Introduction
Breast implant removal is a procedure that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Whether it's due to capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or other concerns, many women in Albany are seeking reliable hospitals to perform this surgery. In this article, we will explore the ranking of breast implant removal hospitals in Albany, the reasons for breast implant removal, the procedures involved, and what patients can expect during and after the surgery.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Selecting the right hospital for breast implant removal is crucial for several reasons. A high - quality hospital will have experienced surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and a comprehensive after - care program. These factors can significantly impact the success of the surgery and the patient's overall experience and recovery. According to a survey, patients who choose top - rated hospitals are more likely to have better cosmetic results and fewer complications.
Ranking of Breast Implant Removal Hospitals in Albany
St. Peter's Hospital
St. Peter's Hospital is ranked highly in Albany. It is located at 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208. The hospital has been awarded in multiple areas including bariatrics, cancer care, comprehensive breast centers, heart care, obstetrics, patient safety, women's services, and the best mammogram imaging center. With a patient recommendation of 73/100, it has a strong reputation for providing high - quality care. In terms of breast implant removal, their surgeons are well - trained to handle various complications and scenarios, such as capsular contracture and implant rupture.
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center, situated at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, also holds a prominent position. It was awarded in comprehensive breast centers. The patient recommendation is 58/100. The center has a team of experienced medical professionals who can offer a wide range of options for breast implant removal, including simple implant removal, capsulectomy, and breast lift procedures in combination with implant removal. They also have advanced diagnostic facilities to accurately assess the condition of the implants before surgery.
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital at 417 W 3rd Ave, Albany, GA 31701, has a patient recommendation of 60/100. Although it may not be as well - known as the previous two in terms of a large - scale metropolitan area like Albany, NY, it still offers quality breast implant removal services. The hospital focuses on personalized care, ensuring that each patient's unique needs and concerns are addressed during the surgical process.
Comparison of the Hospitals
| Hospital Name | Location | Patient Recommendation | Areas of Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital | 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 | 73/100 | Bariatrics, cancer care, comprehensive breast centers, heart care, obstetrics, patient safety, women's services, best mammogram imaging center |
| Albany Medical Center | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | 58/100 | Comprehensive breast centers |
| Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital | 417 W 3rd Ave, Albany, GA 31701 | 60/100 | Breast implant removal with personalized care |
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Desiring a Different Size
One of the most common reasons for breast implant removal is a desire for a different breast size. After pregnancy, menopause, or simply as personal preferences change over time, a woman may find that her current breast implants no longer suit her lifestyle or aesthetic goals. Some may desire larger - sized implants, while others may want smaller breasts. For example, a woman who initially had large implants may later realize that they are too cumbersome for her active lifestyle and choose to have them removed.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is another major reason for implant revision surgery. It refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. This can occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later. The breasts may appear distorted, asymmetric, and can be painful. In severe cases, the shape of the breast can be significantly altered, leading patients to seek implant removal and treatment for the contracture.
Breast Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, the rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. However, with silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or a patient may notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. Detection of silicone implant rupture may require high - definition ultrasound or a breast MRI, as it may not be visible on a mammogram.
Implant Malposition
Implant malposition can occur when the implant ends up in an undesirable position behind the breast, such as being 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, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is a cosmetic concern, particularly common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the tissues covering them are thin or stretched out. This can be a difficult problem to correct, 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
More recent concerns include the rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants, which has led to the recall of the sale of these implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women who self - identify as complaining of a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
Procedures for Breast Implant Removal
Simple Implant Removal
Simple implant removal 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 them replaced. This procedure has minimal downtime and discomfort.
Capsulectomy
If there is capsular contracture, a capsulectomy is performed to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if the patient desires. Sometimes, it may involve switching from a pocket under the gland to one under the muscle. The surgeon may use the same incision used to insert the original implants, but a different or larger incision may be needed. After a capsulectomy, the patient is at a higher risk of getting capsular contracture again if implants are reinserted.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
En bloc capsulectomy involves removing the capsule in one piece with the implant contained in it. It is more accurately called a total capsulectomy. This procedure 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.
Capsulorrhaphy and Capsulotomy
Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy refer to either tightening or releasing the capsule surgically. These procedures are done for implant malposition. They can be combined with the addition of a biological mesh ‘sling’ when the tissues are too thin to support an implant in a stable position.
Replacement with Implants
In many cases, breast implants are replaced at the same time as explant or breast implant revision. If the patient wants to update the implant size, the surgeon will most likely use the original incision for implant removal and replacement. For larger - sized implants, the “pocket” under the breast and surrounding the implant will be surgically enlarged. For smaller - sized implants, the size of the pocket may be surgically reduced with permanent sutures. The surgeon will also recommend the type of implant that best achieves the patient's goals and may suggest additional procedures like a breast lift.
Replacement with Fat
If the patient wants to go smaller or desires 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
Implant repositioning usually involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy are used to tighten or release the capsule. 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 needed at the same time. This can range from a simple resizing of the areola to make it smaller and the breast skin a little tighter to a more extensive skin removal that results in a lollipop or anchor scar.
Before and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before breast implant removal surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is necessary. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the various procedure options, and answer any questions. The patient should be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoid smoking. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice. The patient may also need to adjust medications and fast for a certain period of time prior to surgery.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, the patient can expect some swelling and bruising, which are normal reactions and should disappear within a few weeks. Swelling may take a few months to fully resolve. The patient will be 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. If a capsulectomy has been performed, the patient may have drains for a few days. 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 should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, the patient should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams, and if they have silicone implants, periodic MRIs are recommended to screen for silent implant rupture.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the type of procedure (simple removal, capsulectomy, etc.), the complexity of the case, the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits. The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000. At some clinics, patients may receive a “global fee” that includes all these components. Financing options may also be available to help patients manage the cost.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right hospital. A board - certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast implant removal should be preferred. You can look for reviews and ratings from past patients, check the surgeon's portfolio of before - and - after photos, and inquire about their training and years of experience. In Albany, there are several highly - rated surgeons, such as Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, and Dr. Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS. You can also consult Healthgrades to find the best doctors who treat capsular contracture of breast implant in Albany.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the release of the ranking of breast implant removal hospitals in Albany provides valuable information for women considering this procedure. We have explored the top - ranked hospitals such as St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, each with its own strengths. The reasons for breast implant removal are diverse, including size preference, capsular contracture, implant rupture, and more. A variety of procedures are available to address these concerns, and patients should be well - informed about what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Cost is also an important factor to consider, along with choosing the right surgeon.
If you are considering breast implant removal in Albany, take the time to research the hospitals and surgeons, schedule consultations, and ask all the questions you may have. Your journey to a more comfortable and satisfied you begins with making the right choices. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and start exploring the options available to you today.
