Introduction

Breast prosthesis removal and augmentation are popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that many individuals in Albany, New York, consider for various reasons. Whether it's to address health concerns, change appearance, or enhance self - confidence, choosing the right hospital and doctor is crucial. This article will delve into the ranking of hospitals for breast prosthesis removal and augmentation in Albany, exploring top medical providers, procedures, reasons for surgery, and more.

Importance of Ranking Hospitals

When it comes to medical procedures, patients want to ensure they are in the best hands. Ranking hospitals for breast prosthesis removal and augmentation provides a valuable resource for patients. It allows them to compare the quality of care, the expertise of doctors, patient satisfaction rates, and the range of services offered by different institutions. A well - ranked hospital is more likely to have experienced medical staff, advanced technology, and a track record of successful surgeries, all of which contribute to better outcomes for patients.

Best Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany

According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. These doctors have an average rating of 4.4 stars. Let's take a look at some of the top - rated doctors:

These doctors have a significant number of past patient ratings, indicating their experience and the trust patients have in them. Patients seeking breast augmentation in Albany can use this information to select a doctor who meets their expectations and needs.

Best Doctors for Breast Surgical Procedures in Albany

For more comprehensive breast surgical procedures, there are 21 doctors in Albany according to Healthgrades. The providers listed below have at least 5 or more past patient ratings, ensuring a certain level of experience. Some of the best - rated doctors for breast surgical procedures are:

These doctors offer a range of breast surgical procedures, from simple to complex, and their high ratings suggest a high level of patient satisfaction.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is becoming increasingly popular. There are several reasons why patients in Albany may choose to have their breast implants removed:

Desiring a Different Size

Over time, a patient's body may change due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. This can lead to the feeling that the existing implants no longer suit their lifestyle. Some may desire larger - sized implants, while others may want smaller breasts. For example, a woman who has had children and experienced changes in her body shape may find that her implants no longer look or feel right, and she may opt for implant removal or replacement.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. It can occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later. This condition can cause the breasts to look distorted or asymmetric and may even lead to breast pain. When capsular contracture reaches a certain level, patients may decide to have their implants removed to alleviate the discomfort and improve the appearance of their breasts.

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. Silicone implants, on the other hand, may not show obvious symptoms immediately. A rupture in a silicone implant may only be detected through a high - definition ultrasound or MRI. In the case of a rupture, removal of the implant is often necessary to prevent potential health risks.

Implant Malposition

The implant position behind the breast can sometimes 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. Reasons for malposition can include capsular contracture, gravity in combination with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery, such as implant repositioning or replacement, may be required to correct the problem.

Implant Rippling

Implant rippling is a cosmetic concern, especially with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. 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. In some cases, patients may choose to have the implants removed to avoid the rippling issue.

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 who self - identify as having 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, depending on the patient's unique evaluation.

Breast Implant Removal Procedures

Before the Procedure

Before breast implant removal surgery, a consultation with a qualified doctor, such as Dr. Capek, is essential. The doctor will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the various procedure options, and answer any questions the patient may have. It is important for the patient to be an informed participant in the planning of the procedure to ensure they are comfortable and satisfied with the results. Patients are also advised to be in optimum health, follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and refrain from smoking. They should also follow their primary care physician's advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure.

The Procedure

The breast implant removal surgery depends on factors such as the type of implant being removed, existing problems, and other recommended procedures to optimize the breasts.

• Simple Implant Removal: This can be done in an accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants. When no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured, this is a relatively straightforward procedure. Saline breast implants 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 new ones or fat. There is minimal downtime and discomfort with this limited procedure.
• Capsulectomy: If the patient has capsular contracture, the doctor may perform a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. The doctor may use the same incision used to insert the original implants, although a different or larger incision may be needed. Once a patient has had a capsular contracture, they are at a higher risk of getting it again if implants are reinserted.
• Replacement with New Implants: In many cases, patients choose to replace their breast implants at the same time as explant or breast implant revision. The doctor will use the original incision for implant removal and replacement in most cases. If the patient wants a larger - sized implant, the doctor will surgically enlarge the “ pocket ” under the breast to accommodate the new implant. For a smaller - sized implant, the doctor may surgically reduce the size of the pocket with permanent sutures.
• Replacement with Autologous Fat: For patients who want a more natural look and feel or want to go smaller, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This procedure is popular and successful, 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 are 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. This procedure is often 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 required 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, resulting in a lollipop (vertical) scar or anchor scar.

After the Procedure

After breast implant removal surgery, patients can expect a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. However, they need to follow the aftercare instructions carefully. They should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours after surgery and can shower after 48 hours. A surgical bra should be worn around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks, with the type of bra specified according to the procedure. Patients may have drains for a few days if they have had a capsulectomy. Since dissolvable sutures and glue are used, 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. Long - term, patients should continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams with their PCP or GYN, and those with silicone implants are recommended to have periodic high - definition ultrasounds to screen for silent implant rupture.

Top Hospitals for Breast Care in Albany

St. Peter's Health Partners

St. Peter's Health Partners offers comprehensive breast surgery in both Albany and Troy. They have highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, experienced surgical teams, and state - of - the - art procedure rooms.

• Breast Conservation Surgery: This is the most common form of breast cancer surgery, such as lumpectomy, where the tumor and some of the surrounding breast tissue are removed.
• Advanced Breast Conserving Surgery: Also known as oncoplastic surgery, it combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices to conserve breast tissue. The breast surgeons at St. Peter's Hospital are specially trained in this cutting - edge technique, which involves using the patient's own breast tissue for reconstruction after cancer removal.
• Breast Reconstruction and Mastectomy: Mastectomy is the removal of the whole breast tissue along with the cancerous tumor. Breast reconstruction can be performed simultaneously to mastectomy for immediate restoration of volume and shape, or at a later date if radiation therapy is necessary.

Albany Med Health System

The Albany Med Health System offers a full range of breast care services at all four of its hospitals.

• Cancer Care Services: The system ensures patients have access to the latest advances in cancer treatment, in partnership with New York Oncology Hematology (NY OH), providing access to the latest therapies and clinical trials.
• Radiology: It offers top - level diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services, including screening and diagnostic 3D mammography, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound - guided biopsy, and stereotactic breast biopsy.
• Breast Care Services: The system guides patients through screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of breast disease, as well as routine preventive care. It treats a wide range of breast conditions, including breast abscess, benign breast conditions and tumors, breast cancer in women and men, and more.

Costs Associated with Breast Procedures in Albany

Costs for breast procedures in Albany can vary depending on the type of procedure, the doctor's experience, and the hospital or clinic.

• Breast Augmentation: According to K Plastic Surgery, the cost of breast augmentation ranges from $6,400 - $7,500, with a recovery period of 1 - 2 weeks and full results visible in 6 months.
• Breast Lift: The cost of a breast lift is between $7,000 - $7,500, with a recovery time of 1 - 2 weeks.
• Breast Implant Removal: K Plastic Surgery quotes a price range of $5,500 - $6,500 for breast implant removal, with a recovery period of 2 days - 1 week.
• Removal of Ruptured Breast Implant at Albany Medical Center Hospital: The price for the removal of a ruptured breast implant at Albany Medical Center Hospital varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.

Selecting the Right Doctor and Hospital

When considering breast prosthesis removal and augmentation in Albany, it is essential to select the right doctor and hospital.

• Doctor's Experience and Reputation: Look for doctors with a high number of past patient ratings and positive reviews. Check their educational background, training, and any certifications they hold. For example, a board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery has advanced training and experience in plastic surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
• Hospital Facilities and Services: Consider the hospital's facilities, such as state - of - the - art procedure rooms and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Also, look at the range of services offered, including cancer care, radiology, and breast reconstruction options.
• Patient - Doctor Communication: A good doctor - patient relationship is crucial. During the consultation, the doctor should listen to your concerns, explain the procedure in detail, and answer all your questions. This will help you make an informed decision about your surgery.

Conclusion

The ranking of hospitals for