Introduction to Breast Augmentation in Albany

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that has gained significant traction in recent years. In Albany, many women are considering this option to enhance their appearance, gain more confidence, and achieve a more balanced figure. It involves adding volume and improving the shape of the breasts, either through the use of implants or fat transfer. There are several well - known hospitals and clinics in Albany where women can undergo breast augmentation surgery, and some of them perform the procedure through the areola incision, which has its own set of advantages and considerations.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure that aims to increase the size and improve the shape and contours of the breasts. It is often sought by women who feel that their breasts are too small, lack volume, or have become deflated due to factors such as weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants were used in 23%.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

• Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue may benefit from breast augmentation. This could be due to genetic factors or hormonal imbalances during puberty.
• Those with disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body often seek breast augmentation to achieve a more balanced silhouette.
• Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts can also be corrected through this procedure. For example, one breast may be significantly smaller than the other, causing self - consciousness.
• Women who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding can regain their former breast shape and size with breast augmentation.
• Those with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift) are also good candidates. The breast augmentation can add volume while the lift addresses the sagging issue.

Types of Breast Implants

There are several types of breast implants available, and the choice depends on various factors such as the patient's breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results.

Saline Implants

Saline implants have silicone shells filled with a salt - water (saline) solution directly from a sterile IV bag. They are filled after they are inserted into the breast pocket, which allows for a smaller incision, resulting in less visible scarring. If a rupture occurs, the salt water can be safely and easily absorbed by the body until the implant is removed and replaced. These implants are FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older and may be used in younger women to balance asymmetry or correct congenital breast shape or size problems.

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel - filled implants have cohesive silicone shells and are filled with a softer silicone gel material that has the consistency of honey. They tend to provide a very natural - looking appearance and have a more natural breast feel compared to salt - water - filled implants. There is a lower risk of rippling since the silicone fill material is a thicker consistency. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women over age 21 and may also be used for younger women in certain circumstances.

Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants

“Gummy bear” implants, also known as “form - stable” implants, are firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency, not as flowing or liquid as in the original silicone gel - filled implants. If the shell of the implant breaks or is compromised, the “gummy bear” implant maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. Dr. Steven Yarinsky in Albany has extensive experience using Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants, which have been shown in clinical studies to have the lowest rates of breakage and of capsular contracture of all available gel - filled “gummy bear” implant brands.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation offers numerous benefits to women considering the procedure.

Enhanced Appearance

Women can achieve larger and more shapely breasts, which can improve their overall body proportion. This can make them look better in clothing, swimwear, and enhance their femininity.

Increased Self - Confidence

Many women experience a significant boost in self - confidence after breast augmentation. They feel more comfortable with their bodies and are more likely to engage in activities they previously avoided due to self - consciousness about their breasts.

Improved Body Image

It helps women develop a more positive self - image. They no longer have to worry about the size or shape of their breasts and can focus on other aspects of their lives.

5 Regular and Well - Known Hospitals in Albany Performing Areola Incision Breast Augmentation

Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga for breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care. For breast augmentation, she may make a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. She will insert and position the implants in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle. After the procedure, patients can look forward to a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. They need to follow her aftercare instructions, which include showering within 48 hours, wearing a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, and restricting strenuous activities for 6 - 8 weeks.

The Plastic Surgery Group

This group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. They offer breast augmentation surgery to women who want larger, fuller breasts for various reasons such as improving their appearance in clothing and swimwear or restoring breast fullness lost due to pregnancy or aging. The options for breast augmentation incision placement include along the breast fold (inframammary incision), in the underarm (transaxillary incision), and around the areola (periareolar incision). The surgeons will recommend the best incision placement based on the patient's unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors. During the breast augmentation surgery, they typically perform the procedure at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The recovery timeline includes some initial tiredness and soreness, followed by dressing changes, stitch removal, and a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks to months. They also offer patient financing to help patients afford the procedure.

Yarinsky Plastic Surgery

Dr. Steven Yarinsky, considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Saratoga Springs and the Albany / capital district region, offers breast augmentation with a wide range of implant options. He has extensive experience using Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants. For the breast augmentation procedure, he makes a small incision around the areola or in the fold beneath the breast. He uses the patient's choice of saline - filled, silicone gel - filled, or “gummy bear” - type silicone gel - filled implants and inserts the implant under the breast tissue, usually partially beneath the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle. Dr. Yarinsky provides a support bra, gauze dressing, and a Velcro® strap to help hold the breast implants in the correct position during recovery. Patients should avoid tub bathing, swimming, and hot tub use for six to eight weeks, and any discomfort is well - controlled with oral medication. Sutures are usually removed within two weeks (up to three weeks if a breast lift is done on the same day). Light activities can be resumed as tolerated, and aerobic activities can be started in about three to four weeks.

Deluca Plastic Surgery

At Deluca Plastic Surgery, they perform breast augmentation with either saline or silicone implants. The implants can be inserted through an incision around the lower half of the nipple - areola (peri - areolar) or an incision in the breast crease between the breast and the chest wall (infra - mammary incision). The choice of incision is based on multiple factors including surgeon preference, patient preference, patient anatomy, and type of implant. After surgery, the breasts go through a “drop and fluff” process where they settle over a few months as the swelling subsides and the tissues stretch. The decision on the type of surgery and the size, shape, and position of the implants is based on the patient's anatomy, the type and size of the implant, and the patient's preferences. During the consultation, measurements of the breasts are used, and in - office sizing and digital three - dimensional computer simulations are used to help guide the implant choices.

Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, performs breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create natural - looking results. He offers a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. Common incision locations for breast augmentation include the inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary incisions. He will help patients decide which option is best for their body. For implant placement, there are subglandular, submuscular, and biplanar pockets, and he will recommend the one that fits the individual patient's needs. After the breast augmentation procedure, patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery. The initial recovery timeline includes being able to shower the day after surgery (with care), resuming driving within 72 hours if comfortable, and returning to work, school, and light activities within a week. Strenuous activities can be resumed in 2 - 4 weeks, and additional follow - up visits are scheduled at 8 weeks and 6 months.

Areola Incision in Breast Augmentation

Advantages

The areola incision has several advantages. One of the main benefits is the relatively inconspicuous location of the scar. Since the areola has a darker color and a more textured appearance, the scar tends to blend in well and is less noticeable compared to incisions in other locations. It also allows for direct access to the breast pocket, which can make it easier for the surgeon to place the implant. This incision can be suitable for certain types of implants and can provide good visualization during the procedure.

Considerations

However, there are also some considerations. There is a potential risk of damage to the milk ducts, which could affect breastfeeding. Although the risk is relatively low, it is an important factor to discuss with the surgeon, especially for women who plan to have children in the future. There may also be a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to some other incision methods, although this can vary depending on the individual and the surgical technique used.

Before the Breast Augmentation Procedure

Before undergoing breast augmentation, a consultation with the surgeon is essential. The surgeon will explain the various procedure options, including the type of implants, incision locations, and implant placement. They will also use tools like the Mentor® volume sizing system or 3 - D and 4 - D computer imaging to help patients visualize their desired results. Patients should be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and avoid smoking since it decreases the body's ability to heal normally. They should also follow their primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and be an informed participant in the planning of their procedure.

During the Breast Augmentation Procedure

The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes the chosen incision, creates a pocket for the implant, and inserts and positions the implant. In the case of areola incision, the surgeon carefully works around the areola to place the implant. The use of instruments like the harmonic scalpel can help minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.

After the Breast Augmentation Procedure

After the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. They are usually advised to wear a sports bra or a surgical bra for several weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling. They should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks and follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully. This includes showering at the appropriate time, taking any prescribed medications, and attending follow - up appointments. Over time, the breasts will settle into their final shape, and the scars will fade. Patients can look forward to a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence, but it is important to note that breast augmentation with implants is a lifelong commitment, and there may be a need for additional surgeries in the future to address any associated problems.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are some potential risks and complications. In the early stages, these can include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. Over the long term, issues such as capsular contracture (increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast due to abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant), implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position), and implant rupture may occur. If saline breast implants break, the salt - water solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body, while silicone implant rupture may be silent, and the FDA recommends periodic MRIs for women with silicone implants to check their integrity. It is important for patients to discuss these risks with their surgeon and understand the long - term implications of the procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, breast augmentation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can provide significant benefits to women in Albany. The 5 regular and well - known hospitals mentioned - Capek Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, Yarinsky Plastic Surgery, Deluca Plastic Surgery, and Rockmore Plastic Surgery - offer various options for breast augmentation, including the areola incision method. Each hospital has experienced surgeons who can guide patients through the process, from the initial consultation to the recovery period. However, it is crucial for patients to understand the procedure, the potential risks, and the aftercare requirements. By making an informed decision and choosing a qualified surgeon, women can achieve their desired results and enjoy a more confident and positive self - image.

If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the reputable hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations to ensure that the procedure is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany.