Release of the ranked list of popular hospitals for removing breast implants in Albany in 2025!
Breast implant removal is a procedure that has gained increasing popularity in recent years as more women consider various factors leading to the decision of removing their breast implants. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics known for their expertise in this area. This article will delve into the details of breast implant removal, the reasons behind it, the procedures involved, and present a ranked list of popular hospitals for this procedure in Albany.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal surgery, often referred to as explant, is a common procedure. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and there are numerous reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed, replaced, or adjusted. Let's explore these reasons in detail:
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Desiring a Different Size: Over time, a woman's body can change due to factors such as pregnancy, menopause, and weight fluctuations. As a result, she may desire larger - sized implants or smaller breasts. Many patients come to plastic surgeons, like Dr. Capek, expressing that their current implants no longer suit their lifestyle. For example, a woman who had breast augmentation before having children may find that her body has changed, and the implants no longer fit well with her new physique.
- Capsular Contracture: This is one of the most common reasons for implant removal or revision surgery. Capsular contracture refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later. When this happens, the breasts may look distorted or asymmetric, and the patient may experience pain. This condition can be a significant discomfort and may prompt the patient to seek implant removal.
- Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear, usually after years or even decades of implantation. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out and is absorbed. However, with silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or the patient may notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. Regular high - definition ultrasounds are recommended by the FDA to screen for silicone breast implant rupture, and a breast MRI may be used to confirm a suspected rupture.
- Implant Malposition: In some cases, the implant position behind the breast may end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can happen shortly after the initial procedure or gradually over many years. Various factors can contribute to implant malposition, including capsular contracture, gravity in combination with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is typically needed to correct this issue, which may involve internal suturing techniques, implant replacement, or the use of an internal biological mesh ‘sling’ for additional support.
- Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the tissues covering them are thin or stretched out with a very large implant. Correcting this problem can be challenging, but procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections into the thin tissues to camouflage the rippling may be effective.
- Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: More recent concerns include the rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants and the recall of the sale of these implants. 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, depending on the patient's unique evaluation.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The breast implant removal surgery and how it is performed depend on several factors, such as the type of implant being removed, the problems present, and other recommended procedures to optimize the breasts. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Before the Procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Capek or Dr. Yarinsky, is necessary. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation and explain the various procedure options. It is crucial for the patient to be in optimum health, so they are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, including having a proper diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Additionally, patients should follow their primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
The Procedure Itself
- Simple Implant Removal: This can potentially be done in the office under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. For 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 whether they want to replace the implants with either new implants or fat. This limited procedure has minimal downtime and discomfort.
- Capsulectomy: If a patient has capsular contracture, the surgeon may perform a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. Sometimes, this includes switching the implant pocket from under the breast gland to under the pectoralis muscle. The surgeon may use the same incision used to insert the original implants, but a different or larger incision may be needed. It's important to note that once a patient has had a capsular contracture, they are at a higher risk of getting it again if implants are reinserted.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: This refers to removing the capsule in one piece with the implant contained within it. It is more accurately called a total capsulectomy as ‘en bloc’ resection is a medical term used in cancer surgery. Capsulectomy is most often done for ruptured silicone implants, but it may not be technically feasible if the capsule is very thin or adherent to the ribs in submuscular implants.
- Implant Replacement: In many cases, breast implants are replaced at the same time as explant or breast implant revision. If the patient wants to change the implant size, the surgeon will usually use the original incision for removal and replacement. For a larger - sized implant, the surgeon will surgically enlarge the “pocket” under the breast to accommodate the larger volume. If the patient wants a smaller - sized implant, the surgeon may surgically reduce the size of the pocket with permanent sutures. The surgeon will also recommend the type of implant that best suits the patient's goals and may suggest additional procedures like a breast lift or fat transfer.
- Replacement with Autologous Fat: If the patient wants a smaller size or a more natural look and feel, the implants can be replaced with their own fat. This is a popular and successful procedure, especially when the patient's natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants.
- Implant Repositioning: This procedure usually involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy refer to either tightening or releasing the capsule surgically. In rare cases, a biological mesh ‘sling’ is added to support the implant in a stable position. The most common incision for this procedure is in the fold under the breast, and it may be combined with other options such as a breast lift.
- Simultaneous Breast Lift and Resizing of the Areolae: If the patient is going smaller or has loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed at the same time. This can range from a simple resizing of the areola to make it smaller and tighten the breast skin slightly to a more extensive skin removal, resulting in a lollipop (vertical) scar or anchor scar.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, patients can expect to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower after 48 hours. They are usually recommended to wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, with the type of bra specified according to the procedure. Drains may be used for a few days if a capsulectomy was performed. Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, so little wound care is required. Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is essential to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid any complications. Over the long term, patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams, and those with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic high - definition ultrasounds to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks Associated with Breast Implant Removal
Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal carries some risks. Even with the care of a professionally trained, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are potential complications. The most common early risks include bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. However, with proper pre - operative assessment, experienced surgical techniques, and thorough post - operative care, serious risks and complications are infrequent.
Ranked List of Popular Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in Albany
While comprehensive ranking data specifically for Albany in 2025 is not readily available, we can highlight some of the well - known facilities based on general information about plastic surgery services in the area:
- Capek Surgical Arts: Dr. Lucie Capek is well - known for her expertise in breast implant removal and revision surgeries. She offers a personalized approach, discussing the best options for each patient to achieve optimal results. The facility is a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite, providing patients with a comfortable and discreet surgical experience. Dr. Capek has extensive experience with various procedures related to breast implant removal, including capsulectomy, implant replacement, and fat transfer.
- 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 facility. He is known for his surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results. Dr. Yarinsky uses advanced techniques, such as the “en bloc” capsulectomy, when appropriate, to safely remove breast implants and reshape the breasts. The practice offers detailed consultations to guide patients through the decision - making process and provides comprehensive post - operative care.
- K Plastic Surgery: Dr. Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon, serves Albany and the surrounding areas. He completed his training at prestigious institutions and has a wealth of experience in breast implant removal. The practice provides answers to patients' frequently asked questions about breast implant removal, including concerns about health risks, recovery, and the procedure itself. Dr. Kayastha takes the time to understand each patient's goals and provides personalized treatment plans.
- DeLuca Plastic Surgery: This facility offers breast implant removal services, focusing on helping patients address the reasons for implant removal and achieve aesthetically pleasing results. The surgeons at DeLuca Plastic Surgery are experienced in handling the challenges associated with implant removal, such as dealing with loose skin and droopy breasts after the procedure. They may recommend additional procedures like breast lift and fat grafting to improve the overall cosmetic outcome.
- Albany Medical Center Hospital: As a large medical institution, Albany Medical Center Hospital has a team of skilled surgeons who can perform breast implant removal surgeries, especially in cases involving complex situations such as ruptured implants. The hospital has the necessary resources and infrastructure to handle various surgical scenarios and provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. However, according to some performance metrics, it has areas for improvement in certain aspects such as patient experience and effectiveness of care.
It's important to note that the ranking is a general assessment, and patients should research each facility thoroughly, read patient reviews, and consult with the surgeons to make an informed decision about their breast implant removal procedure.
How to Choose the Right Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
When selecting a hospital for breast implant removal, patients should consider the following factors:
- Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures. Check their education, training, and track record of successful surgeries.
- Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or clinic is accredited by a recognized organization. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of quality and safety.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences with the hospital, the surgeon, and the overall care provided. This can give you insights into the level of service, satisfaction, and results.
- Range of Services: Consider whether the facility offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant removal, including implant replacement, breast lift, and other complementary procedures. This can be beneficial if you may require additional treatments.
- Cost and Financing Options: Discuss the cost of the procedure with the hospital and inquire about financing options. Make sure you understand all the associated costs, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, and post - operative care expenses.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a procedure that offers women the opportunity to address various concerns related to their breast implants and achieve the aesthetic and health goals they desire. In Albany, there are several popular hospitals and clinics with experienced plastic surgeons who can perform these procedures with skill and care. By understanding the reasons for breast implant removal, the procedure itself, the associated risks, and how to choose the right facility, patients can make informed decisions about their surgical journey.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of the recommended hospitals in Albany. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of the process. Remember, your comfort and satisfaction are of utmost importance, and with the right approach, you can achieve the results you are looking for. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal, and explore related topics on our website for more in - depth information.