Which Hospital Has a Better Effect for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses or Liposuction Breast Augmentation in Albany

Introduction

Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's self - confidence and body image. In Albany, patients have two main options for breast augmentation: using prostheses (implants) or liposuction breast augmentation (fat transfer). This article will delve into the details of both methods, discuss the best hospitals and surgeons in Albany for these procedures, and provide information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It can address various concerns such as naturally small breasts, loss of breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, and breast asymmetry. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been consistently in the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022.

Types of Breast Augmentation

• Prosthesis (Implant) Breast Augmentation: This involves placing silicone or saline implants in the breast to add volume. It is a popular choice as it provides a predictable increase in breast size and a wide range of implant options in terms of size, shape, and profile.
• Liposuction Breast Augmentation (Fat Transfer): This technique uses the patient's own fat, which is harvested through liposuction from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and then injected into the breasts. It offers a more natural - looking and feeling result, but the increase in breast size is usually more modest compared to implant augmentation.

Prosthesis (Implant) Breast Augmentation

Benefits of Prosthesis Breast Augmentation

• Predictable Results: Surgeons can accurately control the size and shape of the breasts by choosing the appropriate implant. For example, a patient who desires a significant increase in cup size can opt for larger implants.
• Long - lasting: Implants can last for many years, although they may need to be replaced eventually. On average, it is recommended to consider replacement after about 15 years.
• Customization: There is a wide variety of implants available in terms of size, shape (round or anatomical), material (silicone or saline), and profile (low, moderate, or high). Surgeons can customize the implant choice based on the patient's body type, breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals.

Types of Breast Implants

Incisions and Implant Placement

Common incision locations for implant placement include:

• Inframammary: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. It provides good access for implant placement and the scar is usually well - hidden in the breast fold.
• Periareolar: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This incision can result in a less visible scar, but there is a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation.
• Transaxillary: Hidden in the armpit. It leaves no scar on the breast, but it may be more challenging to precisely position the implant.

Implants can be placed in one of three pockets:

• Subglandular: Above the muscle. This can result in a quicker recovery and a more pronounced cleavage, but there is a higher risk of capsular contracture and visible rippling.
• Submuscular: Behind the pectoralis muscle. It provides a more natural slope of the breast and better coverage of the implant, reducing the risk of capsular contracture.
• Biplanar: A combination of the above two. It is often used for patients with some breast sagging and can help avoid the need for a lift in some cases.

Liposuction Breast Augmentation (Fat Transfer)

Benefits of Liposuction Breast Augmentation

• Natural Look and Feel: Since it uses the patient's own fat, the results are more natural - looking and feeling compared to implants. There is no risk of implant - related complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
• Body Contouring: In addition to breast augmentation, it can also help reduce fat in other areas of the body, providing a dual benefit of body contouring.
• Minimal Scarring: The incisions used for liposuction and fat injection are very small, resulting in minimal scarring.

Limitations of Liposuction Breast Augmentation

• Limited Volume Increase: The amount of fat that can be transferred to the breasts is limited. It is generally suitable for patients who want a modest increase in breast size, typically up to one cup size.
• Fat Resorption: Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, which means that the initial results may not be permanent, and additional sessions may be required to maintain the desired volume.
• Requires Good Candidate: Patients need to have enough excess fat in other areas of the body to be used for the transfer. Thin patients may not be suitable candidates.

The Procedure

The liposuction breast augmentation procedure involves three main steps. First, fat is harvested from the donor site using liposuction techniques. The most common donor sites are the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Then, the harvested fat is processed to remove any impurities and excess fluid. Finally, the processed fat is injected into the breasts in multiple small injections to ensure even distribution and proper survival of the fat cells.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons in Albany for Breast Augmentation

Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery in Latham, serving Albany and surrounding areas, has extensive experience, having performed over 4,000 breast procedures. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach to achieve consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. Dr. Rockmore offers both implant breast augmentation and fat grafting for breast volume restoration. He carefully discusses each patient's goals and medical history to create a personalized treatment plan. For example, he may recommend a breast lift in combination with breast augmentation for patients with sagging breasts. The cost of breast augmentation at his practice varies depending on the choice of implants, surgical specifics, and individual patient factors, with a general price range between $8,600 and $8,800, which includes anesthesia fees, facility fees, all office and surgeon fees, and post - op care.

Doctors in Albany Rated on Healthgrades

Healthgrades lists several top - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Some of them include:

Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is an expert in breast augmentation. She offers a variety of options, including different breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials, as well as the possibility of using the patient's own fat. Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and creates a pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during surgery. The recovery process at her practice involves following specific after - care instructions, such as showering within 48 hours after surgery and wearing a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Her office is located just 13 miles from Albany and 9 miles from Schenectady, New York, and she serves patients from the capital district areas and beyond.

Recovery Process

Prosthesis Breast Augmentation Recovery

After implant breast augmentation, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and grogginess immediately after the surgery. The initial recovery timeline is as follows:

• Day 1: Most patients can shower carefully if they avoid getting the incision site too wet. Sponge baths may be recommended in some cases.
• 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.
• 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: Most patients feel well enough to return to work, school, and other light activities. A postoperative appointment is usually scheduled a week after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
• Weeks 2 - 4: Patients can usually resume most strenuous activities, and restrictions on lifting objects and moving arms above shoulder height may be eased.

Patients are typically provided with a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously for the first couple of weeks to support the breasts and minimize swelling. Over time, the breasts will soften and settle into their final positions, and the scars will fade.

Liposuction Breast Augmentation Recovery

Recovery from liposuction breast augmentation also involves some discomfort. There may be pain and bruising at the fat harvest site. Patients can usually return to daily activities within a few days after the surgery, but strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. The results may take some time to fully settle as the body adjusts to the transferred fat. Just like with implant breast augmentation, following the surgeon's after - care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital and Surgeon

Surgeon's Experience and Credentials

Choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Surgeons like Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore and Dr. Lucie Capek have a proven track record and are well - respected in the field. Check their number of years in practice, the number of breast augmentation procedures they have performed, and any specialized training they may have.

Patient Reviews and Before - After Photos

Look for patient reviews and before - after photos of previous breast augmentation patients. This can give you an idea of the surgeon's skill and the quality of the results. Many surgeons, such as those at Rockmore Plastic Surgery, have before - after galleries on their websites.

Cost and Insurance

Understand the total cost of the procedure, including all fees such as anesthesia, facility, and post - op care. Compare costs between different surgeons and practices, but remember that quality should be your top priority. Breast augmentation is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance, but in some cases, if it is related to a medical condition, such as breast reconstruction after cancer, insurance may provide coverage.

Communication and Comfort

Choose a surgeon who takes the time to listen to your concerns, explains the procedure in detail, and makes you feel comfortable. Good communication is essential for a successful outcome, as it ensures that your expectations are realistic and in line with what the surgeon can achieve.

Conclusion

In Albany, both breast augmentation with prostheses and liposuction breast augmentation have their own advantages and limitations. Implant breast augmentation offers predictable and significant volume increase, while liposuction breast augmentation provides a more natural look and body contouring benefits. There are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons in Albany, such as Rockmore Plastic Surgery, the doctors listed on Healthgrades, and Capek Plastic Surgery, who can perform these procedures with expertise.

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your individual situation, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable method for you. Take the time to research different surgeons, read patient reviews, and ask questions during your consultation. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the beautiful and natural - looking results you desire. We encourage you to share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation in Albany and to explore further information on the surgeons and procedures mentioned here.