Introduction
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, has become an increasingly popular procedure as more women opt for more natural lifestyle choices or face certain complications related to their breast implants. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical facilities that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. This article aims to introduce you to the top ten popular hospitals for removing breast prostheses in Albany, along with essential information about breast implant removal and related factors.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. According to "Breast Implant Removal in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga", some of the common reasons include:
- Desiring a different size: Over time, a woman's body may change due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. Her aesthetic preferences might also change, leading her to desire larger or smaller breasts.
- Capsular contracture: This refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after breast augmentation or many years later, causing the breasts to look distorted or asymmetrical and even leading to pain.
- Breast implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. With saline implants, the deflation is usually obvious as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. However, silicone implants may rupture silently, and symptoms might be a shape change, lump, or new discomfort.
- Implant malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position, too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be due to factors like capsular contracture, gravity, or tissue changes over time.
- Implant rippling: More common in saline implants, especially in thinner patients, it can also occur with silicone implants if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. 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. Breast implant illness (BII), though not scientifically proven to be caused by implants, is also a growing concern for some patients.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures
Different procedures are available depending on the patient's situation. Some of the key procedures include:
- Simple implant removal: This can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. It is usually performed when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured.
- Capsulectomy: Involves the removal of the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant. It can create a fresh pocket for a new implant if the patient wishes to have one replaced. There is also the "en bloc" capsulectomy, which is the removal of the capsule in one piece with the implant inside.
- Implant replacement: The patient may choose to replace the old implants with new ones of a different size or type. This can be done simultaneously with the explant procedure.
- Replacement with autologous fat: For patients who want a more natural look and feel or to go smaller, their own fat can be used to replace the implants.
- Implant repositioning: Modifying the capsular tissue to correct the position of the implant. This may involve capsulorrhaphy (tightening the capsule) or capsulotomy (releasing the capsule), and in some cases, adding a biological mesh 'sling' for support.
- Simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae: If the patient is going smaller or has loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) and resizing of the areolae may be performed at the same time.
Top Ten Popular Hospitals for Removing Breast Prostheses in Albany
1. St. Peter's Hospital
St. Peter's Hospital, located at 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208, has a solid reputation in the medical field. According to "Best Hospitals in Albany, NY Rankings | US News Best Hospitals", it is ranked #1 in Albany, NY and is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital offers comprehensive breast surgery services as mentioned in "Breast Surgery Albany, New York (NY), St. Peter's Health Partners". Their highly - skilled, board - certified and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, experienced surgical teams, and state - of - the - art procedure rooms make it a great choice for breast implant removal. They are also trained in advanced breast - conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery), which combines plastic surgery techniques with surgical oncology for better breast tissue conservation.
2. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center, at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, is another top - tier medical facility. It is ranked #2 in Albany, NY and is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. As described in "Breast Care Services and Care Center", the Albany Med Health System, of which Albany Medical Center is a part, offers a full range of breast care services at all four of its hospitals. These services include preventive, routine, chronic, and unexpected care. They have access to the latest therapies and clinical trials through their partnership with New York Oncology Hematology (NY OH), which is beneficial for patients undergoing breast implant removal, especially if there are associated complications.
3. Capek Surgical Arts
Although not a traditional hospital, Capek Surgical Arts in Latham, NY, is a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite. Dr. Capek, a board - certified plastic surgeon, has extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures as detailed in "Breast Implant Removal in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga". She performs most explant and revision breast implant surgeries here. She offers personalized consultations, where she discusses the best options for each patient, taking into account their aesthetic goals and the reasons for explant. Her office - based setting provides an intimate, comfortable, and discreet surgical experience.
4. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, is well - known for his surgical skill and beautiful breast enhancement results. As per "Breast Implant Removal Albany Saratoga Springs NY", he offers breast implant removal services using advanced techniques. He can perform the "en bloc" capsulectomy for eligible patients, which has the advantage of reducing the risk of leakage and removing potentially problematic scar tissue. He also helps patients decide between explantation and breast revision surgery based on their individual needs.
5. Ellis Hospital
Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY (part of the Albany metropolitan area) is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions according to "Best Hospitals in Albany, NY Rankings | US News Best Hospitals". While specific details about their breast implant removal services are not as prominent in the available sources, as a well - ranked hospital in the area, it likely has competent medical staff and facilities to perform the procedure safely and effectively.
6. Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
This medical center serves veterans in the Albany area. While no in - depth information about breast implant removal was found in the provided sources, as a large medical facility with a focus on comprehensive care, it may offer breast implant removal services to eligible veteran patients. Their access to specialized resources for veterans could potentially provide unique benefits during the pre - and post - operative care.
7. Albany Med's other affiliated hospitals (Glen Falls Hospital and Saratoga Hospital)
As part of the Albany Med Health System, Glen Falls Hospital and Saratoga Hospital are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for services in breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, computed tomography, and MRI. This accreditation indicates their high - quality breast care services. Although not specifically highlighted for breast implant removal, their comprehensive breast care capabilities suggest that they can perform the procedure with the necessary support and expertise.
8. Columbia Memorial Health
In its Center for Breast Care, Columbia Memorial Health offers a complete suite of state - of - the - art screening and diagnostic services, including screening and diagnostic 3D mammography, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound - guided biopsy, and stereotactic breast biopsy. While there is no direct mention of breast implant removal, these comprehensive diagnostic services are essential for pre - operative evaluation and post - operative follow - up in breast implant removal cases.
9. Providers associated with highly - rated doctors in Albany
There are many highly - rated doctors in Albany who perform breast - related surgeries. For example, according to "Best Breast Surgical Procedure Doctors in Albany, NY | Healthgrades", doctors like Dr. Todd Beyer (rated 4.80 out of 5 stars), Dr. Donna Pietrocola (rated 4.80 out of 5 stars), and Dr. Christa Abraham (rated 4.80 out of 5 stars) are some of the best breast surgical procedure doctors in the area. The hospitals or clinics where these doctors practice are likely to be popular choices for breast implant removal due to their doctors' high ratings and experience.
10. Other hospitals in the region with general surgical capabilities
There are other hospitals in the Albany area, such as Cobleskill Regional Hospital and Conifer Park Hospital. While they may not be specifically known for breast implant removal, as general hospitals with surgical departments, they could potentially offer the procedure. However, patients would need to inquire further about the experience and expertise of their medical staff in this particular area.
Comparing Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal
Expertise of Medical Staff
When choosing a hospital for breast implant removal, the expertise of the medical staff is crucial. Hospitals like St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center have highly - trained, board - certified surgeons and surgical teams. At St. Peter's, the surgeons are trained in advanced breast - conserving techniques. Dr. Capek at Capek Surgical Arts and Dr. Yarinsky at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC have specialized experience in breast implant - related procedures, with years of practice and positive patient feedback.
Facility and Technology
Modern facilities and advanced technology are important for a successful breast implant removal procedure. Albany Med Health System's hospitals, including Albany Medical Center, offer state - of - the - art diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services such as 3D digital mammography and MRI, which are useful for pre - operative assessment and post - operative monitoring. Capek Surgical Arts is a Quad A accredited operating suite, indicating high - quality standards in terms of equipment and safety.
Patient Experience and Reviews
Patient experience and reviews can provide valuable insights into a hospital's quality of care. Hospitals like St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center have patient recommendation scores available, as seen in "Best Breast Cancer Hospitals in Albany | Women's Choice Award". Additionally, websites like Healthgrades provide patient ratings for doctors, which can indirectly reflect the quality of the hospitals where they practice.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of breast implant removal can vary widely depending on the procedure involved. According to "Breast Implant Removal Albany Saratoga Springs NY", the average cost ranges from $6,000 to $18,000. Some hospitals may offer financing options, and it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered. Each hospital may have different policies regarding insurance claims and out - of - pocket expenses.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Consultation
Before the surgery, a consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential. As mentioned in "Breast Implant Removal in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga", the surgeon will assess your unique situation, including the type of implant, any existing problems, and your aesthetic goals. They will explain the different procedure options available and help you make an informed decision.
Health Preparation
It's important to be in optimum health before undergoing elective surgery. Follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoid smoking. If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, follow your primary care physician's advice for treatment.
Pre - operative Instructions
The surgeon will provide you with pre - operative instructions, which may include things like fasting before the surgery, avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding, and arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - operative Care
After the surgery, plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. You can shower after 48 hours. As stated in "Breast Implant Removal in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga", you will likely be advised to wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. If you've had a capsulectomy, you may have drains for a few days.
Return to Normal Activities
Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week. However, strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It's crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid complications.
Long - term Follow - up
Over the long term, continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician or gynecologist. If you have silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision, and choosing the right hospital in Albany is crucial for a successful procedure and positive outcome. The top ten hospitals and facilities mentioned in this article, including St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Capek Surgical Arts, and Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, offer a range of services, expertise, and facilities for breast implant removal. Consider factors such as the expertise of the medical staff, facility technology, patient experience, cost, and insurance coverage when making your decision. By being well - informed and following the pre - and post - operative instructions, you can achieve a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence.
If you're considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon at one of these top - rated facilities in Albany. Take the time to explore your options and make the best choice for your health and aesthetic goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal to help them make an informed decision.
