Introduction
For women in Albany who are considering breast reduction surgery, finding a well - reputed hospital or a highly qualified doctor is of utmost importance. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. This not only addresses physical discomfort such as back, neck, and shoulder pain but also has a positive impact on the emotional well - being of the patients. In this article, we will present a ranking of well - reputed breast reduction hospitals and doctors in Albany, along with detailed information about the procedure, eligibility criteria, and insurance coverage.
Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a surgical solution for women whose overly large breasts cause pain, discomfort, and limitations in their daily lives. Unlike breast augmentation, which enlarges the breasts, reduction mammaplasty aims to bring the breast size into proportion with the body.
Why Choose Breast Reduction Surgery?
- Physical Relief: Overly large breasts can lead to significant physical pain. The weight of the breasts can cause stress on the neck, shoulders, and back, leading to chronic pain. The digging of bra straps into the skin can also cause discomfort in the back, shoulders, and ribs. Reduction surgery can alleviate these issues, allowing patients to lead a more active and pain - free life.
- Emotional Well - being: Many women with large breasts may experience self - consciousness and emotional discomfort. They may feel restricted in their clothing choices and may avoid certain physical activities. Breast reduction can improve self - confidence and body image.
Is a Breast Reduction the Right Option for You?
Breast reduction surgery is a highly individualized procedure. Generally, it is recommended for physically healthy non - smokers who have been bothered by the size and weight of their breasts for an extended period. The following are some signs that you may be a good candidate:
- Your physical activity is limited due to your breasts.
- You experience pain in your neck, shoulder, or back.
- You have discomfort in your back, shoulders, and ribs due to bra strap indentations.
- You experience irritation and pain along the breast crease.
- Your breast skin is stretched, causing the breasts to hang low, and the areola size has increased.
- Your nipples droop below the breast crease when unsupported.
In most cases, breast reduction is not performed until the breasts are fully developed, usually after 18 years of age. However, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical and social problems.
Top Doctors for Breast Reduction in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several doctors in Albany who perform breast reduction surgeries. Here is a list of some of the top doctors along with their ratings and locations:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patricia Fox, MD | 3.90 | 1214 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 7, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 | 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. Marthe Gabey, MD | 4.50 | 333 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180 |
| Dr. Malcolm Roth, MD | 4.50 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Kristen Rezak, MD | 5.00 | 50 New Scotland Ave #11, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Douglas Hargrave, MD | 4.40 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Casian Monaco, MD | 5.00 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Debbie Kennedy, MD | 4.20 | 4 Executive Park Dr, Albany, NY 12203 |
Top Hospitals for Breast - Related Care in Albany
Breast Cancer - Focused Hospitals
The Women's Choice Award has recognized several hospitals in Albany for their comprehensive breast care. Although these are more focused on breast cancer treatment, they also have well - equipped departments and experienced medical staff that can provide high - quality care during breast reduction surgeries:
| Hospital Name | Location | Phone Number | Patient Recommendation | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Medical Center | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | (518) 262 - 3125 | 58/100 | Awarded in comprehensive breast centers |
| Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital | 417 W 3rd Ave, Albany, GA 31701 | (229) 312 - 1000 | 60/100 | Awarded in comprehensive breast centers |
| St. Peter's Hospital | 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 | (518) 525 - 1550 | 73/100 | Awarded in bariatrics, cancer care, comprehensive breast centers, heart care, obstetrics, patient safety, women's services, and best mammogram imaging center |
General Hospital Rankings
US News Best Hospitals has ranked hospitals in the Albany, New York metropolitan area based on their performance in complex care in medical specialties and common procedures. This can also be an important factor to consider when choosing a hospital for breast reduction surgery:
| Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | Specialties and Procedures / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 | High performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures / conditions |
| Albany Medical Center | #2 | High performing in 13 procedures / conditions |
| Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Not regionally ranked | - |
| Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center | Not regionally ranked | - |
| Burdett Birth Center | Not regionally ranked | - |
| Capital District Psychiatric Center | Not regionally ranked | - |
| Cobleskill Regional Hospital | Not regionally ranked | - |
| Conifer Park Hospital | Not regionally ranked | - |
| Ellis Hospital | Not regionally ranked | High performing in 5 procedures / conditions |
| Four Winds Hospital - Saratoga Springs | Not regionally ranked | - |
Breast Reduction Surgery Process
Consultation
The first step in the breast reduction surgery process is a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss your medical history, goals, and expectations for the surgery. They will also examine your breasts to determine the best surgical approach. You can ask questions about the procedure, recovery time, and potential risks.
Incision Options
There are several incision options for breast reduction surgery, and the choice depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed:
- Circular Incision: This incision produces a 'donut scar' around the areola. It is suitable for breasts that are relatively high - sitting and require less skin removal.
- Keyhole Incision: Also known as a lollipop incision, it results in a lollipop - shaped scar in the middle of each breast. This is a good option for breasts that hang low and have a lot of excess skin.
- Inverted - T (Anchor) Incision: This is used when a large amount of skin and tissue needs to be removed. It leaves an anchor - shaped scar.
Anesthesia and Surgery
Breast reduction surgery requires general anesthesia administered by a qualified anesthesiologist. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat from the breasts. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipples and areolas may be repositioned. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
Recovery
The recovery time for breast reduction surgery is generally around two weeks. You will need to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks to support the breasts and reduce swelling. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on post - operative care, including how to care for the incisions, when to return to normal activities, and when to schedule follow - up appointments. In many cases, scarring is minimal and fades over time.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery
Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient. In general, two main conditions must be met for insurance to cover the procedure:
- Medical Need: There must be a medical need for the surgery, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain from bra indentations in the shoulders, and rashes caused by large breasts.
- Tissue Removal Requirement: The amount of tissue to be removed must meet certain weight requirements based on your height and weight. The surgeon will calculate this amount during the consultation and may include it in a letter to your insurance provider along with a photo of your breasts (without showing your face) and an estimate of the weight to be removed during surgery. If the requirements are met, your insurer will likely cover the surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital and doctor for breast reduction surgery in Albany is a crucial decision. By considering the rankings of doctors and hospitals, as well as understanding the surgery process, eligibility criteria, and insurance coverage, you can make an informed choice. Albany has several well - reputed doctors and hospitals that can provide high - quality breast reduction services. Remember to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and goals.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of the top doctors or hospitals in Albany. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast reduction surgery, and continue to explore related topics to stay informed about your options.
