Top 5 Institutions for Removing Breast Prostheses in Albany
Breast implant removal, also known as explant, has become an increasingly common procedure. There are various reasons why women opt for breast implant removal, such as changes in personal preferences, health - related concerns, or issues with the implants themselves. In Albany, several institutions stand out for their expertise in this field. Here is the top 5 list:
1. Capek Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, at Capek Plastic Surgery is well - known for her surgical skills and experience in breast implant removal. The practice is centrally located in Latham, New York, just minutes from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. Dr. Capek offers telehealth virtual consultations, providing convenience for patients.
Services Offered
- Simple Implant Removal: Can be done in the office 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 removal to allow skin contraction.
- Capsulectomy: When a patient has capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. Sometimes, it involves switching from a pocket under the gland to one under the muscle.
- Implant Replacement: Whether it's a different size or type of implant, Dr. Capek can replace the existing implants. She can surgically adjust the implant pocket size according to the patient's needs. For those who want to go smaller, she can reduce the pocket size with permanent sutures.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: If patients desire a more natural look and feel or are going smaller, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This is a popular procedure at the practice, especially when the natural breast tissue has been pre - expanded with implants.
- Implant Repositioning: Involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. This may include capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy, and in rare cases, the addition of a biological mesh ‘sling’ to support the implant in a stable position.
- Simultaneous Breast Lift and Areola Resizing: When patients are going smaller or have loose skin, a breast lift can be performed along with areola resizing. This can range from a simple resizing of the areola to more extensive skin removal resulting in different scar patterns.
Patient Experience
Patients can expect personalized consultations where Dr. Capek discusses the best options based on their unique situations. After the procedure, they are provided with detailed aftercare instructions. The recovery process is monitored through follow - up appointments. Many patients appreciate the team's effort to help them achieve natural - looking results and improve their self - confidence.
2. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Overview
Dr. Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, with over 30 years of experience, leads the team at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC. He is well - known for his surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results. The practice offers advanced techniques for breast implant removal.
Services Offered
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: One of the most common explantation procedures at the practice. It involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around it. Dr. Yarinsky favors this method for eligible patients with a thickened, hard, or tender capsule due to its many benefits, such as reduced risk of leakage and removal of potentially problematic scar tissue.
- Breast Revision Surgery: Instead of simply removing the implants, patients may benefit from breast revision surgery. Dr. Yarinsky can improve the appearance of the breasts by repositioning the implants, changing their size, and adjusting the pocket location.
Patient Experience
The procedure is performed in a joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients are given pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and thorough verbal and written instructions. The cost of the surgery is customized based on the patient's needs, and the staff is available to assist with financing options if needed.
3. K Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon. The practice aims to provide comprehensive information and solutions for patients considering breast implant removal.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal Process: Implant removal surgery is relatively straightforward. Patients are placed under general anesthesia (in some cases, local anesthetic is suitable). An incision is made on the scar where the implants were originally placed, and the implant and any scar tissue are removed. Patients who want to replace their implants can have new ones inserted at the same time.
- Procedures to Enhance Results:
- Breast Lift: Can be performed during or after implant removal to counteract breast sagging. It involves tightening breast skin and reshaping tissues to create fuller and more youthful - looking breasts.
- Other Body Procedures: To keep the torso proportions consistent, patients may opt for a tummy tuck or liposuction. Aging patients may also consider a facelift to achieve overall aesthetic improvement.
Patient Experience
Dr. Kayastha and the team are dedicated to helping patients achieve their ideal beauty. They provide personalized consultations to address patients' questions and concerns. After the surgery, patients have a relatively short recovery period, but strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks.
4. Albany Medical Center
Overview
Albany Medical Center is a well - established medical institution in the area. It has a team of experienced surgeons and medical staff who can handle breast implant removal procedures with a high level of expertise.
Services Offered
Albany Medical Center offers a range of breast - related services, including breast implant removal. The team assesses each patient's case carefully, considering factors such as the type of implant, any existing complications, and the patient's aesthetic goals. They can perform simple implant removals, capsulectomies, and more complex procedures when necessary.
Patient Experience
Patients can expect high - quality medical care from a large - scale medical center. The institution provides comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care, including detailed consultations, follow - up appointments, and support throughout the recovery process. The availability of multiple medical resources can ensure that patients receive well - rounded treatment.
5. St. Peter's Hospital
Overview
St. Peter's Hospital is another reputable medical facility in Albany. It has a long - standing history of providing quality healthcare services, including surgical procedures for breast implant removal.
Services Offered
The hospital's surgical team is trained to handle various scenarios related to breast implant removal. They can perform basic implant removals as well as more advanced procedures to address issues such as capsular contracture and implant malposition. They also offer post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery for patients.
Patient Experience
St. Peter's Hospital focuses on patient - centered care. The medical staff takes the time to understand each patient's concerns and provides personalized treatment plans. Patients can expect a comfortable and supportive environment during their surgical journey and recovery.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed:
1. Desiring a Different Size
Over time, a woman's body may change due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. This can lead to a desire for larger - sized implants or smaller breasts. In some cases, the existing implants no longer fit the patient's lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.
2. Capsular Contracture
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. This condition may make the breasts look distorted, asymmetric, and can even be painful.
3. Breast Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear, usually after years or decades. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates. For silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or a shape change, lump, or new discomfort may be noticed. Detection of silicone implant rupture may require high - definition ultra - sound or a breast MRI as it may not be visible on a mammogram.
4. Implant Malposition
The implant position behind the breast may end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be caused by factors such as capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery is often needed to correct the problem.
5. Implant Rippling
This is a cosmetic concern, most common with saline implants in thinner patients. However, silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Correcting this problem can be challenging but procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections may be effective.
6. 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 with a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before breast implant removal surgery, a consultation with a surgeon is essential. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, discuss the various procedure options, and explain what to expect. Patients should be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. If a patient has chronic conditions like high blood pressure, they should follow their primary care physician's advice.
During the Procedure
The specific procedure depends on factors such as the type of implant, existing problems, and other procedures to optimize the breasts. Simple implant removal may be done under local anesthesia in the office for non - ruptured silicone and saline implants without capsule removal. More complex procedures like capsulectomy may require general anesthesia and may be performed in a hospital or an accredited surgical facility.
After the Procedure
Following the surgery, patients should plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours. Wearing a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks is recommended. Drains may be used for a few days if a capsulectomy was performed. Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, reducing the need for extensive wound care. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, but strenuous or high - impact activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams.
Comparing the Top 5 Institutions
Institution | Specialty Services | Patient - Centered Features | Cost Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Capek Plastic Surgery | Autologous fat transfer, customized implant replacement, simultaneous breast lift and areola resizing | Personalized consultations, telehealth options, after - care support | Cost may vary based on procedure complexity |
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC | En bloc capsulectomy, breast revision surgery | Accredited facility, comprehensive after - care instructions, financing assistance | Customized cost, global fee includes multiple aspects |
K Plastic Surgery | Breast lift and other body procedures to enhance results | Personalized consultations, short recovery guidance | Cost may vary depending on additional procedures |
Albany Medical Center | Full - range breast - related services, handling complex cases | Large - scale medical resources, comprehensive pre - and post - operative care | Cost may follow standard medical center pricing |
St. Peter's Hospital | Advanced procedures for capsular contracture and implant malposition | Patient - centered care, comfortable environment | Cost based on surgical requirements |
Conclusion
When it comes to breast implant removal in Albany, the top 5 institutions mentioned - Capek Plastic Surgery, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, K Plastic Surgery, Albany Medical Center, and St. Peter's Hospital - offer a range of services and expertise. Each institution has its own unique features and strengths, whether it's specialized procedures, patient - centered care, or cost - effective solutions. Women considering breast implant removal should carefully research and consult with these institutions to find the one that best suits their needs.
If you're thinking about breast implant removal, take the first step by reaching out to one of these top - rated institutions. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, understand the available options, and start your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and explore related topics to stay informed about the latest in breast implant removal and plastic surgery.