Introduction
Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure, but in some cases, women may choose to have their breast prostheses removed. The reasons can be diverse, including a desire for a different breast size, capsular contracture, implant rupture, or changes in personal preferences. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical facilities that offer breast prosthesis removal services. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals in Albany for this procedure, along with relevant information about breast implant removal, the best doctors, and related considerations.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Before delving into the top hospitals, it's important to understand the common reasons why women opt for breast implant removal:
- Desire for a different size: Over time, a woman's body may change due to factors such as pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. This can lead to a desire for larger or smaller breasts, prompting the removal of existing implants. As stated in the source from capekplasticsurgery.com, "you may desire larger - sized implants or smaller breasts. It is common for women to have 10 - 20 year old implants and over the years their breasts and figure have changed with pregnancy, menopause and weight changes."
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause pain. "Capsular contracture refers to the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant. This may occur shortly after your first breast augmentation surgery or many years later," according to capekplasticsurgery.com.
- Implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. With saline implants, the breast may deflate as the saline leaks out. Silicone implant rupture may not always be obvious, and symptoms can include a shape change, lump, or discomfort. The fda recommends using high - definition ultra - sound to screen for silicone breast implant rupture regularly. (capekplasticsurgery.com)
- Implant malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position, either too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. Various factors such as capsular contracture, gravity, and tissue changes can contribute to this issue. "In some cases, the implant position behind your breast may end up too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can occur shortly after your first procedure or gradually over many years," mentioned in capekplasticsurgery.com.
- Recalled implants, ALCL, and BII: There are concerns about rare but serious risks associated with breast implants, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) related to textured implants and breast implant illness (BII). In such cases, breast implant removal may be considered. The article on capekplasticsurgery.com states that "more recent concerns with breast implants include the rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants and the recall of the sale of these implants. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women who self - identify as complaining of a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern expressed by some breast implant patients."
The Top Three Hospitals in Albany for Breast Prosthesis Removal
1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
According to the US News Best Hospitals rankings, St. Peter's Hospital - Albany is ranked #1 in Albany, NY. It is high performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. In the context of breast care, it was awarded in bariatrics, cancer care, comprehensive breast centers, heart care, obstetrics, patient safety, women's services, and the best mammogram imaging center, as per the Women's Choice Award. With a patient recommendation of 73/100, it indicates a relatively high level of patient satisfaction. The hospital is located at 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208, and the contact number is (518) 525 - 1550. The combination of its high - performance in multiple specialties and positive patient feedback makes it a top choice for breast prosthesis removal.
2. Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is ranked #2 in Albany, NY by US News Best Hospitals. It is high performing in 13 procedures/conditions. The hospital is also awarded in comprehensive breast centers by the Women's Choice Award. Located at 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, with a contact number of (518) 262 - 3125, it has a patient recommendation of 58/100. Albany Medical Center offers a wide range of medical services and has the expertise and resources necessary for breast prosthesis removal procedures. The fact that it is recognized for its performance in multiple medical procedures shows its credibility and capability in handling complex cases.
3. Capek Surgical Arts (though not a traditional hospital, it offers high - quality services)
Dr. Capek at Capek Surgical Arts is an experienced board - certified plastic surgeon. She offers breast implant removal services in her state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite in Latham, NY. The center provides a comfortable and discreet surgical experience. Dr. Capek assesses each patient's unique situation and offers various procedure options, including simple implant removal, capsulectomy, replacement with new implants, replacement with autologous fat, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae. As mentioned in capekplasticsurgery.com, "Dr. Capek performs most explant and revision breast implant surgery in her office - based operating suite, capek surgical arts, or an outpatient hospital operating room." The personal attention and individualized treatment plans make it a great option for those seeking breast prosthesis removal in the Albany area.
Comparing the Top Three Entities
Entity | Rank | Specialties/Procedures | Patient Recommendation | Location | Contact | Unique Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 in Albany, NY | High performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions; awarded in multiple areas including breast care | 73/100 | 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 | (518) 525 - 1550 | Comprehensive range of services and high patient satisfaction |
Albany Medical Center | #2 in Albany, NY | High performing in 13 procedures/conditions; awarded in comprehensive breast centers | 58/100 | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 | (518) 262 - 3125 | Wide range of medical services and recognized for performance |
Capek Surgical Arts | N/A | Breast implant removal, explant and revision surgery, various related procedures | N/A | Latham, NY | Not specified in detail but offers consultations | Personalized approach by an experienced surgeon in a comfortable setting |
Best Doctors in Albany for Breast - Related Procedures
Finding a skilled doctor is crucial for a successful breast prosthesis removal procedure. Here are some of the best doctors in Albany:
- Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD: Rated 4.90 out of 5 stars. He is located at 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. His high rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction and expertise in breast - related procedures, including breast augmentation and potentially breast prosthesis removal.
- Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO: Also rated 4.90 out of 5 stars. With an address at 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211, he is likely to be a reliable choice for patients seeking breast implant removal.
- Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD: Rated 4.90 out of 5 stars and located at 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054. His excellent rating shows his proficiency in his field.
These doctors, along with many others in Albany, have the knowledge and experience to handle breast - related surgeries. As stated in the Healthgrades source, "the providers below have at least 10 or more past patient ratings, so you can be confident that these providers have the experience that you are looking for."
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 any complications, and the patient's aesthetic goals.
Pre - Procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with a qualified doctor is necessary. The doctor will assess the patient's unique situation, discuss the reasons for implant removal, and explain the available procedure options. It is important for the patient to be in optimum health. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refraining from smoking as it can affect the body's ability to heal. The doctor may also provide pre - operative instructions to ensure a smooth procedure, as mentioned in capekplasticsurgery.com: "Before your surgery, a consultation with Dr. Capek is necessary. She will assess your unique situation and explain your various procedure options. She wants you to be an informed participant in the planning of your procedure so that you are ultimately comfortable and satisfied with your results."
During the Procedure
Simple implant removal can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room if 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, a capsulectomy may be performed to remove the scar tissue. The doctor may use the same incision as the original implant insertion or a different one. In some cases, additional procedures like breast lift, replacement with new implants, or fat transfer may be combined with the implant removal, as detailed in capekplasticsurgery.com: "Dr. Capek performs most explant and revision breast implant surgery in her office - based operating suite, capek surgical arts, or an outpatient hospital operating room. If you have a capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a procedure called a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. This also creates a fresh pocket for a new implant."
Post - Procedure
After the surgery, patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours and should wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Drains may be placed for a few days if a capsulectomy has been done. Most patients with sedentary jobs can return to work within a week, but strenuous activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Regular follow - up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the recovery process. It is also important to continue with regular mammograms and breast exams in the long term, especially if silicone implants were used previously. According to capekplasticsurgery.com, "you can look forward to a better - proportioned figure, as well as improved self - confidence! Following your surgery, plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. You can shower after 48 hours. Additionally, we recommend you wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks."
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure. For example, at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, the average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on whether a simple removal alone, capsulectomy, or a more involved procedure is needed. The cost usually includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits. Some facilities may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. As mentioned in yarinsky.com, "at your consultation, after Dr. Yarinsky determines what procedure will be best for you, you will receive a 'global fee', which includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of our operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits. The total cost varies since Dr. Yarinsky customizes each breast explantation surgery to meet your needs and desires."
Risks Associated with Breast Implant Removal
Although breast implant removal is a common procedure, it still carries some risks. These include:
- Scarring: Incisions made during the surgery can leave scars. The extent and visibility of the scars depend on the surgical technique used and the patient's healing ability.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: There may be temporary or permanent changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast area.
- Bleeding and infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. However, with proper pre - operative preparation and post - operative care, these risks can be minimized.
- Recurrent implant complications: In some cases, new complications may arise even after the removal of the implants, such as the development of a new capsular contracture if implants are reinserted later.
It is important for patients to discuss these risks with their doctor before the procedure. As stated in capekplasticsurgery.com, "even with the care of a professionally trained, board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Capek, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Trade - offs include scars and and changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast. Though uncommon, risks include bleeding, infection, side effects from anesthesia and recurrent implant complications."
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are considering breast prosthesis removal in Albany, you have several excellent options. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany, Albany Medical Center, and Capek Surgical Arts are among the top choices due to their expertise, resources, and patient - centric approach. Additionally, there are many skilled doctors in the area who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. Before making a decision, it is crucial to have a detailed consultation with a qualified doctor to understand the procedure, its risks, and the expected outcomes. Remember to consider factors such as the hospital's reputation, the doctor's experience, and the cost when choosing a provider.
Take the first step towards your desired breast change by scheduling a consultation with one of the top hospitals or doctors in Albany. Share your concerns and goals, and let the professionals guide you through the process. If you found this article helpful, share it with others who may be in a similar situation. And feel free to explore more related topics on our site to gain a deeper understanding of breast - related procedures.