Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In Albany, there are numerous hospitals and doctors specializing in breast augmentation using prostheses. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of breast augmentation in Albany, including a ranking list of relevant hospitals and doctors, as well as detailed information about the procedure itself.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants to increase the size, fullness, and improve the shape of the breasts. There are several reasons why women may choose to undergo this procedure:
- Enhancing Appearance: Women who feel their breasts are too small or have lost volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may opt for breast augmentation to achieve a more balanced and proportionate body shape.
- Improving Body Image: A larger and more shapely bust can enhance self - confidence and make women feel better about their appearance in clothing and swimwear.
- Reconstructive Purposes: For women who have undergone mastectomy or other breast surgeries, breast augmentation can help restore the appearance of the breast.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants commonly used in breast augmentation: saline and silicone. Each type has its own characteristics:
| Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Made of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. They can be placed through a smaller incision and are filled after insertion. |
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| Silicone Implants | Have a silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. The gel comes in various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive ones known as “gummy bear” implants. |
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Top Breast Augmentation Doctors in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several top - rated doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. These doctors have a significant number of past patient ratings, indicating their experience and the quality of their services:
| Doctor Name | Rating (out of 5 stars) | 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 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 - Breast Augmentation
Although these are not specifically from Albany, Newsweek and Statista have compiled a list of America's best plastic surgeons for breast augmentation in 2024. This ranking can serve as a reference for those interested in the top - tier surgeons in the country:
| Surgeon Name | Location |
|---|---|
| William P. Adams Jr., MD | University Park - Texas |
| Rod J. Rohrich, MD | Dallas - Texas |
| Dennis Hammond, MD | Grand Rapids - Michigan |
| David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | New York - New York |
| Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS | New York - New York |
| Garth Fisher, MD | Beverly Hills - California |
| Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS | Philadelphia, Ardmore - Pennsylvania |
| Ashkan Ghavami, MD | Beverly Hills - California |
| Steven Teitelbaum, MD, FACS | Santa Monica - California |
| Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS | New York - New York |
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure typically involves the following steps:
Consultation
Before the surgery, you will have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you will discuss your goals, preferences, and expectations for the procedure. The surgeon will examine your breasts, take measurements, and recommend the appropriate implant size, type, and placement based on your body shape and personal desires. Some clinics, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, also use advanced tools such as the scientifically - designed Mentor breast implant sizing system and 3 - D computer simulations to help you visualize the results.
Surgery
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 2 hours. The surgeon will make an incision in one of the following locations:
- Along the breast fold (inframammary incision): This is a common choice as it allows for good access to the breast pocket and the incisions are usually well - hidden.
- In the underarm (transaxillary incision): The incisions are hidden in the armpit, making them less visible. However, this approach may limit the surgeon's control during implant placement.
- Around the areola (periareolar incision): This incision can be less visible as it blends with the natural pigment of the areola. But it may affect nipple sensation.
After making the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). The implant is then inserted into the pocket, and the incision is closed with sutures.
Recovery
Recovery time varies from person to person, but here is a general timeline:
- First few days: You may experience pain, swelling, and bruising. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication, and you will be given a post - operative bra to support the breasts.
- 7 to 10 days: Stitches are usually removed, and you may start to feel more comfortable. However, you should still avoid strenuous activities.
- 3 to 5 weeks: Your breasts will still be sensitive, but you can gradually resume normal activities. Some patients may still have swelling at this stage.
- Next several months: Scars will fade, and the implants will settle into their final position. It may take up to a year for the full results to be visible.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation in Albany can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other procedures. Generally, the cost ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. However, some patients may need to factor in additional costs such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, and post - operative care. Many clinics offer patient financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor
When choosing a hospital and doctor for breast augmentation in Albany, consider the following factors:
- Credentials: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met certain standards of education, training, and experience.
- Experience: Look for a doctor who has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. You can ask about the number of procedures they have done and see before - and - after photos of their patients.
- Reputation: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's reputation and the quality of their services. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other medical professionals.
- Comfort Level: During the consultation, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the doctor and their staff. They should be able to answer all your questions and address your concerns in a clear and compassionate manner.
- Facility: Make sure the hospital or surgical facility where the procedure will be performed is accredited and meets all safety standards.
Potential Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications, including:
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard. It may require additional surgery to correct.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection around the implant. In severe cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection clears.
- Impact on nipple sensation: Some women may experience changes in nipple sensation, such as hypersensitivity or numbness. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time.
- Implant leak/rupture: Although rare, implants can leak or rupture. Saline implants will deflate quickly, while silicone implants may require more invasive methods to detect a rupture.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and effective way for women in Albany to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. With a wide range of hospitals and experienced doctors to choose from, it is important to do thorough research and choose the right provider for your needs. By understanding the procedure, its potential risks, and the recovery process, you can make an informed decision and achieve the results you desire.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in breast augmentation, and explore related topics such as breast augmentation recovery tips and the latest trends in breast implants.
