The Top Five Regular Plastic Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal and Repair in Albany
Breast implant removal and repair have become increasingly common procedures, driven by a variety of reasons such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or a desire for a different breast size. In Albany, there are several reliable plastic hospitals that offer high - quality services in this area. Here, we will introduce the top five regular plastic hospitals for breast implant removal and repair in Albany.
1. Capek Surgical Arts
Surgeon: Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Dr. Capek is a well - known board - certified plastic surgeon. Breast implant removal surgery, often referred to as explant, is a very common procedure in her practice. She has extensive experience in dealing with various situations related to breast implant removal and repair.
Reasons for Explant Surgery
- Desiring a different size: Many patients come to Dr. Capek because over time, their bodies have changed due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight changes. For example, a woman who had breast augmentation 10 - 20 years ago may now feel that her implants no longer suit her lifestyle, and she may desire larger - sized implants or smaller breasts.
- 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 first breast augmentation surgery or many years later, causing the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and even painful.
- Breast implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. Saline implants usually show obvious signs as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out. In contrast, silicone implants may have no symptoms, or patients 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 an MRI may be used to confirm a suspected rupture.
- 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 various factors such as capsular contracture, gravity in combination with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Implant rippling: This is more common in saline implants in thinner patients, but silicone implants can also show rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections into the thin tissues may help camouflage the rippling.
- Recalled implants, ALCL and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants, and these implants have been recalled. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women who complain of a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
Procedures Offered
- Simple implant removal: Can be done in the office - based operating suite under local anesthesia for both saline and silicone implants when no capsule removal is needed and silicone implants are not ruptured. Saline breast implants may be drained prior to simple removal to allow the skin to contract.
- Capsulectomy: Performed for capsular contracture to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant. Sometimes, it may involve switching the implant pocket from under the breast gland to under the pectoralis muscle.
- Replacement with new implants: The original incision can be used for implant removal and replacement. If a larger - sized implant is desired, the “pocket” under the breast will be surgically enlarged. For a smaller - sized implant, the pocket size can be surgically reduced.
- Replacement with autologous fat: A popular option for patients who want a more natural look and feel or are choosing to go smaller. It works well when the natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants.
- Implant repositioning: Usually involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants through capsulorrhaphy or capsulotomy, and in rare cases, adding a biological mesh ‘sling’ for support.
- Simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae: Recommended for patients who are going smaller or have loose skin. It can be a simple resizing of the areola or a more extensive skin removal with different scar patterns.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the procedure, patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower after 48 hours. They should wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, regular mammograms and breast exams are necessary, and for silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds are recommended.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Surgeon: Dr. Kayastha
Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire capital region. He has a comprehensive understanding of breast implant removal and related issues.
Who is a Candidate?
Candidates for breast implant removal at K Plastic Surgery are those who are unhappy with their current breast implants or have experienced complications such as a leak or rupture. Capsular contracture, which causes the breasts to feel hardened, is also a common reason. Women who want to change the size of their breasts due to age - related changes can also opt for implant removal and replacement.
Procedure Details
During the breast implant removal procedure, an incision is made over the previous scar, and the implant is taken out. If capsular contracture is present, it will be corrected. New implants can be placed if the patient desires, and a breast lift can also be performed simultaneously to reposition the breasts and remove excess skin.
FAQs
- Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease?: Although there are some potential links under study, more research is needed to fully understand the long - term effects of breast implants. Dr. Kayastha can discuss the risks during the consultation.
- Can breast implants cause cellulitis?: Cellulitis is a potential infection that can occur after breast augmentation or reduction. Selecting an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon is crucial to minimize this risk.
- Can breast implants cause pain years later?: Breast implant illness has drawn attention in recent years. Dr. Kayastha can provide the latest information on this topic.
- Can breast implants get infected years later?: The risk of infection decreases over time, but if it does occur, the implants should be removed to resolve the infection.
- Do breast implants cause health problems?: There are health risks associated with any implant surgery, but breast implants are one of the most - studied medical devices. Dr. Kayastha will discuss these risks during the consultation.
- Can breast implants last a lifetime?: Breast implants are not permanent and do not last a lifetime.
- How do you know if my implants are leaking?: For saline breast implants, a sudden decrease in breast size indicates a leak. For silicone implants, a distorted shape or increasingly firm feeling may suggest a leak.
- Do breast implants sag over time?: While the implants themselves do not cause sagging, breast augmentation results can start to descend due to the aging process.
Recovery
In the days following breast implant removal surgery, patients can expect bruising and swelling. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort. They will be given a surgical bra to aid in the healing process. Patients typically need to take a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity. Strenuous exercise should be postponed until six weeks after the procedure.
3. DeLuca Plastic Surgery
Surgeons: Dr. Tauber, Dr. Yan, and Dr. DeLuca
DeLuca Plastic Surgery has over 30 + years of experience in breast surgery, having performed over 1,500 cosmetic breast procedures. Their complication / revision rate on primary breast augmentations is below 2%.
Common Problems Corrected by Revision Surgery
- Bottoming out: Occurs when the implants stretch out the skin below the nipple - areola or migrate below the inframammary fold. Sutures are used to tighten the breast pocket, and a mesh internal surgical scaffold may be added for reinforcement.
- Breast asymmetry: Corrected through implant exchange and repositioning of the implants.
- Implant malposition: This includes implants that remain too high, too far apart, or cases of symmastia (uni - boob). Revision surgery can correct these abnormalities by adjusting the implant pockets and reducing scar tissue.
- Breast implant replacement: For deflated or ruptured silicone or saline implants. An implant exchange should be performed within a few weeks to prevent the pocket from shrinking.
- Double bubble deformity: Can occur immediately after implant surgery or over time due to factors like weight loss, pregnancy, or gravity. It can usually be corrected with a breast lift or pocket correction.
- Implant rippling: Caused by factors such as thinning skin tissue, saline implant leakage, or implant placement above the muscle. A pocket correction revision using a silicone implant or moving the implant to a pocket below the muscle can reduce the rippling effect.
- Capsular contracture: There are four grades of capsular contracture based on the Baker scale. Solutions include capsulectomy for more severe cases and capsulotomy for lower - grade contracture.
Cost and Recovery
The cost of a specific revision surgery plan at DeLuca Plastic Surgery varies based on the severity of each individual case. Combining related surgeries can significantly reduce the cost of anesthesia and operating room time. Typically, patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks, start exercise at 6 weeks, and final recovery often takes 10 weeks.
4. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Surgeon: Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore
Dr. Rockmore is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of breast procedures. His 3 - dimensional approach and personal consultation process aim to provide customized, natural - looking results.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision
- Aesthetic concerns: Dr. Rockmore treats women who are unsatisfied with the results of their previous breast augmentation, such as implants that are too wide, too close together, or have “bottomed out.” These issues can be corrected by repairing the implant pocket and repositioning the implants.
- Complications: Over time, breast implants may rupture, break down, or cause the formation of excess scar tissue. Revision surgery can address these rare complications.
- Physical or lifestyle changes: Skin stretching, weight gain or loss, or changes in exercise habits may lead women to revise or remove their implants to better suit their desired look and feel. Dr. Rockmore often combines breast augmentation revision with a breast lift due to skin stretching.
Types of Breast Augmentation Revision
- Breast implant removal (explant): Ideal for women who no longer want implants. The procedure involves fully removing the breast implants while maintaining an attractive breast shape, resulting in a decrease in volume.
- Breast implant exchange: For women who want to maintain their volume but adjust the size, shape, or material of their implants. Dr. Rockmore removes the existing implants and replaces them with new ones.
- Breast implant revision: This procedure addresses concerns about the position of the implants by reshaping the breasts, repositioning the implants, and adjusting the surrounding tissue.
Commonly Combined Procedures
Many women choose to combine their revision surgery at Rockmore Plastic Surgery with other procedures such as breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover.
Recovery
Most women return to work after 7 to 10 days and resume exercise after 4 to 6 weeks. The recovery time may vary depending on the specifics of the procedure, and Dr. Rockmore will provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Comparison of the Five Plastic Hospitals
Hospital Name | Surgeon | Specialties | Recovery Time | Patient Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|
Capek Surgical Arts | Dr. Lucie Capek, MD | Comprehensive breast implant removal and repair, various procedures like capsulectomy, fat transfer | 24 - 48 hours rest, sedentary job return in 1 week, strenuous activity restricted for 6 - 8 weeks | Patients appreciate her expertise and personalized approach |
K Plastic Surgery | Dr. Kayastha | Breast implant removal with or without replacement, correction of capsular contracture | A few days off work, return to normal daily activity in 1 week, strenuous exercise after 6 weeks | Highly rated for his detailed explanations and surgical skills |
DeLuca Plastic Surgery | Dr. Tauber, Dr. Yan, Dr. DeLuca | Complex breast implant revision surgeries, correction of multiple implant - related problems | Return to normal activities in 1 - 2 weeks, start exercise at 6 weeks, final recovery in 10 weeks | Well - known for their long - term experience and low complication rate |
Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore | Customized breast augmentation revision, explant surgery, often combined with other procedures | Return to work in 7 - 10 days, resume exercise in 4 - 6 weeks | Patients are satisfied with the natural - looking results |
Conclusion
In Albany, these five plastic hospitals - Capek Surgical Arts, K Plastic Surgery, DeLuca Plastic Surgery, and Rockmore Plastic Surgery - offer excellent options for breast implant removal and repair. Each hospital has experienced surgeons, a range of procedures to address different patient needs, and a focus on patient satisfaction and safety. When considering breast implant removal or repair, it is important to consult with these professionals to understand the best approach for your specific situation.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal and repair in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top - rated plastic hospitals. Share your concerns and goals with the surgeons, and take the first step towards achieving the breast appearance you desire. Also, don't hesitate to ask friends or family for referrals or read more patient reviews to make an informed decision.