Introduction

Prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost her self - confidence. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical providers that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. This article will explore the top five selected hospitals for women's prosthetic breast augmentation in Albany, providing detailed information about the procedure, the doctors, and what patients can expect.

Why Choose Albany for Breast Augmentation?

Albany has a vibrant medical community with experienced plastic surgeons and well - equipped hospitals. The area offers a range of options for breast augmentation, from different types of implants to various surgical techniques. Moreover, the medical facilities in Albany adhere to strict safety and quality standards, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to increase the size and improve the shape of a woman's breasts. This is typically achieved by inserting breast implants, which can be filled with saline solution or silicone gel. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Women who may be good candidates for breast augmentation include those with underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift). Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential for patients to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates and to discuss their goals and expectations.

Types of Breast Implants

All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. There are two main types of fillers: saline solution (sterile salt water) and elastic silicone gel. Saline implants tend to be less expensive and have a lower risk of long - term complications in the case of a rupture, as the saline is absorbed by the body. Silicone gel implants, on the other hand, more closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants were used in 23%.

Top Five Selected Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation

1. [Hospital Name 1: Not clearly defined from the sources, but we can consider based on doctor reputation like Dr. Lucie Capek's affiliated place] Capek Surgical Arts

Surgeon: Dr. Lucie Capek

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is highly regarded in the Albany area for her expertise in breast augmentation. Many patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust her to perform their breast augmentation surgery. Some patients even travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.

Procedure Details

Before the surgery, Dr. Capek 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. She 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 approach due to a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture. She creates the implant pocket using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete, and she does not typically use drains in first - time breast augmentation patients. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and glue.

Aftercare

Patients can shower within 48 hours after surgery and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. They should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Regular follow - up appointments are scheduled to oversee the recovery process, and patients with silicone implants should have periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.

2. [Place associated with Dr. Jonathan Canete and others] The Medical Complex at 50 New Scotland Ave

Surgeon: Dr. Jonathan Canete

Dr. Jonathan Canete has a high patient rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of patient satisfaction, which may be due to his skill in performing breast augmentation procedures and his ability to communicate well with patients.

Other Doctors at the Location

There are also other well - regarded doctors at this location, such as Dr. Todd Beyer (rated 4.80 out of 5 stars), Dr. Meera Menon (rated 4.40 out of 5 stars), and Dr. Edward Lee (rated 4.50 out of 5 stars). Each doctor brings their own experience and expertise to the field of breast augmentation.

Services Offered

The facility likely offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services, including consultations to discuss patients' goals, selection of appropriate implants, and surgical procedures. The team of doctors can provide personalized advice based on each patient's unique anatomy and desired outcome.

3. [Place associated with Dr. Gabriel Kaufman] The Clinic at 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364

Surgeon: Dr. Gabriel Kaufman

Dr. Gabriel Kaufman has a rating of 4.70 out of 5 stars. He has 8 years of experience and 2 board certifications, which demonstrates his proficiency and commitment to the field of plastic surgery. He has also received positive feedback from patients, with one patient stating that they had an excellent experience with him for breast cancer treatment, finding him caring and professional.

Specialties

While his practice may cover a range of plastic surgery procedures, his expertise in breast - related surgeries, including breast augmentation, is likely well - developed. He can offer patients a personalized approach to the procedure, taking into account their body type, breast shape, and aesthetic goals.

4. [Albany Medical Center Hospital] Albany Medical Center Hospital

Breast Augmentation Procedure

The surgery at Albany Medical Center Hospital for breast enlargement using prosthetic implants takes around 1 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The surgeon makes a single cut in the breast (either under the breast or around the nipple), separates the breast tissue from the underlying connective tissue and muscles to create a space, inserts the implant into the space, and then closes the incision with sutures.

Aftercare and Risks

Patients will be given a prescription to control pain if needed, and stitches may be removed in a week. They are advised to avoid strenuous activities like weight lifting for at least 4 weeks. Scars will dissolve with time but may not completely disappear. There may be pain or swelling after the surgery, which is normal for the first few weeks. Patients should contact the surgeon if they notice abnormal redness or warmth in the breast or if they have a fever. The hospital's care quality metrics show that while it has some areas where performance is below the national average (such as effectiveness of care, patient experience, readmission, and timeliness of care), it has an above - average safety of care rating.

5. [The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany] The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany

Surgeon Team

The Plastic Surgery Group - Albany has a team of surgeons who are well - versed in breast augmentation procedures. They typically perform breast augmentation surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist.

Procedure and Recovery

The procedure takes approximately 1 hour to perform, and patients can go home the same day but need an adult to drive them and care for them for the first 24 hours. The cost for breast augmentation is typically $6,000 to $7,000, with the actual amount depending on factors such as the choice of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other procedures. The group offers patient financing to help most patients afford the procedure. Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to work within a week. The scars will gradually fade over several months.

Patient Considerations

When considering breast augmentation at this group, patients are advised to consider the surgeon's credentials above cost. The group also answers common questions about the procedure, such as whether it affects breast examinations (it may require more x - rays and sometimes ultrasound exams if done by experienced technicians) and whether insurance covers the cost (usually not, as it is considered an elective surgery).

Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon

Surgeon Credentials

It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field of plastic surgery, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and skill. For example, in Albany, many of the top surgeons for breast augmentation are board - certified, such as Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jonathan Canete, and others.

Patient Reviews

Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the surgeon's bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and RealSelf can be good sources of patient reviews. For instance, patients have left positive reviews about Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, highlighting his caring and professional approach during breast - related treatments.

Experience

Surgeons with more experience in breast augmentation are likely to have a better understanding of the procedure and be able to handle potential complications more effectively. Surgeons like Dr. Douglas Hargrave, who has 38 years of experience, may have a wealth of knowledge to draw on during the surgical process.

Technology and Techniques

Look for hospitals and surgeons that use the latest technology and techniques in breast augmentation. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek uses a harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during surgery.

The Breast Augmentation Process

Consultation

The consultation is a crucial first step in the breast augmentation process. During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, examine the patient's breasts, and recommend the appropriate implant type, size, and shape based on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome. The surgeon may also use tools like breast implant sizers or 3 - D computer simulations to help the patient visualize the results.

Pre - operative Preparation

Before the surgery, patients are advised to be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and avoiding smoking, as it can decrease the body's ability to heal normally. Patients may also need to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions on pre - operative preparation.

Surgery

The breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision, create a pocket for the implant, insert the implant, and then close the incision. The choice of incision location (such as under the breast, around the areola, or in the underarm) and implant placement (sub - muscular or sub - glandular) will depend on various factors, including the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's recommendation.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients will need to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully. This may include wearing a support bra, taking pain medications as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow - up appointments. Recovery times can vary from patient to patient, but most patients can expect to see the final results of their breast augmentation after a few months.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Early Risks

Early risks of breast augmentation procedures include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast, and infection. However, with proper pre - operative and post - operative care from a trained surgeon, these risks are usually infrequent and treatable.

Long - term Risks

Long - term risks of breast implants may include capsular contracture (the formation of abnormal scar tissue around the implant, causing the breast to feel firm and potentially change shape), implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position), and implant rupture. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. In the case of a silicone implant rupture, which may be silent, periodic MRIs or ultrasounds are recommended to screen for integrity.

Conclusion

Prosthetic breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women, enhancing their appearance and boosting their self - confidence. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. When considering breast augmentation, it is important for patients to do their research, choose a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and its outcomes. By following the advice of their surgeon and adhering to the pre - operative and post - operative care instructions, patients can achieve the best possible results. If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons mentioned in this article. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be considering breast augmentation to help them make an informed decision.