural emphasis on self - care and confidence.
Breast augmentation is a breast enhancement procedure where a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. It can be achieved using silicone or saline breast implants, or in some cases, the patient's own fat.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Here are some of the top - rated ones:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
These doctors have received a significant number of patient ratings, which indicates their experience in performing breast augmentation procedures.
Top Breast Augmentation Hospitals in Albany
Top - Level Hospitals
US News has ranked hospitals in the Albany, New York metropolitan area based on their performance in complex care in medical specialties such as cancer and in common procedures and conditions like knee replacement and heart failure. Some of the relevant hospitals for breast augmentation in this area are:
- St. Peter's Hospital - Albany: Ranked #1 in Albany, NY. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions.
- Albany Medical Center: Ranked #2 in Albany, NY and is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions.
- Ellis Hospital: Located in Schenectady, NY, it is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions.
Private Hospitals and Clinics
There are also private practices that focus on cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation. For example, Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany and other areas, is a well - known private practice. Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at this practice performs breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create natural - looking results.
Breast Augmentation Procedures
Pre - operative Planning
The planning for a breast implant procedure begins with a consultation. During this consultation, the patient discusses their goals from the surgery, and the surgeon analyzes the current shape and position of the breasts. Based on measurements and post - operative goals, the surgeon recommends a range of implant sizes and profiles. At Deluca Plastic Surgery, patients can use the scientifically - designed Mentor breast implant sizing system to “try on” different implants and get a feel for how they look and feel. They also utilize 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and advance AI algorithms to simulate the new size and shape of the breasts.
The Procedure Itself
Breast enlargement is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts between one and two hours. After the patient is put to sleep, the surgeon makes a small incision on each breast, typically in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple. Surgeons like Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan carefully place the incisions to minimize visible scarring. A pocket is then developed for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is inserted using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination, and the pocket is adjusted to allow the implant to fit properly. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported in a post - operative bra.
Combined Procedures
Some patients may opt for a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift. This is a great option for those who have sagging breasts and want to increase their size and re - position them at the same time. Breast augmentation alone can enhance the size and projection of the breasts but may not fully reduce sagging skin and lift the breasts higher on the chest wall. A breast lift, on the other hand, can rejuvenate the breasts to a more upright position but cannot restore lost volume or increase their size. Together, they can achieve a more youthful, feminine figure.
Implant Options
Implant Material
There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone.
- Saline Implants: These are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants as they can be filled with saline after they are in place.
- Silicone Implants: They have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. The cohesive silicone gel sticks together and does not leave the breast pocket if a rupture occurs. Silicone implants are popular for their natural - looking and feeling results.
Both saline and silicone implants are FDA - approved; saline for women older than 18 and silicone for women older than 22.
Implant Size, Shape, and Texture
Implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures.
- Size: Measured in cubic centimeters (cc), the size of the implant is determined based on the patient's goals and body type.
- Shape: Round implants can provide a more full and projected look, while anatomical (teardrop - shaped) implants can achieve a more naturally - full look in the upper breast pole.
- Texture: Smooth implants can move more freely within the breast tissue, while textured implants can prevent rotating within the breast tissue pocket and achieve a firmer feel.
Implant Profile
The implant profile refers to the degree to which implants stick out or project from the chest. Higher profile implants have more upper fullness and look more “implanted,” while moderate profile implants can look more natural, making them better matches for women with larger frames and wider chests.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany varies depending on several factors such as the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with Dr. Rockmore. Deluca Plastic Surgery offers a free consultation to get a quote unique to the patient's needs, and they also have financing plans available for those who need help funding the procedure.
Recovery Process
After breast augmentation, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately. Since it is an outpatient procedure, they can return home after a brief period of observation. The initial recovery timeline typically includes the following milestones:
- Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet. Sponge baths may be recommended in some cases.
- Days 2 & 3: If the patient is comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. They will have their first postoperative appointment a week after the surgery to ensure that their healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving their arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Additional follow - up visits are scheduled for 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure. The surgeon provides a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Over time, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation
What will my scars look like?
It depends on the incision used during the procedure. Surgeons are mindful of patients' concerns about scarring and make incisions meticulously to ensure they heal well. Patients can encourage healthy healing by following the surgeon's incision - care instructions after surgery.
Is breastfeeding possible after breast augmentation?
Yes. The techniques used by many surgeons ensure a high likelihood of successful breastfeeding. However, the presence of implants doesn't hinder milk production. It's important to let the surgeon know if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
If my breasts sag, is it really necessary to have a lift along with my augmentation?
It depends on the degree of sagging. Slight sagging can be reduced with breast augmentation alone, but more significant sagging may actually get worse once implants are introduced. The extra weight added by implants can make the breasts sag prematurely and lead to aesthetic complications. The surgeon will help determine if a combined breast augmentation and lift is in the patient's best interest.
I've heard that implants need time to “drop.” What does that mean?
“Dropping” or “drop and fluff” refers to the process of the muscles and tissues surrounding the implants softening and relaxing, allowing the breasts to take on a more natural appearance. Immediately after surgery, implants may appear high and tight on the chest. Over time, the body acclimates to the implants, and skin and muscle stretch to accommodate them. As this happens, the implants assume a slightly lower and more natural - looking position, and the shape of the breasts is also improved as swelling subsides. This process can take several months to complete.
Is breast augmentation surgery safe?
When performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation is a relatively low - risk procedure. Potential complications, while rare, include infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. Surgeons and their surgical teams take every precaution to keep the risk of complication very low.
Will I eventually have to replace my breast implants?
It is likely that patients will need to replace their implants at some point in the future, typically after about 15 years. Breast augmentation revision gives the opportunity to make sure the results remain aligned with the body shape and goals over the years.
Is breast surgery painful?
Breast augmentation surgery is generally well - tolerated. Most women describe a feeling of tightness and soreness following the procedure but typically describe any pain as mild and easily manageable.
Will my results look natural?
Surgeons take great care to produce beautiful results, whether the patient wants a subtler, natural enhancement or a major revamp. The patient's preferences for the implants’ size, shape, material, and projection influence how “natural” the breasts will look.
What if I decide that I want to remove my breast implants later?
Breast augmentation revision surgery gives the flexibility to swap the implants for a different size or material, exchange them for a newer pair, or simply remove them altogether.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a wide range of options for breast augmentation, including top - level hospitals and private clinics. There are many experienced doctors who can perform the procedure using the latest techniques and a variety of implant options. Patients considering breast augmentation should carefully research the hospitals, doctors, and procedures available. They should also have a detailed consultation with their chosen surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and any concerns they may have. The cost, recovery process, and potential risks should also be thoroughly understood.
If you're thinking about breast augmentation in Albany, take the next step and schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. This will allow you to get personalized advice and start your journey towards achieving the look you desire. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation in Albany to help them make informed decisions.
