Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant, has become increasingly popular as women embrace more natural lifestyle options. Many factors can lead to the decision to remove breast implants, such as capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or changes after menopause or childbearing. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. This article will present the top 5 hospitals for breast implant removal surgery in Albany, 2025, along with an in - depth look at the reasons for the surgery, the procedures involved, and other related aspects.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why a patient might choose to undergo breast implant removal surgery. Understanding these reasons is crucial as it helps both the patient and the surgeon determine the most appropriate course of action.
Desiring a Different Size
Over time, a woman's body changes due to various factors such as pregnancy, menopause, and weight fluctuations. As a result, the original breast implants may no longer fit her body or lifestyle. Some patients may desire larger - sized implants for a more enhanced look, while others may prefer smaller breasts for a more natural or practical appearance. For example, a woman who has had children may find that her pre - pregnancy breast implants are no longer in proportion with her new body shape.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common reasons for implant removal or revision. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. This can happen shortly after the initial breast augmentation surgery or many years later. Capsular contracture can cause the breasts to look distorted or asymmetric and may even result in breast pain. A study shows that the incidence of capsular contracture can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant and the surgical technique used.
Breast Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear, usually years or even decades after implantation. With saline implants, rupture is often obvious as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out and is absorbed. In contrast, silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect, as there may be no symptoms, or a patient 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 if a rupture is suspected, a breast MRI is often used for confirmation.
Implant Malposition
The implant may end up in an incorrect position, such as being too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can occur immediately after the first procedure or gradually over time. Reasons for implant malposition include capsular contracture, gravity in combination with thin tissue, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes related to age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery, such as internal suturing techniques (capsulorrhaphy), implant replacement, or the use of an internal biological mesh ‘sling’, is usually required to correct the problem.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is a cosmetic concern, especially common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the overlying tissues are thin or stretched. Correcting implant rippling can be challenging, but procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections into the thin tissues may be effective.
Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII
More recent concerns in the field of breast implants are the rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants and the recall of these implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women reporting a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In such cases, breast implant removal, including capsulectomy and other appropriate procedures, may be considered.
The Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in Albany in 2025
1. Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Surgical Arts offers a comprehensive approach to breast implant removal. Her office - based operating suite in Latham, NY, is quad - accredited, providing a comfortable and discreet surgical experience. Dr. Capek takes the time to have a personalized consultation with each patient, discussing the best options for breast implant removal to achieve optimal aesthetic results. She is experienced in various procedures, including simple implant removal, capsulectomy, implant replacement, fat transfer, and breast lift. Before the procedure, she assesses the patient's unique situation, explains all the procedure options, and ensures that the patient is well - informed and comfortable with the plan. The recovery process at Capek Surgical Arts is well - managed, with detailed aftercare instructions provided to minimize complications and ensure a smooth recovery. Patients can expect a better - proportioned figure and improved self - confidence after the surgery.
2. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery in Albany, NY, is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. He completed his education at top institutions, including Cornell University and SUNY Buffalo, and has additional fellowships in surgical pathology, hand and microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery. His patients praise his excellent bedside manner and the high - quality results of his surgeries. During the breast implant removal procedure, he utilizes the previous incision sites to avoid new scarring. He can also correct capsular contracture and perform a breast lift at the same time if needed. The clinic provides detailed information about the procedure, including answers to common FAQs about breast implants and their potential complications. After the surgery, patients are given instructions for a smooth recovery, including pain management and activity restrictions.
3. St. Peter's Health Partners
St. Peter's Health Partners offers comprehensive breast surgery in both Albany and Troy. With highly - skilled, board - certified, and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, experienced surgical teams, and state - of - the - art procedure rooms, they are well - equipped to handle breast implant removal. In addition to standard breast implant removal, they also offer advanced breast - conserving surgery and breast reconstruction. Their breast surgeons are trained in cutting - edge techniques, such as oncoplastic surgery, which combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices to conserve breast tissue. This is especially beneficial for patients who may have other breast - related concerns in addition to implant removal. The hospital's commitment to patient care and its focus on the latest surgical advancements make it a top choice for breast implant removal.
4. Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System provides a full range of breast care services at all four of its hospitals. Their breast care services are patient - focused, guiding patients through screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of breast disease, as well as routine preventive care. In the context of breast implant removal, they have access to the latest therapies and clinical trials through their partnership with New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH). Their facilities are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for services in breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, computed tomography, and MRI. This ensures that patients receive high - quality care during the entire process of breast implant removal, from pre - operative assessment to post - operative follow - up.
5. [To be determined hospital, based on future research and patient reviews]
As the medical field is constantly evolving, there may be other hospitals emerging as top choices for breast implant removal in Albany in 2025. It is important to stay updated on patient reviews, new research, and advancements in surgical techniques when considering a hospital for this procedure. Further research can be done to identify a fifth hospital that meets the high standards of safety, expertise, and patient satisfaction.
Pre - procedure Considerations
Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery, there are several important steps that patients need to take.
Consultation
A consultation with the surgeon is crucial. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, including the type of implant, any existing problems, and the patient's aesthetic goals. They will explain all the available procedure options, potential risks, and expected outcomes. For example, Dr. Capek at Capek Surgical Arts spends time ensuring that the patient is an informed participant in the planning of the procedure. This allows the patient to make a well - informed decision about their surgery.
Health Preparation
Patients should be in optimum health when considering elective surgery. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, such as having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Smoking can decrease the body's ability to heal normally, which can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure should follow their primary care physician's advice to manage their health.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The breast implant removal procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant, the presence of problems, and the patient's aesthetic goals.
Simple Implant Removal
Simple implant removal can be performed in an 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. In the case of saline implants, they are sometimes drained prior to removal to allow the skin to contract over several weeks, giving the patient time to decide whether they want the implants replaced. This limited procedure usually has minimal downtime and discomfort.
Capsulectomy
If a patient has capsular contracture, a capsulectomy may be performed. This involves removing the scar tissue around the implant, creating a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. In some cases, the surgeon may switch the implant pocket from under the breast gland to under the pectoralis muscle. The surgeon may use the same incision as the original implant insertion, but a different or larger incision may be required. It's important to note that once a patient has had a capsular contracture, there is a higher risk of it recurring if implants are reinserted.
Implant Replacement
In many cases, patients may choose to replace their breast implants at the same time as the removal or revision. The surgeon will recommend the type of implant that best suits the patient's goals. If the patient wants a larger - sized implant, the surgeon will surgically enlarge the “pocket” under the breast. For those who want smaller - sized implants, the surgeon may surgically reduce the size of the pocket with permanent sutures.
Replacement with Autologous Fat
Replacing implants with autologous fat is a popular option for patients who want a more natural look and feel or want to go smaller. This procedure works well when the patient's natural breast tissue has already been “pre - expanded” with implants. It involves harvesting fat from other parts of the patient's body and injecting it into the breasts.
Implant Repositioning
Implant repositioning usually involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. This can be done through capsulorrhaphy (tightening the capsule) or capsulotomy (releasing the capsule). In rare cases, a biological mesh ‘sling’ may be added to support the implant in a stable position. The most common incision for this procedure is in the fold under the breast, and it may be combined with other procedures like 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 performed at the same time as implant removal. This can range from a simple resizing of the areola to a more extensive skin removal, resulting in a lollipop (vertical) scar or anchor scar.
Post - procedure Recovery and Risks
Recovery
After breast implant removal surgery, patients can expect a period of recovery. In the first 24 to 48 hours, patients should rest quietly. They can shower after 48 hours. Wearing a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks is usually recommended, and the type of bra will be specified based on the procedure. If a capsulectomy has been performed, patients may have drains for a few days. Since dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, wound care requirements are minimal. Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Recovery times can vary from patient to patient depending on their health and the extent of the procedure. Regular follow - up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the recovery process.
Risks
Although breast implant removal surgery is generally considered safe, there are still some risks involved. These include bleeding, infection, side effects from anesthesia, changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast, and recurrent implant complications. However, with the care of a professionally trained, board - certified plastic surgeon, serious risks and complications are infrequent. Surgeons like Dr. Capek and Dr. Kayastha take all necessary precautions before, during, and after the surgery to minimize these risks.
Conclusion
In 2025, Albany offers several top - notch hospitals for breast implant removal surgery. These hospitals, such as Capek Surgical Arts, K Plastic Surgery, St. Peter's Health Partners, and Albany Med Health System, provide high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and a variety of procedure options. Understanding the reasons for breast implant removal, the pre - procedure preparations, the details of the procedure, and the post - procedure recovery and risks is essential for patients considering this surgery. If you are thinking about breast implant removal, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your options and make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to take the next step in achieving your aesthetic goals and improving your well - being. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal surgery and explore more about breast health on our website.
