Introduction
Breast implant removal, also known as explant, has become an increasingly common procedure as more women opt for a more natural look or face medical complications related to their implants. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering high - quality breast prosthesis removal services. This article will introduce the top 3 institutions for removing breast prostheses in Albany, along with details about the procedure, reasons for explant, and what to expect.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are various reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed:
- Desire for a Different Size: Over time, a woman's body changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. She may find that her current implants no longer suit her lifestyle, and she may want larger or smaller breasts. For example, after having children, some women notice changes in their breast shape and size and may wish to adjust their implants accordingly.
- Capsular Contracture: This is a common complication where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can occur soon after breast augmentation or many years later. Capsular contracture can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause pain. According to top Google search results, it is one of the main reasons for implant removal or revision surgery.
- Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates. However, silicone implants may not show obvious symptoms immediately. A mammogram may not detect silicone implant rupture, and the FDA recommends using high - definition ultrasound to screen regularly, with a breast MRI for confirmation if rupture is suspected.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be due to factors like capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, or tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is often required to correct the problem.
- Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Corrective procedures may include switching to a cohesive'sticky' silicone implant or fat injections.
- 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), where women report a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern, and in some cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
The Procedure of Breast Implant Removal
The breast implant removal process can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant, the presence of problems, and additional planned procedures. Here are the common steps:
- Consultation: A consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the procedure options, and help the patient set realistic expectations. It is important for the patient to be well - informed about the procedure and what to expect.
- Preparation: The patient should be in good health before the surgery. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refraining from smoking. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
- Surgery:
- Simple Implant Removal: Can be done under local anesthesia in some cases, especially when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline implants may be drained first to allow the skin to contract over time. This procedure has minimal downtime and discomfort.
- Capsulectomy: When there is capsular contracture, the surgeon may perform a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This can also create a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. The surgeon may use the same incision as the original augmentation or a different one.
- Replacement or Other Procedures: In many cases, the implants can be replaced with new ones of a different size or type. Alternatively, fat transfer can be used to replace the implants for a more natural look. Other procedures such as breast lift or implant repositioning may also be combined with the removal surgery.
- Recovery: After the surgery, the patient needs to rest for 24 - 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours and should wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. There may be drains for a few days if a capsulectomy was performed. Patients with sedentary jobs can usually return to work within a week, while strenuous activities should be avoided for 6 - 8 weeks.
Top 3 Hospitals for Removing Breast Prostheses in Albany
1. Capek Surgical Arts
About the Practice
Capek Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Lucie Capek, is a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite located in Latham, NY, just minutes from Albany. Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal and revision surgeries.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive Consultation: Dr. Capek provides personalized consultations to understand each patient's needs and goals. She explains the different procedure options, including simple implant removal, capsulectomy, implant replacement, fat transfer, and breast lift, and helps the patient make an informed decision.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: The practice offers a range of surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcome. For example, in cases of capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a new pocket for an implant if needed. She is also experienced in en bloc capsulectomy for eligible patients.
- Follow - up Care: Dr. Capek and her team provide long - term follow - up care to ensure the patient's recovery is smooth and to address any concerns that may arise after the surgery. They offer telehealth virtual consultations for added convenience.
Patient Experience
Patients at Capek Surgical Arts can expect a comfortable and discreet surgical experience. The staff is dedicated to providing exceptional care, and the goal is to help patients achieve beautiful and natural - looking results while maintaining realistic expectations. After the surgery, patients can look forward to a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence.
2. Albany Medical Center Hospital
About the Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital is a well - known healthcare facility located at 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. It offers a wide range of medical services, including breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Removal Services
The hospital provides 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. The surgical process involves making an incision in the breast, removing the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue, and having a pathologist examine the tissue for abnormalities.
Care Quality
According to the data, Albany Medical Center Hospital has an overall ranking from CMS. In terms of care performance, its effectiveness of care is below the national average, while the efficient use of medical imaging is the same as the national average. Mortality rates are similar to the national average, and patient experience is below the national average. However, the safety of care is above the national average, and timeliness of care is below the national average.
3. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
About the Practice
Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, leads Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC. The practice is well - known for its surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results.
Breast Implant Removal Approach
Dr. Yarinsky offers breast implant removal services, including the popular “en bloc” capsulectomy procedure for eligible patients. This method involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the surrounding scar tissue, reducing the risk of leakage and removing potentially problematic scar tissue. He also offers breast revision surgery for those who want to replace their implants.
Patient Recovery and Cost
Recovery time after breast implant removal at this practice depends on various factors such as overall health and the technique used. Patients usually experience swelling and bruising during the healing process, which should disappear within a few weeks to a few months. The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The practice offers a “global fee” that includes all aspects of the surgery, and financing options are available if needed.
Comparing the Top 3 Institutions
| Hospital/Clinic | Location | Surgeon Experience | Services Offered | Cost | Care Quality Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capek Surgical Arts | Latham, NY (near Albany) | Dr. Lucie Capek, board - certified with extensive experience in breast implant removal and revision | Simple implant removal, capsulectomy, implant replacement, fat transfer, breast lift, en bloc capsulectomy | Not specified in general, personalized fee based on procedure | Focus on personalized care, long - term follow - up, and achieving natural - looking results |
| Albany Medical Center Hospital | 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208 | Not detailed specifically for breast implant removal, but overall a large - scale medical facility | Removal of ruptured breast implants | Varies based on cash or insurance payment | Some care aspects are below national average, safety of care is above average |
| Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC | Not specified (associated with Saratoga Springs), near Albany | Dr. Steven Yarinsky, board - certified with over 30 years of experience in breast surgeries | Breast implant removal (including en bloc capsulectomy), breast revision surgery | $6,000 - $18,000 with a “global fee” | Emphasis on advanced surgical techniques, patient recovery guidance, and financing options |
Conclusion
In Albany, there are several excellent options for breast prosthesis removal. Capek Surgical Arts offers personalized care and a wide range of surgical techniques under the expertise of Dr. Lucie Capek. Albany Medical Center Hospital, a large - scale medical institution, provides removal of ruptured breast implants, though its care quality shows a mixed performance in different metrics. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, with Dr. Steven Yarinsky's long - standing experience, offers advanced procedures like en bloc capsulectomy and breast revision.
If you are considering breast implant removal, it is crucial to have in - depth consultations with the doctors at these institutions to understand the best approach for your specific situation. Whether it is for medical reasons or a desire for a different aesthetic, choosing the right provider can make a significant difference in your outcome and overall experience. Take the time to research, ask questions, and make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and expectations.
If you have more questions or are ready to take the next step, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top 3 hospitals in Albany. Consult with the experts, learn more about the procedures, and start your journey towards achieving the look and confidence you desire.
