Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure, but there are various reasons why a patient may choose to have their breast prostheses removed. In Albany, there are multiple hospitals and doctors offering such services. This article will provide in - depth information about the rankings of hospitals and doctors for removing breast prostheses in Albany, as well as other related aspects such as reasons for removal, procedures, recovery, and risks.
Top Doctors in Albany for Breast - Related Surgeries
Doctors for General Breast Surgical Procedures
Healthgrades lists 21 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in Albany. Some of the top - rated ones based on past patient ratings are as follows:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. David Tauber, MD | 4.50 | 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, MD | 4.30 | 15 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Ankesh Nigam, MD | 4.70 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
These doctors have a significant number of past patient ratings, which gives an indication of their experience and the quality of care they provide in breast surgical procedures. Higher ratings often imply better patient satisfaction, fewer complications, and more successful surgical outcomes.
Doctors for Breast Augmentation
For breast augmentation specifically, Healthgrades has identified 155 doctors in Albany. Here are some of the highly - rated ones with at least 10 past patient ratings:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
While these doctors are known for breast augmentation, they may also be well - versed in breast prosthesis removal procedures as they deal with all aspects of breast - related surgeries.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Desiring a Different Size
Over time, a patient's preferences for breast size may change. For example, due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight changes, a woman's body and lifestyle can evolve, and the existing breast prostheses may no longer fit her needs. Some may want larger - sized implants, while others prefer smaller breasts. At Capek Surgical Arts, many patients come to Dr. Capek for this reason. If the implants have been in place for 10 - 20 years, significant physical changes can occur, and the patient may feel that the implants no longer suit her lifestyle.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a common complication after breast augmentation. It refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around the implant. This can happen shortly after the initial surgery or many years later. When it occurs, the breasts may look distorted or asymmetric, and the patient may experience breast pain. It is a major reason for implant removal or revision surgery. Dr. Capek often performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant, if needed.
Breast Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out and is absorbed by the body. In contrast, silicone implant rupture may be silent, with no obvious symptoms or only a change in shape, a lump, or new discomfort. The FDA recommends regular high - definition ultrasound screening for silicone breast implant rupture, and if a rupture is suspected, a breast MRI may be used 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 occur shortly after the initial procedure or gradually over many years. Reasons for malposition include capsular contracture, the effect of gravity on thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation during surgery, and tissue changes associated with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery, such as internal suturing techniques (capsulorrhaphy), implant replacement, or the use of an internal biological mesh “sling” for support, may be required to correct the problem.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the overlying tissues are thin or stretched. Correcting rippling can be challenging, 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 are rare but serious risks associated with breast implants, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants, which has led to the recall of these implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a condition self - reported by some women with a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In such cases, breast implant removal, including capsulectomy and other related procedures, may be considered.
The Breast Prosthesis Removal Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before undergoing breast prosthesis removal, a consultation with a qualified doctor, such as Dr. Capek, is essential. The doctor will assess the patient's unique situation, explain the different procedure options, and help the patient make an informed decision. The patient should also be in good health, follow a healthy lifestyle, have a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
During the Procedure
The breast prosthesis removal surgery depends on several factors, such as the type of implant, the presence of problems, and the planned additional procedures. Simple implant removal, where no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured, can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. For saline implants, they may be drained prior to removal to allow the skin to contract over several weeks, giving the patient time to decide whether to replace the implants with new ones or use fat transfer. When there is capsular contracture, a capsulectomy is often performed to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant. Sometimes, different incisions or a larger incision may be required. There are also various other procedures that can be combined with implant removal, such as replacement with new implants, replacement with autologous fat, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, the patient can expect a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence. They should rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower after 48 hours. A surgical bra is usually recommended to be worn around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Drains may be placed if a capsulectomy has been performed. Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, so minimal wound care is required. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term follow - up includes regular mammograms and breast exams, and for silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds are recommended.
Risks Associated with Breast Prosthesis Removal
Even with the care of a board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Capek, every surgical procedure carries some risks. These include scars, changes in nipple or breast sensation, bleeding, infection, side effects from anesthesia, and recurrent implant complications. However, with proper pre - operative, operative, and post - operative care, the occurrence of serious risks and complications is relatively low.
Comparing Hospitals and Doctors in Albany
When choosing a hospital or doctor for breast prosthesis removal in Albany, patients should consider several factors. Firstly, the doctor's experience and ratings are crucial. High - rated doctors like Dr. Todd Beyer, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, and Dr. Jonathan Canete have a proven track record of patient satisfaction. Secondly, the hospital's facilities and accreditation are important. For example, Capek Surgical Arts is a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite, which provides a high - quality and safe surgical environment. Additionally, patients should look into the range of services offered. Some doctors may offer additional procedures like breast lift or fat transfer along with implant removal, which can help patients achieve better aesthetic results.
Conclusion
In summary, there are multiple hospitals and doctors in Albany that offer breast prosthesis removal services. The reasons for removal can vary widely, from personal preference for a different breast size to medical complications such as capsular contracture and implant rupture. The removal procedure involves careful pre - operative planning, a variety of surgical techniques during the operation, and proper post - operative care. While there are risks associated with the surgery, choosing an experienced doctor and a well - equipped hospital can minimize these risks. Patients are encouraged to thoroughly research and consult with doctors to make an informed decision about their breast prosthesis removal. If you are considering this procedure, reach out to a qualified doctor in Albany to discuss your options further and take the first step towards achieving your desired results.
