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Breast Augmentation

As a woman, there are many reasons you may want to have larger, fuller breasts. You might have always wished you looked better in clothing and swimwear. Perhaps your breasts have lost some of their fullness over the years due to pregnancy or the aging process. Join women from areas like Saratoga Springs and Schenectady who choose breast augmentation in Albany, NY for a boost in confidence and a shapelier, feminine appearance.

Cosmetic surgery should be a rewarding experience that leaves you looking great and feeling more confident. Request a free consultationRequest a free consultation with one of the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group or call (518) 438-0505.

Meet Our Surgeons

Meet the expertly trained Albany plastic
surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group,
serving the Schenectady, Saratoga Springs,
Utica, and Albany area of New York.

Meet Our Surgeons

Meet the expertly trained Albany plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group, serving the Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Utica, and Albany area of New York.

Learn More  Request Your Consultation 

Breast Augmentation Overview

The first step towards realizing your goal of having larger breasts is to discuss your feelings with your plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will review the various options that are available. He or she will explain the various types of breast implants used in our Albany practice that can give you the results you want. Your plastic surgeon will also discuss the different incision options, and the methods for inserting and positioning your breast implants. Some women may require a breast lift in addition to their breast augmentation to attain the firm, full shape they desire.

The Procedure

Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the different areas that the incisions can be made. These can be where your breast meets your chest, in the armpit, or around the areola of your breast. Your plastic surgeon will make a determination based on your physical size and other factors to best suit your needs, and to assure that scars are as unnoticeable as possible.

Once the incision is made, the tissue of your breast will be raised and the breast implants will be situated in 1 of 2 areas: beneath the muscle of your chest wall or directly behind the tissue of your breast. The implants are then positioned beneath the nipples of your breasts.

Placement of the implants beneath the muscle of the chest wall can help reduce the possibility of capsular contracture, and interferes less with mammogram breast examinations. Your plastic surgeon will give you more information on these placement choices and will determine what is best for you during your consultation.

Recovering

As with any surgery, you may be tired and sore after your breast augmentation surgery. This is normal and will generally not last more than a day or 2. You will be able to return to work within a few days of your surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe a pain medication to help control the majority of your discomfort, which may include a slight burning feeling in your nipples. This will subside as the bruising lessens and healing continues.

If you have gauze dressings, they will be removed in several days and replaced by a surgical bra. Follow the guidelines your plastic surgeon gives you for wearing this. In a week to 10 days, stitches will be taken out. Keep in mind, your breasts will appear swollen for 3 to 5 weeks and they will be sensitive to physical contact during this time.

Your scars will fade over time. Generally, this takes a period of several months, sometimes longer. Initially, scars will be somewhat hard and pinkish in color and will appear this way for several months before they begin to fade. Your plastic surgeon will make every effort to conceal your scars, and while they will eventually fade, they will not disappear entirely.

Potential Risks and Complications

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications that can occur following breast augmentation surgery. It involves tightening of the scar or capsule around the implant, which makes the breast feel hard. Removing the scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant, are 2 of the ways capsular contracture can be treated.

There is a small chance that an infection may occur around the area of the implant. In these rare cases, the implant might have to be taken out for a few months. A new implant will be placed once the infection is gone.

In some cases of breast augmentation surgery, women can experience sensations of hypersensitive nipples or a loss of sensitivity or slight numbness of their nipples around the area where the incisions were made. In most cases, these symptoms disappear over time.

In the event of a breast implant breaking or leaking, saline implants will lose their contents over a short period of time, usually a couple of hours, and the body will naturally absorb the salt water. In the case of gel-filled implants, there may not be any noticeable change if the scar capsule surrounding the implant does not break. In the event the scar area does break or tear, silicone gel might enter nearby tissue of the breast or move to another location within the body, and there may be a noticeable change in the way the breast looks and feels. In most cases, these situations will be corrected through another breast augmentation operation to replace the implants.

Common Questions About Breast Augmentation

Does breast augmentation affect breast examinations?

Not if the mammography is conducted by experienced technicians. More X-rays will be taken and in some cases ultrasound exams may be given to ensure the most thorough detection of any abnormalities. Always visit a certified radiology center for these types of exams.

Does insurance cover the cost of breast augmentation?

Not in most cases because insurance companies consider breast augmentation an elective surgery. The Plastic Surgery Group offers up to 100% financing for this procedure, as well as many other types of elective cosmetic surgery procedures.

How do I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

During your consultation, we will give you detailed instructions to help you prepare for your breast augmentation surgery, including any medications you should avoid, what you should and shouldn't eat or drink, and information about smoking or medical conditions you may have. A breast lift may be required in addition to breast augmentation with implants to give Syracuse, Schenectady, and other NY patients the firm, full shape they desire.