Introduction
Breast implant removal, often known as explant surgery, is becoming increasingly popular as women seek more natural - looking results or encounter issues with their existing implants. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical facilities where patients can undergo this procedure. This article will explore the list of these hospitals, the reasons for breast implant removal, the procedures involved, and other important details.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why a woman might opt for breast implant removal. Understanding these reasons can help in choosing the right hospital and the most appropriate procedure.
- Desiring a Different Size: Over time, a woman's body and preferences change. Pregnancy, menopause, and weight fluctuations can lead to a change in the breast's appearance in relation to the implants. Some women may desire larger - sized implants, while others may prefer smaller breasts. For example, after having children and going through hormonal changes, the existing implants may no longer fit the new body shape or lifestyle.
- Capsular Contracture: This is a common complication. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can happen soon after the initial breast augmentation surgery or many years later. It may cause the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and can even be painful.
- 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 when the saline leaks out and is absorbed. However, silicone implants may rupture silently, with no symptoms or only a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. High - definition ultrasound or breast MRI is often required to detect silicone implant rupture as a mammogram may not be sufficient.
- 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 various factors including capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation during the initial surgery, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is typically needed to correct this issue.
- Implant Rippling: This is more common with saline implants in thinner patients but can also occur with silicone implants if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. 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 condition where women report a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in Albany
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany Medical Center Hospital offers the removal of ruptured breast implants. The price of the procedure varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.
Procedure Details: The procedure involves making an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and the surrounding tissue. The implant is then removed, and cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist to check for abnormalities. After the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to aid in healing. There may be some swelling and discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with medications prescribed by the surgeon.
Care Quality: The hospital has an overall CMS ranking. It shows that the effectiveness of care is below the national average, while the efficient use of medical imaging is the same as the national average. Mortality and readmission rates are also similar to the national average, but the patient experience is below average. On the positive side, the safety of care is above the national average, although the timeliness of care is below average.
Contact Information: Address - 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208; Contact - (518) 262 - 2400.
Capek Surgical Arts (Associated with Dr. Lucie Capek)
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts offers breast implant removal services. Before the procedure, a consultation with Dr. Capek is essential. She assesses the patient's unique situation and explains the various procedure options, aiming to make the patient an informed participant in the planning.
Procedure Details: 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. Saline breast implants may be drained prior to simple removal to allow the skin to contract. If there is a capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant if needed.
Replacement options include replacing the implants with a different type or size, or using a fat transfer procedure. The procedure can also involve implant repositioning, simultaneous breast lift, and resizing of the areolae.
Aftercare: After the surgery, patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours, can shower after 48 hours, and should wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks, and follow - up appointments are scheduled to oversee the recovery process.
Contact Information: The office is centrally located in Latham, New York, just minutes from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. Dr. Capek also offers telehealth virtual consultations.
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC (Associated with Dr. Steven Yarinsky)
Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, performs breast implant removal at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC. He uses advanced techniques to safely remove the implants and tighten, lift, and reshape the skin to restore the natural breast profile.
Procedure Details: Dr. Yarinsky performs the breast explantation in his joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. Usually, a single incision is made along the inframammary fold, but additional incisions may be necessary for larger implants or if a breast lift or skin tightening is required. Sometimes only the implants are removed, while in other cases, both the implant and the capsule are carefully taken out. After removal, the pocket is cleansed with an antibiotic solution to prevent postoperative infection.
Recovery: Patients usually experience swelling and bruising during the healing process, which should disappear within a few weeks. Swelling may take a few months to fully resolve. Strenuous exercise is advised to be avoided for approximately six weeks. Dr. Yarinsky prescribes pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and provides detailed instructions for a safe recovery.
Cost: The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. At the consultation, patients receive a “global fee” that includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits. Financing options are also available if needed.
Contact Information: To learn more, patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC.
DeLuca Plastic Surgery (Associated with Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr.)
Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. at DeLuca Plastic Surgery has over 26 years of experience in private practice and has performed over 2,000 + breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries. His low complication/revision rate (less than 2% compared to the national average of 13% - 28%) and high - quality results make him a well - regarded option for breast implant removal.
Procedure Details: Regarding breast implant removal due to implant rupture, capsular contracture, and capsular calcifications, the implant capsule may need to be removed, which is called a capsulotomy. Whether the capsule is removed or not is determined by a physical exam and radiological studies. Internal breast work may also be needed to position the breast tissue correctly. A mastopexy, or breast lift, may be performed in addition to breast implant removal and/or replacement to tighten loose skin.
Contact Information: Call (518) 724 - 2444; Address - 5 Ulenski Dr, Albany, NY 12205.
K Plastic Surgery (Associated with Dr. Kayastha)
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. Breast implant removal at this facility can be a simple procedure using previous incision sites to avoid new scarring. It can be performed alone or combined with a breast lift.
Procedure Details: During the breast implant removal, an incision is made over the previous scar, and the implant is taken out. If capsular contracture is present, it is corrected, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires. A breast lift can also be performed simultaneously to reposition the breasts and remove excess skin.
Recovery: In the days following the surgery, patients can expect bruising and swelling. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort, and a surgical bra is provided to aid in the healing process. Patients should take a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity, while more strenuous exercise should wait until six weeks after the procedure.
FAQs: The facility also addresses common questions about breast implants, such as their potential to cause autoimmune diseases, cellulitis, pain, infection, and their long - term effects.
Choosing the Right Hospital
When selecting a hospital for breast implant removal in Albany, several factors should be considered:
- Surgeon's Experience: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. For example, Dr. Steven Yarinsky has over 30 years of experience, and Dr. William F. DeLuca Jr. has 26 years of performing breast - related surgeries.
- Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited. For instance, Dr. Yarinsky's facility is joint commission - accredited, and Capek Surgical Arts is quad a accredited.
- Patient Reviews: Read patient testimonials to get an idea of the quality of care and patient satisfaction. Dr. Kayastha has received excellent reviews from his patients.
- Cost and Financing: Consider the cost of the procedure and whether financing options are available. Each hospital has different pricing structures, and some, like Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, offer financing assistance.
- Aftercare Services: A good hospital should provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the recovery process.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Pre - Procedure Preparation
Before the surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is a must. The surgeon will assess the patient's medical history, current health condition, and aesthetic goals. The patient should also be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet, regular exercise, and refraining from smoking as it can hinder the body's ability to heal. If the patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
Types of Procedures
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Implant Removal | Can be done under local anesthesia in the office for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline implants may be drained first. |
| Capsulectomy | Performed to remove the scar tissue around the implant, especially in cases of capsular contracture. It can create a fresh pocket for a new implant if required. |
| En Bloc Capsulectomy | Removes the capsule in one piece with the implant inside. More accurately called total capsulectomy, it is often used for ruptured silicone implants but may not be feasible in some cases. |
| Implant Replacement | The old implants are replaced with new ones of a different type or size. The surgeon may need to adjust the “pocket” size to accommodate the new implants. |
| Fat Transfer | Implants are replaced with the patient's own fat, providing a more natural look and feel, especially suitable for those wanting smaller breasts or a more natural appearance. |
| Implant Repositioning | Involves modifying the capsular tissue around the implants through capsulorrhaphy or capsulotomy, sometimes with the addition of a biological mesh 'sling'. |
| Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | Can be performed simultaneously with implant removal, especially when going smaller or dealing with loose skin. It can involve resizing the areolae and removing excess skin. |
Post - Procedure Recovery
Recovery times vary from patient to patient depending on their health and the extent of the procedure. Generally, patients should rest for 24 to 48 hours after surgery, can shower after 48 hours, and need to wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. They may have drains for a few days if a capsulectomy was performed.
Patients with sedentary jobs can usually return to work within a week, while strenuous activities like running should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. It is crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to avoid complications. In the long term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams, and those with silicone implants may need periodic high - definition ultrasounds or MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.
Risks Associated with Breast Implant Removal
Every surgical procedure carries some risk, even with the care of a professional and board - certified plastic surgeon. Some of the risks include:
- Scarring: Incisions are made during the surgery, which will result in scars. The location and visibility of the scars depend on the type of procedure and the incision used.
- Changes in Sensation: There may be changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. This can be temporary or permanent in some cases.
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery, which may require additional medical attention.
- Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to reduce this risk.
- Recurrent Implant Complications: If new implants are placed, there is a risk of recurrence of complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
- Side Effects from Anesthesia: Anesthesia can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a procedure that can help women address various concerns related to their breast implants. In Albany, there are several hospitals and surgical facilities that offer this service, each with experienced surgeons and different approaches to the procedure. Factors such as the surgeon's experience, facility accreditation, patient reviews, cost, and aftercare services should be considered when choosing a hospital. It is also important to be aware of the risks associated with the procedure and to follow the pre - and post - procedure instructions carefully.
If you are considering breast implant removal in Albany, take the time to research the hospitals and surgeons, schedule consultations, and ask questions. This will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in Albany. And for more detailed information, don't hesitate to reach out to the hospitals and surgeons mentioned above.
