The Ranking of Doctors for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Albany in 2025 + Cases!

Introduction

Breast implant removal surgery has become increasingly common in recent years. There are numerous reasons why a patient might opt for this procedure, including capsular contracture, implant rupture, a desire for a different breast size, or other concerns related to the implants. In Albany, there are several highly - skilled doctors who specialize in breast implant removal. This article will rank these doctors based on patient reviews and experience and will also explore real - life cases to provide a comprehensive view of what to expect from breast implant removal surgery in Albany.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Before delving into the ranking of doctors, it's essential to understand the reasons behind breast implant removal. According to the information from Dr. Lucie Capek's website, the main reasons include:

• Desiring a Different Size: After pregnancy, menopause, or simply a change in personal preference, patients may want larger or smaller breasts. For example, some women who initially had large implants may find that they no longer suit their lifestyle and opt for removal or replacement with smaller ones.
• Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can cause the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and may even be painful. Capsular contracture can occur shortly after the initial breast augmentation or many years later.
• Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, the breast deflates as the saline leaks out and is absorbed, which is usually obvious. However, silicone implant rupture may not be detected on a mammogram and may require high - definition ultrasound or a breast MRI for confirmation.
• Implant Malposition: The implant position behind the breast may end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can happen due to capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, or tissue changes over time.
• Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, more common with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched.
• Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants, and there have been recalls of such implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a broad term for a range of symptoms reported by some breast implant patients, is also a growing concern.

Ranking of Doctors for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Albany

Based on Overall Ratings from Multiple Sources

We've gathered data from various Healthgrades sources and real - patient reviews on RealSelf to create this ranking.

Doctor Profiles

Dr. Lynn Choi, MD

With a perfect 5 - star rating, Dr. Choi is highly regarded in the field. While specific details about her breast implant removal cases are not fully available, her rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction. She may have in - depth knowledge of different implant types and the latest techniques for removal, especially considering the wide range of reasons patients come for this surgery.

Dr. Sharita Nagaraj, MD

Also with a 5 - star rating, Dr. Nagaraj's practice is based in Delmar, NY. Her high rating suggests that she provides excellent care during the breast implant removal process. She may be well - versed in handling complex cases, such as those involving capsular contracture or implant rupture.

Dr. Casian Monaco, MD

Another 5 - star doctor, Dr. Monaco is located in Albany. He may have a comprehensive approach to breast implant removal, taking into account the patient's overall health and aesthetic goals. He could be experienced in performing different types of removal procedures, from simple implant removal to more complex capsulectomies.

Dr. Kristen Rezak, MD

With a top rating, Dr. Rezak offers high - quality care. She may have a patient - centered approach, focusing on individualized treatment plans for each patient undergoing breast implant removal. This could include discussions about post - removal options like breast lifts or fat transfers.

Dr. Christa Abraham, MD

Dr. Abraham has a 4.8 - star rating. Her experience in the field likely allows her to address various patient concerns during breast implant removal. She may be known for her attention to detail and her ability to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.

Dr. Todd Beyer, MD

Dr. Beyer also holds a 4.8 - star rating. He may have a good track record of successful breast implant removal surgeries. His patients may appreciate his clear communication and the way he explains the procedure and recovery process.

Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD

With a 4.8 - star rating, Dr. Pietrocola may be skilled in performing breast implant removal surgeries. She could have extensive knowledge of different implant materials and the best techniques for their safe removal.

Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD

Dr. Hoffert's 4.9 - star rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction. He may be experienced in dealing with challenging cases, such as those with multiple implant - related issues. His approach to treatment may be thorough and evidence - based.

Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD

Dr. Kaufman has an 8 - year experience and 2 board certifications. According to RealSelf, patients have had positive experiences with him in related breast procedures. He may be well - equipped to handle various breast implant removal scenarios, considering his multiple board certifications and years of practice.

Dr. Susan Gannon, MD

Dr. Gannon has 18 years of experience and 1 board certification. Her long - standing practice in the area means she has likely seen a wide range of breast implant cases. She may be known for her personalized care and her ability to achieve good cosmetic results after breast implant removal.

Real - Life Cases of Breast Implant Removal in Albany

Case 1: Capsular Contracture

A 38 - year - old woman came to Dr. Gabriel Kaufman with severe capsular contracture. She had received breast implants 10 years ago. The contracture had caused her breasts to become hard, misshapen, and painful. Dr. Kaufman performed a capsulectomy, removing the scar tissue along with the implants. He also decided to perform a breast lift to correct the sagging caused by the previous implants. After the surgery, the patient reported a significant improvement in her comfort and appearance. She was able to resume her normal activities within a few weeks and was very satisfied with the results.

Case 2: Desire for a Different Size

A 42 - year - old woman who had large breast implants for 15 years decided she wanted a more natural look. She visited Dr. Susan Gannon. Dr. Gannon removed the large implants and replaced them with smaller ones. Additionally, she used a fat transfer procedure to enhance the naturalness of the result. The patient was pleased with the new, more proportionate look of her breasts and the improved self - confidence it brought.

Case 3: Implant Rupture

A 32 - year - old woman noticed a sudden change in the shape of her breast. After an MRI, it was confirmed that her silicone implant had ruptured. She went to Dr. Lynn Choi for treatment. Dr. Choi performed a total capsulectomy, removing the ruptured implant and the surrounding capsule. The patient had a relatively quick recovery, and her breast returned to a more normal appearance over time.

What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Process

Consultation

As per the information from Dr. Lucie Capek's website, the first step is a consultation with the doctor. The doctor will assess your unique situation, including the type of implants, any existing problems, and your aesthetic goals. They will explain the various procedure options available, such as simple implant removal, capsulectomy, or replacement with different implants or fat. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, any current medications, and your expectations for the surgery.

Pre - operative Preparation

Before the surgery, you need to ensure you are in optimum health. This may involve following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking if you are a smoker. Your doctor may also recommend certain tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to assess your overall health and the condition of the implants. You may need to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as advised by your doctor.

The Surgery

The type of surgery depends on the specific case. Simple implant removal can sometimes be done under local anesthesia in the office if no capsule removal is needed and the silicone implants are not ruptured. For more complex cases, such as capsulectomy, general anesthesia may be required. The doctor will use different techniques depending on the situation, such as using the original incision or making a new one.

Post - operative Recovery

After the surgery, you will need to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. You can shower after 48 hours. You will likely need to wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. If you've had a capsulectomy, you may have drains for a few days. Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, so wound care is relatively minimal. You may be able to return to work within a week if you have a sedentary job, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery.

Choosing the Right Doctor for Breast Implant Removal in Albany

When choosing a doctor for breast implant removal in Albany, consider the following factors:

• Experience: Look for doctors with a significant number of years of experience in performing breast implant removal surgeries. A doctor who has dealt with a wide range of cases is more likely to handle your situation effectively.
• Board Certification: Board - certified doctors have met certain standards of education, training, and ethical practice. This is an important indicator of their expertise.
• Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's patient satisfaction rate. Positive reviews can give you confidence in the doctor's skills and bedside manner.
• Communication: Choose a doctor who communicates well with you. They should be able to explain the procedure, risks, and recovery process clearly and answer all your questions.
• Technology and Techniques: A doctor who uses the latest technology and techniques in breast implant removal is more likely to achieve better results with fewer complications.

Conclusion

In Albany, there are several highly - qualified doctors for breast implant removal surgery. The ranking of these doctors shows that there are multiple options with high patient satisfaction ratings. Real - life cases demonstrate the effectiveness of different surgical approaches for various reasons for implant removal. Whether you're dealing with capsular contracture, implant rupture, or simply a desire for a different breast size, it's important to choose a doctor who has the experience, expertise, and patient - centered approach to meet your needs.

If you're considering breast implant removal in Albany, we encourage you to research these doctors further, schedule consultations, and take the time to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be in a similar situation and explore related topics on breast health and cosmetic surgery to stay well - informed.