Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant surgery, has been on the rise as more women opt for a more natural look or face various implant - related issues. In Albany, there are several hospitals and plastic surgery centers where women can get high - quality breast implant removal services. This article will introduce the key hospitals and surgeons in the area, the reasons for breast implant removal, the procedures involved, recovery times, risks, and costs.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed. Some of the common reasons are:
- Desire for a Different Size: Over time, a woman's body may change due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. As a result, the previously implanted breasts may no longer suit her lifestyle. She may desire either larger - sized implants or smaller breasts.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can happen shortly after the initial breast augmentation or many years later. Capsular contracture may cause the breasts to look distorted or asymmetric and can even lead to breast pain.
- Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. With saline implants, the deflation of the breast is usually obvious as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. Silicone implants may show no symptoms, or there may be a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. A mammogram may not detect silicone implant rupture, and high - definition ultrasound or breast MRI is often recommended for screening.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be caused by factors like capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is often required to correct this issue.
- Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. Silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Switching to a cohesive 'gummy' silicone implant or fat injections may help correct this problem.
- Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants, leading to their recall. Breast Implant Illness (BII), a condition where women report a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern for some implant patients.
List of Hospitals and Surgeons in Albany for Breast Implant Removal
Capek Surgical Arts - Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts is a board - certified plastic surgeon. She offers personalized consultations to discuss the best options for breast implant removal. Her office - based operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, in Latham, NY, is Quad A accredited.
Procedures 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 silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline breast implants may be drained prior to removal.
- Capsulectomy: For patients with capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired.
- Replacement with New Implants: Dr. Capek can replace the old implants with new ones of a different size or type. She will adjust the 'pocket' size accordingly.
- Replacement with Autologous Fat: This is a popular option for those who want a more natural look and feel or are choosing to go smaller. It works well when the natural breast tissue has been pre - expanded with implants.
- Implant Repositioning: Involves modifying the capsular tissue through capsulorrhaphy or capsulotomy, and in rare cases, adding a biological mesh'sling'.
- Simultaneous Breast Lift and Resizing of the Areolae: For patients who are going smaller or have loose skin issues, this procedure can improve the breast appearance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients are advised to rest for 24 - 48 hours after surgery, can shower after 48 hours, and should wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. Those with sedentary jobs can return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, regular mammograms and breast exams are recommended, and for silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds or MRIs are suggested.
Risks
Although serious risks are infrequent with Dr. Capek's care, common early risks include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in nipple or breast sensation.
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC - Dr. Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Yarinsky is a well - known board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He uses advanced techniques for breast implant removal and offers to reshape the skin to restore the natural breast profile.
Procedures Offered
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: Dr. Yarinsky favors this method for eligible patients with a thickened, hard, or tender capsule. It involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Revision Surgery: Instead of just removing the implants, patients may choose to have them replaced. Dr. Yarinsky can reposition the implants, change their size, and adjust the pocket location.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery timeline depends on overall health and the technique used. Patients usually experience swelling and bruising that disappear within a few weeks, and swelling may take a few months to fully subside. Strenuous exercise is restricted for about six weeks, and pain medications, antibiotics, and a post - surgical bra are prescribed.
Cost
The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. A 'global fee' is provided at the consultation, which includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits.
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital provides services for the removal of ruptured breast implants. Their reported prices vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan.
Procedure for Removal of Ruptured Breast Implants
The procedure involves making an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. The implant is removed, and cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist. After the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks.
Care Quality
The hospital has an overall ranking from CMS. It has below - average performance in effectiveness of care, patient experience, timeliness of care, but above - average performance in safety of care.
DeLuca Plastic Surgery
DeLuca Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services. The removal of breast implants after augmentation is often an outpatient procedure.
Procedure and Recovery
The old incision is reopened, and the implant is separated from the surrounding tissue and removed. The scar capsule is usually removed as well, which may require general anesthesia. After implant removal, patients may face the issue of loose skin and droopy breasts. Options to correct this include breast lift techniques combined with fat grafting. Recovery time varies depending on whether additional procedures are performed, but most patients can return to work within a week and exercise in 2 weeks.
K Plastic Surgery - Dr. Kayastha
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who can answer patients' questions about breast implant removal.
Procedures and Results
During breast implant removal surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia (or local anesthesia in some cases). The implant and any scar tissue are removed. If the patient wishes, new implants can be inserted. After the surgery, the breasts may sag, but procedures like breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, or facelift can be combined to improve the results.
Recovery
Patients need 2 - 3 days of downtime and about a week to return to their normal routine. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks.
Comparison of Services
Hospital/Surgeon | Unique Procedures | Recovery Time | Cost | Special Considerations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Capek Surgical Arts - Dr. Lucie Capek | Autologous fat replacement, simultaneous breast lift and areola resizing | 24 - 48 hours rest, 1 week for sedentary work, 6 - 8 weeks for strenuous activity | Not specified, customized per patient | Quad A accredited office - based operating suite |
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC - Dr. Steven Yarinsky | En bloc capsulectomy, breast revision surgery | Weeks for swelling and bruising to subside, 6 weeks for strenuous exercise | $6,000 - $18,000, 'global fee' | Over 30 years of experience |
Albany Medical Center Hospital | Removal of ruptured breast implants | Not fully specified, follow - up compression garment wear | Varies by payment type (cash/insurance) | Below - average effectiveness of care in some metrics |
DeLuca Plastic Surgery | Combination of breast lift and fat grafting for post - removal sagging | 1 week for work, 2 weeks for exercise | Not specified | Outpatient procedure |
K Plastic Surgery - Dr. Kayastha | Combination of multiple body procedures with implant removal | 2 - 3 days downtime, 1 week normal routine, 6 weeks for strenuous activity | Not specified | Board - certified surgeon |
How to Choose the Right Hospital and Surgeon
When choosing a hospital and surgeon for breast implant removal in Albany, consider the following factors:
- Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: Look for board - certified plastic surgeons with a good track record in breast implant removal procedures. Check their years of experience, patient reviews, and before - and - after photos.
- Range of Services: Ensure that the hospital or surgeon offers the specific procedures you may need, such as implant replacement, capsulectomy, or breast lift.
- Facility Accreditation: Accredited facilities like Capek Surgical Arts provide a higher level of safety and quality assurance.
- Cost and Financing Options: Compare the costs among different providers and inquire about financing options if needed. For example, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery offers assistance with payment plans.
- Aftercare and Follow - up: Good aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery. Make sure the hospital or surgeon offers comprehensive follow - up services, including post - operative check - ups and support.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that should be made after careful consideration. In Albany, there are several reputable hospitals and surgeons who can provide high - quality breast implant removal services. The reasons for removal are diverse, and the available procedures offer solutions to various issues, from implant - related complications to aesthetic preferences. Each hospital and surgeon has its own unique features in terms of procedures, recovery times, costs, and care quality.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon in Albany. By discussing your needs and concerns, you can make an informed decision and take the first step towards achieving your desired results. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in Albany and explore related topics on our website for additional information.