Introduction
Breast augmentation and beautification are popular cosmetic procedures that many women in Albany consider to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. Choosing the right hospital and doctor is crucial for achieving satisfactory results and ensuring safety. In this article, we will explore the well - reputed ranking hospitals and top doctors for breast augmentation and beautification in Albany, along with important information about the procedure, candidacy, and after - care.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgery performed to increase breast size and improve breast shape. It is one of the most popular and highly - requested plastic surgery procedures available. The procedure involves placing the implant behind the breast or chest muscle through a small incision. There are different types of implants, including saline, silicone gel, and “gummy bear” implants. Over the years, breast enhancement has proven to be a significant choice for women who wish to have a more attractive chest. The reasons for breast enlargement vary from individual to individual. Some may want to regain shape and volume loss due to pregnancy or weight loss, while others may have breasts of different sizes and would like them to be more proportionate.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
The best candidates for cosmetic breast augmentation in the United States are healthy women with realistic expectations about what can be achieved in breast surgery. A doctor will listen to the patient's concerns and goals carefully and clearly explain what is possible to achieve with breast augmentation. Typically, if a woman is unhappy with the size of her breasts, wants to address asymmetry, or restore volume lost due to pregnancy or weight loss, she may be a good candidate. For example, a woman who has lost significant volume in her breasts after having kids and wishes to increase her cup size may opt for breast augmentation. However, the doctor will also assess the patient's overall health, medical history, and current medications to ensure that the procedure is safe.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
There are several highly - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation procedures. According to Healthgrades, 155 doctors in the region perform breast augmentation, and some of the top ones are as follows:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Top Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Several hospitals in Albany are well - known for their breast augmentation services. US News Best Hospitals ranks the hospitals based on their performance in complex care in medical specialties and common procedures. Here are some of the top hospitals:
| Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | High - Performing Specialties/Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 in Albany, NY | 2 specialties & 15 procedures/conditions |
| Albany Medical Center | #2 in Albany, NY | 13 procedures/conditions, including high - performing in cancer - related surgeries (leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery etc.), cardiology procedures (abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, aortic valve surgery etc.), orthopedics (hip replacement, knee replacement), and pulmonology (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia) |
| Ellis Hospital | N/A (ranked by performance) | 5 procedures/conditions |
Albany Medical Center - A Closer Look
Albany Medical Center is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital. It is rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions. It has medical and surgical ICUs, cardiac ICUs, bariatric/weight control services, and an onsite emergency department. In the field of cancer, it is high - performing in procedures related to leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, colon cancer surgery, and lung cancer surgery. In cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, it has high - performing rankings for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, and heart failure. The hospital also has a range of highly qualified doctors, covering various specialties such as infectious disease, neurology, general surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, cardiology, and many others. However, it also has some areas for improvement, especially in patient experience ratings and health equity, with lower representation of non - white patients compared to the community.
Customizing Your Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure. There are several factors to consider when customizing your breast augmentation:
Implant Material
There are three main types of implant materials: saline, silicone gel, and “gummy bear” implants. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They require a shorter scar as they can be inserted prior to being filled. However, they can be prone to visible “rippling.” Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. They tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue. “Gummy bear” implants are a more recent development of silicone gel implants that are more cohesive, resulting in a natural feeling with a lower risk for leak or rupture. Most women over 18 can choose saline implants, while silicone implants are typically for women over 22.
Implant Texture
Implants can be either smooth or textured. Textured implants allow the scar tissue that forms around the implant to “grab” onto it more tightly, resulting in a firmer feel and preventing the implant from moving or rotating. Smooth implants move around freely, which can be an issue if the implants are anatomically shaped.
Implant Shape
Implants can be circular or teardrop - shaped (anatomical). Most patients opt for the traditional round implant, but a teardrop implant can be beneficial for specific cosmetic concerns, such as sagging breasts or when a woman has little existing breast tissue.
Implant Size
One of the major concerns for breast augmentation patients is the implant size. A skilled doctor can recommend an implant size that is a natural complement to the patient's figure. They can suggest a maximum volume not to exceed and a minimum volume to see a difference in breast size, ensuring that the final result looks proportionate and natural.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Preparing for breast augmentation is an important step to ensure a successful procedure and a smooth recovery. Here are some general considerations:
- Medication Adjustment: Stop or adjust medications, such as blood thinners, as advised by your doctor. Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
- Arrange for Help: Coordinate with a close friend, family member, or other caregivers who can assist you with transportation and care for at least 24 hours after surgery. You will need someone to drive you home and help you with daily tasks during the initial recovery period.
- Prepare for Recovery: Purchase and/or pack essentials like comfortable clothing, medications, books, magazines, and other types of entertainment for your recovery period. You will be spending some time resting at home, so having these items ready will make your recovery more comfortable.
- Fasting: Refrain from eating or drinking beginning at midnight before your procedure. This is a standard pre - operative requirement to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
Recovery from breast augmentation is a process that requires patience and following your doctor's instructions. Here is what you can expect:
Immediately After Surgery
After the surgery, you will have a compressing bandage over the breasts as well as a supportive surgical bra. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising are normal. You may also have drains to reduce swelling. Most patients take pain medication as prescribed by the doctor for about a week after surgery. Light activities, such as gently walking through your home, can be performed immediately after the procedure.
Initial Recovery Timeline
- Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery if they are careful not to get the incision site too wet (sponge baths may be recommended in some cases).
- Days 2 & 3: If you’re comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, you should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of your procedure.
- Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period, but any discomfort is usually easily remedied with over - the - counter medicine.
- Day 7: By this point, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. You will have your first postoperative appointment a week after your surgery to ensure that your healing is progressing as planned.
- Weeks 2 - 4: You should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving your arms above shoulder height may also be eased.
Long - Term Recovery
While results from a breast augmentation are immediately noticeable, swelling will be visible for several weeks. Residual swelling means that the final results will not be seen until about six months after the breast augmentation surgery. However, most patients find that their breasts will look and feel natural by about six weeks after the surgery. It is best to avoid exercise until about three weeks after your breast augmentation surgery. When you resume any strenuous activity, you should continue to wear a supportive surgical bra or sports bra and stick to lighter activities.
Common FAQs about Breast Augmentation
How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
Your discomfort after breast augmentation will depend on the techniques used during the procedure as well as your general pain tolerance. A skilled doctor will use meticulous breast pocket incision techniques and carefully avoid any unnecessary trauma to your tissues to minimize inflammation and pain. You can expect the most discomfort in the first few days following your procedure, which can be easily managed with prescription pain medication and ice packs.
What activities should I avoid after surgery?
In the first week after your breast augmentation procedure, you will need to avoid movements that could strain your incision sites, including raising your arms and lifting. Strenuous activities that involve forceful contraction of the pectoralis muscle should be avoided for two weeks after your procedure. Heavy exercise should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?
After your breast augmentation procedure, you can sleep in any position that’s comfortable. Many women find sleeping on their backs to be the most comfortable because it keeps pressure off the breasts. You might also want to have pillows on your sides or under your back to maintain your position and comfort.
How do you know if you have capsular contracture?
Every breast implant develops a scar capsule around it after its placed, which is a normal part of the healing process. Capsular contracture occurs when the normal reaction goes too far. In that case, the tissue deposited around the implant becomes thick and tight. This can make the implant appear misshapen and make the breasts firm to the touch, which is often associated with discomfort.
Can breast implants cause pain years later?
It is possible that a patient can have breast implant pain years after the procedure, but this is uncommon. Late - onset pain from breast implants is typically caused by the naturally forming scar tissue around the implant. The scar tissue can form a tight envelope around the implant that distorts it and causes pain. The treatment for this is to remove the scar tissue and replace the implants.
Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?
You do not have to replace breast implants every 10 years. Manufacturer data shows that most patients will replace their implants for one reason or another by 10 years after their initial surgery, but this is not a universal reality. Many implants last even longer than a decade. If they look and feel fine and there are no problems, then you do not have to automatically replace your breast implants based on an external timeline.
Conclusion
Albany offers a range of well - reputed hospitals and highly - rated doctors for breast augmentation and beautification. When considering this procedure, it is essential to do thorough research, choose a qualified doctor and a reliable hospital, and have realistic expectations. The customization options available in breast augmentation allow patients to achieve their desired aesthetic goals. Proper preparation and recovery are also crucial for a successful outcome. Whether you are looking to enhance your curves, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or address asymmetry, breast augmentation can be a life - changing decision.
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top doctors mentioned in this article. You can also explore the websites of the hospitals to gather more information about their services and patient experience. Share this article with others who may be considering breast augmentation, and continue to educate yourself on the topic to make an informed decision.
