Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, but over time, some women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, such as health concerns, dissatisfaction with the appearance, or changes in personal preferences. In Albany, there are several hospitals and plastic surgeons known for their expertise in breast implant removal. This article aims to review the ranking of hospitals for removing breast implants in breast augmentation surgery in Albany, along with providing detailed information about the procedure, reasons for removal, recovery, and more.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons in Albany for Breast Implant Removal

1. Dr. Susan M. Gannon

Dr. Susan M. Gannon is a board - certified plastic surgeon practicing in Albany, New York at the Plastic Surgery Group. With 19 years of experience, she has a high reputation in the field. Dr. Gannon specializes in breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and full mommy makeovers. She is also skilled in non - surgical and minimally invasive procedures. Patients have described her as a thoughtful, patient, and knowledgeable physician. She listens carefully to patients' aesthetic goals and provides natural - looking results. Her patients have shared positive experiences, including breast implant removal procedures. For example, one patient who had breast implants removed under local anesthesia in her office was very satisfied with the outcome. She also fixed other breast - related issues, like giving a lift and an internal bra. Dr. Gannon graduated from the State University of New York at Albany for her undergraduate degree and earned her medical degree at Albany Medical College. She completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital and further education at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of multiple professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The Plastic Surgery Group where she practices provides a safe and comfortable environment for patients to explore their plastic surgery options.

2. Dr. Steven Yarinsky

Dr. Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He is well - known for his surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results. If a patient chooses to have explantation (breast implant removal), Dr. Yarinsky will use the most advanced techniques available to safely remove the implants and tighten, lift, and reshape the skin to restore the natural breast profile. One of the common explantation procedures he favors for eligible patients is the “en bloc” capsulectomy, which involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the scar tissue that forms around it. This method has benefits such as a reduced risk of leakage and the removal of potentially problematic scar tissue. He determines whether this procedure is right for the patient after a thorough evaluation of the patient's overall health and aesthetic goals. He offers breast explantation in his joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. The cost of breast implant removal with him varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, and he provides a “global fee” that includes various aspects such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits.

3. Dr. Gabriela Capek

Dr. Gabriela Capek at Capek Surgical Arts in Latham, NY (near Albany) offers personalized consultations for breast implant removal. There are several reasons patients come to her for explant surgery. For example, some patients desire a different breast size due to changes in their bodies over time, such as after pregnancy, menopause, or weight changes. Capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens, is another common reason. This can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause pain. Dr. Capek can perform simple implant removal in her quada - accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. For patients with capsular contracture, she performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant if needed. She can also replace the implants with new ones, use autologous fat for a more natural look, reposition the implants, and perform a breast lift if loose skin is a problem. After the procedure, she provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. The surgical risks with her care are relatively low, and she and her team offer long - term follow - up and support.

4. Dr. Edward Kayastha (K Plastic Surgery)

Dr. Edward Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a reliable option for breast implant removal in Albany. He understands that there are both medical and individual reasons for wanting to remove breast implants. Medical reasons may include implant rupture, capsular contracture, or concerns about breast implant illness. Non - medical reasons can be a change in aesthetic preferences. The breast implant removal process with him is relatively straightforward. Patients are typically placed under general anesthesia, and an incision is made on the scar where the implants were originally placed. He then removes the implant and any scar tissue if necessary. Women who want to replace their implants can have new ones inserted at the same time. The recovery time is generally less than that of breast augmentation surgery, but patients still need a few days of downtime and should wait about six weeks before strenuous activity. To achieve better results, he may recommend additional procedures such as a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction to improve the overall aesthetic appearance after implant removal. He and his team are dedicated to helping patients achieve their ideal beauty and will walk patients through their options during the consultation.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are numerous reasons why women in Albany may opt for breast implant removal:

1. Aesthetic Dissatisfaction

• Size and Shape Issues: Over time, a woman's body changes, and the size and shape of the implants that were once appealing may no longer fit her body type or lifestyle. For example, a patient may have initially chosen large implants but later found that they are too big, causing discomfort when lying on the stomach, difficulty snuggling, or an unbalanced appearance in clothing. Some women may have 10 - 20 year - old implants, and as their bodies change with pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations, the implants no longer complement their figures.
• Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, especially with saline implants in thinner patients. However, even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the tissues covering them are thin or stretched. It can be a difficult problem to correct, and some women may choose implant removal to address this issue.

2. Medical Reasons

• Capsular Contracture: This is a common medical issue that can occur after breast augmentation. It refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around the implant. It can happen shortly after the initial surgery or many years later. Capsular contracture can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause breast pain, muscle strain, and other negative side effects.
• Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, the rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates. With silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or a shape change, lump, or new discomfort may be noticed. Regular screening for silicone implant rupture is recommended by the FDA using high - definition ultrasound, and if a rupture is suspected, a breast MRI may be used for confirmation.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Although there is no scientific consensus on whether breast implants cause this condition, some women with breast implants report symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, joint pain, brain fog, anxiety, and neurological conditions. These women may feel better after having their implants removed.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of cancer associated with certain types of textured implants. It occurs in less than ten women per year (only about 700 cases total in the entire world), and the most common textured implants associated with it have been removed from the market. Dr. Steven Yarinsky and other surgeons in Albany are aware of this risk and offer explantation surgery as a possible remedy.

3. Lifestyle and Preference Changes

• Some women may embrace a more natural lifestyle and no longer desire to have breast implants. Others may have gone through menopause, during which hormonal changes and weight fluctuations can cause the natural breast tissue to enlarge, making the implants seem unnecessary.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

1. Consultation

Before the actual surgery, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, including the type of implant, the patient's health condition, and aesthetic goals. They will explain the various procedure options available, such as simple implant removal, capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue around the implant), implant replacement, or additional procedures like a breast lift or fat transfer. For example, Dr. Capek at Capek Surgical Arts spends time with patients to ensure they are informed participants in the planning of their procedure, helping them make decisions that will lead to satisfactory results.

2. Surgical Options

Simple Implant Removal

This is a straightforward procedure where the old incision is re - opened, and the breast implant is separated from the surrounding tissue and removed. It can be done under local anesthesia in the office in some cases, especially when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline breast implants may be drained prior to simple removal to allow the skin to contract over several weeks, giving the patient time to decide whether they want to replace the implants with new ones or use fat transfer.

Capsulectomy

This involves the removal of the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant. It is often recommended as it reduces the occurrence of fluid collections and subsequent infection after implant removal. However, it usually requires general anesthesia. There are different types of capsulectomy, such as the “en bloc” capsulectomy, which involves removing the capsule in one piece with the implant contained in it. This method is favored by some surgeons like Dr. Steven Yarinsky for eligible patients, especially when there is a thickened, hard, or tender capsule, as it has benefits like reducing the risk of leakage and removing potentially problematic scar tissue.

Implant Replacement

If a patient wants to change the size or type of the implant, the surgeon can replace the old implants with new ones at the same time as the explant. The surgeon may need to surgically enlarge or reduce the “pocket” under the breast to accommodate the new implants. For example, if a patient wants a larger - sized implant, the surgeon will create more space, and if they want a smaller one, the pocket will be reduced with permanent sutures.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

After implant removal, the loss of volume can lead to loose skin and droopy breasts. A breast lift can be performed either during or after implant removal surgery to tighten the breast skin and re - shape the tissues, creating fuller and more youthful - looking breasts. This procedure can counteract the tendency of the breasts to sag after implant removal.

Fat Transfer

As an alternative to implants, some patients may choose to have their own fat transferred to the breasts. This is a popular option for those who want a more natural look and feel. It works well when the natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants. The fat is typically harvested from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and then injected into the breasts.

3. Anesthesia

The choice of anesthesia depends on the complexity of the procedure. Simple implant removal can sometimes be done under local anesthesia, while more complex procedures like capsulectomy usually require general anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, the patient is in a deep sleep during the surgery, ensuring they do not feel any pain or discomfort. Local anesthesia numbs only the area around the breast, and the patient may be awake but will not feel pain in the surgical area.

4. Incision

The surgeon usually makes an incision along the inframammary fold (the crease located beneath the breasts), which is often the same incision used for the original breast augmentation. However, if the implants are larger, or if a breast lift or additional skin tightening is needed, additional incisions may be necessary. The type and length of the incision can also depend on the specific surgical technique being used.

5. Post - surgical Care

After the surgery, patients need to follow specific post - surgical instructions. These may include:

• Rest: Patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. This helps the body recover from the trauma of the operation and reduces the risk of complications.
• Showering: They can usually shower after 48 hours, but care must be taken to keep the incision area clean and dry. Special wound - care instructions may be provided by the surgeon.
• Surgical Bra: Wearing a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks is typically recommended. The type of bra will be specified depending on the procedure. The surgical bra helps support the breasts, reduces swelling, and aids in the healing process.
• Drains: If a capsulectomy has been performed, patients may have drains placed to collect any excess fluid and to help collapse the space that is left after removal of the implants. The drains are usually removed after a few days when the fluid output has decreased significantly.
• Medications: Pain medications and antibiotics may be prescribed. Pain medications help manage the discomfort after the surgery, while antibiotics prevent infection.
• Activity Restrictions: Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week. However, strenuous or high - impact activities like running should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks to allow the body to fully heal.

Recovery and Results

1. Recovery Timeline

The recovery time after breast implant removal varies from patient to patient and depends on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the patient's overall health, and whether any additional procedures were performed.

• First Few Days: Immediately following surgery, patients will experience pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescription pain medicine. They will need to rest and may feel tired and groggy from the anesthesia. The surgical bra and drains (if present) will be in place, and patients will need to follow the post - surgical care instructions carefully.
• First Week: Most patients are able to get back to work if their job is sedentary. Swelling and bruising will gradually start to subside, but the breasts may still be tender. Pain should be reducing, and patients can start to increase their activity level gradually, but still avoiding strenuous exercise.
• Two to Three Weeks: By this time, the drains (if used) will likely be removed, and the patient can start to transition to a regular bra. Swelling will continue to improve, and the incisions will be healing. However, some residual swelling may still be present.
• Six Weeks: Patients can usually resume strenuous activity and exercise at this point, but they should still listen to their bodies. The breasts will continue to heal and take on their final shape over the next few months.

2. Results

The results of breast implant removal also vary. In general, most patients hope to achieve a more natural - looking appearance. However, some challenges may occur, such as breast sagging, which is more likely with larger implants. The degree of sagging depends on factors like the original breast size, the amount of time the implants were in place, and the patient's skin elasticity. A breast lift can be an effective way to address sagging and achieve a more youthful and shapely appearance. Additionally, if a patient chooses to have their implants replaced or use fat transfer, the results will be different and will depend on the specific techniques used and the patient's body's response.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Albany

The cost of breast implant removal in Albany can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, the location of the surgery (hospital or surgical center), and whether any additional procedures are performed.

1. Factors Affecting Cost

• Procedure Complexity: Simple implant removal without capsulectomy will generally be less expensive than a procedure that includes capsulectomy or multiple additional procedures like a breast lift and fat transfer. For example, an “en bloc” capsulectomy, which is a more complex procedure, may cost more due to the additional time and expertise required.
• Surgeon's Fees: Surgeons with more experience and a higher reputation in the field may charge more for their services. However, it is important to note that a higher fee does not always