Introduction to Breast Augmentation in Albany

Breast augmentation has long been a sought - after cosmetic procedure, and in Albany, many women are exploring their options. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006, with nearly 300,000 breast augmentations performed in the USA in 2022. This popularity in Albany means that there are numerous plastic hospitals and surgeons offering various options for those interested in breast augmentation.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

Determining if you're a good candidate for breast augmentation is the first step. Several factors can indicate that breast implant surgery might be right for you:

• Underdeveloped natural breast tissue: Women with underdeveloped breasts may find that breast augmentation can enhance their body proportion and boost their self - confidence. For example, a woman who has always felt that her breasts are not in line with the rest of her body shape might consider this procedure.
• Disproportionately small breasts compared to the lower body: When the size of the breasts is much smaller relative to the hips or other parts of the lower body, breast augmentation can create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing figure. This is common among women who have a pear - shaped body type but feel their upper body lacks fullness.
• Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts: Breast asymmetry can range from a slight difference in size to a more noticeable variance. Some women may also have oddly - shaped breasts due to genetic factors or previous injuries. Breast augmentation can help correct these issues, providing a more uniform and attractive appearance.
• Deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding: After significant weight loss or the process of pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women experience a loss of breast volume and firmness. Augmentation can restore the fullness and shape of the breasts, helping them regain their pre - pregnancy figure or improve their appearance after weight loss.
• Loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts: In some cases, especially when combined with a breast lift, breast augmentation can address sagging breasts. This is often seen in older women or those who have experienced multiple pregnancies. A breast lift helps to reposition the breast tissue, while implants add volume, resulting in a more youthful and perky appearance.

Types of Breast Implants

There are several types of breast implants available, and the choice depends on various factors such as personal preference, body type, and desired results. All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell, but they can be filled with different substances:

Popular Plastic Surgeons and Hospitals in Albany

Albany is home to several well - regarded plastic surgeons who perform breast augmentation procedures:

Dr. Lucie Capek

Patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek to perform their breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care. Dr. Capek uses a Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. She typically performs the breast augmentation procedure under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. She uses a harmonic scalpel to create the pocket for the implants, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. She also rarely uses drains in first - time breast augmentation patients and closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures and glue.

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore

Dr. Rockmore performs breast augmentation using breast implants to add volume and create results that look and feel natural at his practice in Latham, serving Albany, Utica, Saratoga, and Troy, New York. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He has experience performing more than 4,000 breast procedures. He offers various options for breast implants, including different sizes, shapes, materials, and profiles. Dr. Rockmore also helps patients choose the best incision location (inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary) and implant placement (subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar) based on their individual needs.

Dr. Steven Yarinsky

Considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Saratoga Springs and in the Albany/Capital District region, Dr. Steven Yarinsky offers breast implants in a variety of sizes, shapes, and types. He has been helping women enhance their figures with breast augmentation since 1989. He has extensive experience using Sientra® “gummy bear” gel implants, having used them for over eight years. His patients can achieve beautiful results that align with their aesthetic goals. He uses the latest Opus™ breast implants by Sientra®, which are designed to look and feel extremely natural without sacrificing shape retention and are covered by an extensive warranty program.

Comparing Plastic Hospitals in Albany

Quality of Care

All the mentioned surgeons prioritize the quality of care for their patients. Dr. Capek, for example, takes the time to explain all the procedure options during the consultation, uses advanced tools like the harmonic scalpel during surgery, and provides detailed after - care instructions. Dr. Rockmore also has a high - level of personalized care, using a 3 - dimensional approach to ensure natural - looking results. Dr. Yarinsky's office is joint commission accredited, which indicates a high standard of safety and quality in the surgical facility. He also uses state - of - the - art implants and has a comprehensive warranty program for his patients.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on the surgeon, the type of implants used, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. Dr. Yarinsky's average cost of breast augmentation ranges from $7,900 to $11,900, which includes the surgeon's fee, the price of anesthesia, operating room facilities, breast implants, and other related fees. At Dr. Rockmore's practice, the cost varies with the choice of implants, specifics of the surgery, and individual patient factors, and patients receive a personalized price quote during their consultation. Dr. Capek will also give an estimated cost during the consultation, as the procedure is highly individualized.

Patient Reviews

Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the experience of having breast augmentation at a particular plastic hospital or with a specific surgeon. Some patients of Dr. Capek have reported that the surgery was a smooth process, with excellent care, very little pain and bruising, and a fast recovery. Patients of Dr. Yarinsky have expressed their gratitude for the kind, patient, and available staff, and how the procedure has changed their lives for the better. However, it's important to note that individual experiences may vary.

Range of Services

All three surgeons offer a range of services related to breast augmentation. Dr. Capek allows patients to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift. Dr. Rockmore may recommend incorporating a breast lift into the breast augmentation surgery if the patient has sagging breasts, and also offers breast augmentation as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover. Dr. Yarinsky also offers the option of combining breast augmentation with a breast lift, and in addition, many of his patients choose to add complementary procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover.

Before the Breast Augmentation Procedure

Preparing for breast augmentation is crucial for a successful outcome:

Consultation

A consultation with the plastic surgeon is necessary to explain and choose the various procedure options. The surgeon will evaluate your breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and discuss your desired results. They will also go over the different types of implants, incision locations, and implant placement options. For example, Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers or a Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size. Dr. Yarinsky may use new state - of - the - art Crisalix® 3 - D and 4 - D computer imaging so that patients can preview how they might look with the chosen implant type and size.

Health Preparation

It's important to be in optimum health when considering elective surgery. You should follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Smoking should be avoided as it decreases the body's ability to heal normally. You should also follow your primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure. The surgeon will also provide detailed instructions on any medications to avoid, what to eat or drink before the surgery, and other pre - operative preparations.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the surgery.

Incision Placement

There are several options for incision placement:

• Inframammary incision: A thin line that traces the fold beneath the breast. Recent studies suggest that this incision has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture and is the most commonly recommended approach. For example, Dr. Capek often uses this incision for breast augmentation.
• Periareolar incision: Along the lower border of the areola, where the dark skin meets the lighter skin. This incision can result in scars that are relatively well - hidden within the areola.
• Transaxillary incision: Hidden in the armpit. This incision allows for the implant to be placed without leaving a scar on the breast, but it may be more challenging to achieve precise implant placement.

Implant Placement

During the surgery, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant in one of the following areas:

• Submuscular placement: Beneath the muscle of the chest wall. This placement is usually a good choice for women who have little of their own breast tissue because the chest muscle helps cover the implant. It also reduces the possibility of capsular contracture and interferes less with mammograms compared to subglandular placement.
• Subglandular placement: Directly behind the tissue of the breast. This placement may result in more immediate fullness and projection but has a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture.

After the Breast Augmentation Procedure

Immediate Recovery

After the surgery, you can expect to feel some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness. You will be given a surgical bra to wear, which helps support the breasts and minimize swelling. Most patients can shower within 48 hours, but they should be careful not to get the incision site too wet. You should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours, and patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week. However, strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.

Long - Term Recovery and Follow - up

Over time, the swelling will subside, and the implants will settle into their final position. Your scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften, usually taking several months. It's important to follow the surgeon's after - care instructions, which may include taking prescribed medications, wearing the surgical bra for a certain period, and avoiding activities that could put stress on the breasts. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee your recovery process. In the long term, you should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician. If you have silicone implants, periodic MRIs or ultrasounds may be recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.

Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation

While breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are some risks involved:

• Capsular contracture: This is the tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. It can cause changes in the shape of the breast and may require additional surgery to remove the scar tissue and, in some cases, replace the implant.
• Infection: There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months, and a new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.
• Impact to nipple sensation: Some women may experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.
• Implant leak/rupture: Saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time if they rupture, and the body will naturally absorb the saltwater. In the case of gel - filled implants, a rupture may be silent, and periodic imaging may be required to detect it. If a rupture occurs, another breast augmentation operation may be needed to replace the implants.

Conclusion

In Albany, when it comes to breast augmentation, there are several excellent plastic surgeons like Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, and Dr. Steven Yarinsky. Each offers a high - level of care, a range of implant options, and personalized treatment plans. The choice of the best plastic hospital or surgeon depends on various factors such as your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. Before making a decision, it's crucial to have in - depth consultations with these surgeons to understand the procedure fully and make an informed choice.

If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to reach out to these experienced plastic surgeons