Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a life - changing procedure for many individuals. Those with overly large breasts often experience a range of physical discomforts such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, and skin irritation. It can also lead to self - consciousness and emotional distress. In Albany, there are several excellent hospitals and clinics offering this surgical service. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals for breast reduction surgery in Albany in 2025.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery aims to reduce the size and weight of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The surgery often includes a breast lift to create a more aesthetically pleasing contour and reposition the nipple - areola complex. There are different techniques for performing breast reduction surgery, which we'll discuss later.
Common symptoms that might lead someone to consider breast reduction surgery include chronic back and neck pain, skin rashes under the breasts, difficulty finding properly fitting clothing, and poor self - image due to large breasts.
Top Three Hospitals for Breast Reduction Surgery in Albany
1. The Plastic Surgery Group
Overview
Conveniently located to serve Albany, Schenectady, Latham, and Troy, The Plastic Surgery Group has a team of experienced plastic surgeons dedicated to providing high - quality breast reduction surgery. Their focus is on relieving patients from physical and emotional pain associated with large breasts and helping them regain confidence and move more freely.
Procedure
The surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group usually perform breast reduction surgery using an anchor - shaped incision. This incision traces the areola, drops down, and follows the curve along the breast crease. Through this incision, they reduce the extra tissue, fat, and skin that cause the breasts to be overly large. The nipple and areola are repositioned, and the breasts are shaped around them to give a new, firmer contour. In some cases, liposuction is used to reduce extra fatty tissue under the arms. When the breasts are very large or extremely saggy, both the nipples and areolas are usually repositioned through grafting.
Recovery
Recovery after surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group follows a typical pattern. In the first day or two, a drainage tube may be inserted to eliminate blood and fluids from the incision areas. Most patients experience discomfort and pain for about 3 to 7 days, which can be controlled with prescription medication. Initially, patients need to wear an elastic bandage held in place with a surgical bra. Stitches are usually removed within 3 weeks after surgery. Patients need to continue wearing the surgical bra for several weeks until the swelling and bruising subside. They should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous pushing for a few weeks and follow the surgeon's directions regarding returning to work, exercise, and sexual activity.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Some Albany patients might experience a temporary infection, bleeding, or have a reaction to the type of anesthesia used. Other possible risks include small sores in the nipple area (which can be treated with a prescription cream), inability to breastfeed (due to the elimination of milk - producing ducts), and loss of sensitivity in the breasts and nipples. However, the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group will give detailed instructions to help patients avoid these complications.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of breast reduction surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group ranges from $7,500 to $8,000. They offer financing options to make the procedure fit within most financial situations. In some cases, insurance may pay for the surgery if the patient is experiencing physical pain or other qualifying conditions. Patients are advised to discuss this with their plastic surgeon during the consultation and also contact their insurance provider for more information.
2. Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
Overview
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 28 years of experience and 2 board certifications. Patients throughout Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust her to perform their breast reduction surgery. Many patients even travel from out of state and around the country to receive her skilled and compassionate care. Her state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, offers an intimate, comfortable, and discreet surgical experience.
Pre - procedure Consultation
Before the surgery, patients meet with Dr. Capek. She explains the best procedure options based on the patient's medical history, current medications, and expectations. She also reviews the alternatives, risks, and benefits of breast reduction procedures. Patients are required to be in excellent health, and if their BMI is higher than 32, pre - surgical weight loss may be necessary. It is crucial for patients not to smoke or be exposed to nicotine - containing products for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can lead to serious complications such as poor wound healing and loss of skin or the nipple areolae. Patients should also avoid taking aspirin, non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications, and certain vitamins / homeopathic regimens that can increase bleeding.
Procedure
A breast reduction procedure at Capek Plastic Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in the office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. There are several techniques for breast reduction, and Dr. Capek will recommend the best option. The most common is the anchor incision, which circles around the areola, goes vertically down towards the breast crease, and follows the crease under the breasts in an ‘anchor’ shape. Smaller reductions may be performed using a ‘lollipop’ or vertical incision. Dr. Capek typically uses the harmonic ® scalpel to remove excess skin and breast tissue. She reshapes the breasts and relocates the nipple - areola complex to a higher position, usually without removing it from the remaining breast tissue to increase the likelihood of retaining feeling and possibly being able to breastfeed. The procedure usually takes between two to three hours. In most cases, drains are placed for 24 hours, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue.
Liposuction Option
In some cases, if the breasts are fatty and need a minor to moderate reduction, Dr. Capek may utilize a liposuction technique like Vaser liposelection. This technique is virtually scar - less but does not address significant sagging as no skin is removed, so the amount of lifting achieved is minimal.
Post - procedure Recovery
After the procedure, patients wake up in a surgical bra with minimal dressings. They can expect some discomfort and tenderness for a few days, which can be relieved with either Tylenol or non - opioid prescription pain medication. If there are drains, they will be removed the day after surgery, and patients can shower on the second day. Patients are required to sleep on their back with their torso elevated to relieve pressure on the breasts and reduce swelling and pain. They should avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 2 weeks and can resume high - impact exercise after 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to ensure proper healing.
Risks
Although serious risks are rare, potential risks of surgery at Capek Plastic Surgery include reactions to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, permanent numbness of the skin or nipple - areola, poor quality scars, and wound healing problems. Patients can help reduce these risks by following Dr. Capek's instructions before and after the breast reduction.
3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has 25 years of experience and offers breast reduction surgery to patients from Troy, Utica, Saratoga, and throughout the state who come to their Albany County, New York, practice in Latham. Their goal is to alleviate the issues caused by uncomfortably large breasts and create breasts that are proportional to the patient's body frame.
Candidate Assessment
Ideal candidates for breast reduction at Rockmore Plastic Surgery are in good general health and are looking to resolve issues related to excessive breast tissue. These issues may include physical discomfort such as shoulder grooves, neck and back pain, and difficulty exercising; unbalanced proportion of the breasts to the body frame; aesthetic concerns like sagging and stretched skin; large areolas; breast asymmetry; and poor clothing fit. An in - depth consultation with Dr. Rockmore is essential, during which he listens to the patient's aesthetic goals and creates a custom treatment plan.
Procedure
Dr. Rockmore performs breast reduction procedures at the fully accredited surgical center near their office. The patient is placed under general anesthesia and monitored by a board - certified anesthesiologist. There are several options for breast reduction incisions, including the vertical or “lollipop” incision (a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision from the areola to the inframammary fold) and the inverted t or “anchor” incision (similar to the vertical incision with an additional horizontal incision along the inframammary fold). Dr. Rockmore then removes excess breast tissue, reshapes the areola if necessary, and tightens the skin to create a lighter, more youthful breast shape.
Recovery
After surgery, patients are placed in a comfortable, supportive bra and can shower the following day. Most women can return to work after a week and full activities within 2 weeks. Follow - up outpatient visits may be scheduled as needed, and scars will continue to fade for up to a year. Dr. Rockmore reviews all recovery tips and requirements during the consultation. The results from the breast reduction should be long - lasting if the patient maintains a consistent weight after the surgery.
Cost
The cost of a breast reduction at Rockmore Plastic Surgery varies with the specifics of the surgery and individual patient factors. Patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation with Dr. Rockmore. They can also visit the practice's pricing page for general price ranges.
Comparison of the Top Three Hospitals
Hospital | Surgeon Experience | Procedure Technique | Recovery Time | Cost | Insurance Consideration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Plastic Surgery Group | Experienced plastic surgeons on the team | Anchor - shaped incision; possible liposuction for fatty tissue; grafting for large/saggy breasts | 1 - 3 weeks for initial recovery; avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks | $7,500 - $8,000; financing available | May be covered if experiencing physical pain |
Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa | Dr. Lucie Capek with 28 years of experience and 2 board certifications | Anchor or lollipop incision; possible Vaser liposelection for fatty breasts; harmonic ® scalpel for tissue removal | 2 weeks to avoid strenuous activity; 8 weeks to resume high - impact exercise | Personalized quote; not specified overall range | Not specifically detailed, but follow general insurance rules |
Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore with 25 years of experience | Vertical or anchor incision; removal of excess tissue and reshaping | Return to work in a week; full activities in 2 weeks | Personalized quote based on surgery specifics | Not specifically detailed, but follow general insurance rules |
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction Surgery
What are the different techniques for breast reduction surgery?
Common techniques include liposuction (for minor size changes due to fat, with minimal scarring), vertical (lollipop) incision (for moderate reductions with sagging, allowing for tissue removal and nipple re - positioning), and inverted t (anchor) incision (for dramatic reduction and reshaping, used for significant sagging and asymmetry correction).
Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?
There may be some loss of sensation in the nipples, especially with certain incision patterns. However, in most cases, feeling returns as the patient recovers.
Do you lose weight after breast reduction?
You may lose a minor amount of weight based on the amount of fat and breast tissue removed, but breast reduction should not be considered a weight - loss procedure.
How long does a breast reduction take?
Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the technique used and the individual case.
How dangerous is breast reduction surgery?
Like any surgery, breast reduction comes with risks. However, when you select an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, the risk can be drastically reduced.
Can you combine a breast reduction and lift?
A breast reduction almost always entails lifting and repositioning the nipple as part of the procedure. The main difference is whether breast tissue is removed to decrease the weight and size of the breast.
How many cup sizes can you go down with breast reduction?
It can be difficult to determine specific cup sizes, but many women achieve an average of 1 - 2 cup size reduction with this procedure.
Can breast grow back after reduction?
It's possible to experience breast growth after a reduction procedure, especially with weight fluctuations or pregnancy. It's important to be at a stable weight and have no future plans for pregnancy before undergoing the procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Plastic Surgery Group, Capek Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, and Rockmore Plastic Surgery are among the top hospitals in Albany for breast reduction surgery in 2025. Each has its own unique advantages in terms of surgeon experience, procedure techniques, recovery times, and cost. When considering breast reduction surgery, it's essential to have an in - depth consultation with the surgeons at these hospitals to understand the best approach for your specific needs, expectations, and medical history. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and achieve the desired results, improving your physical comfort and self - confidence.
If you're considering breast reduction surgery in Albany, don't hesitate to reach out to these hospitals for consultations. Explore their services further, ask questions, and take the first step towards a better quality of life. Share this article with anyone who might be interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery in Albany.