Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that has gained significant attention in recent years. In Albany, the demand for high - quality breast augmentation services for flat - breasted individuals is on the rise. Among the various providers, the claim that Wuhan Zhonghan ranks fourth for breast augmentation of flat breasts is a topic that merits in - depth exploration. This article will comprehensively cover aspects such as the importance of breast augmentation, top - ranked plastic surgeons in relevant regions, surgical procedures, risks, and more.
The Rising Trend of Breast Augmentation
Elective plastic surgery, including breast augmentation, has become increasingly popular. Data from the global intelligence platform Statista in November 2023 showed that in 1997, there were 900,000 cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S., and by 2022, this number had grown to more than 1.87 million. This increase can be attributed to factors such as more options for safe and less invasive surgeries and a growing cultural emphasis on self - care and confidence.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
Women opt for breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. For some, it is to increase breast size and achieve a more curvaceous and feminine silhouette. It can also correct noticeable breast asymmetry and help with tuberous breast deformities. Others choose it to restore breast fullness lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding or to enhance self - image and feel more confident in swimsuits or everyday life.
Top - Ranked Plastic Surgeons in Breast Augmentation
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 - Breast Augmentation
Newsweek partnered with Statista for the fourth annual ranking of America's best plastic surgeons in 2024. In the breast augmentation category, 379 surgeons were recognized. The top 30 in this category were ranked from 1 to 30, and the rest were listed alphabetically. Here are some of the top - ranked surgeons:
Rank | Surgeon | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | William P. Adams Jr., MD | University Park - Texas |
2 | Rod J. Rohrich, MD | Dallas - Texas |
3 | Dennis Hammond, MD | Grand Rapids - Michigan |
4 | David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | New York - New York |
5 | Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS | New York - New York |
To compile this ranking, thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April 2024, resulting in the collection of more than 8,400 votes for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. Only surgeons from the 20 states with the most plastic surgeons were included, and those offering only reconstructive or non - elective corrections were excluded.
Best Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany, NY
In Albany, NY, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation. Some of the top - rated doctors based on patient reviews are:
Doctor | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Understanding Breast Augmentation Procedures
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and enhance breast shape. It typically involves the placement of silicone or saline breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles. The exact procedure is tailored to meet a woman's individual needs.
Choices for Breast Implants
When it comes to breast implants, patients have several choices:
- Filling type: There are saline, silicone gel, and highly cohesive silicone “gummy bear” implants. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution after insertion. They usually require a shorter scar for insertion but can be prone to visible “rippling”. Silicone gel implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Gummy bear implants are a more recent development of silicone gel implants, which are more cohesive and have a lower risk of leak or rupture.
- Shape: Saline and silicone gel implants are typically round, while gummy bear implants come in both shaped (such as teardrop - shaped) and round options. Round implants can achieve a fuller upper pole, and shaped implants lend a gently sloping look to the breast profile.
- Profile: The profile of the implant is chosen based on the patient's existing proportions and goals. Patients with a more petite frame may require a higher profile implant to achieve the desired size increase without the implants being too wide at the base.
- Size: Breast implants range in size from about 150cc to 800cc or larger. Many patients need different sized breast implants for each breast to achieve the best possible symmetry.
Incision Options for Breast Augmentation
An experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon will place breast augmentation incisions so that the resulting scars are easily hidden. The common incision techniques are:
- Inframammary: A short incision is made in the crease underneath the breast (inframammary fold). This leaves a thin, 1 to 2 - inch scar that is easily concealed within the crease. It provides a wider access point for placing larger implants with precision.
- Periareolar: The incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. This scar is located within the natural transition in pigmentation. Cosmetic surgeons often use this incision type when also performing a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time.
- Trans - axillary: A small incision is made within the armpit. The breast implant is placed using a specialized camera and instruments, leaving a small scar within the armpit and no scar on the breast itself.
- Transumbilical: An incision is made just above the belly button. Each breast implant is inserted through this incision and then brought up to the breast. It has the advantage of a single scar with no scarring on the breast.
Breast Augmentation in Different Populations
Breast Augmentation in Asian Women
Asian women have special characteristics that need to be considered when performing breast augmentation. They are usually thin and small with proportionally smaller breasts, small areolas, and large nipples. The majority have B - sized cups, and many consider C - cup breasts as the ideal size. Asian women prefer a transaxillary approach with high - profile saline - filled implants placed in a submuscular plane. The average breast augmentation in Asians is around 300 cc. Cohesive silicone implants are also very popular in Asia.
One of the preferred techniques for breast augmentation in Asian women is endoscopically assisted subpectoral placement of smooth saline - filled implants via a transaxillary approach. Additionally, nipple reduction with the “modified top - hat flap” procedure is often performed simultaneously to achieve a better outcome.
Risks and Safety of Breast Augmentation
Possible Risks
The decision to have breast augmentation involves weighing the potential benefits against the risks and potential complications. Some of the possible risks include:
- Anesthesia risks: General anesthesia used in breast augmentation surgery comes with its own set of risks, such as adverse reactions to the anesthesia drugs.
- Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or other very rare cancers: There is a possible link between breast implants and BIA - ALCL, especially in textured implants. Although it is not common, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
- Bleeding: During surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, which may require additional measures to control.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation after the surgery.
- Fluid accumulation (seroma): This can occur around the implant, leading to swelling and discomfort.
- Capsular contracture: The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant can change the shape of the breast and make it feel firm or uncomfortable.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often resulting from injury or surgery.
- Implant leakage or rupture: Over time, implants may leak or rupture, which may require replacement surgery.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or around the implant, which need to be treated promptly with antibiotics and may sometimes require implant removal.
- Persistent pain: Some patients may experience long - term pain after the surgery.
- Poor scarring: The scars from the incisions may not heal as desired, resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars.
- Possibility of revision surgery: Due to various reasons such as implant problems or dissatisfaction with the results, revision surgery may be necessary.
- Wrinkling of the skin over the implant: This can occur, especially with certain types of implants and skin conditions.
- Wrong or faulty position of the implant: The implant may shift from its intended position, affecting the appearance of the breasts.
Breast Implant Safety
FDA - approved breast implants undergo extensive testing to ensure reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. However, there are still risks associated with breast implants, including systemic symptoms commonly referred to as breast implant illness (BII), which can include fatigue, “brain fog”, muscle or joint pain, and rash. The FDA recommends regular screening for breast implants, such as getting an MRI or ultrasound five to six years after silicone implant placement and every two to three years thereafter.
Preparing for and Recovering from Breast Augmentation
Pre - surgery Preparation
Before breast augmentation surgery, patients should take several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and better recovery:
- Consultation: Have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss goals, choose the appropriate implant type, and understand the procedure, risks, and expected results.
- Medical evaluation: Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a baseline mammogram if necessary. Healthcare professionals need to review the FDA's patient decision checklist with the patient.
- Medication adjustment: Stop or adjust certain medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by the surgeon to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Lifestyle changes: If you smoke, stop smoking for at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after the surgery. Also, refrain from eating or drinking beginning at midnight before the procedure.
- Support system: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least the first night.
Recovery Process
After breast augmentation, patients can expect the following during the recovery period:
- Immediate post - surgery: Soreness, swelling, and bruising are normal. Bandages and a supportive surgical bra will be in place. Pain medication may be prescribed. Some patients may have drains to reduce swelling.
- Rest and limited activity: Most patients need at least a week of downtime to rest. Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and exercise, for 4 to 6 weeks. Do not perform movements that could strain the incision sites, like raising your arms, in the first week.
- Scar care: Scars will fade over time but will not disappear completely. Follow the surgeon's instructions on scar care.
- Follow - up appointments: Attend all follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and check for any complications. If stitches that don't dissolve on their own or drainage tubes are used, they will need to be removed at a follow - up visit.
- Long - term considerations: Aging, weight gain or loss, and pregnancy can affect the appearance of augmented breasts. Regular breast health examinations and implant screenings are necessary.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a complex and popular cosmetic surgery procedure that offers many women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In Albany, patients have access to a range of skilled plastic surgeons, and various factors need to be considered when choosing the right provider and procedure. Understanding the different types of implants, incision options, risks, and recovery processes is crucial for making an informed decision. While the claim of Wuhan Zhonghan ranking fourth for breast augmentation of flat breasts in Albany is an interesting aspect, patients should conduct thorough research and consultations to ensure they receive high - quality and safe breast augmentation services.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Ask questions, review before - and - after photos, and understand all aspects of the procedure. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation, and explore our other resources on cosmetic surgery for further information.