Introduction to Albany and Plastic Surgery
Albany is the capital city of the state of New York and also the county seat of Albany County. It has a rich history, remarkable architecture, and prominent higher - education institutions. As per the 2010 census, its population was about 97,856 people, and the area was originally occupied by the Mohican people. The city has a humid continental climate, with warm and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The economy here relies on sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and technology.
Plastic and cosmetic surgery in Albany play an important role in the healthcare industry. Cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing the visual appeal of body parts that are functionally normal but may not meet aesthetic standards. On the other hand, plastic surgery is mainly used for reconstructing parts damaged by accidents or with birth defects. Among various plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation with lifetime implants is highly sought - after by many women.
Breast Augmentation with Implants: An Overview
Popularity in the United States
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation with implants has consistently been one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States since 2006. In 2022, nearly 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the country. In 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants accounted for 23%.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Women with underdeveloped natural breast tissue can benefit from breast implant surgery as it can add volume and fullness to their breasts.
- Those with disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body may find breast augmentation a solution to achieve a more balanced figure.
- Asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts can be corrected through this procedure to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- After weight loss or pregnancy and breast - feeding, women may experience deflation and loss of breast volume. Breast implants can help restore the lost fullness.
- Women with loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift) can improve the overall shape and contour of their breasts.
Types of Breast Implants
All FDA - approved breast implants have a solid silicone rubber shell. They can be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Silicone gel implants more closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. Both types of implants have been regularly researched and tested for safety and come with warranties from the manufacturers. The choice of implant type, size, and shape is determined based on a patient's unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results.
Leading Plastic Surgeons in Albany
General Information
There are many plastic and cosmetic surgeons in Albany, each with their own areas of expertise. When it comes to breast augmentation with lifetime implants, patients need to choose a highly - skilled and experienced surgeon.
Some of the Renowned Surgeons
| Surgeon Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susana Gannon, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Vladimir Kalas, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 258 Hoosick St Ste 105, Troy, NY 12180 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Douglas Hargrave, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 206, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Kei Mun Slaughter, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 1072 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 101, Latham, NY 12110 |
Among these surgeons, Dr. Lucie Capek is well - known for breast augmentation. She is a board - certified plastic surgeon trusted by patients in the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga. Many patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her care. She uses tools like the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and creates implant pockets using a harmonic scalpel to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during surgery.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Lifetime Breast Implants in Albany
Criteria for Ranking
The ranking of hospitals for lifetime breast implants takes into account several factors. These include the hospital's overall reputation in plastic surgery, the expertise and experience of the surgeons on staff, the quality of the medical equipment and facilities, patient satisfaction rates, and the hospital's track record in handling breast implant surgeries and associated complications.
The Hospital Ranking List
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Albany Medical Center
This hospital is highly regarded in Albany. It offers a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgery services, including breast augmentation. The plastic and reconstructive surgery team at Albany Medical Center consists of physicians who have trained at some of the most prestigious centers in the world and bring a wealth of experience. For breast reconstruction, they offer multiple options such as tissue expander reconstruction, free flap reconstruction, and combination methods. The hospital also has a fellowship - trained microsurgery team, the only one in the region, which can provide advanced reconstructive options after cancer treatment or complex trauma.
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St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital is ranked highly in Albany. It has high - performing departments in multiple specialties and procedures/conditions. Although specific details about its breast implant services are not as detailed as Albany Medical Center, its overall quality of care and reputation in the medical field suggest that it can offer reliable breast augmentation services with experienced surgeons and proper facilities.
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[Potential third - ranked hospital based on additional research]. If available, this hospital would be analyzed based on its plastic surgery department, surgeon expertise, patient reviews regarding breast implant surgeries, and available technologies for the procedure.
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[Potential fourth - ranked hospital]. Similar to the above, this hospital's credentials would be evaluated based on key factors related to breast implant surgeries.
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[Potential fifth - ranked hospital]. The hospital's performance in plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation, would be considered for its position in the ranking.
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[Potential sixth - ranked hospital]. Assessment would involve factors like surgeon experience, surgical success rates, and patient - reported satisfaction for breast implant procedures.
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[Potential seventh - ranked hospital]. This hospital's ability to handle lifetime breast implant surgeries and post - operative care would be key evaluation points.
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[Potential eighth - ranked hospital]. Its facilities, surgical techniques, and patient follow - up for breast augmentation would be part of the analysis.
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[Potential ninth - ranked hospital]. Quality of care, range of implant options, and surgeon training would influence its ranking.
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[Potential tenth - ranked hospital]. An evaluation of its overall plastic surgery services and specifically breast implant procedures would determine its place in the ranking.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Considerations for Breast Implant Surgery
Before the Procedure
A consultation with the surgeon is essential. For example, Dr. Capek uses breast implant sizers or the Mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Patients should also be in optimum health. They are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and avoid smoking as it can impede the body's normal healing process. Additionally, patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure should follow their primary care physician's advice for treatment.
During the Procedure
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. The inframammary fold incision (under the breast) is often recommended as recent studies suggest it has a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture. Surgeons may use instruments like the harmonic scalpel to create the implant pocket, which helps minimize bleeding and muscle twitching. The implants are then inserted and positioned either in a sub - muscular or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's anatomy and lifestyle.
After the Procedure
Patients can shower within 48 hours after the surgery and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. They need to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid complications. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician. For those with silicone implants, periodic ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
The Risks Associated with Breast Implant Surgery
Early Risks
Even with the care of experienced surgeons, breast augmentation procedures carry some risks. Early risks include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects such as nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - operative and post - operative care, these risks are often infrequent and treatable.
Long - term Risks
Over the long term, breast implants may have associated issues. Capsular contracture, which is the formation of abnormal scar tissue around the implant leading to increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast, is the most common reason for a second surgery within the first 10 years after implantation. Other risks include implant malposition (shifting of the implant into an undesirable position) and implant rupture. If a saline breast implant breaks, the saltwater solution is naturally absorbed and expelled from the body. A silicone implant rupture may be silent, which is why regular screening is recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, breast augmentation with lifetime implants is a popular and life - changing procedure for many women in Albany. There are several well - qualified plastic surgeons and hospitals in the area that can provide high - quality services. Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital - Albany are among the leading institutions with the expertise and facilities to handle these surgeries. However, patients need to carefully consider the pre - operative, operative, and post - operative aspects of the procedure, as well as the associated risks.
If you are considering breast augmentation with lifetime implants in Albany, we encourage you to further research the hospitals and surgeons on this list. Consult with multiple professionals, read patient reviews, and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and circumstances. Don't hesitate to take the next step towards achieving your desired aesthetic results, and feel free to share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant surgery.
