Introduction
Areola breast prosthesis implantation is a popular plastic surgery procedure that many individuals in Albany are interested in. Whether it's to enhance the appearance of the breasts, correct asymmetry, or regain confidence after certain life events, finding a reliable and high - quality plastic hospital is crucial. In this article, we will explore the top 4 large - scale plastic hospitals in Albany that offer areola breast prosthesis implantation services. Each of these hospitals has its own unique features, experienced medical teams, and advanced technologies, which make them stand out in the field of plastic surgery.
1. The Plastic Surgery Group
General Information
The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, & Troy. It has been a well - known name in the area for breast implant procedures. The hospital aims to help patients achieve their ideal breast aesthetic through breast augmentation.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Consultation: During the consultation, skilled surgeons discuss the patient's goals and help identify the best breast implants in terms of type, size, shape, profile, and texture. They use the Mentor® volume sizing system to assist patients in experiencing different breast sizes and determining their ideal one.
- Types of Breast Implants:
- Saline Implants: Filled with sterile salt water, they are FDA - approved and typically less expensive than silicone implants. The volume can be easily adjusted after insertion, and they are safe even when ruptured as the saline can be naturally absorbed by the body. These implants are recommended for patients at least 18 years old.
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, they are pre - filled before insertion. They are often thought to have a more natural feel than saline implants and are suitable for patients at least 22 years old.
- Form - stable Silicone ( “Gummy Bear” ) Implants: These are FDA - approved with a more solid consistency than traditional silicone breast implants. They are firmer and retain their shape, and the silicone does not leak from the shell when a rupture occurs, ensuring high safety.
- Procedure: Breast implant surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). A pocket is created either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular), and then the implants are inserted.
- Recovery: The recovery period depends on the patient's natural healing ability. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. They need someone to drive them home and assist with daily activities. Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort, and a surgical bra may be required for support and to reduce swelling. Most patients can resume light activities and work within a week or two, but heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks.
2. Deluca Plastic Surgery
General Information
Deluca Plastic Surgery in Albany offers a comprehensive range of breast - related plastic surgery procedures. The hospital has a team of experienced surgeons who are dedicated to providing high - quality results and excellent patient care.
Services Offered
- Breast Augmentation Basics:
- Breast augmentation can be done with saline or silicone implants, which allow for predictable breast enhancement in various body types. It can also be performed using fat harvested from other parts of the body (Brazilian breast augmentation), although the results from fat augmentation are less predictable and work best for slightly overweight patients seeking a modest augmentation.
- There are two main types of implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with saline in the operating room, and they are less commonly used due to their less natural feel and less control over breast shape. Silicone implants are filled with silicone at the factory and come in different types based on the “thickness” of the gel, such as “classic,” “xtra,” and “boost” styles.
- Implant Placement: Implants can be placed over (sub - muscular) or under (sub - glandular) the pectoralis muscle. Sub - muscular implants have advantages such as a lower risk of capsular contracture, lower chance of rippling, better coverage in thin women, and a more natural upper pole contour. However, they can be influenced by the contraction of the pectoralis muscle, especially in very athletic women. Implants placed over the muscle are more visible and may result in a larger - looking augmentation and a sharper transition between the natural breast and the implant edges.
- Incisions: The most common incisions for implant insertion are around the lower half of the nipple - areola (peri - areolar) or in the breast crease between the breast and the chest wall (infra - mammary incision). The choice of incision depends on multiple factors including surgeon preference, patient preference, patient anatomy, and the type of implant.
- Recovery: After surgery, the breasts swell, and the implants may initially have a high and flat appearance. As the swelling subsides and the tissues stretch over the next few months, the implants settle, and the breasts become lower and fuller. The “drop and fluff” process often occurs over the first few months, and it may take 3 to 6 months to see the final result.
3. Capek Plastic Surgery
General Information
Capek Plastic Surgery is another leading plastic surgery facility in Albany. Dr. Lucie Capek, an expert in breast augmentation, helps patients achieve their desired figure through a variety of options.
Services Offered
- Am I a Good Candidate?: Breast implant surgery may be suitable for patients 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, or loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift).
- Types of Breast Implants: All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell filled with either saline solution or elastic silicone gel. Both types have been regularly researched and tested for safety and carry warranties from the manufacturer. The recommended choice of implant type, size, and shape is determined based on the patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results.
- Before the Procedure: A consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary before surgery. She uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Patients are advised to be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, and follow their primary care physician's advice for chronic conditions.
- The Procedure: The breast augmentation procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in either the Quada - accredited office - based operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, or a hospital operating room. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The implants are inserted in either a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and glue. The surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
- After the Procedure: Patients can expect a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. They can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, and strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, regular mammograms and breast exams are recommended, and women with silicone implants should have periodic ultrasounds to screen for silent implant rupture.
4. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery (Dr. Steven Yarinsky)
General Information
Dr. Steven Yarinsky at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in the Albany / capital district region. He has extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures and offers a wide range of implant options.
Services Offered
- Who is a Good Candidate?: Suitable candidates include those who desire larger breasts for a more balanced figure, have one breast noticeably smaller than the other, have mild breast drooping and want an uplift and enlargement, or wish to have more upper pole breast fullness and increased cleavage.
- Benefits of Breast Augmentation: Patients can get larger and more shapely breasts, achieve a more balanced figure, and boost their self - esteem and develop a more positive self - image.
- Procedure: The breast augmentation procedure is done in Dr. Yarinsky's joint commission accredited office facility as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or IV sedation. A small incision is made around the areola or in the fold beneath the breast. Dr. Yarinsky offers saline, silicone gel, or “gummy bear” type silicone gel filled implants, and the implant is inserted under the breast tissue and usually placed partially beneath the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle.
- Breast Implant Shapes:
- Round Breast Implants: Provide more upper breast fullness or “cleavage” compared to teardrop - shaped implants. There is minimal concern for rotation as they are the same shape all around.
- Teardrop - shaped Breast Implants: Mimic the appearance of a natural breast and have less fullness in the cleavage area. They are more common for breast reconstruction after mastectomy and need to be carefully positioned to avoid rotation.
- Breast Implant Surfaces:
- Smooth Breast Implants: Considered the softest and can create a more mobile breast appearance. However, they may increase the risk of capsular contracture and rippling, and the pocket for placement usually needs to be larger than the implant.
- Textured Breast Implants: Less likely to move or become repositioned. The formation of scar tissue around them helps adhere to the surrounding breast tissue, reducing the risk of thick capsule formation and tight capsular contracture. They may make the breasts feel more natural to touch. However, some textured implants from certain brands have been recalled due to an association with a rare condition called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), while textured implants from Sientra® and Mentor® have an exceedingly rare association.
- 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. Discomfort is controlled with oral medication, and sutures are usually removed within two weeks (up to three weeks if a breast lift is done on the same day). Light activities can be resumed as tolerated, and aerobic activities can start in about three to four weeks.
Comparison of the Four Hospitals
Hospital Name | Implant Options | Special Features | Recovery Support |
---|---|---|---|
The Plastic Surgery Group | Saline, silicone, form - stable silicone | Use of Mentor® volume sizing system for consultation | Guidance on pain management and surgical bra use |
Deluca Plastic Surgery | Saline, different types of silicone | Expertise in handling various breast augmentation - related complications | 24/7 access to surgeons during recovery |
Capek Plastic Surgery | Saline, silicone | Use of harmonic scalpel for surgery to minimize bleeding | Long - term follow - up for mammograms and ultrasound for silicone implants |
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery (Dr. Steven Yarinsky) | Saline, silicone gel, “gummy bear” | Extensive experience with Sientra® implants and comprehensive warranty programs | Detailed guidance on post - operative garment use and activity restrictions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, these four large - scale plastic hospitals in Albany offer high - quality areola breast prosthesis implantation services. Each hospital has its own strengths in terms of implant options, surgical techniques, and post - operative care. When considering areola breast prosthesis implantation, patients should carefully evaluate their needs, goals, and preferences, and consult with the surgeons at these hospitals to make an informed decision. It is also important to ensure that the chosen hospital and surgeon are board - certified and have a good reputation in the field of plastic surgery.
If you are interested in areola breast prosthesis implantation, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for consultations. Explore the before - and - after photos, read patient testimonials, and ask any questions you may have. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of achieving the desired results and having a positive experience with your plastic surgery journey.