Introduction

Albany is home to several excellent hospitals that offer high - quality prosthetic breast augmentation and prosthesis removal services. These procedures are significant for many women, whether it's for aesthetic enhancement, body image improvement, or dealing with complications from previous surgeries. In this article, we will take an in - depth look at the top five hospitals in Albany for these procedures.

What are Prosthetic Breast Augmentation and Prosthesis Removal?

Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

Prosthetic breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, aims to enhance the form, size, and symmetry of the breasts. It involves the placement of breast implants, which come in various forms such as cohesive gel (commonly called “gummy bear”), saline, and silicone implants. The decision to undergo breast augmentation can be driven by different factors. Some women want to achieve a more proportionate figure, while others may wish to replace breast volume lost due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss. It can also correct asymmetrical breasts.

Prosthesis Removal

Prosthesis removal, or explant surgery, is typically done for several reasons. It may be due to complications like implant rupture, capsular contracture (where abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant), or a change in personal preferences. The goal of this procedure is to remove the breast implants and, in some cases, to restore the natural appearance of the breasts as much as possible.

Top Five Hospitals in Albany for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation and Prosthesis Removal

1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany

St. Peter's Hospital in Albany has an outstanding reputation in the medical field. It ranks #1 in Albany, NY according to US News Best Hospitals. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions.

Services Offered

• When it comes to prosthetic breast augmentation, the hospital's team of plastic surgeons can offer a wide range of implant options. They use the latest techniques to ensure natural - looking results. For example, they can perform procedures with different incision types such as inframammary (beneath the breast fold) and periareolar (around the nipple) incisions, depending on the patient's anatomy and preferences.
• In the case of prosthesis removal, they have experienced surgeons who can handle complex situations, such as dealing with ruptured implants or capsular contracture. They are also skilled at minimizing scarring and restoring the breast shape after the implant removal.

Patient Experience

Patients at St. Peter's Hospital can expect personalized care from the moment they enter the hospital. The staff is well - trained to address patients' concerns and provide emotional support throughout the process. The hospital also has a post - operative care program to ensure a smooth recovery for patients.

2. Albany Medical Center

Albany Medical Center ranks #2 in Albany, NY and is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. It is a well - known institution in the area, offering comprehensive medical services.

Services Offered

• For prosthetic breast augmentation, they offer advanced surgical techniques. They have access to the latest implant technology, which can provide more natural - feeling and looking results. The surgeons at Albany Medical Center are also well - versed in customizing the procedure according to the patient's body type. For petite patients, they may recommend smaller implant sizes to maintain proportionality, while for curvier patients, they can select implants that enhance existing curves.
• In prosthesis removal, they can perform a detailed assessment of the patient's situation before the surgery. If there are complications, such as implant malposition or excessive scar tissue, their surgeons have the expertise to correct these issues during the removal process.

Patient Experience

The hospital emphasizes patient education. Before any procedure, patients are provided with detailed information about the surgery, recovery process, and potential risks. This helps patients make informed decisions. They also have a team of nurses and support staff who are dedicated to ensuring the comfort of patients during their stay at the hospital.

3. Ellis Hospital

Located in Schenectady, which is part of the Albany metropolitan area, Ellis Hospital is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions.

Services Offered

• Regarding prosthetic breast augmentation, Ellis Hospital has a team of plastic surgeons who focus on achieving natural and symmetrical results. They use state - of - the - art equipment during the surgery to ensure precision. They also offer a variety of after - care services, such as post - operative massage therapy to help with the healing process.
• For prosthesis removal, their surgeons are experienced in handling different types of implants and complications. They can carefully remove the implants while preserving the integrity of the breast tissue as much as possible. After the removal, they can provide guidance on how to improve the appearance of the breasts without implants.

Patient Experience

Ellis Hospital is known for its friendly and helpful staff. Patients often comment on the warm and welcoming environment of the hospital. The hospital also offers follow - up consultations to monitor the patient's progress after the surgery and address any concerns that may arise.

4. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Although it is a plastic surgery center rather than a traditional hospital, Rockmore Plastic Surgery is highly regarded in the Albany area for breast - related procedures. Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has performed thousands of breast procedures.

Services Offered

• In prosthetic breast augmentation, Dr. Rockmore uses a 3 - dimensional approach and a personal consultation process. This allows him to create customized, natural - looking results for each patient. He takes into account the patient's body shape, aesthetic desires, and lifestyle when planning the procedure.
• For breast augmentation revision, which may involve prosthesis removal and replacement, he is a trusted choice. He can address aesthetic concerns such as breast implants that are too wide, too close together, or have “bottomed out.” He also frequently combines breast augmentation revision with a breast lift to achieve better results.

Patient Experience

Patients who have undergone procedures at Rockmore Plastic Surgery often praise Dr. Rockmore for his listening skills and attention to detail. He spends time with patients during the consultation to understand their goals and expectations. The center also provides detailed after - care instructions and is available for follow - up support.

5. K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.

Services Offered

• For prosthetic breast augmentation, Dr. Kayastha offers a variety of procedures to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. He provides detailed cost information, with breast augmentation typically costing between $6,400 - $7,500, and the recovery period usually taking 1 - 2 weeks with full results visible in 6 months.
• In prosthesis removal, he can handle patients who are dealing with complications from previous procedures, such as a breast implant leak or capsular contracture. The cost of prosthesis removal ranges from $5,500 - $6,500, and the recovery time is 2 days - 1 week.

Patient Experience

Before the surgery, Dr. Kayastha schedules a consultation where he listens to the patient's goals and creates a unique plan for the surgery. He also examines the treatment area and reviews the patient's health history to ensure the safety of the procedure. Patients can review before - and - after photos of his previous patients to get an idea of the possible results.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for These Procedures

Surgeon's Expertise

The skill and experience of the surgeon are crucial. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons who have a proven track record in prosthetic breast augmentation and prosthesis removal. Check their years of experience, the number of procedures they have performed, and patient testimonials. For example, Dr. Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery has extensive experience in breast procedures, which gives patients more confidence in his abilities.

Hospital Reputation

A hospital's reputation can be determined by looking at rankings from reliable sources like US News Best Hospitals. Hospitals with high rankings are more likely to have better resources, quality of care, and a lower risk of complications. St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center, for instance, are highly ranked in the Albany area, which is a positive sign for patients considering these facilities.

Range of Services

Choose a hospital or facility that offers a comprehensive range of services. This includes different types of implant options for breast augmentation and the ability to handle various complications during prosthesis removal. Some hospitals may also offer additional services like post - operative care programs, massage therapy, or counseling services.

Cost

Cost is an important factor for many patients. It's essential to get a clear understanding of all the costs associated with the procedure, including the surgeon's fee, hospital fee, cost of implants, and any post - operative care costs. However, it's important not to compromise on quality for the sake of cost. Compare the costs among different hospitals while also considering the quality of care they offer.

Patient Experience

Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the patient experience at the hospital. A positive patient experience includes factors such as good communication with the medical staff, personalized care, a comfortable environment, and proper follow - up after the surgery.

Preparing for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation or Prosthesis Removal

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with the surgeon at your chosen hospital. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess your suitability for the procedure. They will discuss your expectations and desired aesthetic outcome. For breast augmentation, they may use breast implant sizers to help you visualize the size and how it will look on your body. In the case of prosthesis removal, they will evaluate the condition of your existing implants and any potential complications.

Medical Assessment

The surgeon will also review your medical history, including any medications you are taking, allergies, and pre - existing health conditions. This is important to ensure the safety of the surgery. You may be required to undergo some medical tests, such as blood tests or mammograms, before the procedure.

Lifestyle Changes

It's advisable to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. Quit smoking, as it can affect the body's ability to heal normally. Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to be in optimum health for the procedure. Also, make arrangements for someone to take you home after the surgery and to assist you during the initial recovery period.

The Procedure Process

Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

The breast augmentation procedure usually starts with the injection of anesthetic, which can be general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision, typically either under the breast or around the areola. After that, the implant is inserted into the breast tissue, either in a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's anatomy and preferences. Finally, the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and glue. The entire surgery generally takes 1 - 2 hours to complete.

Prosthesis Removal

For prosthesis removal, the surgeon also uses an anesthetic. They then make an incision to access the implants and carefully remove them. If there is excessive scar tissue or other complications, they will address these issues during the removal process. The incision is then closed, and the patient will start the recovery process.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery Period

The recovery period varies for each patient. For breast augmentation, patients may need to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower within 48 hours and should wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. For prosthesis removal, the recovery time is generally shorter, but it still depends on the complexity of the procedure. Some patients may only need 2 days - 1 week to recover.

Aftercare Instructions

Follow all the aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include taking prescribed medications, such as painkillers or antibiotics, to prevent infection. Attend all follow - up appointments as scheduled so that the surgeon can monitor your progress and address any concerns. Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle during the recovery period to promote healing.

Risks and Complications

Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

Although breast augmentation is a common procedure, it still carries some risks. Early risks include bleeding or hematoma, anesthesia side effects like nausea, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. Over the long term, there may be issues such as capsular contracture (where the breast becomes firm and may change shape due to abnormal scar tissue), implant malposition (the implant shifting to an undesirable position), and implant rupture. Women with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic ultrasounds to check for silent implant rupture.

Prosthesis Removal

Prosthesis removal also has potential risks. There may be some bleeding or infection at the incision site. After the removal, the breasts may have some sagging or unevenness, especially if there was a large volume of implants previously. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed to improve the appearance of the breasts after removal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right hospital for prosthetic breast augmentation or prosthesis removal in Albany is a crucial decision. The top five hospitals - St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Ellis Hospital, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, and K Plastic Surgery - each have their own strengths in terms of surgeon expertise, range of services, patient experience, and reputation. It's important for patients to carefully consider all the factors discussed in this article, such as the surgeon's skills, hospital rankings, cost, and the recovery process. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of achieving the desired results and having a positive experience throughout the procedure.

If you're considering prosthetic breast augmentation or prosthesis removal, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the hospitals or facilities mentioned in this article. Discuss your goals and concerns with the surgeons, and gather as much information as possible before making your decision. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in these procedures to help them make more informed choices.