Introduction
In 2025, the healthcare landscape in Albany, New York, continues to evolve, especially in the realm of breast implant removal and augmentation. These procedures are not only about aesthetics but also about the health and well - being of patients. The new rankings of hospitals in Albany for these specific procedures can serve as a valuable guide for individuals seeking such treatments. In this article, we will explore the newly announced rankings, as well as delve into important aspects related to breast implant removal and augmentation, including top - rated hospitals, experienced doctors, reasons for these procedures, and more.
2024 - 2025 Overall Hospital Rankings in Albany
According to the US News & World Report, which released its 2024 - 2025 best hospitals rankings on July 16, the overall evaluation of hospitals in the Albany area provides a backdrop for understanding the quality of healthcare available for breast - related procedures.
Top - Ranked Hospitals
St. Peter’s Hospital has been named the best in the Albany area for the 11th year in a row. For the 2024 - 2025 rankings, US News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide in more than 30 medical and surgical services. St. Peter’s was ranked high - performing in a wide range of procedures, including colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, heart - related procedures, and orthopedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements. It was also ranked the 15th best hospital in New York overall.
Albany Medical Center came in second in the capital region and was high - performing in 11 procedures and conditions. This hospital is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital. Its evaluation also includes data from Albany Medical Center South - Clinical Campus. It has a diverse range of services, such as medical - surgical and cardiac ICUs, bariatric/weight control services, and an onsite emergency department.
| Hospital Name | Overall Ranking in Albany | High - Performing Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter’s Hospital | 1st | Colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, heart attack treatment, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, kidney failure treatment, hip replacement, knee replacement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, pneumonia treatment |
| Albany Medical Center | 2nd | 11 procedures and conditions (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma treatment, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, colon cancer surgery in gastroenterology & GI surgery context, kidney failure treatment, hip replacement, knee replacement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia treatment) |
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
When it comes to breast augmentation, the expertise of the doctor is crucial. In Albany, there are several highly - rated doctors with significant experience in this field. Healthgrades identified 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in the area, and here are some of the top - rated ones:
- Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD: Rated 4.90 out of 5 stars. Located at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. His high rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction, which may be due to his surgical skills, bedside manner, and ability to achieve good aesthetic results.
- Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO: Also rated 4.90 out of 5 stars and based at 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211. His osteopathic approach may offer a holistic view of patient care during the breast augmentation process.
- Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD: With a 4.90 - star rating, he is located at 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054. His experience and patient - centered approach likely contribute to his high standing among patients seeking breast augmentation.
- Dr. Todd Beyer, MD: Rated 4.80 out of 5 stars at 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. His skills in performing breast augmentation procedures have earned him the trust of many patients.
- Dr. Francis Cullen, MD: Having a 4.80 - star rating and based at 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205. His expertise and dedication to providing quality care make him a popular choice for breast augmentation.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also known as explant, is a common procedure that is growing in popularity. There are several reasons why patients may choose to have their breast implants removed:
Desire for a Different Size
Over time, a patient's body and lifestyle may change. After pregnancy, menopause, or significant weight changes, the size of the existing breast implants may no longer be suitable. Some patients may desire larger - sized implants to enhance their figure, while others may prefer smaller breasts for comfort or a more natural look. For example, a woman who has had children and noticed changes in her breast shape and size may want to adjust her implants accordingly.
Capsular Contracture
This is one of the most common reasons for implant removal or revision. Capsular contracture refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after the initial breast augmentation surgery or many years later. This condition can cause the breasts to look distorted or asymmetric and may even be painful. In some cases, the tightness can make the breasts feel hard and uncomfortable, affecting the patient's quality of life.
Breast Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates as the saline leaks out and is absorbed. However, silicone implants may have more subtle signs. There may be no symptoms at all, or the patient may notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. The FDA recommends using high - definition ultrasound to screen for silicone breast implant rupture regularly, and if a rupture is suspected, a breast MRI may be used for confirmation.
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 occur shortly after the first procedure or gradually over many years. Various factors can contribute to this, including capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation during surgery, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is usually required to correct the problem, which may involve internal suturing techniques (capsulorrhaphy), implant replacement, or the use of an internal biological mesh ‘sling’ for additional support.
Implant Rippling
This is a cosmetic concern, especially with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the tissues covering them are thin or stretched out. It can be a difficult problem to correct, 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
There is a rare but serious risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) 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. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered, along with capsulectomy and other procedures based on the patient's unique evaluation.
Procedures and Considerations for Breast Implant Removal
Consultation
Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential. For example, Dr. Lucie Capek in Albany emphasizes that she assesses each patient's unique situation and explains the various procedure options. Patients should be well - informed participants in the planning process to ensure they are comfortable and satisfied with the results. They should also be in optimum health, following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and refraining from smoking. If they have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
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. In the case of saline breast implants, they are sometimes drained prior to simple removal. This allows the skin to contract over several weeks, giving the patient time to decide whether they want the implants replaced. There is minimal downtime and discomfort with this limited procedure.
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 the patient desires replacement. Sometimes, the pocket placement may be switched from under the breast gland to under the pectoralis muscle. The surgeon may use the same incision used for the original implants, but a different or larger incision may be necessary. However, patients should be aware that once they have had a capsular contracture, they are at a higher risk of getting it again if implants are reinserted.
‘En Bloc’ Capsulectomy
‘En bloc’ capsulectomy refers to removing the capsule in one piece with the implant contained inside. 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 may not be technically feasible if the capsule is very thin or adherent to the ribs in submuscular implants.
Replacement with Implants
In many cases, patients choose to replace their breast implants at the same time as explant or breast implant revision. If the patient decides to update the implant size, the surgeon will likely 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 size, the surgeon may surgically reduce the pocket size 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.
Replacement with Fat
If a patient desires a smaller size or a more natural look and feel, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This procedure, also known as natural breast augmentation, has become increasingly popular, especially when the patient's natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants.
Implant Repositioning
This procedure typically involves modifying the capsular tissue around the implants. Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy are techniques used to either tighten or release the capsule surgically. In rare cases, a biological mesh ‘sling’ may be 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 for a smaller size or has loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed at the same time. This can involve a simple resizing of the areola to make it smaller and tighten the breast skin slightly, or a more extensive skin removal resulting in a lollipop (vertical) scar or anchor scar.
Aftercare and Risks of Breast Implant Removal
Aftercare
After breast implant removal surgery, patients can expect some recovery time. They should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower after 48 hours. It is recommended that they wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, with the type of bra specified according to the procedure. If a capsulectomy was performed, they may have drains for a few days. Since dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, very 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. It is crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid complications. Over the 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.
Risks
Although a professionally trained and board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Capek can minimize risks, every surgical procedure carries some risk. 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, operative, and post - operative care, serious risks and complications are infrequent.
Conclusion
The new rankings of hospitals for breast implant removal and augmentation in Albany in 2025 offer valuable insights for patients seeking these procedures. St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Medical Center stand out in the overall hospital rankings in the area, providing a high - quality healthcare environment. There are also many experienced doctors in Albany for breast augmentation, and patients can make informed choices based on their ratings and expertise. Understanding the reasons for breast implant removal, the available procedures, aftercare, and associated risks is essential for anyone considering these treatments. Whether it's a matter of changing aesthetic preferences, dealing with implant - related complications, or seeking a more natural look, patients can find the appropriate medical professionals and procedures in Albany to meet their needs.
If you're considering breast implant removal or augmentation, take the time to research the hospitals and doctors in Albany. Consult with multiple professionals, ask questions, and review patient testimonials. By being well - informed, you can take the first step towards achieving your desired results and improving your quality of life. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast - related procedures, and continue to explore related topics to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field.
