Introduction

Breast implant removal and replacement are surgical procedures that have become increasingly common in recent years. Women choose to undergo these procedures for a variety of reasons, such as changes in aesthetic preferences, medical complications, or the natural aging process. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical centers that offer high - quality services for breast implant removal and replacement. This article aims to publicize the top 10 hospitals in Albany for these procedures, along with providing comprehensive information about breast implant removal and replacement in general.

Understanding Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are multiple reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. According to Capek Plastic Surgery, the most common reasons in Albany, NY, include:

• Desiring a different size: After pregnancy, menopause, or simply a change in personal taste, a woman may want larger or smaller breasts. For example, some women find that the breasts they had augmented are now too large and are causing physical discomfort such as neck and back pain, as mentioned by DeLuca Plastic Surgery.
• Capsular contracture: This is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after the initial breast augmentation surgery or many years later, causing the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and sometimes be painful. Capek Plastic Surgery notes that it is one of the two top reasons for implant revision surgery.
• Breast implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, the deflation is usually obvious as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. For silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or a shape change, lump, or new discomfort may be noticed. Confirmation often requires high - definition ultrasound or a breast MRI.
• Implant malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be due to capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, or tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Revision surgery is often needed to correct this problem.
• Implant rippling: This is more common with saline implants in thinner patients, but can also occur with silicone implants if the overlying tissues are thin. It is a cosmetic concern, and procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections may be used to correct it.
• 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 reporting a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern.

Options for Breast Implant Replacement

If a woman decides to replace her breast implants, there are several options available:

• Replacement with implants: The surgeon can replace the old implants with new ones of a different size, shape, or material. For example, if a patient wants a larger - sized implant, the surgeon may surgically enlarge the “pocket” under the breast. Conversely, for a smaller - sized implant, the pocket may be surgically reduced. Capek Plastic Surgery can recommend the type of implant that best suits the patient's goals and may also suggest additional procedures like a breast lift.
• Replacement with fat: This is a popular option for those who want a more natural look and feel or to go smaller. The procedure involves using the patient's own fat for natural breast augmentation. It works well when the natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants, as explained by Capek Plastic Surgery.

Top 10 Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal and Replacement in Albany

Albany Medical Center

Albany Medical Center is a well - known general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital in Albany. It is rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions. Although specific information about breast implant removal and replacement is not as detailed in the provided references as for some specialized plastic surgery clinics, it has a wide range of medical specialties and a team of experienced doctors. Some of the doctors at the center, such as those in the general surgery and plastic surgery departments, could potentially handle these procedures. The hospital's high - performing status in various areas may give patients confidence in its overall medical capabilities. However, its patient experience rating is 2 out of 5 stars according to US News Best Hospitals Rankings, which indicates that there may be room for improvement in patient satisfaction aspects.

Specialty Plastic Surgery Clinics

Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in breast implant removal and replacement. She offers personalized consultations where she discusses the best options for each patient, considering factors such as the patient's health, aesthetic goals, and the current state of the implants. The clinic provides a range of procedures, including simple implant removal, capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue), implant replacement with different types or sizes of implants, and fat transfer for natural breast augmentation. Patients can expect Dr. Capek to guide them through the entire process, from pre - operative preparation to post - operative care, aiming for the most beautiful and natural - looking results.

Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery is also a trusted choice for breast augmentation revision, which includes breast implant removal and replacement. He has performed thousands of breast procedures, with a 3 - dimensional approach and a personal consultation process to achieve customized, natural - looking results. The clinic offers different types of breast augmentation revision, such as breast implant removal (explant), breast implant exchange, and breast implant revision. Many women from the surrounding areas, including Latham, Troy, Saratoga, and throughout Albany County, trust Dr. Rockmore with their plastic surgery needs. Patients who have undergone procedures with him have reported high satisfaction, as evidenced by positive patient testimonials on the clinic's website.

K Plastic Surgery

Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery serves Albany and the entire capital region. He is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a comprehensive understanding of breast implant removal. The clinic offers breast implant removal without replacement to return the breasts to their natural appearance or in combination with a breast lift to correct sagging after volume loss. Dr. Kayastha also provides detailed information to patients about potential risks and after - care instructions. Patients can expect personalized care based on their unique situation and goals, whether it's due to dissatisfaction with the current implants or a medical complication.

DeLuca Plastic Surgery

DeLuca Plastic Surgery focuses on body - contouring procedures, including breast implant removal after breast augmentation surgery. The clinic addresses the common issues patients face after breast augmentation, such as loose skin and droopy breasts following implant removal. They offer solutions like breast lift techniques combined with fat grafting to the breast to improve the cosmetic result. Surgeons at DeLuca Plastic Surgery perform a detailed examination of the patient to determine the best surgical treatment based on factors such as breast size, implant size, and skin quality.

Other Considered Hospitals and Clinics

There are also other medical providers in Albany that offer breast surgical procedures. Healthgrades lists several doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in Albany, such as Dr. Jerome Chao, Dr. Todd Beyer, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, Dr. Susan Gannon, Dr. Donna Pietrocola, Dr. David Tauber, Dr. Christa Abraham, Dr. Ankesh Nigam, and Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore (previously mentioned in Rockmore Plastic Surgery). While these doctors' practices may not have as in - depth a focus on breast implant removal and replacement as the dedicated plastic surgery clinics mentioned above, they also have experience in breast - related surgeries and can be considered as part of the options for patients in Albany.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Care

Pre - operative Care

Before breast implant removal and replacement surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is essential. Surgeons like Dr. Capek, Dr. Rockmore, and Dr. Kayastha will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the various procedure options, and answer any questions the patient may have. Patients are usually advised to be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refraining from smoking, as smoking can decrease the body's ability to heal normally. Patients may also need to adjust their medications and fast for a certain period of time prior to surgery, as instructed by the surgeon.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients can expect some bruising and swelling in the days following the procedure. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort. Patients are usually given a surgical bra to wear for a few weeks to aid in the healing process. They are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours after surgery and can shower after 48 hours. The recovery time varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the procedure. 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. Regular follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process, and patients are expected to follow the surgeon's after - care instructions to avoid any complications.

Conclusion

In summary, breast implant removal and replacement are complex surgical procedures that require careful consideration and the expertise of a qualified surgeon. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics, including Albany Medical Center, Capek Plastic Surgery, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, K Plastic Surgery, and DeLuca Plastic Surgery, that offer high - quality services for these procedures. Each institution has its own strengths, whether it's the comprehensive medical capabilities of a large hospital like Albany Medical Center or the specialized expertise of plastic surgery clinics. Patients should take the time to research and consult with different providers to find the one that best meets their needs and goals.

If you are considering breast implant removal and replacement in Albany, don't hesitate to reach out to these top hospitals and clinics for a consultation. Read patient reviews, learn about the surgeons' experience and credentials, and ask all the questions you may have to make an informed decision. Start your journey towards achieving your desired breast appearance today!