Introduction
Breast implant removal and injection procedures are becoming increasingly common as women make different choices about their bodies over time. Whether it's due to implant rupture, capsular contracture, or a desire for a different breast size, finding the right hospital in Albany is crucial for a successful outcome. In this article, we will explore the top - ranked hospitals and doctors in Albany for breast implant removal and injection, as well as provide valuable information about the procedures themselves.
Top - Ranked Hospitals in Albany for Breast - Related Procedures
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
St. Peter's Hospital is ranked #1 in Albany, NY according to US News. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital has highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, along with experienced surgical teams and state - of - the - art procedure rooms. They offer comprehensive breast surgery, including breast conservation surgery (such as lumpectomy), advanced breast - conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery), and breast reconstruction with mastectomy. Oncoplastic surgery, which combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices to conserve breast tissue, is a cutting - edge service offered by the specially trained breast surgeons at St. Peter's Hospital.
Albany Medical Center
Ranked #2 in Albany, NY, Albany Medical Center is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. The hospital also has the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center on its campus. For breast implant removal, Albany Medical Center offers surgical options. However, it's important to note that its care quality has mixed metrics. It has an overall ranking from CMS with the effectiveness of care below the national average, efficient use of medical imaging same as the national average, mortality same as the national average, patient experience below the national average, readmission below the national average, safety of care above the national average, and timeliness of care below the national average.
Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital (New Albany, OH but with breast - related services)
This surgical facility is rated high - performing in 1 adult specialty and 3 procedures and conditions. It has a patient experience rating of 4/5. The hospital has a team of well - qualified doctors. For example, Bianca Chin MD, a plastic surgeon at the hospital, specializes in aesthetic/cosmetic plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, and plastic & reconstructive microsurgery. The hospital also has good scores in patient satisfaction aspects such as willingness to recommend (5 out of 5), satisfaction with doctors’ communications (5 out of 5), and satisfaction with nurses’ communications (5 out of 5).
Top Doctors in Albany for Breast Implant Removal and Injection
Doctors Specialized in Breast Augmentation (related to injection and possible removal)
Healthgrades lists several top doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation, which can be related to breast implant injection and sometimes removal for revision. These doctors have an average rating of 4.4 stars.
| Doctor Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Doctors Specialized in Breast Surgical Procedures
There are 21 doctors in Albany who perform breast surgical procedures. The following are some of the top - rated ones with at least 5 or more past patient ratings:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Ankesh Nigam, MD | 4.70 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Desiring a Different Size
Many women may have had breast implants for 10 - 20 years, and over time, their bodies change due to pregnancy, menopause, and weight fluctuations. As a result, they may feel that their current implants no longer suit their lifestyle. Some may desire larger - sized implants for a more prominent look, while others may want smaller breasts for a more natural and comfortable feel.
Capsular Contracture
This is a common 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 can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may even cause breast pain. In such cases, implant removal or revision surgery is often recommended.
Breast 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 as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. However, silicone implant rupture may not show obvious symptoms, and sometimes only a shape change, lump, or new discomfort may be noticed. The FDA recommends regular high - definition ultra - sound screening for silicone breast implant rupture, and a breast MRI may be used to confirm a suspected rupture.
Implant Malposition
The implant may end up in an incorrect position behind the breast, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be caused by factors like capsular contracture, gravity combined with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation during the initial surgery, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is usually required to correct the problem.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Corrective procedures may include switching to a cohesive ‘ gummy ’ silicone implant or fat injections to camouflage the rippling.
Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII
There is a rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants, which has led to the recall of these implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women experiencing a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with a qualified doctor is essential. The doctor will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the different procedure options, and help the patient make an informed decision. The patient should be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoid smoking. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
During the Procedure
The actual procedure depends on factors such as the type of implant being removed, any existing problems, and additional recommended procedures. Simple implant removal can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. For patients with capsular contracture, a capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue) may be performed. This can create a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. The doctor may use the same incision as the original surgery or a different/larger one depending on the case.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, the patient should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours. It is recommended to wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. If a capsulectomy has been performed, there may be drains for a few days. Dissolvable sutures and glue are usually used, requiring little wound care. Patients with sedentary jobs can typically return to work within a week, while strenuous activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, regular mammograms and breast exams are still necessary, and for silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds are recommended.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal and injection procedures can vary significantly. At Albany Medical Center Hospital, the price for the removal of a ruptured breast implant depends on whether the patient is paying in cash or has an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. Other factors that can affect the cost include the complexity of the procedure, the doctor's experience and reputation, the location of the hospital, and any additional procedures or follow - up care required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several top - ranked hospitals and experienced doctors in Albany for breast implant removal and injection procedures. St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital offer high - quality services and a range of options for patients. The reasons for breast implant removal are diverse, and patients should have a comprehensive understanding of the procedures, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. When considering these procedures, it's important to choose a qualified doctor, be well - informed about the process, and follow all post - operative instructions for a successful outcome.
If you are considering breast implant removal or injection in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top doctors mentioned in this article. Share your concerns and goals, and make an informed decision based on your unique situation. Don't forget to check patient reviews and do further research to ensure you are making the best choice for your health and well - being. If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who may also benefit from this information.
