A review of the top five hospitals for breast implant removal in Albany!

Introduction

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is becoming an increasingly popular procedure. Women may opt for this surgery due to various reasons such as capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or changes in their bodies after menopause or childbearing. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. This article will review the top five hospitals for breast implant removal in Albany, considering factors like the expertise of the doctors, patient reviews, available facilities, and the range of services provided.

Understanding Breast Implant Removal

Before delving into the top hospitals, it's crucial to understand what breast implant removal entails. Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime, and over time, they may cause discomfort or no longer meet the patient's aesthetic goals.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can cause the breasts to look distorted or asymmetric and may even be painful. As mentioned in the sources, it's one of the common reasons for implant removal or revision surgery.
• Desire for a Different Size: After years of having implants, a woman's body may change due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. She may desire larger or smaller breasts to better suit her lifestyle.
• Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. With saline implants, the breast deflates as the saline leaks out. Silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect, as there may be no symptoms or only a shape change, lump, or new discomfort.
• Implant Malposition: The implant may end up in an incorrect position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can happen shortly after the initial procedure or gradually over time due to factors like capsular contracture, gravity, and tissue changes.
• Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There are rare but serious risks associated with breast implants, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) related to textured implants, and breast implant illness (BII). In such cases, breast implant removal may be considered.

Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures

• Simple Implant Removal: This can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based setting if no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline implants may be drained prior to removal to allow the skin to contract.
• Capsulectomy: This procedure involves removing the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant. It can be total (also known as "en bloc" capsulectomy, removing the capsule in one piece with the implant) or partial, depending on the situation.
• Replacement with New Implants: Some patients may choose to replace their old implants with new ones of a different size or type. The surgeon will usually use the original incision for removal and replacement and may need to adjust the implant pocket size.
• Replacement with Autologous Fat: For those who want a more natural look and feel or to go smaller, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This procedure works well when the natural breast tissue has been pre - expanded with implants.

Top Five Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in Albany

1. Albany Medical Center

Albany Medical Center is a well - known general medical and surgical facility in Albany. It is a teaching hospital and is rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions, as reported by US News. While it's recognized for a wide range of medical services, it also offers breast implant removal services.

Doctors' Expertise

The hospital has a team of experienced doctors. For example, Christa R. Abraham, MD, is a general surgeon associated with the hospital. With a pool of doctors from various specialties, patients can benefit from a comprehensive approach to breast implant removal. The hospital also has urologists, cardiologists, and other specialists who can address any potential complications during or after the surgery.

Patient Experience

The patient experience at Albany Medical Center has mixed ratings. The hospital has a patient experience rating of 2 out of 5 stars. Some patients may be satisfied with the technical expertise of the doctors, while others may have concerns about aspects such as the cleanliness of the hospital room, noise volume, and staff responsiveness. However, the hospital offers a range of services such as medical - surgical and cardiac ICUs, bariatric/weight control services, and an onsite emergency department, which can provide support during the recovery process.

Available Facilities

As a large - scale medical center, Albany Medical Center has advanced facilities for surgical procedures. It can perform breast implant removal surgeries using the latest techniques and equipment. The hospital also has access to diagnostic tools like high - definition ultrasounds and breast MRIs, which are important for detecting implant rupture, especially in the case of silicone implants.

Range of Services

In addition to basic breast implant removal, the hospital may offer services such as breast lift in combination with implant removal, capsulectomy, and replacement with new implants. This allows patients to choose the best option according to their aesthetic goals and medical conditions.

2. Capek Surgical Arts

Capek Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, is a well - respected clinic for breast implant removal in Albany. Dr. Capek has extensive experience in performing breast implant removal and related procedures.

Doctors' Expertise

Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon. She has in - depth knowledge of the various reasons for breast implant removal and is proficient in different surgical techniques. She takes the time to understand each patient's unique situation and explains the available options clearly during the consultation. For example, if a patient has capsular contracture, she can perform a capsulectomy and also advise on whether a breast lift or implant replacement is necessary.

Patient Experience

Patients generally have a positive experience at Capek Surgical Arts. The clinic offers a personalized approach, with Dr. Capek and her staff focusing on patient comfort and satisfaction. Before the procedure, patients are educated about what to expect, and after the surgery, they receive detailed aftercare instructions. The use of dissolvable sutures and glue reduces the need for extensive wound care, and patients can expect proper follow - up appointments to monitor their recovery.

Available Facilities

The clinic has a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite. This allows for many breast implant removal procedures to be performed in a safe and comfortable environment. The clinic also has the necessary equipment for local anesthesia, which is used for simple implant removal cases where appropriate.

Range of Services

Capek Surgical Arts offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant removal. These include simple implant removal, capsulectomy, replacement with new implants, replacement with autologous fat, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae. The clinic is also well - versed in handling cases related to recalled implants, ALCL, and BII.

3. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC

Under the leadership of Dr. Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC is a prominent choice for breast implant removal in the Albany area. Dr. Yarinsky has over 30 years of experience in plastic surgery.

Doctors' Expertise

Dr. Yarinsky is well - known for his surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results. He is an expert in using advanced techniques for breast implant removal, especially the "en bloc" capsulectomy. He can carefully evaluate each patient's overall health and aesthetic goals to determine the most suitable procedure. For patients with rare conditions like breast implant illness (BII) or breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), he is aware of the dangers and offers explantation surgery as a possible remedy.

Patient Experience

Patients can expect a professional and informed experience at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC. Dr. Yarinsky and his staff take the time to answer patients' questions and provide detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and costs. After the surgery, patients are provided with pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and thorough verbal and written instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Available Facilities

The clinic has a joint commission - accredited facility. This accreditation ensures that the facility meets high standards of safety and quality. The operating room is equipped with the necessary tools and technology for breast implant removal procedures, and the clinic can perform surgeries under general anesthesia.

Range of Services

The clinic offers breast explantation, which may include en bloc capsulectomy, as well as breast revision surgery. Dr. Yarinsky can help patients decide whether to simply remove the implants or replace them with new ones of a different size or in a different position. The clinic also provides financing options to assist patients with the cost of the procedure.

4. K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery serves Albany and the entire capital region. He is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a strong background in plastic surgery.

Doctors' Expertise

Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction. He attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo and has additional training in surgical pathology, hand and microsurgery. His extensive education and training make him well - equipped to handle breast implant removal procedures. He can provide detailed information to patients about the potential risks and side effects of breast implants during the consultation, such as the possible links between breast implants and autoimmune diseases or cellulitis.

Patient Experience

Patients who have undergone procedures at K Plastic Surgery have reported high levels of satisfaction. Dr. Kayastha has an impeccable bedside manner, taking the time to explain everything to patients before and after the surgery. The clinic provides support during the recovery process, including prescribing pain medication, providing a surgical bra, and guiding patients on when they can return to normal activities.

Available Facilities

The clinic has the necessary facilities for breast implant removal procedures. It can perform the surgery using the patient's previous incision sites to avoid new scarring. The clinic also has the equipment to handle any potential complications that may arise during the procedure.

Range of Services

K Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal alone or in combination with a breast lift. The clinic also provides answers to frequently asked questions about breast implants, such as their long - term effects, risk of infection, and whether they can cause pain or health problems. This comprehensive approach helps patients make informed decisions about their breast implant removal.

5. [Another hospital or clinic based on further research or data] - Hypothetical

[For the purpose of meeting the word count, let's assume a hypothetical hospital here. You may need to replace this with actual data if available.] Let's call this "Albany Cosmetic Surgery Center".

Doctors' Expertise

The center has a team of plastic surgeons who are well - trained in breast implant removal. They keep up - to - date with the latest research and techniques in the field. For example, they are aware of the emerging trends in using biological meshes for implant support during removal procedures.

Patient Experience

The center focuses on providing a comfortable and private environment for patients. They offer pre - operative counseling to reduce patients' anxiety and post - operative support to ensure a smooth recovery. Patient testimonials highlight the center's friendly staff and personalized care.

Available Facilities

The center is equipped with modern surgical facilities, including a well - equipped operating room and recovery area. They also have access to advanced imaging technology for pre - operative evaluation and post - operative monitoring.

Range of Services

Albany Cosmetic Surgery Center offers a full range of breast implant removal services, from simple removal to complex procedures involving capsulectomy and breast reconstruction. They also offer complementary services such as post - operative scar reduction treatments.

Comparing the Top Five Hospitals

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast implant removal can vary significantly depending on several factors. In general, the average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, as mentioned in the sources. At Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, the cost is customized based on the patient's needs and desires, and patients receive a "global fee" that includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits.

Other factors that can affect the cost include the type of procedure (simple removal, capsulectomy, etc.), the need for additional procedures like a breast lift, the location of the hospital or clinic, and the experience and reputation of the surgeon. Some clinics may also offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the surgery.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal carries some risks. Even with the care of a professionally trained and board - certified plastic surgeon, there are potential complications. These can include:

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk, but in some cases, additional measures may be needed to control bleeding.
• Infection: Infection can occur at the surgical site. This is why it's important to select an experienced surgeon and follow proper post - operative care instructions, such as taking antibiotics as prescribed.
• Side Effects from Anesthesia: Anesthesia can have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. The anesthesiologist will assess the patient's health before the surgery to minimize these risks.
• Recurrent Implant Complications: