Which hospital is good for breast reduction in Albany?

Breast reduction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for many individuals in Albany. Whether it's to relieve physical discomfort, enhance self - confidence, or address other concerns related to overly large breasts, finding the right hospital and doctor is crucial. In this article, we'll explore the options available in Albany for breast reduction, the procedure details, recovery, and more.

Which hospital is good for breast reduction in Albany in 2025

Finding the Best Doctors for Breast Reduction in Albany

There are numerous doctors in Albany who perform breast reduction surgery. According to Healthgrades, 155 doctors offer this service in the region, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Here are some of the top - rated doctors:

Doctor's Name	Rating	Address
Dr. Patricia Fox, MD	3.90 out of 5 stars	1214 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 7, Latham, NY 12110
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD	4.50 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. Marthe Gabey, MD	4.50 out of 5 stars	333 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180
Dr. Malcolm Roth, MD	4.50 out of 5 stars	43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD	4.40 out of 5 stars	13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110
Dr. Kristen Rezak, MD	5.00 out of 5 stars	50 New Scotland Ave # 11, Albany, NY 12208
Dr. Douglas Hargrave, MD	4.40 out of 5 stars	455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206
Dr. Casian Monaco, MD	5.00 out of 5 stars	50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Dr. Debbie Kennedy, MD	4.20 out of 5 stars	4 Executive Park Dr, Albany, NY 12203

Additionally, RealSelf lists 17 breast - reduction doctors in Albany. Some of these doctors also offer virtual consultations, which can be convenient for patients:

Doctor's Name	Distance from a Central Point (approx.)	Years of Experience	Board Certifications	Virtual Consultations
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD	7.5 mi	20 yrs	1	Accepted
Dr. David Tauber, MD	5.5 mi	17 yrs	1	Accepted
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD	5.9 mi	25 yrs	1	No
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD	8.5 mi	28 yrs	2	Accepted
Dr. Susan M. Gannon, MD	3.3 mi	19 yrs	1	No

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. The goal is to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, making them more proportionate to the body and alleviating any physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts.

Women with oversized breasts may experience a variety of problems, including back pain, neck pain, breathing problems, poor posture, and skin irritation under the breasts. Breast reduction can also boost self - confidence and improve the quality of life for those who are self - conscious about their breast size.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Good candidates for breast reduction surgery are typically women (and in some cases men) who meet the following criteria:

Physical Discomfort: They experience pain in the neck, shoulders, or back due to the weight of their breasts. For example, women may have to hunch forward to support the weight, leading to long - term postural problems.
Medical Issues: They suffer from conditions such as breathing problems or skin rashes under the breasts.
Self - Consciousness: They are self - conscious about the size of their breasts, which can affect their social and emotional well - being.
Healthy Lifestyle: They are in good overall health, do not smoke, and can maintain a stable weight. Smoking can significantly increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, and weight fluctuations can affect the long - term results of the procedure.
Breast Development: Women should have fully developed breasts, usually after the age of 18. However, in cases where large breasts are causing severe physical discomfort, surgery may be considered earlier.

It's important to note that pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot undergo breast reduction surgery. This is because the breast tissue and milk ducts are in a dynamic state during pregnancy and lactation, and surgery can interfere with the normal physiological processes.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that the patient will be asleep during the entire procedure, ensuring that they do not feel any pain or discomfort.

Incisions

Several incision techniques can be used in breast reduction surgery, and the choice depends on factors such as the size of the breasts, the amount of sagging, and the desired outcome:

Two - ring incision: Two rings, one larger than the other, are made around the areola. This technique is suitable for smaller reductions with minimal sagging.
Keyhole (lollipop) incision: This incision is made around the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease. It is used for moderate reductions and cases with some sagging. The resulting scar resembles a lollipop.
Anchor incision: This is the most common technique for significant breast reductions. The incision begins in the breast crease, extends up to and around the areola in an anchor - like shape. It allows for the removal of a large amount of excess tissue and skin and can correct severe sagging.

In some cases, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size. It has the advantage of leaving little - to - no scarring on the front of the breast. However, it is only suitable when the breasts have more fatty than glandular tissue. Liposuction can also be used on men with enlarged breasts.

Tissue Removal and Reshaping

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon removes the excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The nipple and areola may be repositioned to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing location on the smaller breast. The remaining breast tissue is then reshaped to create a firmer and more proportionate breast contour.

Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After breast reduction surgery, patients typically experience soreness, swelling, and bruising for several days. Bandages are usually removed after 2 days, and a surgical bra is worn to support the breasts and aid in the healing process. Some patients may have a drainage tube inserted to remove excess blood and fluids from the incision areas in the first day or two.

Activity Restrictions

Physical activity should be limited for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4 weeks to allow the breasts to heal properly. Patients may need to take time off work, depending on the nature of their job. Those with desk jobs may be able to return earlier, while those with physically demanding jobs may need more time off.

Stitch Removal and Long - Term Healing

Stitches are usually removed after 2 to 3 weeks. As the swelling and bruising subside, the breasts' appearance improves. The scars will fade over time, but they will never completely disappear. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding scar care, such as using scar creams or silicone sheets, to minimize their appearance.

The final results of breast reduction become fully visible around six months post - operation. During this time, patients should continue to follow their doctor's advice and attend all follow - up appointments to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery carries some risks. These risks include:

Loss of Sensation: Some patients may experience a temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples. This can occur due to nerve damage during surgery.
Scarring: Although the surgeon will make every effort to minimize scarring, it is inevitable with breast reduction surgery. The extent and appearance of the scars depend on the incision technique used.
Asymmetry: There may be a slight difference in the size or shape of the two breasts after surgery. In most cases, this is minor and can be corrected with additional surgery if necessary.
Excessive Firmness: The breasts may feel firm or hard for some time after surgery. This usually resolves on its own as the healing process progresses.
Inability to Breast - feed: Since breast reduction surgery involves the removal of glandular tissue and milk ducts, there is a risk that patients may not be able to breast - feed after the procedure.
Loss of Skin/Tissue: There is a small risk of skin or tissue loss at the incision sites, which can lead to wound - healing problems.
Partial or Total Loss of Areola and Nipple: In rare cases, the areola and nipple may be damaged during surgery, resulting in partial or total loss.

It's important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure so that you can make an informed decision.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of male breasts and affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be caused by hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs, or heredity.

Candidates for Male Breast Reduction

Good candidates for male breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that cause physical or emotional discomfort. They should have completed breast development, be in good physical and emotional health, not smoke, and have a stable weight. Ideally, they should have firm, elastic skin that can reshape itself after surgery.

Procedure

Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and typically takes 1 to 3 hours. It can be done using liposuction, surgery, or a combination of the two:

Liposuction: If the enlarged breasts are primarily due to excessive fatty tissue, liposuction can be used. A cannula is inserted through small incisions around the lower halves of the areolas or in the underarms to remove the excess fat.
Surgery: If the cause is mainly excess glandular tissue, surgery is required. Incisions are made to remove the tissue, and the areolas/nipples may be repositioned. Excess skin is also excised, and the incisions are closed with sutures and bandaged.

Recovery

After male breast reduction surgery, there is bruising, swelling, and discomfort. The discomfort usually dissipates after a few days and can be managed with pain medication. A compression garment is worn for about 2 weeks and at night for several additional weeks to reduce swelling. Stitches are removed after 1 or 2 weeks, and patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be started after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

Risks

The risks associated with male breast reduction include skin injury, loss of nipple sensation, discoloration, scarring, and asymmetrical breasts or nipples. The results are usually permanent as long as the patient maintains a stable weight and stops taking any drugs that may have caused the condition.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction

In some cases, insurance may cover breast reduction surgery. However, two general conditions usually need to be met:

Medical Need: There must be a medical need for the surgery, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, or rashes caused by the large breasts.
Tissue Weight Requirement: The amount of tissue to be removed must meet certain weight requirements based on the patient's height and weight. The surgeon will calculate this amount and provide the information to the insurance company.

It's important to discuss insurance coverage with your surgeon during the consultation and also contact your insurance provider directly to understand the specific requirements and process.

Cost of Breast Reduction

The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure, the location of the surgery, and any additional fees. On average, the cost ranges from $7,500 to $14,500.

Some practices offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure. It's recommended to consider the surgeon's credentials and experience rather than just focusing on the cost to ensure the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Breast reduction surgery can provide significant relief for individuals with overly large breasts, both physically and emotionally. In Albany, there are many experienced doctors and clinics that offer this procedure. When considering breast reduction, it's essential to choose a qualified and reputable surgeon, understand the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks, and determine if insurance coverage is available.

If you're considering breast reduction in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get personalized advice. Share this article with