Introduction

Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost her self - confidence. In Albany, there are several hospitals and surgeons renowned for their expertise in this field. This article will explore the top 5 preferred hospitals for breast augmentation surgery in Albany, providing in - depth information about the facilities, surgeons, procedures, and patient experiences.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, improve the shape, and enhance the contour and symmetry of the breasts. There are two primary methods: using breast implants (silicone or saline) or fat transfer from other parts of the body. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been the top cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States since 2006, with silicone gel implants used in 77% and saline implants in 23% of all breast augmentations in 2014.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

• Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue.
• Those with disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body.
• Individuals with asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts.
• Women who have experienced deflation and lost volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breast - feeding.
• Those with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift).

Types of Breast Implants

Top 5 Preferred Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany

1. [Hospital or Practice Associated with Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman]

Surgeon Expertise

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. He is proficient in both breast implant - based breast augmentation and fat transfer techniques, offering a comprehensive range of options to achieve the patient's desired results. According to Healthgrades, he has a 4.70 out of 5 - star rating, indicating high patient satisfaction.

Procedure Options

Dr. Kaufman offers two primary methods for breast augmentation. For breast implant augmentation, he exclusively uses implants made in the United States. He utilizes 5th - generation silicone implants that have improved shape - maintaining ability and a soft, natural feel. The implant shapes include rounded implants for more lift and projection. He only uses smooth breast implants as textured implants have been associated with rare adverse outcomes. He also offers a choice of five different profile types, from low to extra - high projections, allowing patients to customize the look of their breasts.

For fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as lipofilling, he harvests fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. The fat is then processed and carefully injected into the breasts to improve volume and shape. His extensive experience and training in advanced lipo - filling sculpting techniques developed in France ensure high - quality results.

Patient Experience

Patients who choose Dr. Kaufman for breast augmentation are not only enhancing their appearance but also investing in their confidence. He prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and aesthetic goals. His approach includes a personalized consultation where he discusses the patient's goals, reviews their medical history, and provides a customized recommendation. The surgical procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. After the surgery, patients are guided through a recovery process that includes wearing a supportive surgical bra, attending follow - up visits, and gradually resuming normal activities. The initial results are visible immediately after surgery, but the final results develop over several months as swelling subsides and implants settle or transferred fat integrates.

2. [Hospital or Practice Associated with Dr. Lucie Capek]

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon whom patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust to perform their breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care. RealSelf shows that she has 74 reviews and 28 years of experience, along with 2 board certifications.

Procedure Options

Dr. Capek is an expert in breast augmentation and can help patients choose from a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. She also explores the possibility of using the patient's own fat for augmentation. Patients can even choose to combine their cosmetic breast augmentation with a breast lift. She uses the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type.

During the procedure, she typically makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. The inframammary fold incision (under the breast) is commonly recommended as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. Implants can be placed in either a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.

Patient Experience

Patients have reported that the surgery with Dr. Capek was a smooth process, with excellent care, very little pain and bruising, and a fast recovery. After the surgery, patients 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. 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. It is important to follow her aftercare instructions to avoid any complications, and follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process.

3. [Hospital or Practice Associated with Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore]

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has over 25 years of experience as a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed more than 4,000 breast procedures. His practice in Latham serves Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York. RealSelf shows that he has 159 reviews, and his work has been highly regarded by patients who travel from various areas for his breast augmentation services.

Procedure Options

Dr. Rockmore performs breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create results that look and feel natural. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. When it comes to implant selection, he takes into account not only the implant volume but also the width of the implant to match the patient's chest and breasts, preventing excess space between the breasts. He offers both saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions, while silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a cohesive gel. He also considers the implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra - high) based on the patient's existing anatomy and desired results.

Common incision locations for breast augmentation include the inframammary (a thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast), periareolar (along the lower border of the areola), and transaxillary (hidden in the armpit) incisions. He creates a pocket for the implant, which can be subglandular (above the muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), or biplanar (a combination of each). For most women, he recommends a submuscular pocket for a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant.

Patient Experience

Patients have shared positive experiences, with results that allow them to fit better into clothes and feel more confident. After the surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after the outpatient procedure. They can usually shower the day after surgery if they are careful. If they are comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they can resume driving within 72 hours. Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak around days 3 - 5 but can be easily managed with over - the - counter medicine. Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities by day 7. Strenuous activities can be resumed around weeks 2 - 4. Dr. Rockmore provides a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks to support the healing process.

4. [Hospital or Practice Associated with Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha]

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. He has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo, completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park, a residency in Michigan State - Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery, and a one - year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. He also spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. RealSelf shows that he has 154 reviews and 20 years of experience.

Procedure Options

Dr. Kayastha offers various breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, male breast reduction, breast implant removal, nipple surgery, breast implant revision, and breast reconstruction. For breast augmentation, he enhances the breast size, shape, and symmetry. The recovery period is about 1 - 2 weeks, with full results visible in 6 months, and the cost ranges from $6,400 - $7,500.

Patient Experience

Patients who have undergone procedures with Dr. Kayastha have reported being very happy with the results and overall experience. Before the breast surgery, patients are required to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Kayastha listens to the patient's goal results, creates a unique plan for the surgery, and determines whether the procedure is the best option. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's relevant health history to ensure surgery is a safe option. After the surgery, patients are expected to follow his aftercare instructions, and follow - up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the recovery process.

5. [Hospital or Practice Associated with Dr. Susan Gannon]

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Susan Gannon is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 19 years of experience. Healthgrades rates her 4.60 out of 5 stars. She has performed numerous breast augmentation surgeries and is well - respected in the Albany area for her skills and patient - centered approach.

Procedure Options

Dr. Gannon offers breast augmentation services, likely considering factors such as implant type, size, and placement to achieve the best results for her patients. Although specific details about her unique approach may vary, like other top surgeons, she would guide patients through the process of choosing the right implants based on their body type, desired appearance, and overall health.

Patient Experience

Patients have shared positive experiences with Dr. Gannon. For example, a 38 - year - old mom of 3 who had a breast augmentation reported that Dr. Gannon was wonderful, kind, and attentive. The entire office experience was great. After the surgery, patients would follow her post - operative care instructions, which would typically include rest, wearing a supportive bra, and attending follow - up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation

Surgeon's Credentials

It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has successfully passed rigorous exams in the field, demonstrating a deep level of practical knowledge. Surgeons like Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman, who is double - board certified, and Dr. Lucie Capek, who is board - certified, bring a high level of expertise to the table.

Experience

Surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation, such as Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore with over 4,000 breast procedures and Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha with 20 years of experience, are more likely to handle various situations during the surgery and provide better results. Their experience also allows them to anticipate and manage potential complications more effectively.

Patient Reviews

Reading patient reviews can give you an insight into the quality of care, the surgeon's bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Websites like Healthgrades and RealSelf provide a platform for patients to share their experiences. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek has 74 reviews on RealSelf, which can help potential patients understand what to expect.

Procedure Options

A good hospital or surgeon should offer a variety of procedure options. This includes different types of breast implants (silicone, saline), different incision locations (inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary), and implant placement (subglandular, submuscular, biplanar). Surgeons like Dr. Kaufman, who offer both breast implant - based augmentation and fat transfer techniques, provide more flexibility for patients to achieve their desired results.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other procedures. It is important to get a clear understanding of the cost breakdown during the consultation. Some hospitals or practices may also offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure.

Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Immediate Risks

• Bleeding in the implant pocket, which may require additional treatment or surgery to control.
• Infection around the area of the implant, which in rare cases may require the removal of the implant for a few months until the infection clears up and a new implant can be placed.
• Problems with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, although these are rare when administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist.
• Changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast, including hypersensitivity, loss of sensitivity, or slight numbness around the incision area. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.

Long - Term Risks

• Capsular contracture, which is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, making the breast feel hard. Treatment may involve removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
• Implant malposition, where the implant shifts into an undesirable position, such as dropping too low. This may require corrective surgery.
• Implant rupture. If a saline implant breaks, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. However, a silicone implant rupture may be silent, and the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants have periodic MRIs to check for integrity. If a rupture occurs, another breast augmentation operation may be needed to replace the implants.
• Breast implant illness and breast implant - associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma, although these events are quite rare.

Recovery Process after Breast Augmentation

Immediate Post - Surgery

After breast augmentation surgery, patients can expect to feel some discomfort, grogginess, and fatigue. They may also experience a slight burning feeling in the