Introduction
Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure, but as time passes, some patients may choose to have their breast implants removed. Whether it's due to changes in personal preference, health concerns, or other reasons, finding a reliable hospital in Albany for breast prosthesis removal is crucial. In this article, we will introduce the top three hospitals in Albany for this procedure and provide detailed information about breast implant removal, including reasons, procedures, recovery, and more.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Patients initially seek breast augmentation surgery for various reasons, such as replacing volume lost from weight loss, breast - feeding, or age, or to increase the size of the breast for aesthetic purposes. However, as they get older, preferences change, leading to considerations of breast implant revision or removal. Here are some common reasons:
- Desire for a Different Size: After pregnancy, menopause, or weight changes, a woman's body and breast size can vary. What was once the desired breast size may no longer suit her lifestyle. Some may want larger implants, while others prefer smaller breasts. For example, a woman who had breast augmentation in her 20s may find that as she ages, the larger breasts are no longer practical for her daily activities.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later. Capsular contracture may cause the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and can even lead to breast pain. As the scar tissue tightens, it compresses the implant, altering the breast's appearance and potentially causing discomfort.
- Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear, usually after years or even decades. With saline implants, the rupture is often obvious as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out and is absorbed. For silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or a woman may notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. Regular screening with high - definition ultrasound or breast MRI is recommended for silicone implants to detect rupture.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position behind the breast, 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. Various factors, including capsular contracture, gravity in combination with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause, can contribute to implant malposition.
- Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, more common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched out by a large implant. Rippling can be difficult to correct, but procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections into the thin tissues may be effective.
- 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 their recall. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women reporting a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In such cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
Top Three Hospitals in Albany for Breast Implant Removal
1. DeLuca Plastic Surgery
DeLuca Plastic Surgery in Albany, NY, is a well - known institution for breast implant removal after breast augmentation surgery. The process at DeLuca Plastic Surgery involves first re - opening the old incision and separating the breast implant from the surrounding tissue. The removal of the implant itself can be a straightforward outpatient procedure that can sometimes be done under local anesthesia in the office. However, in most cases, the scar capsule surrounding the implant is also removed to reduce the occurrence of fluid collections and subsequent infection. Unfortunately, removing the capsule usually requires general anesthesia.
After the implant removal, patients may face the issue of loose skin and droopy breasts. To address this, similar techniques to a breast lift may be used, where excess skin is removed and the nipple is lifted. Fat grafting to the breast may also be combined to add back a modest amount of volume and improve the overall cosmetic result. The recovery time at DeLuca Plastic Surgery is variable, mostly depending on whether additional surgery is performed to correct the loose skin. Some patients may have drains placed to collect excess fluid. Most patients can return to work within a week and resume exercise in about two weeks.
2. Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts offers personalized consultations for breast implant removal. She takes into account the patient's unique situation and aesthetic goals to determine the best options. The reasons for explant surgery at Capek Surgical Arts are similar to those mentioned above, including a desire for a different size, capsular contracture, implant rupture, etc.
The surgical approach at Capek Surgical Arts varies depending on multiple factors. Simple implant removal can be done in the office - based operating suite under local anesthesia for non - ruptured silicone implants and when no capsule removal is needed. For patients with capsular contracture, a capsulectomy is performed to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. Options for patients at Capek Surgical Arts also include replacing the implants with a different type or size, or using a fat transfer procedure. After the surgery, patients are advised to rest for 24 - 48 hours, shower after 48 hours, and wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. Those with sedentary jobs can typically return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
3. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He uses advanced techniques for breast implant removal. One of the common explantation procedures offered here is the “en bloc” capsulectomy, which involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). This method is favored for eligible patients with a thickened, hard, or tender capsule due to its many benefits, such as a reduced risk of leakage and the removal of potentially problematic scar tissue.
The breast explantation at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, is performed in a joint commission - accredited facility under general anesthesia. Usually, only one incision is made along the inframammary fold, but additional incisions may be necessary for larger implants or if a breast lift or skin tightening is required. After the procedure, patients can expect swelling and bruising, which should disappear within a few weeks. Strenuous exercise is to be avoided for approximately six weeks. The cost of breast implant removal here ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Special Procedure | Recovery Time | Cost | Doctor's Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeLuca Plastic Surgery | Combines breast lift and fat grafting for loose skin after implant removal | Most return to work in a week, exercise in two weeks | Not specified | Well - known in breast implant removal |
| Capek Surgical Arts | Offers multiple options like capsulectomy, implant replacement, and fat transfer | Rest 24 - 48 hours, shower after 48 hours, wear surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks, sedentary job return in a week, strenuous activities restricted for 6 - 8 weeks | Not specified | Dr. Lucie Capek is well - experienced in various breast implant - related procedures |
| Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC | “En bloc” capsulectomy | Avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks, swelling and bruising disappear in a few weeks | $6,000 - $18,000 | Dr. Steven Yarinsky has over 30 years of experience |
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The general steps of breast implant removal are as follows:
- Consultation: This is the first and crucial step. During the consultation, the doctor will assess the patient's overall health, the type and condition of the implants, and the patient's aesthetic goals. They will explain the different procedures available, the risks involved, and what the patient can expect during and after the surgery. For example, they will discuss whether a simple implant removal or a more complex procedure like capsulectomy is needed.
- Pre - operative Preparation: Patients are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, including having a balanced diet, regular exercise, and refraining from smoking. They may need to adjust their medications, especially those that can increase the risk of bleeding. Fasting for a certain period before surgery is also typically required.
- Surgery: The actual surgery starts with anesthesia. As mentioned before, simple implant removal can sometimes be done under local anesthesia, while more complex procedures like capsulectomy usually require general anesthesia. The surgeon then re - opens the old incision, removes the implant, and may also remove the capsule if necessary. If additional procedures like a breast lift or fat grafting are planned, they will be carried out at this time.
- Post - operative Care: After the surgery, patients are monitored in the recovery area. They may have drains placed to collect excess fluid, and will be given a surgical bra to wear. Pain medications and antibiotics are usually prescribed. The doctor will provide detailed instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments. Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but generally, most patients can resume normal daily activities within a week and gradually return to exercise over a few weeks.
Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Removal
Although breast implant removal is a common procedure, it still carries some risks. Some of the most common risks include:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. In most cases, this can be managed during the procedure, but in rare instances, additional treatment may be required.
- Infection: Any surgical procedure has a risk of infection. The doctor will take precautions such as using antibiotics and proper wound care to minimize this risk. If an infection does occur, it may require additional treatment with antibiotics and close monitoring.
- Changes in Sensation: Patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after the surgery. This can be temporary or permanent. Some may feel numbness, while others may have increased sensitivity.
- Recurrent Implant Complications: If new implants are placed or if the capsule is not completely removed, there is a risk of developing new complications such as capsular contracture again.
- Scarring: Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure. The appearance of the scar depends on various factors such as the patient's skin type, the location and size of the incision, and how well the wound heals. The doctor can provide advice on minimizing scarring.
Conclusion
When considering breast implant removal after breast augmentation surgery in Albany, the top three hospitals - DeLuca Plastic Surgery, Capek Surgical Arts, and Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC - offer a range of services and expertise. Each hospital has its own unique approach and advantages, whether it's the combination of procedures for loose skin, multiple explantation options, or specialized techniques like the “en bloc” capsulectomy.
It's important for patients to thoroughly research these hospitals, have in - depth consultations with the doctors, and understand the reasons, procedures, risks, and recovery processes involved in breast implant removal. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the best possible results and regain confidence in their appearance.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top hospitals in Albany mentioned in this article. Take the first step towards achieving your desired aesthetic and improving your quality of life.
