Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a more common procedure in recent years as women's preferences change or they encounter issues with their existing implants. In Albany, there are several facilities and professionals available for those seeking to have their injected breast augmentations removed. This article will provide an in - depth preview of the hospitals and surgical centers in Albany that offer such services, along with the reasons for breast implant removal, the procedures involved, and what to expect during the recovery process.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are numerous reasons why a woman might decide to have her breast implants removed. Understanding these reasons can help individuals make an informed decision about whether this is the right step for them.
Desiring a Different Size
Over time, a woman's body and aesthetic preferences can change. For example, she may have initially chosen large implants but later find that they no longer suit her lifestyle. Pregnancy, menopause, and weight changes can also cause the breasts and figure to transform, making the existing implants look out of place. Many patients who come to surgeons in Albany for implant removal simply want a different breast size, either larger or smaller.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a common issue that occurs when the scar tissue around an implant hardens and tightens. It can happen shortly after the initial breast augmentation surgery or years later. This condition can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may even cause pain. When capsular contracture reaches a certain level of severity, breast implant removal becomes a viable solution.
Breast Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, a rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. Silicone implants, on the other hand, may not show obvious symptoms immediately. A mammogram may not detect silicone implant rupture, and the FDA recommends regular high - definition ultrasound screening. If a rupture is suspected, a breast MRI is often used for confirmation.
Implant Malposition
The implant position behind the breast can sometimes end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be caused by factors such as capsular contracture, gravity in combination with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes due to age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is typically required to correct the problem.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Correcting rippling can be challenging, but procedures like switching to a cohesive 'gummy' silicone implant or fat injections into the thin tissues may be effective.
Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII
There are more recent concerns related to breast implants. Textured implants have been associated with a rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma), leading to their recall. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women who self - identify as having a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
List of Facilities in Albany for Breast Implant Removal
Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Capek at Capek Surgical Arts offers an intimate, comfortable, and discreet surgical experience. Her state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite is located in Latham, NY. She is an experienced board - certified plastic surgeon who can perform a variety of breast implant removal and revision procedures.
**Procedure Options**: - Simple implant removal can be done in the office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. - For patients with capsular contracture, she performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue, creating a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. - She also offers options like replacement with new implants, replacement with autologous fat, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae.
**Recovery and Aftercare**: After surgery, patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours, shower after 48 hours, and wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks, and follow - up appointments are scheduled to oversee the recovery process.
DeLuca Plastic Surgery
William F. DeLuca Jr. MD FACS at DeLuca Plastic Surgery has over 26 years of experience in private practice and has performed over 2,000 + breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries. His complication rate is less than 2%, which is significantly lower than the national average.
**Procedure Options**: - When removing breast implants due to reasons like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or capsular calcifications, a capsulotomy may be performed if the implant capsule needs to be removed. - The surgeon can also perform internal breast work to situate breast tissue correctly, as well as a mastopexy (breast lift) to tighten loose skin. - Options for volume replacement include using fat from the patient's own body or inserting a new implant with added fat for a more natural look and feel.
**Recovery and Aftercare**: Most patients can return to work within a week and exercise in 2 weeks. The specific recovery time depends on whether additional procedures are performed to correct loose skin.
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital offers the removal of ruptured breast implants. The reported prices for the procedure vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.
**Procedure Details**: - The procedure involves making an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. The implant is removed, and cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist to check for abnormalities. - After the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to facilitate healing.
**Care Quality**: The hospital has an overall ranking from CMS. While some metrics like the effectiveness of care and patient experience are below the national average, the safety of care is above the national average.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. He has extensive training, including fellowships in surgical pathology, hand, and microsurgery.
**Procedure Options**: - Breast implant removal without replacement is a simple procedure that uses the previous incision sites to avoid new scarring. It can be combined with a breast lift to correct sagging after volume loss. - If capsular contracture is present, it can be corrected during the removal procedure, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires.
**Recovery and Aftercare**: In the days following surgery, patients can expect bruising and swelling. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort. They will also be given a surgical bra to wear. Patients should take at least a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity, with strenuous exercise postponed until six weeks after the procedure.
Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery is a trusted choice for breast augmentation revision and explant surgery in the Albany area. He has performed thousands of breast procedures, each individualized to the patient's unique body and aesthetic desires.
**Procedure Options**: - Breast implant removal (explant) is ideal for women who no longer want implants, maintaining an attractive breast shape while reducing volume. - Breast implant exchange is for those who want to maintain volume but adjust the size, shape, or material of their implants. - Breast implant revision addresses concerns about the position of the implants by reshaping the breasts, repositioning the implants, and adjusting the surrounding tissue.
**Recovery and Aftercare**: Most women return to work after 7 to 10 days and resume exercise after 4 to 6 weeks. The recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure performed.
Comparison of Facilities
| Facility | Surgeon Experience | Procedure Options | Recovery Time | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capek Surgical Arts | Experienced board - certified plastic surgeon | Simple removal, capsulectomy, replacement with implants or fat, implant repositioning, breast lift | Rest 24 - 48 hours, wear surgical bra 2 - 3 weeks, restrict strenuous activities 6 - 8 weeks | Quad A accredited office - based operating suite |
| DeLuca Plastic Surgery | Over 26 years of experience, low complication rate | Capsulotomy, internal breast work, mastopexy, volume replacement with fat or new implants | Return to work in 1 week, exercise in 2 weeks (varies with additional procedures) | High - quality before - and - after results |
| Albany Medical Center Hospital | N/A | Removal of ruptured breast implants, tissue examination | Wear compression garment for a few weeks | Comprehensive medical facility, insurance - based pricing options |
| K Plastic Surgery | Board - certified with extensive training | Simple removal, correction of capsular contracture, breast lift, implant replacement | Take a few days off work, return to normal in 1 week, exercise in 6 weeks | Personalized consultation and patient - focused care |
| Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Performed thousands of breast procedures | Explant, implant exchange, implant revision | Return to work in 7 - 10 days, exercise in 4 - 6 weeks | 3 - dimensional approach for natural - looking results |
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before any breast implant removal surgery, a consultation with a qualified surgeon is essential. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, including the type of implant, any existing complications, and the patient's aesthetic goals. The patient should be in optimum health, following a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refraining from smoking. Chronic conditions like high blood pressure should be managed according to the primary care physician's advice.
During the Procedure
The actual procedure depends on various factors such as the type of implant, existing problems, and additional recommended procedures. For simple implant removal, it can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based setting or a hospital operating room. If a capsulectomy is required, general anesthesia may be necessary. The surgeon makes an incision, usually at the site of the original scar, removes the implant and any associated scar tissue, and then closes the incision with sutures.
After the Procedure
Recovery time varies from patient to patient. Immediately after surgery, patients can expect pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescription pain medicine. They will also be provided with a surgical bra to support the healing process. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks. Follow - up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no complications.
What to Expect After Breast Implant Removal
Physical Changes
After implant removal, the breasts will return to a more natural state. However, depending on factors such as the original breast size, the duration of implant placement, and the patient's age, the breasts may sag. This sagging can be more pronounced if the implants were large. In some cases, additional procedures like a breast lift can be performed to address this issue.
Emotional Changes
Undergoing breast implant removal can also have an emotional impact on patients. Some women may feel a sense of relief, while others may experience anxiety or sadness, especially if they had developed an attachment to their augmented breasts. It is important for patients to have a support system in place and to communicate their feelings with their surgeon or a mental health professional if needed.
Risks Associated with Breast Implant Removal
Although breast implant removal is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, there are still some risks involved. These include:
- Scarring: Incisions made during the procedure will leave scars, although the surgeon will try to minimize their visibility by using existing scar lines.
- Changes in Sensation: There may be a temporary or permanent change in the sensation of the nipple or breast.
- Bleeding and Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. Proper post - operative care can help reduce these risks.
- Recurrent Implant Complications: If new implants are inserted, there is a risk of developing similar complications in the future.
Conclusion
In Albany, there are several excellent options for women considering the removal of injected breast augmentations. Each facility and surgeon has their own unique strengths and areas of expertise. Understanding the reasons for implant removal, the procedures involved, and the recovery process is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether it's due to a change in aesthetic preferences or medical complications, the goal of breast implant removal is to help patients achieve a more comfortable and natural appearance.
If you are considering breast implant removal in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the qualified surgeons mentioned in this article. By discussing your concerns and goals, you can determine the best course of action for your individual situation. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards a new chapter in your life.
