Introduction
Breast augmentation with silicone implants is a popular cosmetic procedure that has gained significant traction over the years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering this procedure, each with its own set of unique techniques. Let's explore the top 5 hospitals in Albany that are well - known for their expertise in breast augmentation with silicone.
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Overview
Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is highly trusted by patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.
Unique Techniques
- Implant Selection: Dr. Capek offers a wide variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. This personalized approach ensures that patients can make an informed decision about their implant selection.
- Harmonic Scalpel Use: During the surgery, she creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel. This instrument helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery, which can lead to a smoother and less - invasive procedure.
- Incision Choice: She often recommends the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) as recent studies suggest that it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture.
Candidate Suitability
Patients suffering from 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 breast - feeding, and loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift) may be good candidates for breast implant surgery with Dr. Capek.
Procedure and Recovery
The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. It generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete. After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. 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.
Cost and Risks
The cost of the breast augmentation varies for each patient as it is highly individualized. Dr. Capek will give an estimated cost during the consultation. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and long - term issues like capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture. However, with Dr. Capek's care, these risks are infrequent and treatable.
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore performs breast augmentation at his practice in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York. He has extensive experience, having performed more than 4,000 breast procedures.
Unique Techniques
- 3 - Dimensional Approach: Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He focuses on matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts, preventing excess space between the breasts for full and natural - looking results.
- Customized Implant Selection: He offers a comprehensive range of breast implant sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles. When it comes to implant material, he is well - versed in both saline - and silicone - filled implants. Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, and he offers the so - called “gummy bear” breast implants, which are highly cohesive and maintain their shape well.
- Multiple Incision and Placement Options: He offers multiple incision locations such as inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary. He also has expertise in different implant placement options including subglandular, submuscular, and biplanar, and he will recommend the best option based on the patient's individual needs.
Candidate Suitability
Women who want to add volume to naturally small breasts or breasts that have lost mass after pregnancy, balance asymmetrical breasts, feel more confident in their clothes or during intimacy, or harmonize the size of the breasts with the rest of the body to correct the shape of tubular breasts are good candidates for breast augmentation with Dr. Rockmore.
Procedure and Recovery
The breast augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess initially. The recovery timeline is as follows: most patients can shower the day after surgery (with caution), can resume driving within 72 hours if comfortable and not on prescription medication, swelling and soreness peak around days 3 - 5, most patients can return to work by day 7, and can resume most strenuous activities between weeks 2 - 4.
Cost and Risks
The cost of breast augmentation at his practice varies with the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors. Patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation. While breast augmentation is a relatively low - risk procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rockmore, potential complications include infection, implant rupture, and capsular contracture.
Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center (Dr. Emily Carter)
Overview
Dr. Emily Carter is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. The Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center offers a comprehensive range of breast augmentation services, including silicone and saline implants, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction.
Unique Techniques
- Individualized Approach: The center is well - known for its individualized approach to breast augmentation. Dr. Carter takes the time to understand each patient's unique goals and anatomy, and then tailors the procedure accordingly.
- Comprehensive Service: In addition to breast augmentation, the center offers related procedures such as breast lifts and breast reconstruction. This allows patients to have all their breast - related needs met in one place.
Candidate Suitability
Patients who want to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of their breasts, whether due to natural underdevelopment, volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss, or to correct asymmetrical breasts, are suitable candidates for breast augmentation at this center.
Procedure and Recovery
Before the surgery, patients have a consultation with Dr. Carter to discuss their expectations and options. The breast augmentation procedure involves steps such as injection of anesthetic, making an incision, inserting the implant, and closing the wound. The center provides comprehensive post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Cost and Risks
The cost of breast augmentation will depend on the specific procedure and implant choices. Dr. Carter will provide an estimate during the consultation. As with any breast augmentation procedure, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, and long - term implant - related issues. However, the center aims to minimize these risks through proper pre - and post - operative care.
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, GJK Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is a double board - certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon. He brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to every breast augmentation procedure and incorporates the latest techniques and technologies.
Unique Techniques
- 5th - Generation Silicone Implants: Dr. Kaufman exclusively uses implants made in the United States and currently utilizes 5th - generation silicone implants. These implants have improved their ability to maintain their shape while maintaining a soft - to - touch, more natural quality.
- Fat Transfer Option: In addition to breast implant augmentation, he offers breast augmentation with fat grafting. This technique uses the patient's own fat harvested from other areas of the body, reducing the risk of implant - related complications and providing a more organic feel.
- Implant Placement: When using implants, he inserts them through incisions along the lower breast (inframammary fold) to minimize incision visibility. He has also achieved excellent results by placing implants above the chest muscle (pectoralis), avoiding deformity from movement (animation deformity), maintaining upper body strength, and significantly decreasing postoperative pain.
Candidate Suitability
Essentially, if a patient has ever considered increasing their breast volume and improving the breast shape, they are a good candidate for breast augmentation with Dr. Kaufman. Prior surgery or history of breast disease and treatment does not exclude patients from the procedure.
Procedure and Recovery
The breast augmentation experience with Dr. Kaufman is personalized. The surgical procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. After surgery, patients can expect some swelling and mild or moderate discomfort for the first few days. They should wear a supportive surgical bra as directed. Recovery times may vary depending on whether it is an implant - based or fat - transfer procedure, but in general, light exercise can resume in 1 to 2 weeks and strenuous exercise in 3 weeks.
Cost and Risks
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the chosen method and individual factors. Dr. Kaufman can provide an accurate cost breakdown after a consultation. Risks include bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, and implant - related issues such as rupture and changes in nipple sensation.
The Plastic Surgery Group
Overview
The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. Patients come here to achieve their ideal breast aesthetic through breast augmentation using a variety of breast implants.
Unique Techniques
- Comprehensive Implant Options: They offer a wide range of breast implants, including saline, silicone, and form - stable silicone (gummy bear) implants. The plastic surgeons work with patients to find the ideal breast implants for their body type and aesthetic goals.
- Mentor® Volume Sizing System: During consultations, they use the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients experience different breast sizes and identify their ideal breast size.
Candidate Suitability
Women with smaller breasts who want to increase the fullness and volume of their breasts are suitable candidates for breast augmentation at this group. The surgeons will consider factors such as the patient's age, body type, and overall health when determining suitability.
Procedure and Recovery
Breast implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in one of three locations: under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. The implants are placed either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. After surgery, patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. They will need someone to drive them home and should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Most patients can resume light activities and work within a week or two, and heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.
Cost and Risks
The cost of breast implants depends on the characteristics of the chosen implants, such as the manufacturer, model, and filling. Risks of the procedure include pain, swelling, infection, and long - term implant - related issues.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
| Hospital/Doctor | Unique Techniques | Cost Factors | Recovery Timeline | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lucie Capek | Harmonic scalpel use, inframammary fold incision preference, Mentor® volume sizing system | Highly individualized, estimated during consultation | 48 - hour shower, 1 - week sedentary work return, 6 - 8 weeks for strenuous activities | Bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, implant malposition, rupture |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore | 3 - dimensional approach, multiple incision and placement options, “gummy bear” implants | Varies with implant choice, surgery specifics, and patient factors; personalized quote | Day - 1 shower, 72 - hour driving, 7 - day work return, 2 - 4 weeks for strenuous activities | Infection, implant rupture, capsular contracture |
| Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center (Dr. Emily Carter) | Individualized approach, comprehensive breast services | Depends on procedure and implant choices; estimated during consultation | Follow comprehensive post - operative instructions | Bleeding, infection, long - term implant - related issues |
| Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman | 5th - generation silicone implants, fat transfer option, above - muscle implant placement | Varies by method and individual factors; accurate breakdown after consultation | 1 - 2 weeks for light exercise, 3 weeks for strenuous exercise | Bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, implant rupture, nipple sensation changes |
| The Plastic Surgery Group | Comprehensive implant options, Mentor® volume sizing system | Depends on implant characteristics | 1 - 2 weeks for light work, 6 weeks for heavy lifting and intense exercise | Pain, swelling, infection, long - term implant - related issues |
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with silicone implants in Albany offers a wide range of options for women looking to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. The top 5 hospitals and doctors in Albany - Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, Albany Aesthetics & Enhancement Center (Dr. Emily Carter), Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, and The Plastic Surgery Group - each bring unique techniques and expertise to the table. They offer personalized approaches to patient care, comprehensive implant options, and strive to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery process.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, it is important to do thorough research, schedule consultations with these top providers, and have in - depth discussions about your goals, expectations, and any concerns you may have. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the provider that is best suited to your individual needs. Take the first step towards achieving your desired look and schedule a consultation today!
