Introduction

Breast implant removal, also known as explant, has become a more common procedure in recent times. There are various reasons why a woman might opt for this, and Albany offers both public and private hospital options for this surgery. This article will explore the details of breast implant removal, the available hospitals in Albany, and other crucial aspects related to the procedure.

Understanding Breast Implant Removal

Reasons for Removal

There are several key reasons why a patient might choose to have their breast implants removed.

• Desiring a Different Size: Over time, a patient's body changes due to factors like pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. This can make the current implants no longer suitable for their lifestyle. Some may want larger implants, while others desire smaller breasts.
• Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur soon after breast augmentation or many years later, leading to distorted and asymmetric breasts, and sometimes causing pain.
• Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. Saline implant rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates, while silicone implant rupture may show no symptoms or cause a shape change, lump, or discomfort. It may not be detected on a mammogram and often requires high - definition ultrasound or breast MRI for confirmation.
• Implant Malposition: The implant may end up in an incorrect position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can happen shortly after the initial procedure or gradually over the years due to various factors like capsular contracture, gravity, and tissue changes.
• Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, more common with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. It can be difficult to correct, but procedures like switching to a cohesive silicone implant or fat injections may help.
• Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants, which has led to the recall of these implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women with a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern, and in some cases, implant removal may be considered.

The Procedure

The way the breast implant removal surgery is carried out depends on multiple factors such as the type of implant, existing problems, and other procedures planned for breast optimization.

Simple Implant Removal

For both saline and silicone implants, simple implant removal can potentially be done in the office under local anesthesia when no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. In the case of saline breast implants, they are sometimes drained prior to simple removal to allow the skin to contract over several weeks, giving the patient time to decide if they want replacement. This limited procedure has minimal downtime and discomfort.

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. Sometimes, it may involve switching the implant pocket from under the gland to under the muscle. The same incision used for the original implant insertion may be used, but a different or larger one may be necessary. Once a patient has had a capsular contracture, there is a higher risk of it recurring if implants are re - inserted.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

This refers to removing the capsule in one piece with the implant inside. It is more accurately called a total capsulectomy. It is often done for ruptured silicone implants, but may not be technically feasible if the capsule is very thin or adherent to the ribs in submuscular implants.

Capsulorrhaphy and Capsulotomy

These procedures involve either tightening or releasing the capsule surgically and are used for implant malposition. Sometimes, a biological mesh ‘sling’ is added when the tissues are too thin to support the implant in a stable position.

Replacement Options

• Replacement with Implants: In many cases, implants are replaced at the same time as explant or breast implant revision. If a patient wants to change the implant size, the original incision is often used for removal and replacement. For a larger implant, the pocket space under the breast is surgically enlarged, while for a smaller one, the pocket size may be reduced with permanent sutures. The surgeon will recommend the best type of implant and may also suggest additional procedures like a breast lift.
• Replacement with Fat: For patients choosing to go smaller or desiring a more natural look and feel, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This is a popular procedure, especially when the natural breast tissue has been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants.

Public and Private Hospitals in Albany for Breast Implant Removal

Albany Medical Center Hospital

Albany Medical Center Hospital is a well - known medical facility in the area. The reported prices for the removal of a ruptured breast implant vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or has an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. The procedure for removing a ruptured breast implant at this hospital involves making an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. After removal, cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist.

Post - procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks. There may be some swelling and discomfort initially, which can be managed with medications prescribed by the surgeon. However, it's important to note that according to some metrics, its effectiveness of care is below the national average, although the safety of care is above the national average.

St. Peter's Breast Surgery (St. Peter's Health Partners)

St. Peter's Breast Surgery is committed to offering a comprehensive range of breast - related services. The physicians here offer treatment plans for breast cancer, benign breast concerns, and high - risk patients. The surgeons are fellowship - trained in breast and plastic surgery and specialize in all areas of breast surgery, including complex reconstructions. Although the focus seems more on breast cancer and related surgeries, they may also handle breast implant removal procedures. They offer a multi - disciplinary approach by working with colleagues in radiology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and physical therapy. The practice is accepting new patients and has set business hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Breast Care Center - Albany Med Health System

The Breast Care Center is located at Albany Medical Center's south clinical campus. It offers breast care, cancer, and tumor care services. While it doesn't clearly mention breast implant removal as a specific service, its connection to a major medical center and its focus on breast - related health suggests that it may be able to assist with this procedure. The center has designated working hours from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and provides free parking near the building's entrance. Contact information is available for different departments such as breast surgery, radiology/mammograms, and plastic & reconstructive surgery.

Private Plastic Surgery Practices

Dr. Lucie Capek, MD

Dr. Lucie Capek has a well - established practice in the area. Before the procedure, she conducts a personalized consultation to assess the patient's unique situation and explain the available options. She wants the patient to be well - informed and involved in the planning process. Her office - based operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, is a Quad A accredited facility where many of the explant and revision breast implant surgeries are performed. Simple implant removal can be done in her office under local anesthesia when appropriate. If a capsulectomy is required, she has the expertise to perform it, creating a fresh pocket for a new implant if needed. Dr. Capek also offers different replacement options such as using new implants or the patient's own fat, and can perform procedures like breast lift and implant repositioning. After the procedure, she provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Dr. Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Yarinsky is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He is well - known for his surgical skill and consistent breast enhancement results. For breast implant removal, he uses the most advanced techniques. One of the common procedures he may perform is the “en bloc” capsulectomy for eligible patients, as it reduces the risk of leakage and removes potentially problematic scar tissue. He performs the explantation in his joint commission - accredited facility under general anesthesia. The procedure usually uses one incision along the inframammary fold, but additional incisions may be necessary in some cases. After the surgery, he provides pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and detailed recovery instructions.

Dr. Kayastha (K Plastic Surgery)

Dr. Kayastha and the team at K Plastic Surgery are available to answer patients' questions about breast implant removal. The removal process involves placing the patient under general anesthesia (in some cases, local anesthesia may be suitable), making an incision on the original scar, removing the implant and any scar tissue if needed, and closing the incision with sutures. For patients who want to replace their implants, new ones can be inserted at this time. After the surgery, the patient typically needs two to three days of downtime and about a week to return to a normal routine. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks. Dr. Kayastha's team can also discuss additional procedures like breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction to improve the overall results of breast implant removal.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast implant removal can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the type of procedure required (simple removal, capsulectomy, etc.), the surgeon's experience and reputation, the hospital or surgical facility fees, anesthesia costs, and any additional procedures that may be performed. At Albany Medical Center Hospital, the price for removing a ruptured breast implant differs based on cash payment or insurance. In private practices, Dr. Yarinsky's breast implant removal cost ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. After a consultation, patients will receive a “global fee” that includes various costs associated with the surgery. Some practices also offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal carries some risks. These can include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. Capsular contracture may recur if implants are re - inserted after its initial occurrence. In rare cases, there may be issues related to wound healing or unexpected reactions to the surgical process. However, with the care of a professionally trained and board - certified plastic surgeon, the likelihood of serious risks and complications is reduced. Surgeons like Dr. Capek, Dr. Yarinsky, and Dr. Kayastha take measures before, during, and after the surgery to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Recovery Process

Recovery after breast implant removal depends on the individual and the type of procedure performed. Immediately after surgery, patients can expect pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescription pain medicine. They will typically be given a surgical bra to wear to aid in the healing process and prevent discomfort.

Most patients should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower after 48 hours. A surgical bra is recommended to be worn around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, with the specific type depending on the procedure. If a capsulectomy has been performed, the patient may have drains for a few days. Since dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, little wound care is required.

Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams with their primary care physician or gynecologist. If they have silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon

When considering breast implant removal in Albany, it's crucial to choose the right hospital and surgeon. Patients should look for board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures. They can research the surgeon's reputation by reading patient reviews and looking at before - and - after photos of previous patients.

For hospitals, factors such as the quality of care, the expertise of the medical staff, the availability of advanced facilities, and the cost should be considered. It's also important to have a detailed consultation with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, expectations, risks, and aftercare. Some surgeons, like Dr. Capek and Dr. Yarinsky, offer telehealth virtual consultations, which can be a convenient option for patients to start the process.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In Albany, both public and private hospitals offer options for this procedure, each with its own set of features and advantages. Understanding the reasons for removal, the types of procedures available, the associated costs, risks, and recovery process is essential for making an informed choice. By choosing a qualified surgeon and a suitable hospital, patients can achieve the desired results and improve their self - confidence.

If you're considering breast implant removal in Albany, don't hesitate to reach out to a board - certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. They can provide you with personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you make the best decision for your health and aesthetic goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in Albany.