An In - Depth Look at Breast Augmentation in Albany
Breast augmentation has long been one of the most sought - after cosmetic procedures, with an ever - growing number of individuals looking to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In Albany, there are numerous top - tier and private hospitals that offer high - quality breast augmentation services, both with implants and fat. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking list and detailed insights into these facilities, as well as relevant industry knowledge.
1. Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. It can use either breast implants or the patient's own fat. The demand for this procedure has been on the rise, according to data released in November 2023 from global intelligence platform Statista. 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.
1.1 Types of Breast Augmentation
- Breast Implants: There are two main types of breast implants - saline and silicone. Saline implants are made of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water and typically require smaller incisions than silicone implants. Silicone implants have durable silicone shells filled with a gel of various degrees of cohesiveness, with the most cohesive ones often referred to as “gummy bear” breast implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2014, silicone gel implants were used in 77% of all breast augmentations, while saline implants were used in 23%.
- Fat Transfer: This method involves using the patient's own fat, usually harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and injecting it into the breasts. However, there is a limitation to how much volume can be added with fat transfer to achieve a predictable result. For those who want a larger increase in their breast size, implants are typically a better solution.
1.2 Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Good candidates for breast augmentation include those who have underdeveloped natural breast tissue, disproportionately small breasts compared to their lower body, asymmetrical or oddly - shaped breasts, deflation and lost volume due to weight loss or after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or loss of firmness, loose skin, and sagging breasts (often paired with a breast lift).
2. Ranking of Hospitals and Doctors in Albany for Breast Augmentation
2.1 Top Doctors in Albany for Breast Augmentation
Healthgrades found 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, NY. Here are some of the highly - rated ones:
| Doctor's 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 |
2.2 Top Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
US News Best Hospitals provides rankings for hospitals in the Albany area. While the rankings are based on performance in complex care in medical specialties and common procedures, the following hospitals are well - known and may offer high - quality breast augmentation services:
| Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | High - performing in Specialties/Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 in Albany, NY | 2 specialties & 15 procedures/conditions |
| Albany Medical Center | #2 in Albany, NY | 13 procedures/conditions |
| Ellis Hospital | - | 5 procedures/conditions |
3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Doctor for Breast Augmentation
3.1 Experience and Reputation
It's crucial to choose a doctor with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Look for doctors who have performed a significant number of procedures. For example, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has experience performing more than 4,000 breast procedures. Patient reviews and ratings can also provide valuable insights into a doctor's reputation. High - rated doctors like those mentioned above are more likely to have satisfied patients.
3.2 Qualifications and Certifications
Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in plastic surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) accreditation is a voluntary credential for plastic surgeons in the U.S. Plastic surgeons must have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. Doctors should also have a good understanding of the latest techniques and technologies in breast augmentation.
3.3 Range of Services
Some hospitals and doctors offer a wide range of breast augmentation options, including different types of implants, fat transfer, and the possibility of combining breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift. This allows patients to choose the option that best suits their needs and desired outcomes. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek is an expert who can help patients explore various options from a variety of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials to the possibility of using their own fat, and even combining the procedure with a breast lift.
3.4 Cost
The cost of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and the doctor's fees. It's important to get a detailed quote during the consultation and understand what is included in the cost. Some doctors and hospitals may also offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. For instance, Deluca Plastic Surgery has financing plans available for patients who need help funding their breast enlargement procedure.
3.5 Pre - and Post - operative Care
Good pre - operative care involves a thorough consultation where the doctor assesses the patient's health, discusses their goals, and provides detailed information about the procedure. During the consultation, doctors may use tools like the mentor® volume sizing system to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. Post - operative care is also crucial for a successful recovery. Doctors should provide clear instructions on activity restrictions, wound care, and follow - up appointments. Dr. Lucie Capek, for example, provides detailed instructions on showering, wearing a sports bra, and avoiding certain activities during the recovery period.
4. The Breast Augmentation Procedure
4.1 Consultation
The first step in the breast augmentation process is the consultation. During this appointment, the doctor will listen to the patient's goals, examine their breasts, and take measurements. They will then recommend a range of implant sizes, shapes, and profiles based on the patient's body type and desired results. Some clinics, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, utilize 3 - D computer simulations based on the patient's breast photos and advanced AI algorithms to simulate the breasts in their new size and shape, helping the patient make a more informed decision.
4.2 Surgical Procedure
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision, which can be in the breast fold (inframammary incision), around the areola (periareolar incision), or in the armpit (transaxillary incision). A pocket is then created for the implant, which can be placed either above the muscle (subglandular), behind the pectoralis muscle (submuscular), or in a combination (biplanar). The implant is inserted, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and glue. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.
4.3 Recovery
After the surgery, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling. They can usually shower within 48 hours and are advised to wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the recovery process. Long - term, patients with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.
5. Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Although breast augmentation is a relatively common and safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, there are still some risks and complications to be aware of.
- Early Risks: These include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. For example, any surgical incision carries a risk of bleeding during or after the procedure, and infection can occur if proper sterile techniques are not followed during the surgery.
- Long - term Risks: These may include capsular contracture (increasing firmness and possible shape change of the breast due to abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant), 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. However, a silicone implant rupture may be silent, which is why the FDA recommends periodic MRIs for women with silicone implants.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, Albany offers a variety of top - tier and private hospitals and highly qualified doctors for breast augmentation with implants and fat. When considering this procedure, it's essential to do thorough research, consult with multiple doctors, and carefully weigh the factors such as experience, qualifications, cost, and pre - and post - operative care. Understanding the procedure, its risks, and the recovery process is also crucial for making an informed decision. By choosing the right hospital and doctor, patients can increase their chances of achieving the desired results and having a successful breast augmentation experience.
If you're considering breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the doctors and hospitals mentioned in this article. Explore your options, ask questions, and make the best decision for your body and your future. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany.
