Introduction
Breast augmentation with prosthetics has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical practices renowned for their expertise in this field. In this article, we will explore the top four popular hospitals for breast augmentation with prosthetics in Albany, delving into their services, doctors, patient experiences, and more.
Understanding Breast Augmentation with Prosthetics
Before we dive into the top hospitals, it's essential to understand what breast augmentation with prosthetics entails. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size, improve the shape, and enhance the symmetry of the breasts. Prosthetics, typically in the form of silicone or saline implants, are used to achieve these goals. Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, while saline implants are filled with sterile salt water.
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. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the USA.
Top Four Popular Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Prosthetics in Albany
1. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany and surrounding areas, is a well - known figure in the field of breast augmentation. With over 24 years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to his practice.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Dr. Rockmore takes the time to understand each patient's unique desires and motivations for breast augmentation. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach to customize each procedure, ensuring that the results look and feel natural. For example, he offers a different approach to implant selection, matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts to prevent excess space between the breasts.
- Range of Options: The practice offers both silicone and saline implants. Saline implants require smaller incisions and are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. Additionally, Dr. Rockmore often uses fat grafts to restore volume to the breast, either in conjunction with a breast lift or implants or alone.
- Patient Experiences: Many patients have reported excellent results and high levels of satisfaction. For instance, a 45 - year - old patient who had lost significant volume in her breasts after having kids was able to achieve her desired cup size using a 330 cc silicone implant and was very happy with the outcome. Another young woman who wished to have full but natural breasts was able to achieve her goal with a 425cc moderate plus silicone implant.
- Recovery and Aftercare: Dr. Rockmore provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery but are usually able to return home after a brief period of observation. The initial recovery timeline typically includes being able to shower the day after surgery (with caution), resuming driving within 72 hours if comfortable, and most patients can return to work, school, and other light activities within a week. Strenuous activities can be resumed within 2 - 4 weeks. Additional follow - up visits are scheduled at 8 weeks and 6 months after the procedure.
2. Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has built a reputation for her expertise in breast augmentation. Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, as well as from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond, trust her to perform their breast augmentation surgery.
- Comprehensive Consultation: Before the procedure, Dr. Capek conducts a thorough consultation. She uses mentor® volume sizing system or breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. This ensures that patients are well - informed participants in the planning of their procedure.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: During the breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implants, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. Implants are placed in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.
- Patient Safety and Satisfaction: Dr. Capek takes every precaution to ensure patient safety. She rarely uses drains for first - time breast augmentation patients and closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete. Many patients have reported excellent experiences, with one patient stating that “the surgery itself was as good a process as something like that can be. Excellent care, very little pain and bruising with a fast recovery. Definitely worth it.”
- Long - Term Care: After the surgery, Dr. Capek provides comprehensive aftercare. Patients can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. She schedules follow - up appointments to oversee the recovery process and also emphasizes the importance of regular mammograms and breast exams. If patients have silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
3. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery in Albany is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
- Holistic Approach to Breast Procedures: Dr. Kayastha offers a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and more. His approach is centered around achieving a more balanced, symmetrical, or proportionate look for the patient. For patients dealing with complications from previous procedures, such as a breast implant leak or capsular contracture, he can provide safe and effective solutions.
- Patient - Specific Planning: Before any breast surgery, Dr. Kayastha conducts a detailed consultation. He listens to the patient's goal results to create a unique plan for the surgery and determines whether the procedure they are interested in is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's relevant health history to ensure that surgery is a safe choice.
- Experience and Credentials: Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo and gained extensive training through fellowships in surgical pathology, plastic surgery residency, and hand and microsurgery. His broad - based training allows him to approach breast augmentation with a high level of skill and expertise.
- Cost and Recovery: The cost of breast augmentation at K Plastic Surgery ranges from $6,400 - $7,500, with recovery taking 1 - 2 weeks for initial healing and up to 6 months for full results. Dr. Kayastha provides clear instructions on post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery process.
4. Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is a double - board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon who offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation options in Albany.
- Advanced Implant Options: Dr. Kaufman offers a variety of implant options, including 5th - generation silicone implants. These implants are designed to maintain their shape while providing a soft - to - touch, more natural quality. He also offers different shapes (rounded implants for more lift and projection), textures (using only smooth breast implants as textured implants are associated with rare adverse outcomes), and profiles (ranging from low to extra high projections) to meet the diverse needs of his patients.
- Fat Transfer Option: In addition to breast implants, Dr. Kaufman is experienced in breast augmentation with fat transfer. This technique uses the patient's own fat harvested from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to enhance breast size and contour. It offers the benefits of using natural tissue, reducing the risk of implant - related complications, and enhancing body contours in the donor areas.
- Personalized Patient Journey: The patient journey at Dr. Kaufman's practice is highly personalized. It starts with a detailed consultation where he discusses the patient's goals, reviews their medical and surgical history, and performs an examination with medical photography and measurements. He then provides a personalized recommendation and works with the patient to customize the surgical plan. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the case's complexity.
- Recovery and Results: After surgery, patients can expect some swelling and mild or moderate discomfort for the first few days. They are required to wear a supportive surgical bra as directed. Sutures and surgical drains are removed in the office on follow - up. Patients can gradually return to normal activities within the first few days, start light exercise in 1 to 2 weeks, and resume strenuous exercise in 3 weeks. The final results develop over several months as swelling subsides and implants settle or transferred fat integrates.
Comparing the Top Four Hospitals
Hospital | Surgeon | Implant Options | Special Techniques | Patient Experience Highlights | Cost Range | Recovery Timeline |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore | Silicone, saline, fat grafting | 3 - dimensional approach to implant selection | High satisfaction with natural - looking results | Not specified | Light activities in 1 week, strenuous in 2 - 4 weeks |
Capek Plastic Surgery | Dr. Lucie Capek | Silicone, saline | Harmonic scalpel for pocket creation | Fast recovery, little pain and bruising | Not specified | Return to work in 1 week, high - impact activities restricted for 6 - 8 weeks |
K Plastic Surgery | Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha | Not specified | Comprehensive breast procedure approach | Patient - specific planning | $6,400 - $7,500 | 1 - 2 weeks for initial healing, 6 months for full results |
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice | Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman | 5th - generation silicone, fat transfer | Implant placement above chest muscle to avoid animation deformity | Personalized patient journey | Not specified | Light activities in a few days, light exercise in 1 - 2 weeks, strenuous in 3 weeks |
Considerations When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
It's crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. For example, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has 24 years of experience, Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon trusted by many patients, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha has advanced training in multiple areas of surgery, and Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is double - board - certified in reconstructive and plastic surgery.
Range of Services
Look for a hospital or practice that offers a wide range of breast augmentation options. This includes different types of implants (silicone, saline), as well as the option of fat transfer. Some hospitals also offer the possibility of combining breast augmentation with other procedures, such as a breast lift or tummy tuck.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you valuable insights into the quality of care, patient experience, and results achieved at a particular hospital. For instance, positive reviews about fast recovery, little pain, and natural - looking results can be a good indication of a reliable practice.
Cost and Financing Options
While cost should not be the only factor, it is an important consideration. Some hospitals offer patient financing to help make the procedure more affordable. Understanding the cost breakdown, including any additional fees for anesthesia, facility use, etc., is essential.
Aftercare and Follow - up
Good aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery. Look for a hospital that provides detailed aftercare instructions, schedules regular follow - up appointments, and is available to answer any questions or address concerns during the recovery process.
Common Questions and Concerns about Breast Augmentation
Is breast augmentation surgery safe?
When performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation is a relatively low - risk procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks. Common risks include infection, implant rupture, capsular contracture (tightening of the scar around the implant), and changes in nipple sensation. Surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks, and patients should follow all pre - and post - operative instructions to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Most women can breastfeed after breast augmentation, but it 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. It's important to discuss your plans to breastfeed with your surgeon before the procedure.
How long do breast implants last?
The longevity of breast implants is variable. Industry expectations are typically 10 years or more, but there is no set number of years that an implant will maintain its integrity. Some patients may experience complications, such as capsular contracture, which may require implant replacement.
What is the recovery process like?
The recovery process varies from patient to patient, but generally, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the first few days after surgery. They will need to wear a supportive surgical bra, avoid strenuous activities for a period of time, and attend follow - up appointments. Most patients can return to work within a week, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible as the swelling subsides and the implants settle.
Conclusion
In Albany, there are several excellent hospitals and medical practices for breast augmentation with prosthetics. Rockmore Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery, K Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman's Practice each offer unique services, experienced surgeons, and a commitment to patient satisfaction. When considering breast augmentation, it's important to do thorough research, consult with multiple surgeons, and carefully weigh your options based on your individual needs and preferences.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation or scheduling a consultation with one of these top providers in Albany, take the first step today. Reach out to the hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article to start your journey towards achieving the look and confidence you desire.