Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that has helped numerous women enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. Among the various breast implant brands, Allergan implants have been a well - known choice. If you're in Albany and considering breast augmentation with Allergan implants, finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial. In this article, we'll explore some top - rated hospitals and clinics in Albany that offer high - quality breast augmentation services with Allergan implants, along with detailed information about breast augmentation itself.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and improving the shape of the breasts. Many women opt for this procedure for different reasons. Some may feel that their breasts are too small, lack volume or a youthful contour, have insufficient upper - pole fullness, or are too droopy. By adding volume and fullness, breast augmentation gives the breasts a more youthful and sensual shape, improving their proportion to the body frame.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

• Women who desire larger breasts to create a more balanced figure or to fill out their clothing and bathing suits.
• Those with one breast noticeably smaller than the other, aiming to correct asymmetry.
• Women with mild breast drooping who desire both an uplift and enlargement.
• Individuals who want more upper - pole breast fullness and increased cleavage.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

1. Get larger and more shapely breasts.
2. Achieve a more balanced figure.
3. Boost self - esteem and develop a more positive self - image.

Breast Implant Types

There are several types of breast implants available, and Allergan offers a range of high - quality options. Let's take a look at the general 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, resulting in 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. Saline 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 with the consistency of honey. This type of implant tends to provide a very natural - looking appearance and has 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 are also known as “form - stable” implants as they are firmer and maintain their shape better. The silicone within these implants is a thicker consistency and does not flow like the original silicone gel - filled implants. If the shell of the implant breaks, the “gummy bear” implant maintains its shape and does not leak gel into the body. Sientra is a well - known brand for these types of implants, and in Albany, some surgeons have extensive experience with them.

Top Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Allergan Implants in Albany

Evaluating the Options

Based on top Google search results and patient reviews, several places in Albany stand out for breast augmentation. While we focus on top three in Allergan implants, let's first consider the overall top breast - augmentation doctors in Albany.

Healthgrades lists several doctors performing breast augmentation in Albany with high ratings. Some of these doctors are affiliated with well - known medical facilities. For example:

• Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD, with a 4.90 rating out of 5 stars, located at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208.
• Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO, rated 4.90 out of 5 stars, at 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211.
• Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD, also with a 4.90 rating, located at 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054.

However, we need to look at the specific hospitals that are well - known for using Allergan implants.

1. Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is highly regarded in the Albany area. Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust her 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.

Expertise in Breast Augmentation

Dr. Capek is an expert in guiding patients through the breast - augmentation process. She offers a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, including Allergan implants. She uses 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 informed participants in the planning of their procedure and are ultimately comfortable and satisfied with their results.

Surgical Approach

The breast - augmentation procedure at Capek Plastic Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture, and this is the most commonly recommended approach. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. Implants are inserted and positioned in either a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.

Aftercare

After the surgery, patients can shower within 48 hours and 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, 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 are scheduled to oversee the recovery process.

2. The Plastic Surgery Group

The Plastic Surgery Group is conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy. They offer breast - augmentation surgery to women who want larger, fuller breasts for various reasons, such as improving their appearance in clothing and swimwear or restoring lost fullness due to pregnancy or aging.

Comprehensive Consultation

During the consultation process, the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group explain the breast - augmentation procedure in detail. They review the various options available, including different types of breast implants (which may include Allergan implants), incision placement, and implant placement. They help patients choose the best options based on their unique anatomy, implant choice, and other factors to suit their body and to ensure that scars are as discreet as possible.

Surgery and Recovery

The surgeons typically perform breast - augmentation surgery at a nearby outpatient surgical center using general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour to perform, and patients can go home the day of the surgery but need an adult to drive them and care for them for the first 24 hours. Most patients are able to return to work within a week. Recovery follows a general timeline, with initial soreness and tiredness that usually subsides within a day or two. Dressings are removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra, and stitches are taken out. Over the next several months, scars gradually fade, thin, and soften.

3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham serves Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy. His practice is well - known for performing breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create natural - looking results.

Customized Approach

Dr. Rockmore takes a completely individualized approach to breast augmentation. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. When it comes to implant selection, he helps patients choose the right implant size, shape, material, and profile based on their existing anatomy and desired results. He offers Allergan implants as part of his implant options and guides patients through the decision - making process.

Implant Placement and Incision Options

He has various options for incisions, including 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). For implant placement, he uses subglandular (above the muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), or biplanar (a combination of each) pockets. He recommends the pocket that fits the individual patient's needs, with the submuscular pocket being a common choice for most women as it provides a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant.

Recovery Process

After breast augmentation with Dr. Rockmore, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after the surgery. Since it is an outpatient procedure, they can return home after a brief period of observation. The initial recovery timeline aligns with certain milestones, such as being able to shower the day after surgery (with caution), resuming driving within 72 hours if comfortable and off prescription medication, and swelling, tightness, and soreness peaking between days 3 - 5. Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities by day 7. Strenuous activities can be gradually resumed over the next few weeks.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon

Selecting the right hospital and surgeon for breast augmentation with Allergan implants is a critical decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Board Certification

Ensure that the surgeon 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. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, and the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group are all likely to be board - certified, which gives patients confidence in their skills and expertise.

Experience

Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast - augmentation surgeries, especially with Allergan implants. Surgeons who have performed a large number of procedures are more likely to handle any potential complications and achieve the desired results. For instance, a surgeon who has years of experience using Allergan implants will be more familiar with the product's characteristics and how to place them for optimal results.

Patient Reviews and Before - and - After Photos

Reading patient reviews can give you an idea of other patients' experiences with the surgeon and the hospital. You can also look at before - and - after photos of previous patients to assess the surgeon's ability to create natural - looking and aesthetically pleasing results. Many hospitals and surgeons in Albany, such as The Plastic Surgery Group, provide before - and - after photos on their websites for patients to view.

Comfort and Communication

During the consultation, you should feel comfortable and unrushed. The surgeon and their staff should address all of your questions and concerns completely. Good communication is essential for ensuring that you are well - informed about the procedure, recovery, and potential risks.

Breast Augmentation Procedure and Risks

The Procedure

The breast - augmentation procedure generally involves making an incision, creating a pocket for the implant, inserting the implant, and then closing the incision. The type of incision (e.g., inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary) and implant placement (subglandular, submuscular, biplanar) depend on various factors, including the patient's anatomy and preferences. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.

Risks

Although breast augmentation is considered a generally safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are some risks involved:

• Capsular Contracture: This is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Treatment may involve removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant.
• Infection: There is a small chance of an infection occurring around the area of the implant. In rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months and replaced once the infection is gone.
• Impact to Nipple Sensation: Some women may experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant Leak/Rupture: If a saline implant ruptures, the salt water is absorbed by the body, and there is a rapid loss of volume. In the case of a silicone implant, a rupture may be silent, and periodic screenings (such as MRIs for silicone implants) are recommended.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from breast augmentation is an important part of the process. Here are some general aspects of recovery:

Initial Recovery

After the surgery, patients usually experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication is typically prescribed to manage the discomfort. A surgical bra or compression garment is worn to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Patients are advised to rest for a few days and avoid strenuous activities.

Long - Term Recovery

Over the next few weeks and months, the swelling will gradually subside, and the breasts will start to settle into their final shape. Scars will also fade over time. It is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions, which may include wearing the support bra, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow - up appointments.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation with Allergan implants can be a life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, such as Capek Plastic Surgery, The Plastic Surgery Group, or Rockmore Plastic Surgery, patients can achieve their desired results with a relatively low risk of complications. It is essential to thoroughly research your options, have a detailed consultation with the surgeon, and understand the procedure, risks, and recovery process. Whether you're looking to enhance your appearance, correct asymmetry, or restore lost volume, breast augmentation can help you achieve a more confident and positive self - image.

If you're considering breast augmentation with Allergan implants in Albany, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons. Take the time to ask all your questions and make an informed decision that is right for you. You can also explore further information about breast augmentation and the hospitals mentioned in this article to gain more confidence in your choice.