Introduction

Implant removal surgery can be a necessary procedure for various reasons, such as medical complications, personal preferences, or a change in lifestyle. In Albany, there are several hospitals known for their expertise in this field. This article will introduce you to the top 3 hospitals for implant removal surgery in Albany, including details about their services, facilities, and the reasons patients might choose them.

Understanding Implant Removal Surgery

Implant removal surgery can involve different types of implants, such as breast implants, hip implants, or deeply embedded medical implants. Each type of surgery has its own set of considerations, risks, and recovery processes. For example, breast implant removal surgery, often referred to as explant, is a common procedure. Women may choose to have their breast implants removed, replaced, or adjusted for various reasons, including capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or changes after menopause or childbearing.

Let's first look at the reasons that commonly lead to implant removal surgeries:

• Medical Complications: Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around a breast implant), implant rupture, infection, or pain caused by the implant.
• Personal Preferences: A change in aesthetic goals, such as desiring smaller breasts or a more natural look.
• Lifestyle Changes: After major life events like pregnancy, menopause, or significant weight changes, the implant may no longer fit the patient's body or lifestyle.

Top 3 Hospitals for Implant Removal Surgery in Albany

1. Albany Medical Center

General Information

Albany Medical Center is one of the leading healthcare institutions in Albany. It has a high - performing status in several medical procedures, including some implant - related surgeries. The hospital is located at 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, and can be contacted at (518) 262 - 2400.

Services and Specialties

Hip Replacement and Related Implant Surgeries: In hip replacement, Albany Medical Center is rated high - performing. The overall hip replacement score is based on multiple data categories, including prevention of revision surgery, volume, and more. When it comes to implant - related aspects in hip replacement:

• Survival: The relative survival 30 days after undergoing hip - replacement, compared to other hospitals treating similar patients, is rated average.
• Prevention of Prolonged Hospitalizations: The hospital has an excellent rating in preventing unusually long stays, which is crucial as longer hospitalization may lead to or result from a complication.
• Prevention of Revision Surgery: It has an average rating in preventing the need for a second operation to remove or replace an implanted joint within a year of a patient’s initial surgery.
• Infection Prevention: The rating for preventing surgical infections in hip - replacement patients is average.
• Patient Volume: The relative volume of Medicare patients age 65 and over who had hip - replacement in both inpatient and outpatient settings over five years is very high. Higher volume is associated with better outcomes.
• Patient Experience: However, the patient experience, which reflects opinions of surveyed inpatients about the overall quality of their stay, is rated poor.
• Nurse Staffing: With very high nurse staffing, more nursing care per patient is associated with better outcomes and better patient experience.
• Board Certified Physicians: The percentage of operations performed by physicians who are board certified in orthopedics is 95% - 100%, indicating a high level of expertise in the specialty.

Breast Implant Removal: For breast implant removal, Albany Medical Center also offers the necessary surgical procedures. They have reported prices for the removal of ruptured breast implants, which vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.

• Procedure Process: The procedure involves an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. The implant is then removed, and cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist to check for any abnormalities.
• Aftercare: After the procedure, the incision will be closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to facilitate healing. There may be some swelling and discomfort for the first few days, which can usually be managed with medications prescribed by the surgeon.

Removal of Deep Implants: Albany Medical Center also provides the service of removing deeply embedded implants.

• Procedure Details: During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision to access the implant and use specialized tools to remove it. Depending on the nature of the implant, anesthesia may be necessary.
• Post - operative Care: Following the procedure, the patient may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection, and pain medication may be prescribed. The patient will also need to follow the doctor's instructions for wound care and rehabilitation.

Care Quality

The hospital has an overall ranking from CMS. While some metrics show average or below - average performance (such as effectiveness of care below the national average, patient experience below the national average, and timeliness of care below the national average), it also has areas of strength. For example, it has above - average safety of care, and in some value - of - care measures like hip/knee replacement, it has average complications and lower payment.

2. Capek Surgical Arts (with affiliated support for implant removal)

General Information

Capek Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, offers breast implant removal surgery in Latham, NY, which is just minutes from Albany. Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast - related procedures.

Services and Specialties

Breast Implant Removal and Revision:

• Reasons for Surgery: The most common reasons for breast implant removal in this practice include capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or changes after menopause or childbearing.
  • Capsular Contracture: This refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant, which may occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later. It can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause pain.
  • Desire for Different Size: Patients may desire larger - sized implants or smaller breasts, especially after changes in their bodies due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight changes.
  • Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. Saline implant rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates, while silicone implant rupture may be asymptomatic or present with a shape change, lump, or new discomfort.
  • Implant Malposition: The implant position behind the breast may end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart, which can occur due to various factors such as capsular contracture, gravity, and tissue changes.
• Procedure Options:
  • Simple Implant Removal: Can potentially be done in the office under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline breast implants are sometimes drained prior to simple removal to allow for skin contraction. There is minimal downtime and discomfort with this limited procedure.
  • Capsulectomy: When there is capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant and may involve switching the implant pocket position.
  • Implant Replacement: In many cases, breast implants can be replaced at the same time as the explant or revision. Dr. Capek can adjust the implant size and type according to the patient's goals and may recommend additional procedures like a breast lift.
  • Replacement with Autologous Fat: For patients who want a more natural look and feel or to go smaller, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This procedure works well when the natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants.
  • Implant Repositioning: This procedure usually involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy are used to either tighten or release the capsule surgically, and in rare cases, a biological mesh ‘sling’ may be added for support.
  • Simultaneous Breast Lift and Resizing of the Areolae: If the patient is going smaller or has loose skin, a breast lift may be performed at the same time. This can range from a simple resizing of the areola to more extensive skin removal.
• Pre - operative Care: Before the surgery, a consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary. She will assess the patient's unique situation and explain the various procedure options. Patients are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, have a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to ensure optimal health for the elective surgery.
• Post - operative Care: After the surgery, patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours, can shower after 48 hours, and should wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. There may be drains for a few days if a capsulectomy is performed. Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process.

Patient - Centered Approach

Dr. Capek and her entire staff strive to help patients achieve the most beautiful and natural - looking results. They focus on patient education, ensuring that patients are informed participants in the planning of their procedures so that they are ultimately comfortable and satisfied with their results.

3. St. Peter's Hospital

General Information

St. Peter's Hospital, located in Albany, NY 12208 - 1789, is ranked #1 in Albany, NY, according to US News Best Hospitals. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions, demonstrating its overall strength in the medical field.

Implant - Related Services

While specific details about implant removal surgeries may require further exploration, based on its high - performing status, St. Peter's Hospital is likely to have a well - equipped surgical team and facilities for implant removal procedures. They may offer a comprehensive range of services for different types of implants, from breast to orthopedic implants.

Quality and Reputation

Its high ranking in the region indicates a commitment to providing high - quality medical care. The hospital's experience in multiple specialties and procedures suggests that it can handle complex implant removal cases and ensure positive patient outcomes. It is also likely to have a good patient experience record, given its overall standing in the area.

Comparing the Top 3 Hospitals

Conclusion

In summary, Albany offers a range of excellent hospitals for implant removal surgery. Albany Medical Center stands out for its experience in various implant - related surgeries, including hip and breast implants, although it has some areas where it could improve in terms of patient experience. Capek Surgical Arts excels in breast implant removal and revision, providing personalized care and a wide range of options to meet patients' aesthetic goals. St. Peter's Hospital, with its high ranking in the region, is likely to offer high - quality implant removal services across different specialties.

If you are considering implant removal surgery in Albany, it is important to research these hospitals further, consult with their medical teams, and weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs. Whether it's a medical necessity or a personal choice, these hospitals can provide the expertise and care you need. Take the next step in your implant removal journey by scheduling a consultation with one of these top - rated facilities. Share this article with others who may be interested in implant removal surgery in Albany!