Introduction
For women in Albany who have had breast augmentation injections and are now considering removal, choosing the right hospital is crucial. The decision impacts not only the success of the procedure but also the overall experience and recovery process. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals in Albany for removing breast augmentation injections, along with a detailed understanding of breast implant removal, reasons for such procedures, and the processes involved.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
What is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, often referred to as explant, is a surgical procedure to take out breast implants. It may also involve removing some of the surrounding tissue. As noted by sources from various Albany - based plastic surgery practices, breast implants are not lifetime devices, and there are multiple reasons why a woman might opt for their removal. Some procedures also include a breast lift, replacement of the implants with a different type or size, or a fat transfer procedure using the patient's own fat.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Desiring a Different Size: Many patients find that over time, their bodies change due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. They may desire larger - sized implants or smaller breasts. As stated on multiple Albany plastic surgery websites, it's common for women with 10 - 20 - year - old implants to feel that the implants no longer suit their lifestyle.
- Capsular Contracture: This is one of the most common reasons for implant removal. 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 or asymmetric and sometimes resulting in breast pain.
- Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, it's usually obvious as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out and is absorbed. Silicone implants may show no symptoms or present as a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. High - definition ultrasound or a breast MRI is often used to confirm silicone implant rupture as a mammogram may not detect it.
- 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 due to capsular contracture, gravity, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes with age, weight, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional surgery may be needed to correct this issue.
- Implant Rippling: A cosmetic concern, it occurs most often with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin or stretched. Procedures like switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections may be used to correct this.
- Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with textured implants, leading to their recall. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women reporting a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
Top Three Hospitals for Removing Breast Augmentation Injections in Albany
1. Capek Surgical Arts
About the Practice
Capek Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Lucie Capek, offers a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite in Latham, NY, just minutes from Albany. Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures.
Procedure Offerings
- 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 simple removal, allowing the skin to contract and giving the patient time to decide on replacement.
- Capsulectomy: For patients with capsular contracture, Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue, creating a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. The incision may be the same as the one used for the original implant insertion, though it could be different or larger.
- Replacement Options: The practice offers replacement with new implants of different sizes or types. Dr. Capek can surgically adjust the “pocket” size to accommodate larger or smaller implants. Replacement with autologous fat is also a popular option for those seeking a more natural look and feel, especially when the natural breast tissue has been pre - expanded with implants.
- Implant Repositioning: Involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy may be used, and in rare cases, a biological mesh ‘sling’ can be added to support the implant in a stable position. This procedure may be combined with a breast lift.
- Simultaneous Breast Lift and Resizing of the Areolae: If the patient is going smaller or has loose skin, a breast lift can be performed simultaneously. It can range from a simple resizing of the areola to more extensive skin removal with different scar patterns.
Patient Experience and Aftercare
Patients can expect a personalized consultation where Dr. Capek assesses their unique situation and explains all procedure options. After the surgery, they are advised to rest for 24 - 48 hours, shower after 48 hours, and wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. Patients with sedentary jobs can typically return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments are scheduled to oversee the recovery process.
2. K Plastic Surgery
About the Surgeon
Dr. Kayastha, a board - certified plastic surgeon, serves Albany, NY, and the entire capital region. He has an impressive educational background, including undergraduate studies at Cornell University, medical school at SUNY Buffalo, and fellowships in surgical pathology and hand and microsurgery.
Procedure Details
- Basic Removal: Breast implant removal without replacement utilizes previous incision sites to avoid new scarring. The procedure can be done alone to return the breasts to their natural appearance or combined with a breast lift to correct sagging after volume loss.
- Addressing Complications: If capsular contracture is present, it will be corrected during the removal. New implants can be placed if the patient desires. The surgeon also discusses potential risks related to breast implants, such as their possible link to autoimmune diseases, cellulitis, pain, and infection over time.
Recovery and Support
After the procedure, patients can expect bruising and swelling in the days following surgery. Prescription pain medication is provided to minimize discomfort, and a surgical bra is given to aid the healing process. Patients should take at least 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. Dr. Kayastha and his team offer detailed pre - and post - operative instructions and support.
3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, a board - certified plastic surgeon, has performed thousands of breast procedures. His 3 - dimensional approach and personal consultation process aim to provide customized, natural - looking results for patients in Latham, Troy, Saratoga, Utica, and throughout Albany County.
Breast Augmentation Revision Procedures
- Breast Implant Removal (Explant): Ideal for women who no longer want implants. Dr. Rockmore fully removes the breast implants while maintaining an attractive breast shape, causing the breasts to return to roughly their original size.
- Breast Implant Exchange: For those who want to maintain their breast volume but adjust the size, shape, or material of their implants. This is also a popular option for women with ruptured implants who wish to keep a fuller shape.
- Breast Implant Revision: Addresses concerns about the position or placement of implants. The procedure reshapes the breasts, repositions the implants, and adjusts the surrounding tissue to create a more youthful and attractive shape.
Commonly Combined Procedures
Many women choose to combine their revision surgery with other procedures such as a breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover. This helps to consolidate downtime and achieve overall body aesthetic goals.
Recovery and Follow - up
Breast augmentation revision is performed in a fully accredited surgical center near Dr. Rockmore's office under general anesthesia. Most women return to work after 7 - 10 days and resume exercise after 4 - 6 weeks. The surgeon provides aftercare instructions and clears patients to return to their activities as they heal.
Comparing the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Procedure Offerings | Surgeon Expertise | Patient Experience and Aftercare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capek Surgical Arts | Simple implant removal, capsulectomy, replacement with implants or fat, implant repositioning, simultaneous breast lift and areola resizing | Dr. Lucie Capek, board - certified with extensive breast implant removal experience | Personalized consultation, detailed pre - and post - operative instructions, short - and long - term follow - up |
| K Plastic Surgery | Breast implant removal with or without replacement, correction of capsular contracture, discussion of implant - related risks | Dr. Kayastha, board - certified with a diverse educational background and fellowships | Provision of pain medication and surgical bra, clear guidelines for recovery and activity resumption |
| Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Breast implant removal, exchange, revision, commonly combined with other body procedures | Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, board - certified with thousands of breast procedures performed | Outpatient surgery, relatively short recovery time for work and exercise resumption, aftercare instructions |
Pre - Procedure Considerations
Consultation
Regardless of the hospital chosen, a consultation with the surgeon is a crucial first step. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, discuss their aesthetic goals, and explain the available procedure options. For example, at Capek Surgical Arts, Dr. Capek ensures that patients are well - informed participants in the planning of their procedure. At K Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kayastha also spends time discussing the risks associated with breast implants and the expected outcomes of the removal procedure.
Health Preparation
Patients are advised to be in optimum health before undergoing elective surgery. This includes following a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and refraining from smoking. Those with chronic conditions like high blood pressure should follow their primary care physician's advice for treatment.
Procedure Process and Variations
Anesthesia
The choice of anesthesia depends on the type of procedure. Simple implant removal may be done under local anesthesia, while more complex procedures like capsulectomy usually require general anesthesia. For instance, at Capek Surgical Arts, simple implant removal without capsule removal and when silicone implants are not ruptured can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. On the other hand, most of the explant and revision surgeries at Rockmore Plastic Surgery are performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical center.
Incisions
Surgeons often try to use the original incision site for implant removal to minimize new scarring. However, in some cases, a different or larger incision may be needed, especially if additional procedures like a breast lift or capsulectomy are being performed. At Capek Surgical Arts, the incision for capsulectomy may depend on the situation and could be the same as the original one or different.
Complications and Their Management
While all surgical procedures carry some risk, professional and experienced surgeons in Albany take steps to minimize them. Common risks include bleeding, infection, side effects from anesthesia, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. For example, if a patient experiences bleeding during surgery, the surgeon will take appropriate measures to control it. In case of infection after the procedure, antibiotics may be prescribed. At K Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kayastha discusses the possible risks during the consultation to ensure patients are well - aware and prepared.
Post - Procedure Recovery
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, patients typically need to rest for 24 - 48 hours. They may experience bruising and swelling, which are normal reactions. Prescription pain medication is usually provided to manage discomfort. Most patients are also given a surgical bra to wear for a certain period to aid in the healing process. For example, at Capek Surgical Arts, patients are advised to wear a surgical bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks.
Return to Normal Activities
Patients with sedentary jobs can usually return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. The exact recovery time can vary depending on the patient's health and the extent of the procedure. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, most women return to work after 7 - 10 days and resume exercise after 4 - 6 weeks.
Long - Term Follow - up
Patients are encouraged to continue with their regular mammograms and breast exams. Those with silicone implants may need periodic high - definition ultrasounds or MRIs to screen for silent implant rupture. Surgeons schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the recovery process and address any concerns that may arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for women in Albany seeking to remove breast augmentation injections, the top three hospitals - Capek Surgical Arts, K Plastic Surgery, and Rockmore Plastic Surgery - offer a range of procedures and high - quality care. Each hospital has experienced surgeons who can provide personalized treatment plans based on the patient's needs and goals. The pre - procedure consultation, procedure process, and post - procedure recovery are all carefully managed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these reputable hospitals. Take the time to discuss your concerns and expectations with the surgeon, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in Albany.
