Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant surgery, has been gaining more popularity in recent times. Women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, including health concerns, dissatisfaction with the size or shape of the implants, or simply a desire for a more natural look. If you're in Albany and considering breast implant removal, it's crucial to find a hospital or a surgeon who can offer you the best care and results. This article will explore some of the options available in Albany for breast implant removal surgery and help you make an informed decision.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Before delving into the hospitals, let's first understand the common reasons why women opt for breast implant removal:
- Dissatisfaction with Size or Shape: Over time, a woman's body may change due to factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or menopause. As a result, the implants that once seemed perfect may no longer suit her figure or lifestyle. She may desire either larger or smaller breasts.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant tightens and hardens. It can make the breasts look distorted, asymmetric, and may cause pain. Capsular contracture can happen shortly after the initial breast augmentation or years later.
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. Saline implants are easier to detect as the breast will deflate when the saline leaks out. Silicone implant rupture may be less obvious, and sometimes there may be no symptoms at all, or a woman may notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may end up in an undesirable position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be due to factors like capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation during the initial surgery, or tissue changes over time.
- Implant Rippling: This is more common with saline implants, especially in thinner patients. Silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched out. It is a cosmetic concern.
- Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants. Additionally, some women self - identify with Breast Implant Illness (BII), which involves a wide range of symptoms.
Some Hospitals and Surgeons in Albany for Breast Implant Removal
1. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC (Dr. Steven Yarinsky)
Dr. Steven Yarinsky 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.
Services Offered
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: This procedure involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around it. Dr. Yarinsky favors this method for eligible patients with a thickened, hard, or tender capsule as it reduces the risk of leakage and removes potentially problematic scar tissue.
- Simple Implant Removal: In some cases, only the implant may need to be removed. Dr. Yarinsky will determine the best approach based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's overall health and aesthetic goals.
- Breast Revision Surgery: Instead of just removing the implants, patients may choose to have them replaced. Dr. Yarinsky can improve the appearance of the breasts after the original augmentation by repositioning the implants or changing their size and pocket location.
Procedure and Recovery
Dr. Yarinsky performs breast explantation in his joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. The procedure usually uses one incision along the inframammary fold. After removal, he cleanses the pocket with an antibiotic solution to prevent postoperative infection. Patients can expect swelling and bruising during the healing process, which should disappear within a few weeks to a few months. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately six weeks. Dr. Yarinsky will prescribe pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and provide detailed instructions for a safe recovery.
Cost
The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the procedure needed. At the consultation, patients will receive a “global fee” that includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits.
2. Capek Surgical Arts (Dr. Lucie Capek)
Dr. Lucie Capek offers breast implant removal services at her state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite in Latham, NY. She is experienced in various breast implant removal and revision procedures.
Services Offered
- Simple Implant Removal: Can be done in the office under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline implants may be drained prior to removal to allow for skin contraction.
- Capsulectomy: For patients with capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired.
- Implant Replacement: She can replace the implants with a different type or size. If a patient wants a larger implant, she will surgically enlarge the “pocket,” and for a smaller implant, she may reduce the pocket size with permanent sutures.
- Fat Transfer: An alternative to implants, where the patient's own fat is used to replace the implants, providing a more natural look and feel.
- Breast Lift: If a patient is going smaller or has loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed simultaneously to improve the shape of the breasts.
Procedure and Recovery
Most explant and revision surgeries are performed in her office - based operating suite or an outpatient hospital operating room. After the surgery, patients are advised to rest for 24 - 48 hours, can shower after 48 hours, and should wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. Strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Recovery times vary depending on the patient's health and the extent of the procedure.
Cost
There is no fixed cost mentioned, but like Dr. Yarinsky, Dr. Capek will customize the surgery according to the patient's needs, and the cost will depend on the procedures involved.
3. K Plastic Surgery (Dr. Kayastha)
Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving Albany and the entire capital region. He has extensive training and experience in plastic surgery.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Utilizes the previous incision sites to avoid new scarring. The procedure can be performed alone or combined with a breast lift to correct sagging after volume loss.
- Capsular Contracture Correction: If capsular contracture is present, it can be corrected during the implant removal procedure, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires.
Procedure and Recovery
During the breast implant removal, an incision is made over the previous scar, and the implant is taken out. In the days following the surgery, patients can expect bruising and swelling. Prescription pain medication is provided to minimize discomfort, and a surgical bra is given to aid in the healing process. Patients should take a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity. Strenuous exercise should wait until six weeks after the procedure.
Cost
There is no specific cost information provided, but the total cost will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the individual patient's needs.
4. Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital offers a removal of ruptured breast implant procedure.
Services Offered
- Removal of Ruptured Breast Implant: If a saline or silicone implant has ruptured and caused irritation or infection in the surrounding tissue, this surgical procedure is recommended. The implant and surrounding tissue are accessed through an incision in the breast, and the implant is removed. Cells from the surrounding tissue may also be examined by a pathologist.
Procedure and Recovery
After the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks. There may be some swelling and discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
Cost
The price reported by the hospital for the removal of a ruptured breast implant varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.
Comparing the Options
| Hospital/Surgeon | Services | Procedure Approach | Recovery Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC (Dr. Steven Yarinsky) | En Bloc Capsulectomy, Simple Implant Removal, Breast Revision Surgery | General anesthesia in joint commission - accredited facility, one incision along inframammary fold | Swelling and bruising for weeks to months, avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks | $6,000 - $18,000 |
| Capek Surgical Arts (Dr. Lucie Capek) | Simple Implant Removal, Capsulectomy, Implant Replacement, Fat Transfer, Breast Lift | Office - based or outpatient hospital operating room, different approaches based on the condition | Rest for 24 - 48 hours, wear surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks, restrict strenuous activities for 6 - 8 weeks | Customized, no fixed range |
| K Plastic Surgery (Dr. Kayastha) | Breast Implant Removal, Capsular Contracture Correction | Use previous incision, may combine with breast lift | A few days off work, wait 1 week for normal activity, 6 weeks for strenuous exercise | Depends on procedure complexity |
| Albany Medical Center Hospital | Removal of Ruptured Breast Implant | Incision in the breast to access and remove implant, examine surrounding tissue | Wear compression garment for a few weeks, manage swelling and discomfort with medication | Varies based on payment method |
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
When choosing a hospital and surgeon for breast implant removal in Albany, consider the following factors:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures. Board - certification is also an important factor as it indicates that the surgeon has met certain standards of training and competence.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from other patients who have undergone breast implant removal surgery with the surgeon or at the hospital. Positive reviews can give you an idea of the quality of care and the results you can expect.
- Range of Services: Depending on your specific needs, you may want a surgeon who offers a wide range of services, such as implant replacement, fat transfer, or breast lift in addition to implant removal.
- Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility where the procedure will be performed is accredited. Accreditation means that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards.
- Cost and Financing: While cost should not be the only factor, it is important to understand the total cost of the procedure and explore financing options if needed.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision, and choosing the right hospital and surgeon in Albany is crucial for a successful outcome. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC with Dr. Steven Yarinsky, Capek Surgical Arts with Dr. Lucie Capek, K Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kayastha, and Albany Medical Center Hospital are all viable options, each with its own set of services, procedure approaches, recovery times, and costs. By considering factors such as experience, patient reviews, services offered, facility accreditation, and cost, you can make an informed decision that suits your individual needs and preferences.
If you're considering breast implant removal surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one or more of these surgeons. Discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations during the consultation to get a better understanding of the procedure and what to expect. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal in Albany and explore related topics on our website for more information.
