Top 4 Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in Albany!
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, has become a common procedure in recent years. Women opt for this surgery for various reasons, including changes in aesthetic preferences, medical complications, or a desire for a more natural look. In Albany, there are several top - notch hospitals and medical facilities that offer excellent breast implant removal services. Here, we will explore the top 4 hospitals in Albany for this procedure.
1. Capek Surgical Arts
Introduction
Capek Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Lucie Capek, MD, is a state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite located in Latham, just minutes from Albany. Dr. Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal and related procedures.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Capek encounters patients who want breast implant removal for multiple reasons:
- Desiring a different size: Women's bodies change over time, especially after pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. Some may want larger - sized implants, while others prefer smaller breasts as their lifestyle and aesthetic goals evolve. For example, a woman who had implants placed 10 - 20 years ago may find that the implants no longer suit her current figure or daily activities.
- Capsular contracture: This is a common complication where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can occur shortly after breast augmentation or many years later. Capsular contracture can make the breasts look distorted or asymmetric and may cause pain. In such cases, a capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue) may be necessary.
- Breast implant rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. Saline implants deflate when they rupture, which is usually obvious as the breast loses volume. Silicone implants may not show obvious symptoms immediately, and rupture may be detected through high - definition ultrasound or breast MRI. For ruptured silicone implants, capsulectomy is often recommended.
- Implant malposition: The implant may end up in an improper position, such as too low, too high, too close together, or too far apart. This can happen due to factors like capsular contracture, gravity, or tissue changes over time. Additional surgery, such as capsulorrhaphy (tightening the capsule) or implant replacement, may be needed to correct the position.
- Implant rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, more common with saline implants in thinner patients. Even silicone implants can show visible rippling if the covering tissues are thin. Procedures like switching to a cohesive 'gummy' silicone implant or fat injections may help camouflage the rippling.
- Recalled implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants, and many of these implants have been recalled. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used by women with a wide range of symptoms, is also a growing concern. In both cases, breast implant removal may be considered.
Procedures Offered
Dr. Capek offers a range of procedures to meet the diverse needs of her patients:
- 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 implants may be drained before removal to allow the skin to contract over time.
- Capsulectomy: Performed to remove the scar tissue, especially in cases of capsular contracture. It can create a fresh pocket for a new implant if the patient desires replacement. Dr. Capek may use the same incision as the original implant insertion or a different one depending on the situation.
- Replacement with new implants: If the patient decides to update the implant size, Dr. Capek can surgically adjust the 'pocket' size. For larger implants, the pocket is enlarged, and for smaller ones, it is reduced using permanent sutures. She will recommend the most suitable type of implant to achieve the patient's goals.
- Replacement with autologous fat: A popular option for patients who want a more natural look and feel or to go smaller. It works well when the natural breast tissue has been 'pre - expanded' with implants.
- Implant repositioning: Involves modifying the capsular tissue surrounding the implants. Capsulorrhaphy or capsulotomy may be used, and in rare cases, a biological mesh'sling' is added for support.
- Simultaneous breast lift and resizing of the areolae: If loose skin or a change in breast size is a concern, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed. It can be a simple resizing of the areola or a more extensive skin removal procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the surgery, patients are advised to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours. A surgical bra is recommended to be worn around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Drains may be used for a few days if a capsulectomy has been performed. Patients with sedentary jobs can typically return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Regular follow - up appointments are scheduled to monitor the recovery process.
Risks
Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal at Capek Surgical Arts carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, side effects from anesthesia, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. However, with Dr. Capek's expertise and care before, during, and after the surgery, serious risks and complications are infrequent.
2. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
Introduction
Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, leads Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC. The facility is well - known for its surgical skill and consistently beautiful breast enhancement results, including breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Removal Candidates
Patients may be candidates for breast implant removal if:
- They are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their implants.
- They experience a leak, rupture, or capsular contracture.
- They no longer want to have implants, for example, due to weight and hormonal changes during menopause that lead to an enlargement of natural breast tissue.
- Rare conditions such as breast implant illness (BII) or breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) may also warrant implant removal. Although BII has not been scientifically confirmed to be caused by breast implants, and BIA - ALCL is extremely rare (less than ten cases per year globally), Dr. Yarinsky offers explantation surgery as a possible remedy.
Procedures
Dr. Yarinsky performs breast explantation in his joint commission - accredited facility using general anesthesia. The most common explantation procedure is the 'en bloc' capsulectomy, which involves the simultaneous removal of the implant and the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). He favors this method for eligible patients with a thickened, hard, or tender capsule due to its benefits, such as reduced risk of leakage and removal of potentially problematic scar tissue. If the implants are larger or a breast lift or skin tightening is needed for a better result, additional incisions may be made.
Recovery and Cost
The recovery timeline depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health and the technique used. Patients usually experience swelling and bruising, which should disappear within a few weeks, although swelling may take a few months to fully resolve. Strenuous exercise is to be avoided for approximately six weeks. Dr. Yarinsky prescribes pain medications, antibiotics, and a post - surgical bra. The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. A 'global fee' is provided after the consultation, which includes all related costs.
3. K Plastic Surgery
Introduction
At K Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kayastha and his talented team are dedicated to helping patients achieve their ideal beauty through breast implant removal and other related procedures. The highly trained staff can guide patients through the process and answer all their questions.
Reasons for Removal
Reasons for breast implant removal at K Plastic Surgery are similar to those at other facilities and include:
- Medical reasons, such as implant rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture, which can cause discomfort and other health issues.
- Individual reasons, like changes in aesthetic preferences. A patient may find that her body has changed since getting implants and the implants no longer meet her needs. She may choose to remove them entirely or downsize to a smaller implant.
- Some patients report symptoms of fatigue, headaches, or joint pain associated with breast implant illness (BII). Although there is no scientific consensus on the cause, removing the implants may alleviate these symptoms for some patients.
Removal Process
During the breast implant removal surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia may be suitable in some cases. An incision is made on the scar where the implants were originally placed. The surgeon then removes the implant and any scar tissue if necessary. Women who wish to replace their implants can have new ones inserted at this time. After that, the incision is closed with sutures.
Recovery and Results
Patients typically need two to three days of downtime and about a week to return to their normal routine. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks. Immediately after surgery, pain and swelling can be managed with prescription pain medicine, and a surgical bra is provided to aid the healing process. The visual results of implant removal vary by patient. The tendency of breasts to sag is a common issue, especially with larger implants. To achieve better results, procedures like a breast lift can be performed either during or after implant removal. Other body procedures, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, may also be considered to maintain torso proportions.
4. Albany Medical Center Hospital
Introduction
Albany Medical Center Hospital, located at 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, offers a wide range of medical services, including the removal of ruptured breast implants. Although it may not be solely focused on cosmetic breast implant removal like some of the other facilities, it has the necessary expertise and resources to handle such cases.
Procedure for Ruptured Implant Removal
The removal of a ruptured breast implant is a surgical procedure. An incision is made in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. The implant is removed, and cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist to check for abnormalities. After the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to facilitate healing. There may be some swelling and discomfort in the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
Care Quality
Albany Medical Center Hospital has an overall ranking from CMS. It shows mixed performance in different metrics. For example, the effectiveness of care is below the national average, while the safety of care is above the national average. It is important for patients to consider these factors when choosing this hospital for breast implant removal.
Comparative Analysis of the Four Hospitals
Hospital | Specialist | Procedure Focus | Cost | Recovery Time | Additional Services |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capek Surgical Arts | Dr. Lucie Capek, MD | Wide range of breast implant removal and related procedures (including replacement with fat, breast lift, etc.) | Not specified (customized to each patient's needs) | Rest 24 - 48 hours, shower after 48 hours, wear surgical bra 2 - 3 weeks, return to work in 1 week (sedentary jobs), restrict strenuous activities for 6 - 8 weeks | Telehealth virtual consultations, before - and - after photo gallery |
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC | Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS | Advanced explantation techniques, especially 'en bloc' capsulectomy | $6,000 - $18,000 (depending on the procedure) | Swelling and bruising resolve in a few weeks (swelling may take months), avoid strenuous exercise for about six weeks | Financing options available |
K Plastic Surgery | Dr. Kayastha | Breast implant removal with options for replacement and additional body procedures for better results | Not specified (discussed during consultation) | Two to three days of downtime, return to normal routine in a week, avoid strenuous activity for six weeks | Personalized consultation to discuss all options |
Albany Medical Center Hospital | Not specified | Removal of ruptured breast implants | Variable (depends on cash or insurance payment) | Wear compression garment for a few weeks, manage swelling and discomfort with medications in the first few days | Full - service hospital with other medical support |
Conclusion
In Albany, there are four excellent options for breast implant removal. Capek Surgical Arts offers a comprehensive range of procedures with personalized care from an experienced plastic surgeon. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC is known for its advanced techniques, especially the 'en bloc' capsulectomy. K Plastic Surgery provides not only breast implant removal but also additional body procedures to enhance the overall result. Albany Medical Center Hospital is a reliable choice for the removal of ruptured breast implants, with the support of a full - service hospital. When considering breast implant removal, it is crucial to research each hospital, consult with the specialists, and consider factors such as cost, recovery time, and additional services.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals and schedule a consultation. Learn more about the procedures, meet the doctors, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal in Albany and start your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you.