Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal is a significant surgical procedure that women in Albany may consider for various reasons, such as capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or due to changes after menopause or childbearing. Selecting the right hospital and doctor for this procedure is crucial to ensure a safe and successful outcome. In this article, we will explore the top - ten factors to consider when choosing a hospital for breast prosthesis removal in Albany and present a list of some of the best hospitals and doctors in the area.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Doctor Experience and Expertise
The experience and expertise of the doctor performing the breast prosthesis removal are of utmost importance. Experienced doctors are more likely to handle any complications that may arise during the surgery. According to Healthgrades, in Albany, there are 129 doctors who perform mastectomy and 21 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures. Doctors with a high number of past patient ratings are often more reliable as it indicates they have extensive experience. For example, Dr. Lynn Choi, MD, has a 5.00 - star rating out of 5, suggesting a high level of patient satisfaction and potentially excellent surgical skills.
Hospital Accreditation and Reputation
Hospitals with proper accreditations are more likely to meet high - quality standards. The Women's Choice Award® identifies America's best hospitals based on criteria such as relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and appropriate accreditations. Although the list doesn't specifically focus on breast prosthesis removal, it gives an idea of a hospital's overall quality. A hospital's reputation in the community and among patients is also an important factor. Positive word - of - mouth can be a strong indicator of a hospital's reliability.
Range of Services
A hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast care is advantageous. This includes pre - surgical consultations, post - surgical follow - up care, and additional services such as breast reconstruction if needed. The Albany Med Health System offers a full range of breast care services, including specialty services, mammography, breast surgery, and breast reconstruction. Having all these services in one place can simplify the treatment process for patients.
Technology and Facilities
Up - to - date technology and well - equipped facilities can improve the accuracy and safety of the breast prosthesis removal procedure. For example, high - definition ultrasound and breast MRI are important for detecting silicone implant rupture. Hospitals that invest in the latest medical technology are better able to provide precise diagnoses and high - quality surgical procedures.
Patient Safety
Patient safety should be a top priority. This includes measures to prevent infections, proper anesthesia management, and appropriate surgical protocols. When looking at a hospital's performance metrics, factors like the rate of surgical complications, mortality rate, and readmission rate can give an indication of the hospital's patient safety record. For instance, Albany Medical Center Hospital has an overall ranking from CMS, and it can be evaluated based on metrics such as the effectiveness of care, safety of care, and timeliness of care.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of breast prosthesis removal can vary significantly. It's important to understand what the procedure will cost and how it will be covered by insurance. Some hospitals may offer price transparency. For example, Turquoise Health provides price information for the removal of ruptured breast implants at Albany Medical Center Hospital, showing the difference between cash prices and insurance - negotiated rates.
Patient Experience
A positive patient experience can greatly impact the overall recovery process. This includes factors such as the hospital staff's friendliness and attentiveness, the comfort of the hospital environment, and the quality of communication between the medical team and the patient. Hospitals with high patient satisfaction scores are more likely to provide a better patient experience.
Availability of Support Services
Support services such as nurse navigators can be very helpful for patients going through breast prosthesis removal. These services can guide patients through the entire process, from diagnosis to recovery, answering questions and providing emotional support.
Location and Accessibility
The location of the hospital is also an important consideration. A hospital that is easily accessible can make it more convenient for patients to attend pre - and post - surgical appointments. For patients in Albany, hospitals within the city or nearby areas may be more practical.
Follow - up Care
Proper follow - up care is essential for a successful recovery. This includes regular check - ups, monitoring for any complications, and guidance on post - surgical care. Hospitals that offer comprehensive follow - up care ensure that patients are well - cared for in the long term.
Top Doctors for Breast Surgical Procedures in Albany
Here is a list of some of the top doctors for breast surgical procedures in Albany, as reported by Healthgrades:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Ankesh Nigam, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Top Hospitals for Breast Care in Albany
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital is a well - known healthcare facility in the area. It offers a range of breast care services, including the removal of ruptured breast implants. The hospital has reported prices for this procedure, showing the difference between cash prices and insurance - negotiated rates. According to Turquoise Health, the hospital has performance metrics available, such as effectiveness of care below the national average, efficient use of medical imaging the same as the national average, and safety of care above the national average. The address is 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, and the contact number is (518) 262 - 2400.
St. Peter's Health Partners
St. Peter's Health Partners has highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, experienced surgical teams, and state - of - the - art procedure rooms. They offer comprehensive breast surgery in both Albany and Troy. Services include breast conservation surgery (such as lumpectomy), advanced breast - conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery), breast reconstruction, and mastectomy. Oncoplastic breast surgery, which combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices, is a cutting - edge service that is not widely available in the U.S., and the breast surgeons at St. Peter's Hospital are specially trained in this technique.
Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System provides a full range of breast care services at all four of its hospitals. The services cover preventive, routine, chronic, and unexpected needs. They offer specialty services like top - level diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, mammography (including 3D digital mammography), breast biopsy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and breast surgery. The system also provides support for breast cancer prevention and access to the latest therapies and clinical trials through its partnership with New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH). Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital in the system are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for various breast - related services.
Breast Prosthesis Removal Procedure
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
There are several reasons why a woman may choose to have breast prosthesis removed. The most common reasons are:
- Desiring a Different Size: After pregnancy, menopause, or simply a change in personal preference, a woman may want larger or smaller breasts. The current implants may no longer fit her lifestyle or aesthetic goals.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after breast augmentation surgery or many years later, causing the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and may be painful.
- Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear over time. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates. For silicone implants, there may be no symptoms or the woman may notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. Detection often requires high - definition ultrasound or breast MRI.
- 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 happen due to factors like capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, more common with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched.
- Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants, and some implants have been recalled. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women reporting a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern.
Pre - surgical Preparation
Before the breast prosthesis removal procedure, a consultation with the doctor is necessary. The doctor will assess the patient's unique situation and explain the various procedure options. Patients should be in optimum health, following a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and refraining from smoking. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice for treatment. In some cases, patients may need to adjust medications and fast for a certain period of time prior to surgery.
Procedure Details
The breast prosthesis removal surgery depends on factors such as the type of implant, existing problems, and other concurrent procedures. Simple implant removal can sometimes be done in the office under local anesthesia if no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. For capsular contracture, a capsulectomy may be performed to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant. In some cases, an 'en bloc' capsulectomy (removing the capsule in one piece with the implant) may be considered, although it may not be technically feasible in all situations. Other procedures that may be done include implant replacement, fat transfer, implant repositioning, and breast lift.
Post - surgical Recovery
After the surgery, patients should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours and are usually 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 often used, so little wound care is required. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Regular mammograms and breast exams should be continued, and for patients with silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Conclusion
When it comes to breast prosthesis removal in Albany, there are several excellent hospitals and doctors to choose from. The key is to consider multiple factors such as doctor experience, hospital accreditation, range of services, technology, patient safety, cost, and patient experience. By carefully evaluating these aspects, patients can make an informed decision and ensure a successful breast prosthesis removal procedure. It's also important to have realistic expectations and follow all pre - and post - surgical instructions provided by the medical team.
If you or someone you know is considering breast prosthesis removal in Albany, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the doctors mentioned in this article, and take the necessary steps to make the best choice for your health and well - being. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and explore more resources on breast care in Albany to stay informed.
