Introduction
Albany, the capital city of the state of New York, is not only known for its commerce, rich history, architecture, and higher education institutions but also for its well - developed plastic surgery industry. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for breast prosthesis removal surgeries in Albany. This article will review the top ten plastic surgery hospitals in Albany that offer breast prosthesis removal services.
General Overview of Albany's Plastic Surgery Scene
As per the 2010 census, Albany had a population of about 97,856 people. The area was originally occupied by the Mohican people. It has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The local economy relies on healthcare, education, government, and technology sectors. The plastic surgery field in Albany includes both cosmetic surgery, which enhances the visual appeal of body parts, and reconstructive surgery, which helps repair parts damaged due to accidents or birth defects.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Medical Reasons
- Capsular contracture: This is a common medical issue where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later. Capsular contracture may make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and can cause breast pain. For example, some patients may experience significant discomfort and a change in the appearance of their breasts, which leads them to seek breast prosthesis removal.
- Implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. Saline implants deflate visibly when they rupture as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. Silicone implants, on the other hand, may not show obvious symptoms, but a shape change, lump, or new discomfort could indicate a rupture. The FDA recommends using high - definition ultra - sound to screen for silicone breast implant rupture regularly, and if a rupture is suspected, a breast MRI is often used for confirmation.
- Breast implant illness (BII) and breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although BII has not been scientifically confirmed to be caused by breast implants, it is suspected to be an abnormal autoimmune reaction with symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and neurological conditions. BIA - ALCL is a type of cancer associated with certain types of textured implants, though it is extremely rare, occurring in less than ten women per year worldwide.
Non - Medical Reasons
- Desire for a different breast size: Over time, a woman's body changes due to factors such as pregnancy, menopause, and weight changes. Women may find that their implants no longer suit their lifestyle or aesthetic preferences. They may want either larger or smaller breasts and thus opt for breast prosthesis removal, sometimes followed by a replacement with implants of a different size or a natural alternative like fat transfer.
- Personal choice: Some women simply no longer want to have implants. For instance, during menopause, hormonal and weight changes can cause the natural breast tissue to enlarge, leading them to decide to remove the implants.
Top Ten Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Prosthesis Removal in Albany
1. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, is well - known in this hospital. He is renowned for his surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results. For breast prosthesis removal, he offers advanced techniques such as the en bloc capsulectomy. This procedure involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the scar tissue (capsule) around it. Dr. Yarinsky will determine the most suitable procedure for each patient after a thorough evaluation of their overall health and aesthetic goals. The hospital provides personalized care throughout the process, from pre - operative consultation to post - operative recovery. They offer clear instructions on recovery, including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and limitations on physical activities. The average cost of breast implant removal at this hospital ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
2. Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Capek is an experienced board - certified plastic surgeon at this facility. She offers a variety of options for breast prosthesis removal, including simple implant removal, capsulectomy, and replacement procedures. Simple implant removal can be done in the hospital's quada - accredited office - based operating suite under local anesthesia for non - ruptured silicone and saline implants. 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. The hospital also offers options such as breast lift, replacement with new implants, replacement with autologous fat, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae. After the procedure, patients are given detailed aftercare instructions, and the staff provides long - term follow - up to ensure a smooth recovery.
3. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a trusted professional for breast prosthesis removal. The breast implant removal process at this hospital is relatively straightforward. Patients are typically placed under general anesthesia, and an incision is made on the scar where the implants were originally placed. The surgeon then removes the implant and any scar tissue. Women who wish to replace their implants can have new ones inserted at the same time. The recovery period after surgery usually requires two to three days of downtime, and patients can return to their normal routine in about a week. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks. To achieve better results, the hospital also offers additional procedures such as breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and facelift, which can be combined to maximize the whole - body beauty satisfaction.
4. Practices associated with Dr. Jerome Chao, MD
Dr. Jerome Chao, MD, is rated 4.40 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades. He has an office at 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110. While specific details about his breast prosthesis removal approach are not as extensively detailed as some other surgeons, his high patient rating indicates a good level of patient satisfaction. Patients can expect professional and reliable care when choosing him for their breast implant removal procedure. He likely follows standard medical practices and provides appropriate pre - and post - operative care.
5. Practices associated with Dr. Todd Beyer, MD
Dr. Todd Beyer, MD, has a high rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades. His office is located at 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. He has experience in breast surgical procedures. For breast prosthesis removal, patients can trust in his expertise to handle the surgery with precision and care. He may offer personalized treatment plans based on each patient's unique situation, considering factors such as the reason for removal, the type of implants, and the patient's overall health.
6. Practices associated with Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD, is rated 4.70 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades and is located at 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208. He has a good reputation for his work in breast surgeries. In breast prosthesis removal, he may use advanced techniques and take into account the patient's aesthetic goals to ensure the best possible outcome. His high rating suggests that he provides quality care and has satisfied many patients in the past.
7. Practices associated with Dr. Susan Gannon, MD
Dr. Susan Gannon, MD, has a rating of 4.50 out of 5 stars. Her office is at 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206. She is an experienced plastic surgeon in the field of breast surgeries. When it comes to breast prosthesis removal, she can offer comprehensive consultations to discuss the procedure options, risks, and expected results. Her focus is likely on providing patient - centered care and achieving natural - looking outcomes.
8. Practices associated with Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD
Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD, is rated 4.80 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades. She is located at 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208. With her high rating, patients can have confidence in her skills for breast prosthesis removal. She may be well - versed in handling different types of implants and various reasons for removal, ensuring a safe and effective surgical process.
9. Practices associated with Dr. David Tauber, MD
Dr. David Tauber, MD, has a 5 - star rating for his bedside manner and 17 years of experience. He is located at 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205. Patients who have had consultations with him for breast reduction surgery have reported positive experiences. In breast prosthesis removal, he is likely to offer a caring and professional approach, guiding patients through the procedure and recovery process.
10. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD, at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has an average rating of around 4.3 - 4.7 stars across different review platforms. He has over 20 years of experience and has performed thousands of procedures. Patients have praised his friendly and professional staff, as well as his ability to achieve excellent results. For breast prosthesis removal, he may take a personalized approach, considering the patient's individual needs and aesthetic goals. His practice also provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients throughout the entire process.
Comparison of Key Factors Among the Top Ten Plastic Surgery Hospitals
Hospital/Doctor | Surgeon's Experience | Patient Rating | Procedures Offered | Cost Range | Recovery Support |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC (Dr. Steven Yarinsky) | Over 30 years | Highly regarded for surgical skill | En bloc capsulectomy, various explantation techniques | $6,000 - $18,000 | Detailed pre - and post - operative instructions, pain management, long - term follow - up |
Capek Surgical Arts (Dr. Capek) | Experienced | High patient satisfaction | Simple implant removal, capsulectomy, replacement options (implants, fat transfer), breast lift, etc. | Varies based on procedure | Aftercare instructions, follow - up appointments |
K Plastic Surgery (Dr. Kayastha) | Professional expertise | Patient - focused care | Breast implant removal, replacement, additional body procedures (breast lift, tummy tuck, etc.) | Not specifically stated, customized per patient | Recovery plan with downtime advice, pain management |
Practices associated with Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | Not detailed | 4.40 out of 5 stars | Breast surgical procedures | Not available | Standard pre - and post - operative care |
Practices associated with Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | Not detailed | 4.80 out of 5 stars | Breast surgical procedures | Not available | Customized care based on patient situation |
Practices associated with Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | Not detailed | 4.70 out of 5 stars | Breast surgical procedures | Not available | Quality care with attention to aesthetic goals |
Practices associated with Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | Not detailed | 4.50 out of 5 stars | Breast surgical procedures | Not available | Comprehensive consultations and patient - centered care |
Practices associated with Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | Not detailed | 4.80 out of 5 stars | Breast surgical procedures | Not available | Skilled handling of procedures and patient care |
Practices associated with Dr. David Tauber, MD | 17 years | 5 - star bedside manner | Breast surgical procedures | Not available | Caring and professional approach during procedure and recovery |
Rockmore Plastic Surgery (Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore) | Over 20 years | Average 4.3 - 4.7 stars | Breast procedures including removal | Not available | Personalized approach, comfortable environment |
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Hospital for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications
Look for a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Experience in breast surgeries, especially breast prosthesis removal, is crucial. Surgeons with many years of practice are more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and be able to handle complex situations. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Steven Yarinsky with over 30 years of experience has likely dealt with different types of implants, complications, and patient needs.
Patient Reviews and Ratings
Read patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Google, and other medical review sites. Positive reviews can give you an idea of the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the quality of care provided by the hospital. For instance, Dr. Todd Beyer with a 4.80 - star rating on Healthgrades is likely to provide high - quality service and patient satisfaction.
Range of Procedures Offered
Choose a hospital that offers a wide range of procedures related to breast prosthesis removal. This includes not only the basic removal but also options such as replacement, breast lift, and other body procedures that can be combined to achieve the best aesthetic results. Hospitals like Capek Surgical Arts and K Plastic Surgery offer a variety of these options.
Cost and Financing Options
Understand the cost of the procedure, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, and follow - up visits. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, for example, provides a "global fee" and offers assistance with financing if needed.
Recovery Support
Good recovery support is essential for a successful outcome. Look for hospitals that provide detailed post - operative instructions, pain management, and follow - up appointments. This ensures that you have the necessary support during the recovery process and can address any issues that may arise.
Conclusion
When it comes to breast prosthesis removal in Albany, there are several excellent plastic surgery hospitals to choose from. Each of the top ten hospitals mentioned in this article has its own strengths, whether it's the surgeon's experience, patient ratings, range of procedures, or recovery support. Before making a decision, it's important to do thorough research, have consultations with multiple surgeons, and consider your own individual needs and aesthetic goals. Remember that breast prosthesis removal is a significant decision, and choosing the right hospital and surgeon can make a big difference in your overall experience and the final outcome.
If you're considering breast prosthesis removal, we encourage you to reach out to these top hospitals in Albany for consultations. You can ask questions, discuss your concerns, and get a better understanding of what to expect. Share this article with others who may be in the same situation and help them make informed decisions about their breast implant removal journey.