Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a more common procedure in recent years, and in Albany, there are both public and private hospitals that offer the service of removing polymethyl methacrylate breast implants. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a biomaterial that has been used in breast augmentation, but it can sometimes lead to complications, necessitating its removal. In this article, we will explore the reasons for breast implant removal, details about the removal process, recovery, and inventory of public and private hospitals in Albany where patients can get this procedure done.
Reasons for Removing Polymethyl Methacrylate Breast Implants
Medical Complications
- Capsular Contracture: This is a very common reason for implant removal. Capsular contracture refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It may occur shortly after the initial breast augmentation surgery or many years later. With PMMA implants, the scar tissue can cause the breasts to look distorted or asymmetric and may even lead to breast pain. For example, if a patient has had PMMA breast implants for a long - time, over time, the body's natural response to the foreign material can cause the capsule to thicken and contract, resulting in discomfort and an abnormal appearance of the breasts.
- Implant Rupture: Both silicone and saline implants can rupture, and the same is true for PMMA - based implants. Rupture can be due to daily wear and tear, usually years after implantation. In the case of PMMA, a rupture may release the substance into the surrounding tissue, which can cause irritation, infection, or other complications. A study published in relevant medical journals has shown that with long - term use of breast implants, the risk of rupture increases, and for PMMA implants, the consequences of rupture can be more challenging to manage.
- Infection: An infection in the breast tissue around the PMMA implant can be a serious problem. Bacteria can enter the area during the initial surgery or later through various means. An infected implant may need to be removed to clear the infection. In some cases, even after antibiotic treatment, if the infection persists, implant removal becomes the only option.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although relatively rare, BIA - ALCL has been associated with breast implants. While it is more commonly linked with textured implants, PMMA implants are not entirely exempt. This is a cancer of the immune system that occurs in the scar tissue around the implant. Patients with PMMA implants who experience symptoms such as fluid accumulation or swelling around the implant should be screened for BIA - ALCL, and if diagnosed, implant removal is often part of the treatment plan.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Desire for a Different Size: Over time, a patient's aesthetic preferences may change. A woman who initially chose larger PMMA breast implants may later decide that she wants a more natural - looking or smaller bust. Conversely, some may wish to go from smaller to larger implants. For example, after childbirth or significant weight change, a patient's body shape may change, and she may feel that her existing implants no longer fit her new figure.
- 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 due to various factors such as improper surgical placement, capsular contracture, or tissue changes over time. If the malposition is affecting the appearance of the breasts, the patient may opt to have the PMMA implants removed and re - positioned or replaced with different implants.
- Implant Rippling: Rippling can be a cosmetic concern, especially with PMMA implants in thinner patients. The rippling may be visible or palpable, and it can make the breasts look less smooth and natural. Procedures to correct rippling, such as switching to a different type of implant or adding fat injections, may be considered, which often involve the initial removal of the PMMA implants.
The Breast Implant Removal Process
Pre - Procedure Consultation
Before the surgery, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, including the type of PMMA implants, any existing complications, and the patient's aesthetic goals. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the different procedure options available, such as simple implant removal, capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue around the implant), and any additional procedures like breast lift or implant replacement. The patient will also be informed about the risks and benefits of the surgery. For example, at Capek Surgical Arts in Latham, NY, Dr. Capek spends time with patients during the consultation to ensure they are well - informed and comfortable with the planned procedure.
Pre - Surgery Preparations
- Medical Evaluation: The patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, mammograms, and in some cases, breast MRI. These tests help the surgeon determine the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue and detect any potential problems such as implant rupture or BIA - ALCL. For patients with PMMA implants, additional imaging may be required to assess the distribution and condition of the PMMA material in the breast.
- Medication Adjustment: The patient may need to adjust current medications or start new ones. They will be advised to avoid medicines that increase bleeding risks, such as anti - inflammatory drugs or certain herbal supplements. Smoking cessation is also recommended, as smoking can decrease the body's ability to heal normally.
- Transportation Arrangement: Since breast implant removal is usually an outpatient surgery, the patient will need to arrange transportation to return home after the procedure.
The Surgical Procedure
The actual breast implant removal surgery depends on several factors, including the type of implant, the presence of complications, and the patient's desired outcome. The following are common procedures:
- Simple Implant Removal: This can be done in an accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants, and the same may apply to PMMA implants if there is no need for capsule removal and the implants are intact. For saline breast implants, they may be drained prior to simple removal to allow the skin to contract over several weeks, and the patient can then decide whether to replace them with implants or fat. There is minimal downtime and discomfort with this limited procedure.
- Capsulectomy: If there is capsular contracture or the implant is ruptured, a capsulectomy may be performed. This involves removing the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant. The surgeon may use the same incision used to insert the original implants, although a different or larger incision may be needed. In some cases, a total capsulectomy, which is also known as an 'en bloc' capsulectomy (more accurately), is done, where the capsule is removed in one piece with the implant contained within. However, this may not be technically feasible if the capsule is very thin or adherent to the ribs in submuscular implants.
- Implant Replacement: In many cases, patients may choose to replace their PMMA implants with new ones. If so, the surgeon will carefully select the appropriate type and size of the new implants based on the patient's aesthetic goals. The surgeon may need to surgically adjust the "pocket" (space under the breast and surrounding the implant) to accommodate the new implants. For example, if the patient wants a larger - sized implant, the pocket will be enlarged; if a smaller - sized implant is desired, the pocket may be reduced with permanent sutures.
- Breast Lift: If loose skin is a problem or the patient is going to a smaller implant size, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed simultaneously. This procedure involves tightening the breast skin and re - shaping the breast tissues to create fuller and more youthful - looking breasts, counteracting the tendency of the breasts to sag after implant removal.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, the patient will need to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours. A surgical bra will be recommended to be worn around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, and the type of bra will be specified depending on the procedure. If a capsulectomy has been performed, the patient may have drains for a few days to remove excess fluid or blood. Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, so little wound care is required. The patient will also experience pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescription pain medicine.
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 is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. Recovery times vary from patient to patient depending on their health and the extent of the procedure.
Long - Term Follow - Up
Over the long term, the patient should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician (PCP) or gynecologist. If the patient has silicone implants as a replacement or if there are concerns about residual PMMA or other complications, periodic high - definition ultrasounds may be recommended to screen for silent implant rupture or other issues.
Inventory of Public and Private Hospitals in Albany for Removing Polymethyl Methacrylate Breast Implants
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital is a well - known public hospital in the area. It offers the service of removing ruptured breast implants, which may include PMMA implants. The reported prices for the removal of ruptured breast implants vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. The hospital has an address at 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, and can be contacted at (518) 262 - 2400. While the hospital has a care quality rating, its effectiveness of care is reported to be below the national average, but the safety of care is above the national average. In the case of PMMA implant removal, the hospital's experienced surgical team can perform the necessary procedures, including a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition and the appropriate removal technique.
Capek Surgical Arts
Capek Surgical Arts, located in Latham, NY, just minutes from Albany, is a private surgical suite led by Dr. Capek, a board - certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Capek has extensive experience in breast implant removal and revision surgeries. She offers a personalized approach, where during the consultation, she discusses the best options for the patient based on their unique situation and aesthetic goals. Her office - based operating suite is state - of - the - art and Quad A accredited. Procedures offered at Capek Surgical Arts include simple implant removal, capsulectomy, implant replacement, and breast lift in combination with implant removal. Patients can expect an intimate, comfortable, and discreet surgical experience under the expert care of Dr. Capek and her exceptional team of anesthesia and clinical staff.
K Plastic Surgery
At K Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kayastha and the talented team are available to assist patients considering breast implant removal. Whether it is due to medical necessity or aesthetic reasons, they can provide comprehensive information about the breast implant removal process. During the consultation, they will explain the different procedure options, potential risks, and expected outcomes. They also offer guidance on how to achieve good results after the surgery, such as performing additional procedures like a breast lift or combining other body procedures to improve the overall aesthetic appearance. Patients can contact them at 518 - 674 - 9060 or through their online platform to schedule a consultation.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Implant Removal
The original reason for getting the breast implants matters to health insurance companies (as well as Medicare and Medicaid). If the implants were put in after a mastectomy and the doctor believes that removing the implants is “medically necessary,” then the health insurance is legally obligated to cover the breast implant removal under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA). If the original reason was for augmentation of healthy breasts, some health insurance companies will cover the explant surgery if they consider the services to be “medically necessary.”
Most insurance companies will cover services they determine to be “medically necessary” to treat a disease or illness. For patients with PMMA breast implants, they are more likely to cover removal in cases of ruptured implants, severe capsular contracture, infections that don’t go away, chronic breast pain, or BIA - ALCL. To find out if an insurance company will cover the cost of removal, the patient needs to look at their specific policy language, usually found in the “evidence of coverage” (EOC) document. This can be accessed electronically through the insurance company's website or by calling the member services number on the back of the insurance card.
Most insurance companies require pre - authorization before the surgery. The easiest way to get pre - authorization is to have the plastic surgeon sign and submit a letter that lists the patient's symptoms and explains why removal is medically necessary based on the insurance policy language, along with any relevant medical documentation. After the surgery, if the surgeon is in the insurance company network, they should file a claim on the patient's behalf. Otherwise, the patient will have to pay upfront and file a reimbursement claim with the insurance company.
Conclusion
In Albany in 2025, patients have options when it comes to removing polymethyl methacrylate breast implants. Whether it is for medical reasons such as capsular contracture or aesthetic reasons like a desire for a different breast size, both public and private hospitals offer services to address these needs. The breast implant removal process involves a thorough pre - procedure consultation, careful pre - surgery preparations, a surgical procedure tailored to the patient's situation, and comprehensive post - surgery recovery and aftercare. Insurance coverage is an important aspect to consider, and patients should take the time to understand their policy and follow the pre - authorization and reimbursement procedures.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of the hospitals or surgical centers mentioned in this article. Do further research, read patient testimonials, and gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision about your breast implant removal procedure. Remember, your health and satisfaction are of utmost importance.