Introduction

Breast implant removal, also known as explant, has become an increasingly common procedure. Women opt for this surgery for a variety of reasons, from medical complications to personal preference for a different aesthetic. In Albany, there are several public and private hospitals and clinics offering breast implant removal services. This article will provide a comprehensive inventory of these facilities, along with information on the procedure, reasons for removal, and post - procedure care.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Before delving into the inventory of hospitals, it's essential to understand why women might choose to have their breast implants removed. The most common reasons are as follows:

• Desire for a different size: Over time, a woman's body changes, and her aesthetic preferences may also shift. She might desire larger - sized implants or smaller breasts. For example, after pregnancy, menopause, or significant weight changes, the current implants may no longer suit her lifestyle or body shape.
• 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. Capsular contracture can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may even cause breast pain.
• Breast implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, the breast deflates as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. In the case of silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or a shape change, lump, or new discomfort may be noticed. A mammogram may not detect silicone implant rupture, and the FDA recommends using high - definition ultra - sound for regular screening.
• Implant malposition: The implant position behind the breast may end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be caused by capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, or tissue changes due to 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, leading to their recall. Breast implant illness (BII), a collection of symptoms self - reported by some women with breast implants, is also a growing concern.

Inventory of Hospitals and Clinics in Albany for Breast Implant Removal

Albany Medical Center Hospital

Albany Medical Center Hospital is a well - known medical facility in the area. It offers the removal of ruptured breast implants. The price for this procedure varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.

Address: 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208

Contact: (518) 262 - 2400

Care Quality:

• Effectiveness of care is below the national average.
• Efficient use of medical imaging is the same as the national average.
• Mortality is the same as the national average.
• Patient experience is below the national average.
• Readmission is below the national average.
• Safety of care is above the national average.
• Timeliness of care is below the national average.

During the removal of a ruptured breast implant, an incision is made in the breast, the implant and surrounding tissue are accessed, and the implant is removed. Cells from the surrounding tissue may also 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.

Capek Surgical Arts

Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts offers breast implant removal services. She is a board - certified plastic surgeon. Before the procedure, a consultation is necessary to assess the patient's unique situation and explain the various procedure options.

Dr. Capek can perform simple implant removal in her office - based operating suite under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. If there is a capsular contracture, she performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue.

Other procedures she may offer in conjunction with breast implant removal include breast lift, replacement with new implants, replacement with autologous fat, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae.

Address: Latham, New York, minutes from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs

Contact: For more information, patients can schedule a consultation. Dr. Capek also offers telehealth virtual consultations.

K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. He performs breast implant removal procedures.

During the breast implant removal, an incision is made over the previous scar, and the implant is taken out. If capsular contracture is present, it can be corrected, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires. A breast lift can also be performed at the same time.

Address: The exact address details can be obtained by contacting the clinic directly.

Contact: Information on how to contact the clinic can be found on their official website.

Dr. Kayastha also addresses frequently asked questions about breast implants, such as whether they can cause autoimmune diseases, cellulitis, pain, or infection years later.

DeLuca Plastic Surgery

Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. MD FACS at DeLuca Plastic Surgery has extensive experience in breast implant removal. Breast implants may need to be removed due to reasons like implant rupture, capsular contracture, and capsular calcifications.

Upon removal, options include using fat from the patient's own body to create more natural - looking breasts or inserting a new implant and adding fat. In addition to implant removal, a mastopexy (breast lift) may be performed to tighten loose skin.

Address: 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205

Contact: Call (518) 724 - 2444

Dr. DeLuca has a low complication / revision rate, with his complication rate being less than 2%, compared to the national average ranging between 13% - 28%.

Breast Care Center - Albany Med Health System

The Breast Care Center at Albany Med Health System's South Clinical Campus provides various breast - related services. While the primary focus may be on breast care and cancer & tumor care, it is possible that they also deal with breast implant - related issues and removals.

Address: 25 Hackett Blvd., Floor 4, Albany, NY 12208

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact: For referrals, fax 518 - 262 - 1112. For breast surgery, call 518 - 262 - 2592; for radiology / mammograms, call 518 - 264 - 9729; for plastic & reconstructive surgery, call 518 - 262 - 2229.

St. Peter's Health Partners

St. Peter's Health Partners offers comprehensive breast surgery in both Albany and Troy. Their highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons perform various breast - related procedures. While not specifically focused on just breast implant removal, they have the expertise to handle such cases as part of their breast surgery services.

Services include:

• Breast conservation surgery (e.g., lumpectomy)
• Advanced breast conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery)
• Breast reconstruction and mastectomy

They also consider each patient's individual needs when it comes to procedures like breast implant removal and subsequent reconstruction if necessary.

Pre - Procedure Considerations

Regardless of which hospital or clinic a patient chooses in Albany for breast implant removal, there are several pre - procedure considerations:

• Consultation: A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the procedure options, and help the patient set realistic expectations.
• Health and Lifestyle: Patients should be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking as it can affect the body's ability to heal. Chronic conditions like high blood pressure should be managed under the advice of a primary care physician.
• Medication Adjustments: The surgeon may instruct the patient to adjust certain medications before the surgery. This is to minimize the risk of complications during the procedure.
• Fasting: Patients may be required to fast for a certain period before the surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia used.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The breast implant removal procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant, the presence of problems, and the additional procedures planned.

Simple Implant Removal

For both saline and silicone implants, simple implant removal can be done in an office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room under local anesthesia when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. In the case of saline implants, they may be drained prior to removal to allow the skin to contract over several weeks, giving the patient time to decide if they want replacement.

Capsulectomy

If there is a capsular contracture, a capsulectomy is performed to remove the scar tissue. This creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. Sometimes, the implant pocket may be switched from under the breast gland to under the pectoralis muscle. The surgeon may use the same incision as the original implant insertion, or a different or larger incision may be required.

Replacement and Other Procedures

• Replacement with New Implants: In many cases, patients choose to replace their breast implants at the same time as explant. The surgeon will recommend the appropriate type and size of implants based on the patient's goals. They may need to surgically enlarge or reduce the implant pocket accordingly.
• 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 been pre - expanded with implants.
• Implant Repositioning: This procedure modifies the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. It may involve tightening or releasing the capsule and, in rare 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) may be performed. This can range from a simple resizing of the areola to more extensive skin removal.

Post - Procedure Care and Recovery

After the breast implant removal procedure, proper care and recovery are essential for a successful outcome.

• Rest: Patients should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
• Showering: They can shower after 48 hours.
• Surgical Bra: Wearing a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks is recommended. The type of bra will depend on the procedure.
• Drains: If a capsulectomy was performed, patients may have drains for a few days.
• Wound Care: Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, so minimal wound care is required.
• Return to Work: Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week. Strenuous or high - impact activities like running should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks.
• Follow - up: Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams.

Risks of Breast Implant Removal

Even with the care of a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Common risks include:

• Scarring: There will be scars from the incisions, which may vary in size and appearance depending on the procedure.
• Changes in Sensation: The sensation of the nipple or breast may change.
• Bleeding and Infection: These are risks associated with any surgery and need to be carefully monitored.
• Anesthesia Side Effects: Side effects from anesthesia are possible but are usually managed by the anesthesiology team.
• Recurrent Implant Complications: If new implants are inserted, there is a risk of recurrent complications such as capsular contracture.

Conclusion

In Albany, there are several public and private hospitals and clinics that offer breast implant removal services. From well - established medical centers like Albany Medical Center Hospital to specialized plastic surgery clinics like Capek Surgical Arts, K Plastic Surgery, and DeLuca Plastic Surgery, patients have a range of options to choose from. Each facility has its own unique features, including experienced surgeons, state - of - the - art equipment, and comprehensive post - procedure care. When considering breast implant removal, it is essential for patients to understand the reasons for the procedure, the different surgical options available, and the potential risks and benefits. By having in - depth consultations with qualified plastic surgeons, patients can make informed decisions about their breast implant removal and subsequent aesthetic goals. Whether it's due to medical complications or a change in personal preference, these facilities in Albany are equipped to provide high - quality care and help patients achieve the results they desire.

Call - to - Action: If you are considering breast implant removal in Albany, we encourage you to reach out to the hospitals and clinics mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal options in Albany. You can also explore related topics on our website to gain a deeper understanding of plastic surgery procedures and post - procedure care.