Introduction

Breast ptosis, or sagging breasts, can be a concern for many women, impacting both their physical appearance and self - confidence. Breast augmentation is a popular option for addressing breast ptosis, enhancing the size and shape of the breasts. In Albany, there are several doctors and clinics offering breast augmentation services. This article aims to explore the ranking of breast augmentation for breast ptosis in Albany, covering various aspects such as doctor rankings, procedures, costs, and more.

Best Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany

According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. The following are some of the highly - rated doctors:

These ratings are based on past patient reviews, which can give patients an idea of the doctor's experience and the quality of care they provide. When considering breast augmentation for breast ptosis, it is crucial to choose a doctor with a high rating and extensive experience in this field.

Best Breast Surgical Procedure Doctors in Albany

For breast surgical procedures in general, including those related to breast augmentation for ptosis, Healthgrades lists 21 doctors in Albany. Some of the top - rated ones are:

Patients should note that a doctor's rating for general breast surgical procedures may also reflect their skills in breast augmentation for breast ptosis. A high - rated doctor is more likely to have the expertise to handle the specific challenges associated with ptosis during augmentation.

Understanding Breast Augmentation for Breast Ptosis

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a breast enhancement procedure where a board - certified plastic surgeon increases the size of the breasts and improves their shape. Usually, silicone or saline breast implants are used, but in some cases, the patient's own fat can also be used to add a modest volume to the breasts (Rockmore Plastic Surgery). For women with breast ptosis, it not only adds volume but can also potentially address the sagging issue, depending on the degree of ptosis.

Assessing Breast Ptosis

The "pencil test" is a gold - standard method for assessing the need for a breast lift in combination with breast augmentation. Standing in front of a mirror, a woman lifts her breast and lays a pencil in the fold under the breast, then allows the breast to settle over the pencil. If the nipple and a majority of the breast are at or above the pencil (normal), a breast augmentation alone may yield great results. However, if the nipple is significantly below the pencil and there is a large amount of excess skin, a breast lift may be necessary in addition to augmentation (Deluca Plastic Surgery).

Breast ptosis can be classified into different grades:

• Grade 1: Mild ptosis – The nipple is at the level of the inframammary fold, but most of the breast tissue is below the nipple.
• Grade 2: Moderate ptosis – The nipple is located below the inframammary fold and below the majority of the bottom breast tissue.
• Grade 3: Advanced ptosis – The nipple is far below the inframammary fold and points towards the floor.
• Pseudoptosis – The nipple lies above or at the level of the inframammary fold while the majority of the breast has descended below the level of the fold. This is not true ptosis or sagging.

Choosing the Right Approach for Breast Ptosis and Augmentation

For mild ptosis (Grade 1) or pseudoptosis, breast augmentation alone or a dual - plane breast augmentation may be sufficient. A dual - plane breast augmentation can fill out the inferior/lower pole nicely and give a slightly lifted appearance. However, for moderate to severe ptosis (Grade 2 and 3), a combined breast augmentation and lift is often recommended. This is because adding implants without a lift in cases of significant sagging can make the breasts look larger but still saggy, and may even exacerbate the ptosis over time.

Breast Augmentation Procedures in Albany

Types of Implants

There are two main types of breast implants commonly used in breast augmentation: saline and silicone.

• Saline implants: These are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. Saline implants are FDA - approved for women older than 18. In the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon, they can provide satisfactory results. The cost of saline implants is generally lower than that of silicone implants (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Silicone implants: They have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness. The most cohesive implants are often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. Silicone implants are FDA - approved for women older than 22. Many women prefer silicone implants for their more natural look and feel. However, they are more expensive than saline implants (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Implant Placement

There are three main types of implant placement for breast augmentation:

• Subglandular: The implant is placed above the muscle. Implants placed in this position are more visible, resulting in a larger - looking augmentation and a sharper transition between the natural breast and the edges of the implant. In thin women, rippling of the skin may be more noticeable. However, this placement is less influenced by muscle contraction (Deluca Plastic Surgery).
• Submuscular: The implant is placed behind the pectoralis muscle. This placement has several advantages, including a lower risk of capsular contracture, a lower chance of rippling, better coverage in thin women, and a more natural upper pole contour. But in very athletic women, the contraction of the pectoralis muscle may affect the appearance of the implants (Deluca Plastic Surgery).
• Biplanar: This is a combination of subglandular and submuscular placement. It can be a good option for women with some degree of breast sagging, as it may avoid the need for a lift in certain cases. The plastic surgeon will recommend the most suitable placement based on the patient's individual anatomy and desired results (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Incisions

There are several common incision locations for breast augmentation:

• Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. This incision provides good access for implant placement and allows for better control of the implant position. The scar is usually well - hidden in the breast fold (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This incision can result in a relatively inconspicuous scar, especially in women with larger areolas. However, it may be more challenging to place larger implants through this incision (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit. This incision offers the advantage of leaving no visible scar on the breast. But it requires more skill from the surgeon to accurately place the implant, and there may be a slightly higher risk of misplacement (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany

The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary depending on several factors:

• Surgeon's experience and expertise: More experienced board - certified plastic surgeons may charge higher fees. Their skills and reputation can contribute to better surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Geographic location: The cost may be influenced by the demand for the procedure in the area. In larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living, the price of breast augmentation may be higher (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Surgical facility: Private surgical suites and outpatient surgery centers often charge less than hospital operating rooms. However, the quality of care and the available facilities at each type of facility should also be considered (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Type of implants: Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline implants. The decision between the two should be based on factors such as the patient's preference for look and feel, as well as their budget (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Complexity of the procedure: More complex surgeries, such as those involving a combination of breast augmentation and lift for severe ptosis, require more surgery time, which increases the facility and surgeon's fees (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Additional procedures: If a patient decides to have additional procedures simultaneously, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, the overall cost will increase (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

At the Albany County practice in Latham, NY, breast augmentation typically costs between $8,600 and $8,800. This cost includes anesthesia fees, facility fees, all office and surgeon fees, and post - op care. However, patients should ask for a detailed breakdown of prices when comparing costs at different practices (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Recovery from Breast Augmentation for Breast Ptosis

The recovery process after breast augmentation for breast ptosis is an important aspect to consider. Immediately after the surgery, patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess. Since it is an outpatient procedure, patients can usually return home after a brief period of observation.

The initial recovery timeline generally follows these milestones:

• Day 1: Most patients can shower the day after surgery, but they need to be careful not to get the incision site too wet. In some cases, sponge baths may be recommended (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Days 2 & 3: If the patient is comfortable and no longer taking prescription medication, they should be able to resume driving within 72 hours of the procedure (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Days 3 - 5: Swelling, tightness, and soreness tend to peak during this period. However, any discomfort can usually be easily managed with over - the - counter medicine (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Day 7: By this time, most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. A first postoperative appointment is usually scheduled a week after the surgery to ensure that the healing is progressing as planned (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
• Weeks 2 - 4: Patients should be able to resume most strenuous activities during this time. Restrictions on lifting objects and moving the arms above shoulder height may also be eased (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Patients are usually provided with a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks. This compression garment supports the breasts as they continue to heal and helps to minimize swelling. Over the months, the augmented breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Conclusion

In Albany, there are many options available for breast augmentation for breast ptosis. The ranking of doctors