Introduction
For women in Albany with flat breasts, breast augmentation can be a life - changing option. It offers the opportunity to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry, boosting self - confidence and providing a more proportionate figure. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the top aspects of breast augmentation in Albany, including the top doctors, procedures, implants, recovery, risks, and more.
Top Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany
There are several highly qualified plastic surgeons in Albany who specialize in breast augmentation. These doctors bring years of experience, board certifications, and a wealth of satisfied patients to the table. Let's take a look at some of them:
Doctor Name | Location | Years of Experience | Board Certifications | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 15 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, New York | 25 yrs | 1 | (518) 353 - 6338 |
Saniv Kayastha, MD | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd., Ste. 206, Latham, New York | 20 yrs | 1 | (518) 288 - 5588 |
Douglas Hargrave, MD | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd., #101, Albany, New York | 38 yrs | 1 | N/A |
Steven M. Lynch, MD | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd., Ste. 101, Albany, New York | 31 yrs | 1 | N/A |
Jeffrey Ridha, MD | 72 Railroad Pl., Saratoga Springs, New York | 16 yrs | 2 | (518) 907 - 0338 |
David Tauber, MD | 5 Ulenski Dr., Albany, New York | 17 yrs | 1 | (518) 516 - 6392 |
Susan M. Gannon, MD | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd #101, Albany, New York | 19 yrs | 1 | (518) 345 - 1519 |
Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 317 S. Manning Blvd., C 364, Albany, New York | 8 yrs | 2 | N/A |
Joshua King, MD | 4 Executive Park Drive, Albany, New York | N/A | 1 | N/A |
Lucie Capek, MD | 1003 Loudon Rd., Ste. 101, Latham, New York | 28 yrs | 2 | N/A |
These doctors have a proven track record of performing successful breast augmentation surgeries. Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into their expertise and bedside manner. For example, Jeffrey Rockmore, MD has numerous positive reviews where patients praise his ability to help them choose the right implant size for their body type. Saniv Kayastha, MD is also highly regarded for spending a significant amount of time with patients during the consultation and delivering amazing results.
Breast Augmentation Procedures
Implants - Based Augmentation
Implants are the most common method of breast augmentation. There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone gel.
- Saline Implants: These implants have a silicone shell filled with a salt - water (saline) solution. They are filled after insertion into the breast pocket, allowing for a smaller incision and potentially less visible scarring. If a rupture occurs, the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body. The FDA has approved saline implants for patients 18 years and older. According to a study, saline implants are often used to balance asymmetry or correct congenital breast shape or size problems in younger women as well.
- Silicone Gel Implants: These implants have a cohesive silicone shell filled with a softer silicone gel material that has a consistency similar to honey. They tend to provide a more natural - looking appearance and a more natural breast feel compared to saline implants. There is also a lower risk of rippling, especially for thinner women with less natural breast tissue. The FDA has approved silicone gel implants for women over 21 years old, but they may be used in younger women in certain circumstances.
There are also “gummy bear” or form - stable implants. These are firmer and maintain their shape better. If the shell of a “gummy bear” implant breaks, it maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. Dr. Steven Yarinsky in the Albany area has extensive experience with sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants, which have been shown in clinical studies to have low rates of breakage and capsular contracture.
Fat Transfer Augmentation
Breast augmentation with fat transfer uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other parts of the body, which is then purified and injected into the breasts. This procedure is suitable for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size and want a more natural - looking and feeling result. Before the fat transfer, tissue expanders may be placed below the chest - wall muscles for a few weeks to expand the breasts and increase their capacity to hold fat. The process of removing fat via liposuction and then injecting it into the breasts typically takes about 2 - 3 hours.
Choosing the Right Implants
Selecting the appropriate breast implants is a crucial decision that depends on several factors:
Size and Shape
- Round Implants: These can provide more upper breast fullness or “cleavage.” They are less likely to rotate since they have the same shape all around. If a patient desires more fullness and projection, the implant can be placed higher on the chest.
- Teardrop - Shaped Implants: They mimic the appearance of a natural breast and have less fullness in the cleavage area. They have a textured surface to prevent movement. However, they need to be carefully positioned as rotation can create an unusual appearance. Teardrop implants are a common choice for breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Surface Texture
- Smooth Implants: These are considered the softest option and can create a more mobile breast appearance. However, they are associated with a higher risk of capsular contracture and rippling. Surgeons often need to create a larger pocket for smooth implants to prevent hard breast formation.
- Textured Implants: They are less likely to move or become repositioned as the scar tissue around them helps them adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. Textured implants can reduce the risk of thick capsule formation and tight capsular contracture. Some textured implants from allergan named biocell® have been recalled due to an association with a rare condition called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), but textured implants from sientra® and mentor® are still available with an exceedingly rare association, if any.
A qualified plastic surgeon will consider a patient's body frame, natural breast tissue, skin quality, and cosmetic goals to help make an informed decision about implant selection. New state - of - the - art Crisalix® 3 - D and 4 - D computer imaging technology may be used to help patients preview how they might look with different implant types and sizes.
The Breast Augmentation Process
Consultation
The first step in breast augmentation is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will listen to the patient's goals, explain the procedure in detail, and review the available options, including implant types, incision locations, and implant placement. The surgeon will also examine the patient's breasts, take measurements, and review the patient's medical history to ensure that surgery is a safe option. It is important for patients to ask questions and express their concerns during the consultation. For example, they may inquire about the cost, recovery time, and potential risks.
Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision either under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola (periareolar incision), or in the underarm (transaxillary incision). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy, implant choice, and the surgeon's recommendation. After making the incision, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant either beneath the chest - wall muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). The implant is then inserted and positioned. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Recovery
Recovery from breast augmentation varies from patient to patient, but here is a general timeline:
- First Few Days: Patients may feel tired and sore, and there may be some bruising and swelling. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. The patient should rest quietly for 24 - 48 hours.
- 7 - 10 Days: Gauze dressings are usually removed and replaced with a surgical bra. Stitches are often removed during this time. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work.
- 3 - 5 Weeks: Breasts may be sensitive to physical contact. Strenuous or high - impact activities should still be avoided.
- Next Several Months: Scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. The final results of the surgery will become more apparent.
Patients are usually advised to wear a support bra continuously for several weeks, avoid tub bathing and swimming for 6 - 8 weeks, and follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, it is not without risks. Some of the common risks and complications include:
With Implant - Based Augmentation
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, making the breast feel hard. It can be treated by removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
- Implant Leak or Rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents quickly if they rupture, and the body will absorb the saltwater. Silicone implants may have a silent rupture, where there are no obvious symptoms. The FDA recommends periodic MRIs for women with silicone implants to check for ruptures.
- Changes in Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness in the nipples. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection around the implant. In rare cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection clears.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may shift into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low.
With Fat Transfer Augmentation
- Calcification: Calcium deposits can form in the breasts.
- Fat Embolism: Fat cells can enter the bloodstream and cause blockages.
- Fat Necrosis: The fat cells may die, leading to lumps or oil cysts in the breasts.
- Loss of Volume: Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body, requiring touch - up injections.
Surgeons will discuss these risks with patients during the consultation and take steps to minimize them.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary widely depending on several factors:
- Surgeon's Fee: Experienced and highly - regarded surgeons may charge more.
- Implant Type and Brand: Different types of implants (saline, silicone, “gummy bear”) and brands have different costs.
- Anesthesia Costs: The type of anesthesia used and the length of the procedure can affect the cost. Due to a national shortage of anesthesia providers related to the COVID - 19 pandemic, anesthesia costs have increased recently.
- Operating Room Facilities: Using a hospital or an outpatient surgical center can have different associated costs.
- Additional Procedures: If a breast lift or other procedures are combined with breast augmentation, the cost will be higher.
On average, breast augmentation in Albany can range from $6,000 to $11,900. However, it is important to note that health insurance usually does not cover cosmetic breast augmentation, but it may cover pre - operative lab work, tests, prescriptions, and medical clearance from the primary care physician. Some plastic surgery practices offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure.
Combining Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures
Many women choose to combine breast augmentation with other procedures to enhance their overall appearance. Some common combinations include:
Breast Augmentation and Lift
This combination is suitable for women with droopy or saggy breasts in addition to wanting to increase breast size. By adding implants to restore volume and lifting and tightening the breast skin, patients can achieve a more youthful and shapely breast appearance. It is especially beneficial for women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover typically combines breast augmentation with procedures like liposuction of other areas of the body or a tummy tuck. This allows women to regain their pre - pregnancy figure in a single recovery period. The combination of these procedures can address multiple concerns related to the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation in Albany
What is the best age for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation can be performed on women from their mid - teens and older, but the FDA recommends saline implants for women 18 and older and silicone gel or “gummy bear” implants for women 22 and older. Whether a younger teen qualifies is determined on a case - by - case basis, considering factors such as physical and psychological maturity, realistic expectations, and family support. It is important for all women considering breast augmentation to be in good health and have clear goals for the procedure.
Will I be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation?
The ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation depends on the location of the incisions and the placement of the implants. If the incision does not affect the nipple, there is a higher likelihood of being able to breastfeed in the future. The quality of breast milk is not affected by the presence of breast implants, but patients should inform their doctors if they plan to breastfeed after surgery.
How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?
Most patients can return to work within a week