Introduction
Implant - type breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of a woman's breasts. In Albany, there are numerous medical facilities and skilled surgeons offering this service. This article will present the top 3 and top 10 hospitals for implant - type breast augmentation in Albany, along with detailed information about their surgeons, procedures, and patient experiences. We will also discuss important aspects of breast augmentation such as candidate suitability, types of implants, risks, and recovery.
Top 10 Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Based on the research from Healthgrades, here are some of the top surgeons in Albany who perform breast augmentation. They have received high ratings from past patients, indicating their experience and expertise in the field:
| Surgeon's Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 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 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 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. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
Top 3 Hospitals (Surgeon's Practices) for Implant - type Breast Augmentation in Albany
1. Dr. Lucie Capek's Practice
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon trusted by patients in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, as well as those traveling from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond. 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, and Dr. Capek has significant expertise in this area.
- Candidate Selection: Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and loss of firmness, loose skin and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift) may be good candidates.
- Types of Implants: She offers both FDA - approved saline and silicone gel implants. Saline implants have a silicone rubber shell filled with sterile salt water, while silicone gel implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that more closely mimics the feel of natural tissue. Both types have been researched and tested for safety and come with manufacturer warranties.
- Procedure: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant, with the inframammary fold incision being the most commonly recommended due to its lower risk of complications like capsular contracture. She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implant, minimizing bleeding and muscle twitching. The implants can be placed in a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle.
- Recovery: Patients can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Rest is recommended for 24 - 48 hours, and patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week. Strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments are scheduled to oversee the recovery process.
- Risks: Early risks include bleeding, infection, anesthesia side effects, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Long - term risks include capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture. However, with Dr. Capek's pre - and post - surgery care, these risks are infrequent and treatable.
2. Dr. Steven Yarinsky's Practice
Considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Saratoga Springs and the Albany/Capital District region, and a “top doctor” by Castle Connolly, Dr. Steven Yarinsky has been performing breast augmentations since 1989.
- Implant Options: He offers implants from Allergan, Mentor, and has extensive experience with Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants. The Sientra® opus™ breast implants are available in textured and smooth surface options, round or shaped, and multiple projection levels. These implants are covered by the Platinum20™ warranty program, which offers lifetime replacement if the implant ruptures and 20 - year replacement for capsular contracture and other complications.
- Implant Shapes: He provides round and teardrop - shaped implants. Round implants offer more upper breast fullness and cleavage, while teardrop - shaped implants mimic the appearance of natural breasts and are a common choice for breast reconstruction patients. However, teardrop implants need to be carefully positioned to avoid rotation.
- Procedure: The procedure is done in his joint commission accredited office facility as an outpatient procedure, usually using general anesthesia or IV sedation. A small incision is made around the areola or in the fold beneath the breast, and the implant is inserted under the breast tissue and usually partially beneath the chest wall muscle for a more natural look.
- Recovery: Patients are provided with a support bra, gauze dressing, and a velcro strap. They should avoid tub bathing, swimming, and hot tub use for six to eight weeks. Sutures are usually removed within two weeks. Light activities can be resumed as tolerated, and aerobic activities can start in about three to four weeks.
- Risks: While breast augmentation is generally safe, risks include infection, loss of nipple sensation, capsular contracture, fluid accumulation around the implant, and implant rupture or leakage.
3. Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore's Practice
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, practicing in Latham and serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York, has performed over 4,000 breast procedures.
- Candidate Assessment: He assesses each patient's motivations, performs a physical examination, and discusses their health history to determine if breast augmentation is the right choice. Women looking to add volume to small breasts, balance asymmetrical breasts, feel more confident in clothes, or correct tubular breasts may be candidates.
- Customized Approach: Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach for personalized breast augmentation. He considers implant size, shape, material, profile, and placement to create natural - looking results. He offers both saline and silicone implants, with saline implants requiring smaller incisions and silicone implants (including “gummy bear” implants) providing a more natural feel.
- Implant Placement: He creates a pocket for the implant in subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar positions. The submuscular pocket is often recommended for most women as it provides a natural slope and additional coverage of the implant.
- Recovery: Patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery. They can shower the day after surgery, resume driving within 72 hours if comfortable, and return to work and light activities within a week. Strenuous activities can be resumed in 2 - 4 weeks. A surgical bra is provided for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling.
- Risks and Considerations: Risks include infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. Dr. Rockmore and his team take precautions to minimize these risks. He also discusses other aspects such as scarring, breastfeeding potential, and the need for future implant replacement with his patients.
General Considerations for Implant - type Breast Augmentation
Candidate Suitability
To be a suitable candidate for implant - type breast augmentation, a woman should generally be in good health, have realistic expectations about the procedure, and not be planning to become pregnant in the near future. Some of the common reasons for considering breast augmentation include:
- Underdeveloped natural breast tissue
- Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts
- Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (sometimes combined with a breast lift)
Types of Breast Implants
| Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Silicone rubber shell filled with sterile salt water. Filled after insertion into the breast pocket. | Smaller incisions possible, safe if rupture occurs as the body can absorb the salt water. | May have a less natural feel compared to silicone implants, and there may be a higher risk of rippling. |
| Silicone Gel Implants | Cohesive silicone shells filled with a softer silicone gel with a consistency similar to honey. | More natural - looking and feeling, lower risk of rippling compared to saline implants. | Requires larger incisions, and a rupture may be silent and require periodic imaging to detect. |
| Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants | Firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone has a thicker consistency. | Less likely to leak if the shell is broken, provides a more natural shape. | May require larger incisions, and are relatively more expensive. |
Surgical Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Here are the general steps:
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy, implant choice, and the surgeon's preference.
- Pocket Creation: A pocket is created either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the chest wall muscle (submuscular) to place the implant. The submuscular placement is often preferred for a more natural look and to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
- Implant Insertion: The implant is inserted into the pocket using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination. The pocket is then adjusted to ensure the implant fits properly.
- Closure: The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported with a post - operative bra.
Recovery
The recovery process after breast augmentation can vary from patient to patient, but here is a general timeline:
- First Few Days: Patients may experience tiredness, soreness, and a slight burning feeling in the nipples. Pain medication is usually prescribed to manage discomfort.
- 7 - 10 Days: Gauze dressings are removed, and a surgical bra is worn. Stitches are taken out during this period.
- 3 - 5 Weeks: Breasts may be sensitive to physical contact.
- Next Several Months: Scars gradually fade, thin, and soften. The breasts will continue to settle into their final shape.
Patients should follow their surgeon's aftercare instructions, which may include wearing a support bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow - up appointments.
Risks
Although breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some risks involved:
- Early Risks: Bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in nipple or breast sensation.
- Long - term Risks: Capsular contracture (tightening of the scar around the implant, causing the breast to feel hard), implant malposition (shifting of the implant to an undesirable position), and implant rupture. Saline implants will release the salt water if they rupture, while silicone implant rupture may be silent and require periodic imaging to detect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a variety of high - quality options for implant - type breast augmentation. The top 3 practices mentioned above - those of Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Steven Yarinsky, and Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore - stand out due to their experienced surgeons, wide range of implant options, and personalized approach to patient care. However, the top 10 surgeons listed from Healthgrades also represent a group of highly qualified professionals in the field.
When considering breast augmentation, it is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon, have realistic expectations, and thoroughly understand the procedure, including the types of implants, risks, and recovery process. This will help ensure a successful outcome and a satisfying experience.
If you are interested in learning more about implant - type breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons. Take the time to research, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for you.
