Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve a more balanced figure. In Albany, there are several highly - rated institutions with top - ranked experts in breast augmentation. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of breast augmentation in Albany, including the best doctors, procedure details, types of implants, and more.
Leading Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
There are numerous doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Healthgrades has found 155 doctors in the region with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Some of the top doctors include:
Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
These doctors have a proven track record of providing high - quality breast augmentation services, as evidenced by their patient ratings. Patients can be confident in their skills and experience.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a breast enhancement procedure in which a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. This is usually achieved by using silicone or saline breast implants, although in some cases, a patient's own fat can also be used to add a modest volume to the breasts.
Many women opt for breast augmentation for various reasons. Some may feel that their breasts are too small, lack enough volume or youthful contour, lack upper pole fullness, or are too droopy. The procedure aims to enhance the breasts by adding volume and fullness, giving them a more youthful and sensual shape and appearance that improves the breasts' proportion to the body frame.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Desire larger breasts to create a more balanced figure or to fill out clothing and bathing suits.
- Have one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other.
- Have mild breast drooping and desire an uplift and enlargement.
- Would like to have more upper pole breast fullness and increased cleavage.
However, it's important to note that surgical breast augmentation is a significant decision, and candidates should be in good overall health with no significantly untreated medical conditions. Additionally, they should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Physical Appearance: Patients can achieve larger and more shapely breasts, creating a more balanced figure. For example, a woman who has always felt self - conscious about her small breasts may gain newfound confidence in her appearance after the procedure.
- Boosted Self - Esteem: Feeling better about one's body can have a profound impact on self - image and confidence. Women often report increased self - confidence in both social and intimate situations.
- Improved Clothing Fit: Clothes, especially swimsuits and form - fitting dresses, will fit better, eliminating the need for padded bras or other temporary solutions.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
For safety, convenience, and comfort, the breast augmentation procedure is often done in a surgeon's joint commission - accredited office facility as an outpatient procedure, usually using general anesthesia or IV sedation. Here are the key steps:
- Incision: A small incision is made around the areola (the pigmented part of the breast) or in the fold beneath the breast. The choice of incision depends on various factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference.
- Implant Placement: The implant is inserted under the breast tissue and usually placed partially beneath the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle. This placement helps to camouflage the surface and provides a more naturally appearing upper breast contour.
- Closure: After the implant is placed, the incision is carefully closed using sutures, and dressings are applied to the area.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants have silicone shells filled with a salt - water (saline) solution directly from a sterile IV bag. They are filled after they are inserted into the breast pocket, which allows for a smaller incision and less visible scarring. If a rupture occurs, the salt water can be safely and easily absorbed by the body until the implant is removed and replaced. These implants are FDA - approved for patients 18 years and older and can be used in younger women to balance asymmetry or correct congenital breast shape or size problems.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel - filled implants have cohesive silicone shells and are filled with a softer silicone gel material that has the consistency of honey. They tend to provide a very natural - looking appearance and a more natural breast feel compared to salt - water - filled implants. There is a lower risk of rippling since the silicone fill material is thicker. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women over age 21 and may also be used for younger women in certain circumstances.
Cohesive Gel or “Gummy Bear” Implants
“Gummy bear” implants, also known as “form - stable” implants, are firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency. If the shell of the implant breaks, it maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. Dr. Steven Yarinsky in the Albany area has extensive experience using Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants. These implants are FDA - approved for women over age 21 and are covered by the Platinum20™ warranty program, which offers benefits such as free lifetime replacement if an implant ruptures and 20 - year replacement for capsular contracture complications, late - forming seroma, and double capsule.
Choosing the Right Breast Implants
Selecting the right breast implants is a crucial decision that should be made in consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Factors to consider include:
- Size and Shape: The size and shape of the implant should be chosen to complement the patient's body frame and proportions. A 3 - dimensional approach, as used by Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, can help create more natural - looking results. For example, a round implant can provide more upper breast fullness or “cleavage,” while a teardrop - shaped implant mimics the appearance of a natural breast.
- Implant Profile: This refers to the degree to which implants stick out or project from the chest. Higher profile implants have more upper fullness, while moderate profile implants can look more natural, especially for women with larger frames and wider chests.
- Texture: Implants can be either smooth or textured. Textured implants are less likely to move or become repositioned and can reduce the risk of thick capsule formation and tight capsular contracture. However, some textured implants, such as the Allergan Biocell® textured implants, have been recalled due to an association with a rare condition called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Textured implants from Sientra® and Mentor® are still available and have an exceedingly rare association with BIA - ALCL, if any.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
The recovery process after breast augmentation is an important part of the overall experience. Here's what patients can expect:
- Immediate Post - Surgery: Patients will experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Bandages will be in place, and they will be required to wear a supportive surgical bra. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage any discomfort.
- Initial Recovery Period: Most patients can shower the day after surgery (with caution). They should avoid tub bathing, swimming, and hot tub use for six to eight weeks. 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 be started in about three to four weeks.
- Long - Term Recovery: Over the next few months, the implants will “drop and fluff,” meaning the muscles and tissues surrounding the implants will soften and relax, allowing the breasts to take on a more natural appearance. The final results will be visible after about six months, although the breasts will continue to feel and look more natural over time.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
While breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are some risks and potential complications:
- Infection: Although rare, an infection can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
- Capsular Contracture: This is a condition in which the scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, causing the breast to feel firm and potentially changing its shape.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak. In the case of saline implants, the solution will be absorbed by the body, while a silicone implant rupture may require surgical removal.
- Loss of Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience a temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts.
- Fluid Accumulation: Fluid may accumulate around the implant, which can be treated with draining or medication.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The average cost of breast augmentation in Albany can range from $7,900 to $11,900. This includes the surgeon's fee, the price of anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and the experience of the surgeon. Additionally, if a breast lift is performed along with the augmentation, there will be additional expenses.
Health insurance usually does not cover cosmetic breast augmentation, but it may cover pre - operative lab work and tests that may be needed, such as mammograms, prescriptions, and medical clearance from the primary care physician. Some surgeons, like Dr. Steven Yarinsky, offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.
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 is a popular combination for women with breasts that are droopy or saggy in addition to being smaller than desired. Combining a breast augmentation with lift surgery can restore volume while lifting and tightening the skin of the breasts, resulting in a more youthful and shapely breast appearance.
- Mommy Makeover: A mommy makeover typically includes breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, and liposuction. This comprehensive approach allows women to regain their pre - pregnancy figure by addressing multiple areas of concern at once.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation
What is the best age for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation may be performed for women from their mid - teens and older when natural breast growth has peaked, which is generally considered to be at age 18. The FDA recommends saline implants for women who are at least 18 years old and silicone gel or “gummy bear” implants for women who are 22 and older. However, the decision should be based on factors such as physical and psychological maturity, realistic expectations, and overall health.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Yes, it is often possible to breastfeed after breast augmentation. Surgeons use techniques that ensure a high likelihood of successful breastfeeding, and the presence of implants usually does not hinder milk production. However, it's important to discuss your future breastfeeding plans with your surgeon before the procedure.
Do I need to wear a bra after breast augmentation?
Yes, patients will be provided with a surgical bra to wear continuously for several weeks after surgery. This bra helps hold the wound dressings in place, supports the new implants to maintain their shape and positioning, and minimizes swelling. After a few weeks, patients can switch to non - underwire bras.
When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
It is generally recommended to sleep on your back for at least two to three weeks and avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least a month after surgery. This helps protect the incisions and alleviates pressure on the chest until the breasts have adequately healed.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation in Albany offers women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. With the availability of top - ranked experts from highly - rated institutions, patients can feel confident in the quality of care they will receive. From understanding the procedure details, choosing the right implants, to managing the recovery process, there are many aspects to consider. However, with proper research and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, patients can achieve the results they desire.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the experienced doctors in Albany. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Whether you're looking to enhance your curves, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply feel better about yourself, breast augmentation could be the solution you've been seeking.