Introduction
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that is becoming increasingly common. There are various reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed, including health issues, dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, or simply a desire to return to a more natural look. In Albany, there are several hospitals and medical centers that offer high - quality services for prosthesis breast removal and recovery. This article will introduce five such establishments that are both regular and powerful in providing these services.
1. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, is well - known for his surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results. When it comes to breast implant removal, he uses the most advanced techniques available.
Breast Implant Removal Procedures
- What is breast implant removal? Breast explantation refers to the removal of breast implants, which may also include removing some of the surrounding tissue. One of the most common explantation procedures is the “en bloc” capsulectomy. This 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 a reduced risk of leakage and the removal of potentially problematic scar tissue.
- Candidates for breast implant removal: Women who are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their implants, experience a leak, rupture, or capsular contracture, no longer want to have implants, or have rare conditions like breast implant illness (BII) or breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) may be candidates for the surgery.
- Procedure details: Dr. Yarinsky performs the breast explantation in his joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. Usually, only one incision is made along the inframammary fold. However, if the implants are larger or if a breast lift or skin tightening is needed, additional incisions may be necessary. After removing the implant (and capsule if required), he cleanses the pocket with an antibiotic solution to prevent postoperative infection.
Recovery
The timeline of recovery depends on the patient's overall health and the technique used. Patients usually experience swelling and bruising during the healing process, which should disappear within a few weeks to a few months. They are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately six weeks. Dr. Yarinsky prescribes pain medications, antibiotics, a post - surgical bra, and provides thorough verbal and written instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Cost
The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. At the consultation, after Dr. Yarinsky determines the best procedure for the patient, a “global fee” is provided, which includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, supplies, use of the operating facility, nursing care, and follow - up visits. Financing options are also available if needed.
2. Albany Med Health System
Comprehensive Breast Care Services
The Albany Med Health System offers a full range of breast care services, including those related to breast implant removal and recovery. Whether the needs are preventive, routine, chronic, or unexpected, the system caters to all types of patients.
Diagnostic and Treatment Services
- Radiology: The system offers top - level diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services, which are crucial for assessing the condition of breast implants before removal and evaluating the recovery process.
- Specialty services for breast conditions: It provides services for a wide range of breast conditions, including breast abscess, benign breast conditions and tumors, breast cancer in women and men, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care during and after breast implant removal.
Accreditations
Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for services in breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy, computed tomography, and MRI. This accreditation reflects the high quality of care provided in these facilities.
Patient - Focused Care
The system guides patients through screening, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of breast disease, as well as through routine preventive care. If a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer or other related issues during the breast implant removal process, the system has access to the latest therapies and clinical trials through its partners at New York Oncology Hematology (NY OH).
3. St. Peter's Health Partners
Skilled Surgical Teams
St. Peter's Health Partners has highly - skilled, board - certified and fellowship - trained breast surgeons, along with experienced surgical teams. This ensures that patients undergoing breast implant removal receive the best possible surgical care.
Breast Surgery Techniques
- Breast conservation surgery: Although not directly related to breast implant removal, it showcases the surgical expertise of the hospital. For example, lumpectomy (a form of breast conservation surgery) is the most common form of breast cancer surgery at St. Peter's, where the tumor and some of the surrounding breast tissue is removed.
- Advanced breast conserving surgery (oncoplastic surgery): This combines plastic surgery techniques and surgical oncology practices with the goal of conserving breast tissue. The breast surgeons at St. Peter's Hospital are specially trained in this cutting - edge technique, which can be relevant in cases where additional breast reshaping is needed after implant removal.
- Breast reconstruction and mastectomy: Mastectomy (removal of the whole breast tissue) may be an option in some cases related to severe breast implant complications. Breast reconstruction can be performed simultaneously or at a later date, and the surgeon will consult with each patient to determine the best approach.
4. Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Capek's Expertise
Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon. She offers personalized consultations to discuss the best options for breast implant removal based on the patient's unique situation and aesthetic goals. Her experience with various procedures ensures that patients can achieve excellent cosmetic results.
Reasons for Explant Surgery
- Desiring a different size: Many patients come to Dr. Capek because their bodies have changed over time due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight changes, and they no longer feel that their implants suit their lifestyle. They may desire larger or smaller breasts.
- Capsular contracture: This is the hardening and tightening of scar tissue around an implant, which can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause pain. Dr. Capek performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue in such cases.
- Breast implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. Saline implant rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates, while silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect and may require high - definition ultrasound or MRI screening.
- Implant malposition: The implant may end up in an incorrect position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can be corrected through procedures like capsulorrhaphy, implant replacement, or the use of an internal biological mesh ‘sling’.
- Implant rippling: A cosmetic concern, especially with saline implants in thinner patients. Dr. Capek may recommend switching to a cohesive ‘gummy’ silicone implant or fat injections to camouflage the rippling.
- Recalled implants, ALCL and BII: Concerns about anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants and breast implant illness (BII) may also lead to breast implant removal.
Procedures Offered
- Simple implant removal: Can be done in the quada - accredited 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. Saline breast implants may be drained prior to removal.
- Capsulectomy: Performed for capsular contracture. It creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if the patient desires replacement.
- Replacement with new implants: The original incision is often used for implant removal and replacement. Dr. Capek may surgically enlarge or reduce the “pocket” depending on the desired implant size.
- Replacement with autologous fat: A popular option for patients who want a more natural look and feel. It works well when the natural breast tissue has already been ‘pre - expanded’ with implants.
- Implant repositioning: Involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants, sometimes combined with a biological mesh ‘sling’ for support.
- Simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae: May be needed if the patient is going smaller or has loose skin.
Recovery and Risks
After the procedure, patients are advised to rest for 24 to 48 hours, shower after 48 hours, and wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. Those with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous activities should be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, and changes in nipple or breast sensation, but Dr. Capek's experience helps minimize these risks.
5. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kayastha's Qualifications
Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire capital region. He has an extensive educational background, including undergraduate studies at Cornell University, medical school at SUNY Buffalo, and fellowships in surgical pathology, hand and microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery. His qualifications and experience make him a reliable choice for breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Removal Process
- Who is a candidate? Candidates are those who are unhappy with their current breast implants, have experienced complications such as a leak or rupture, or have developed capsular contracture. Breast implant removal can return the breasts to their natural size and shape, and a lift procedure can be combined to correct sagging after volume loss.
- Procedure details: During the breast implant removal, an incision is made over the previous scar. The implant is then taken out, and if capsular contracture is present, it is corrected. New implants can be placed if the patient desires, and a breast lift can also be performed at the same time.
FAQs and Patient Concerns
Dr. Kayastha addresses common patient concerns during consultations. For example, although there is ongoing study about potential links between breast implants and autoimmune diseases, more research is needed. He also provides information on topics such as whether breast implants can cause cellulitis, pain years later, or infection over time, and clarifies that breast implants do not last a lifetime.
Recovery
Patients can expect some bruising and swelling in the days following surgery. Prescription pain medication can be taken to minimize discomfort, and a surgical bra is provided to aid in the healing process. They should take at least a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity, with more strenuous exercise postponed until six weeks after the procedure.
Comparing the Five Hospitals
Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Procedures Offered | Recovery Support | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC | Dr. Steven Yarinsky with over 30 years of experience | En bloc capsulectomy, breast explantation, possible breast lift | Prescription of medications, post - surgical bra, and detailed instructions | $6,000 - $18,000 with a global fee |
Albany Med Health System | Multiple board - certified doctors | Full range of breast care including implant removal, diagnostic and treatment services for various breast conditions | Guided through the entire process, access to latest therapies and clinical trials | Not specified; likely depends on procedure complexity |
St. Peter's Health Partners | Highly - skilled, board - certified and fellowship - trained breast surgeons | Breast conservation surgery, advanced breast conserving surgery, breast reconstruction and mastectomy | Individualized consultation for reconstruction options | Not specified; likely depends on procedure |
Capek Surgical Arts | Dr. Capek, board - certified plastic surgeon | Simple implant removal, capsulectomy, replacement with new implants or autologous fat, implant repositioning, breast lift | Post - surgery instructions for rest, bra usage, and activity restrictions | Not specified; likely varies by procedure |
K Plastic Surgery | Dr. Kayastha, board - certified plastic surgeon | Breast implant removal, correction of capsular contracture, possible breast lift and new implant placement | Prescription of pain medication, surgical bra, and guidelines for work and exercise | Not specified; likely depends on individual needs |
Conclusion
In Albany, these five hospitals - Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, Albany Med Health System, St. Peter's Health Partners, Capek Surgical Arts, and K Plastic Surgery - offer excellent services for prosthesis breast removal and recovery. Each institution has its own strengths, whether it's the expertise of the surgeons, the range of procedures offered, or the quality of recovery support. Patients considering breast implant removal should carefully research and consult with the medical staff at these hospitals to determine the best option for their specific needs.
If you or someone you know is interested in breast implant removal, don't hesitate to take the next step. Reach out to these hospitals, schedule a consultation, and start your journey towards a more comfortable and satisfying breast - related experience. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and encourage them to explore these reliable options in Albany.