Introduction
Polyacrylamide hydrogel was once a popular choice for breast augmentation. However, over time, it has been associated with a variety of severe health complications. Women who have undergone breast augmentation with this substance often seek to have it removed. In Albany, there are several reliable hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality polyacrylamide hydrogel removal services. This article will introduce five such institutions, along with a detailed exploration of related concepts and important information about the procedure.
Understanding Polyacrylamide Hydrogel
What is Polyacrylamide Hydrogel?
Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) is a polymer synthesized from 2.5% acrylamide and 97.5% water. It was once regarded as a non - biodegradable, non - toxic, non - sensitizing, and non - teratogenic hydrogel. Introduced from Ukraine in 1997, it was widely used in China as a soft tissue filler for breast augmentation and soft tissue contour repair (Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
Health Complications Associated with Polyacrylamide Hydrogel
After long - term clinical use, PAAG has been linked to numerous health issues:
- Systemic Migration: Being a liquid filler, it can spread throughout the body. It can migrate from the chest area to the brain, abdomen, legs, and back due to bodily movements and muscle contractions (Amazing Gel Removal - Line Plastic Surgery Center).
- Breast Pain: It can stimulate breast hyperplasia and erode the nerves between the pectoralis major muscle, mammary glands, and ribs, leading to persistent pain.
- Impact on Breastfeeding: Women who have had PAAG breast augmentation should avoid breastfeeding. If an infant inhales the gel during breastfeeding, it can lead to severe consequences such as cerebral palsy.
- Fetal Deformities: It can have a negative impact on pregnancy and increase the risk of fetal deformities. Pregnant women with PAAG in their breasts are also more prone to infections.
- Breast Inflammation: In laboratories, PAAG is commonly used as a bacterial culture medium. When injected into the breast, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in breast inflammation.
- Carcinogenicity: After injection, PAAG can break down into monomeric acrylamide, which may trigger various malignant tumors.
Five Recommended Hospitals in Albany for Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Removal
1. Capek Surgical Arts
Dr. Capek at Capek Surgical Arts offers an intimate, comfortable, and discreet surgical experience. While their website primarily focuses on breast implant removal and revision, they may also have the expertise to handle polyacrylamide hydrogel removal. Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience in breast - related procedures. Before the procedure, she conducts a detailed consultation to assess the patient's situation and explain the various options. During the surgery, different techniques can be used depending on the patient's condition, such as capsulectomy for patients with capsular contracture. After the surgery, patients receive comprehensive after - care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery (Breast Implant Removal in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga).
2. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Under the leadership of Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC is well - known for its surgical skill. Dr. Yarinsky uses advanced techniques for breast explantation, including the “en bloc” capsulectomy for eligible patients. This method has many benefits, such as reducing the risk of leakage and removing potentially problematic scar tissue. For patients considering polyacrylamide hydrogel removal, they can expect a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. After the surgery, Dr. Yarinsky provides pain medications, antibiotics, and detailed instructions for a successful recovery (Breast Implant Removal Albany Saratoga Springs NY).
3. Line Plastic Surgery Center
Line Plastic Surgery Center has in - depth experience in amazing gel (PAAG) removal. During the consultation, their doctors discuss the patient's reasons for removal and goals. They take careful measurements of the breasts and require a complete medical history. A CT scan may also be requested to better visualize the gel's placement. The surgery usually takes about 1 - 2 hours. The doctors make a small incision at the inframammary fold, drain as much of the gel as possible, and wash the breast pocket with a triple - antibiotic solution. After the surgery, patients are given surgical dressings and a support bra, and are provided with clear post - operation instructions (Amazing Gel Removal - Line Plastic Surgery Center; Amazing Gel Removal detail page - Line Plastic Surgery Center).
4. K Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kayastha at K Plastic Surgery can assist patients with polyacrylamide hydrogel removal. Although the website mainly focuses on breast implant removal, their expertise in breast - related surgical procedures can be extended to gel removal. They understand that the removal process can lead to breast sagging in some cases and can offer additional procedures such as breast lift to help patients achieve better results. Before the surgery, they explain the entire process to the patients, and after the surgery, they provide guidance on recovery to ensure patients can return to their normal lives as soon as possible (Breast Implant Removal | Plastic Surgeon Albany).
5. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery is highly experienced in breast augmentation and related procedures. While his practice mainly promotes breast augmentation, his skills in breast surgery could also be applied to polyacrylamide hydrogel removal. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. During the consultation, he would thoroughly understand the patient's needs and goals and use his expertise to design an appropriate removal plan (Breast Augmentation for Latham, Albany & Saratoga, NY | Rockmore Plastic Surgery).
The Process of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Removal
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial first step. Doctors need to understand the patient's reasons for removal, goals for the surgery, and take a complete medical history. This includes existing medical conditions, past surgeries, tobacco usage, daily medications, supplements, and allergies. For patients over 40, recent mammogram results are usually required. In some cases, a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be requested to visualize the distribution of the gel in the breast tissue (Amazing Gel Removal - Line Plastic Surgery Center; Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
Surgery
There are several common surgical methods for polyacrylamide hydrogel removal:
- Blunt Aspiration: This method has limitations. The back - and - forth movement can disseminate the gel, making its distribution more chaotic and causing more serious tissue damage. Scar formation and fibrous tissue hyperplasia after aspiration can increase the difficulty of possible secondary surgery. And it is difficult to completely remove the infiltrating capsule and fascia (Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
- Direct Visualization Surgery: It is recommended in many cases. For example, making a semi - annular incision to the lower edge of the areola under general anesthesia. The gel is removed by aspiration after exposing the mammary gland and the capsule of the gel. Irrigation with physiological saline is used to remove residual gel particles. If necessary, the capsule, some muscles, and glandular tissue may be removed and sent for pathological examination (Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
- Endoscopic Surgery: The incision and postoperative scar are better concealed. However, it has insufficient exposure of the pocket, resulting in a more complicated surgical operation with higher technical requirements and costs. Its surgical effect has not been widely confirmed (Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
Recovery and Post - operation Care
Immediately after the surgery, patients may receive surgical dressings and a support bra. They may feel stiff and sore in the chest region for about 5 days but should be able to walk on their own to promote blood circulation. Most patients can return to work and light activities in 3 - 7 days, but regular and strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Follow - up appointments are essential to monitor the recovery process and check for any complications (Amazing Gel Removal - Line Plastic Surgery Center).
Breast Reconstruction After Gel Removal
After the removal of polyacrylamide hydrogel, breast deformity may occur, which can have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Breast reconstruction is an option for some patients:
- Immediate Breast Reconstruction (IBR): Patients with no signs of acute inflammation and no obvious gel residue in the implant pocket may be candidates for IBR. For example, using silicone prostheses to restore breast shape. Studies have shown that IBR can significantly improve patients' satisfaction with their breasts, psychosocial well - being, physical well - being, and sexual well - being (Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
- Delayed Breast Reconstruction (DBR): Patients with acute inflammation or unclear gel residue may need to wait for a review six months after the debridement operation before undergoing DBR (Comprehensive management of breast augmentation with polyacrylamide hydrogel injection based on 15 years of experience: a report on 325 cases).
Conclusion
Polyacrylamide hydrogel removal is a crucial procedure for women who have suffered from its associated health complications. In Albany, the five hospitals and clinics mentioned above - Capek Surgical Arts, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, Line Plastic Surgery Center, K Plastic Surgery, and Rockmore Plastic Surgery - offer professional services in this regard. They have experienced doctors who can provide comprehensive pre - operative consultations, appropriate surgical techniques, and detailed post - operative care. Whether it's gel removal alone or combined with breast reconstruction, these institutions can help patients achieve better physical and psychological well - being.
If you or someone you know is considering polyacrylamide hydrogel removal, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for a consultation. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and explore related topics to gain a more in - depth understanding of breast - related surgical procedures.
