The Battle of the Best: Albany's Top Three Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal

Introduction

Breast implant removal is becoming an increasingly common procedure, whether due to medical complications or personal preference. In Albany, there are several hospitals and clinics offering this service, but three stand out for their expertise, patient care, and excellent results. In this article, we will explore these top three institutions and conduct a virtual "strength PK" to see what each has to offer.

Understanding Breast Implant Removal

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure designed to take out the breast implants. As breast implants are not permanent devices, they may need to be replaced eventually. Some women decide to have them removed for various reasons, including dissatisfaction with their appearance, medical complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or concerns about breast implant illness.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it is important to have implants exchanged or removed approximately every 10 - 15 years, based on individual needs and desires. The procedure can be performed alone to return the breasts to their natural appearance or combined with other procedures like a breast lift to correct sagging caused by volume loss.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

• Unhappy with Current Implants: Women who are no longer satisfied with the size, shape, or feel of their breast implants may choose to have them removed. For example, after pregnancy or weight changes, the breasts may have changed in a way that the implants no longer complement the body.
• Medical Complications: Those who have experienced complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture (either saline or silicone), or infections are candidates for removal. Capsular contracture can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and asymmetry. In the case of a rupture, saline implants usually result in a sudden decrease in breast size, while silicone implants may show less obvious symptoms, such as a distorted shape or a firm feeling.
• Concerns about Health: Some women are worried about the potential long - term health effects of breast implants, such as breast implant illness, which is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, headaches, and joint pain. Although there is no scientific consensus on the direct link between breast implants and these symptoms, some patients feel better after having the implants removed.

Albany's Top Three Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal

1. K Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. He has an impressive educational background, graduating from Cornell University with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo and completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. After that, he had a highly sought - after position in the Michigan State - Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency and a one - year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. Before starting private practice, he spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. He is board - certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Procedure Details

During breast implant removal at K Plastic Surgery, an incision is made over the previous scar. The implant is then taken out through the incision. If capsular contracture is present, it will be corrected, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires. A breast lift can also be performed at the same time to reposition the breasts higher on the chest and remove excess skin. Breast implant removal without replacement utilizes the previous incision sites to avoid new scarring.

Patient Experience

One patient had this to say about Dr. Kayastha: "Dr. Kayastha did a procedure for me in February and I am 100% happy! From start to finish he worked very hard and gave me nothing but his absolute best! He took his time and explained everything to me before and after. His bedside manner was impeccable! My surgery went extremely well and he was not lying when he said he would give me his very best. I would recommend him if you are looking for a plastic surgeon. He is the best!"

Recovery Process

After the surgery, patients can expect some bruising and swelling in the days following breast implant removal. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort. A surgical bra is provided to aid in the healing process. Patients should take at least a few days off work to recover at home and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until six weeks after the procedure.

2. Capek Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, is an experienced plastic surgeon. She is well - versed in various breast implant removal and revision procedures and offers personalized consultations to discuss the best options for each patient.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

The most common reasons for breast implant removal in Albany at Capek Plastic Surgery include capsular contracture, a desire for a different breast size, implant rupture, or changes after menopause or childbearing. The clinic offers a wide range of options during the explant surgery, such as a breast lift, replacement of the implants with a different type or size, or a fat transfer procedure using the patient's own fat (natural breast augmentation).

Procedure Options

• 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 over several weeks, and the patient can then decide whether to replace them. There is minimal downtime and discomfort with this limited procedure.
• Capsulectomy: If there is capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant. Sometimes, it may involve switching from a pocket under the gland to one under the muscle. A different or larger incision may be needed, and patients should be aware that there is a higher risk of capsular contracture recurrence if implants are reinserted.
• Implant Replacement: The clinic can replace breast implants at the same time as explant or breast implant revision. Dr. Capek will use the original incision for implant removal and replacement if possible. For larger - sized implants, she will surgically enlarge the "pocket," and for smaller - sized implants, she may surgically reduce the pocket size with permanent sutures.
• Fat Transfer: For patients who want a more natural look and feel or are going smaller, implants can be replaced with the patient's own fat. This procedure works well when the natural breast tissue has already been "pre - expanded" with implants.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the surgery, patients should rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours and can shower after 48 hours. They are recommended to wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Drains may be used for a few days if a capsulectomy has been performed. Dissolvable sutures and glue are used, so little wound care is required. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, and strenuous or high - impact activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams, and those with silicone implants may need periodic MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture.

3. The Plastic Surgery Group

Surgeon Team

The Plastic Surgery Group physicians are well - known breast surgery specialists in Albany and the surrounding areas. They have extensive experience in a wide range of breast plastic surgery options, including breast implant removal.

Comprehensive Breast Care

In addition to breast implant removal, the group offers other breast procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and treatment for asymmetric breasts, tuberous breasts, and inverted nipples. This comprehensive approach allows patients to address multiple breast - related concerns in one place.

Consultation Process

The consultation is a crucial part of the treatment process at The Plastic Surgery Group. During the consultation, patients meet with a highly qualified plastic surgeon who asks about their concerns and desired treatment results. The surgeon reviews the patient's medical history, physically examines the breasts, and provides treatment recommendations. Details of the procedure, including pre - and post - operative instructions, are also discussed.

Customized Treatment Plans

Based on the patient's individual needs and goals, the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group create customized treatment plans. For example, if a patient wants to remove breast implants and also address sagging breasts, a breast lift may be combined with the implant removal procedure to achieve a more satisfactory result.

Comparing the Three Hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease? Although some potential links between breast implants and autoimmune diseases have been under study, more research is needed to fully understand the long - term effects. Surgeons at these hospitals can discuss the risks during the consultation.
• Can breast implants cause cellulitis? Cellulitis is a type of infection that can potentially occur after breast augmentation or reduction. It is crucial to select an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon for the procedure to minimize this risk.
• Can breast implants cause pain years later? Breast implant illness has drawn attention in recent years, prompting investigations into breast implants and their side effects. Surgeons can provide the latest information on what to expect.
• Can breast implants get infected years later? Infection of the breast implants becomes rarer over time. If an infection does develop, the implants should be removed to allow the infection to resolve.
• Do breast implants cause health problems? There are health risks associated with any implant surgery. Breast implants are one of the most - studied medical devices on the market, and surgeons can discuss these risks during the consultation.

Procedure - Related Questions

• How do I know if my implants are leaking? If you have saline breast implants, a leak results in a sudden decrease in breast size in one or both breasts. For silicone implants, a leak may manifest as a distorted shape or an increasingly firm feeling as scar tissue develops.
• Do breast implants sag over time? While the implants themselves do not cause breasts to sag, breast augmentation results can start to descend due to the aging process, where the skin becomes lax and the breasts begin to naturally sag.
• How do I prepare for breast implant removal? Surgeons will give specific instructions during the consultation, which usually involve adjusting medications and fasting for a certain period of time prior to surgery.
• What will my recovery be like? In general, patients can expect some bruising and swelling after the surgery. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort. Wearing a surgical bra and following activity restrictions are important for a smooth recovery. The exact recovery time may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top three hospitals in Albany for breast augmentation prosthesis removal - K Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery, and The Plastic Surgery Group - each have their own strengths. K Plastic Surgery stands out for its surgeon's in - depth expertise and excellent patient reviews. Capek Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of procedure options and personalized care. The Plastic Surgery Group provides comprehensive breast care and customized treatment plans.

If you are considering breast implant removal, it is important to do your research, schedule consultations with these hospitals, and discuss your concerns and goals with the surgeons. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the hospital that is best suited for your needs.

Don't hesitate to take the next step towards achieving your desired results. Reach out to one of these top hospitals in Albany today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a more confident you.