Introduction
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that many women in Albany may consider for various reasons, such as health concerns, dissatisfaction with the implants, or a desire to return to a more natural appearance. After the removal of breast prostheses, proper recovery and post - operative care are crucial for achieving the best results. This article will explore the ranking of institutions in Albany that are well - known for their expertise in breast implant removal and post - operative recovery. We will also discuss the related medical procedures, doctors, and recovery processes involved.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed:
- Health Complications: Implants can cause problems such as capsular contracture, where the body forms a thick scar around the implant, tightening or squeezing it and causing pain and discomfort. There are also concerns about potential links between breast implants and autoimmune diseases, although more research is needed in this area. Other health issues include implant rupture or leakage, which can lead to changes in breast shape and size. For example, a saline implant that ruptures may cause a sudden decrease in breast size, while a silicone implant rupture may manifest as a distorted shape or an increasingly firm feeling as scar tissue develops.
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. Over time, changes in the body due to factors like weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or aging can also make the implants look or feel less desirable. For instance, implants may appear too large or too small in proportion to the body as a woman's weight fluctuates.
- Personal Preference: As women age, their aesthetic preferences may change. They may decide that they no longer want to have implants and wish to return to their natural breast appearance. Some women may also have had a change in lifestyle or values that makes them want to remove the implants.
Common Procedures and Complications Related to Breast Implant Removal
Procedures
- Simple Implant Removal: This is the most straightforward procedure, where the implants are removed through the existing incision sites to avoid new scarring. It can be performed alone to return the breasts to their natural appearance.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: This procedure involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around it. It is often recommended when there is a thickened, hard, or tender capsule, as it reduces the risk of leakage and removes potentially problematic scar tissue.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): After implant removal, the breasts may sag due to the loss of volume. A breast lift can be performed at the same time as implant removal to reposition the breasts higher on the chest and remove excess skin, restoring a more youthful and natural appearance.
Complications
- Bottoming Out: Breasts with implants may stretch out the skin below the nipple - areola or migrate below the inframammary fold. To correct this, surgeons may use sutures to tighten the breast pocket and, in some cases, reinforce it with a mesh internal surgical scaffold.
- Breast Asymmetry: One implant may be placed higher or lower than the other, resulting in asymmetry. This can be corrected through implant exchange and repositioning.
- Implant Malposition: Implants may remain too high, too far apart, or in an otherwise incorrect position. Revision surgery can correct these issues.
- Symmastia: Also known as “uni - boob,” it occurs when one or both implants are positioned too close to the mid - line over the breastbone. Surgical correction of the pockets and reduction of scar tissue may be required.
- Double Bubble Deformity: This can occur immediately after implant surgery or over time due to weight loss, pregnancy, or natural gravity. It usually can be corrected with a breast lift or pocket correction.
- Implant Rippling: Irregularities on the implant surface that can be felt or seen through the skin. Solutions may include using a silicone implant or moving the implant from above the muscle to below the muscle.
- Capsular Contracture: Based on the Baker scale, there are four grades of capsular contracture, ranging from a natural - looking and soft breast (Grade I) to a hard and painful breast (Grade IV). Treatment options include capsulectomy and capsulotomy revisions.
Top Institutions and Doctors in Albany for Breast Implant Removal and Recovery
Healthgrades Rankings
Healthgrades provides rankings of doctors in Albany who are involved in breast - related surgeries. There are 155 doctors who perform breast lift surgery in Albany, and 34 cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive surgery specialists. Some of the highly - rated doctors include:
| Doctor | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.6 (for breast lift) / 4.5 (for cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive) | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.7 (for breast lift) / 4.7 (for cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive) | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha, MD | 5.0 (for breast lift) / 5.0 (for cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive) | 711 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 206, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.4 (for breast lift) | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.9 (for breast lift) | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.8 (for breast lift) / 4.8 (for cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive) | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.8 (for breast lift) | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.5 (for breast lift) | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.9 (for breast lift) | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.9 (for breast lift) | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Specific Institutions and Their Features
DeLuca Plastic Surgery
DeLuca Plastic Surgery has over 30 years of breast surgery experience and has performed over 1,500 cosmetic breast procedures. Their complication / revision rate on primary breast augmentations is below 2%. Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. MD FACS is the featured surgeon. He has 26 years of private practice experience and has performed over 2,000 + breast augmentation & breast lift surgeries. The clinic offers various breast implant removal and revision procedures. For example, in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture, they may perform a capsulotomy and adjust the breast tissue to achieve a full and taut breast. A breast lift may also be performed to tighten loose skin. The surgeons at DeLuca Plastic Surgery develop customized plans for each patient, and the cost of surgery varies based on the individual case. Typically, patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks following breast revision surgery, with exercise starting at 6 weeks and final recovery often taking 10 weeks.
K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He graduated from Cornell University and SUNY Buffalo, and has completed fellowships in surgical pathology, hand and microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery. He is well - versed in breast implant removal procedures. He uses the previous incision sites for implant removal to avoid new scarring. If capsular contracture is present, he can correct it, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires. A breast lift can also be performed at the same time. In the days following surgery, patients can expect bruising and swelling, and they will be given prescription pain medication and a surgical bra. They should take a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity, with more strenuous exercise postponed until six weeks after the procedure.
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, is the key professional at this institution. He is well - known for his surgical skill and beautiful breast enhancement results. For breast implant removal, he may perform an “en bloc” capsulectomy for eligible patients, which involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue as a whole. This method reduces the risk of leakage and removes potentially problematic scar tissue. The surgery is performed in a joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. After surgery, patients can expect swelling and bruising, which usually disappear within a few weeks to a few months. They are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately six weeks. The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the procedure needed, and the staff can assist with financing options.
GJK Plastic Surgery
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman at GJK Plastic Surgery is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery and breast cancer. He is uniquely positioned to help patients achieve the best possible reconstructive outcome. While this institution is more focused on breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy, it also has expertise in breast - related surgeries. For patients who have had breast implants and need removal and possible reconstruction, Dr. Kaufman can offer a comprehensive approach. He combines plastic surgery techniques with surgical oncology in an approach called oncoplastic surgery. Recovery from breast - related surgeries at this institution varies based on the technique used, but generally, patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and mild or moderate discomfort for the first few days, and they need to follow the instructions for wearing a surgical support bra and gradually resuming activities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution for Breast Implant Removal and Recovery
- Surgeon's Experience: Look for surgeons who have extensive experience in breast implant removal and related procedures. Surgeons with a long - standing practice and a high number of successful surgeries are more likely to handle complications and achieve good results. For example, Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. at DeLuca Plastic Surgery has 26 years of experience in breast - related surgeries.
- Reputation and Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the overall experience at the institution. High ratings and positive testimonials can be a good indication of a reliable institution. For instance, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery has many positive reviews from satisfied patients.
- Accreditation and Facilities: Ensure that the institution is accredited and has state - of - the - art facilities. This ensures that the surgeries are performed in a safe and professional environment. For example, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC has a joint commission - accredited facility.
- Cost and Financing Options: Understand the cost of the procedure, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, and any additional expenses. Check if the institution offers financing options to make the surgery more affordable. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC's staff can assist patients with financing options.
- Post - operative Care: Good post - operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Inquire about the follow - up appointments, the availability of the surgeon for any concerns during the recovery period, and the support provided for pain management and wound healing. DeLuca Plastic Surgery offers an extensive post - operative care program.
Recovery Process after Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - operative Period
After breast implant removal surgery, patients can expect some bruising and swelling in the breast area. They will be given prescription pain medication to manage discomfort and a surgical bra to support the breasts and aid in the healing process. Most patients are advised to take at least a few days off work and rest at home. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, such as keeping the incisions clean and dry.
Short - term Recovery
Patients can usually return to normal daily activities, such as light household chores, within about a week. However, they should avoid strenuous activities, including exercise and heavy lifting, for a few weeks. For example, more strenuous exercise should typically wait until six weeks after the procedure. Swelling may gradually subside during this time, but it can take a few months for the final results to be visible.
Long - term Recovery
The breasts will continue to change and settle over time. It may take several months for the breasts to return to their natural shape. Incisions will gradually fade, but it can take up to a year for them to fully improve. Some patients may require revisional surgery in the long - term, especially if they experience complications or are not satisfied with the initial results. It is important to have regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the recovery process and address any concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to breast implant removal and recovery in Albany, there are several top - notch institutions and doctors to choose from. DeLuca Plastic Surgery, K Plastic Surgery, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, and GJK Plastic Surgery all offer different but high - quality services in this area. Factors such as surgeon experience, reputation, accreditation, cost, and post - operative care should be carefully considered when making a decision. The recovery process after breast implant removal is a gradual one, and patients need to be patient and follow their surgeon's instructions for the best results.
If you are considering breast implant removal in Albany, we encourage you to research these institutions further, schedule consultations with the surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast implant removal and recovery in Albany, and feel free to explore related topics on our site for more information.
