Which Hospital is Good for Breast Prosthesis Removal in Albany in 2025

Introduction

Breast prosthesis removal, also known as breast implant removal or explant surgery, is becoming an increasingly common procedure in Albany. There are multiple reasons why a woman might consider this surgery, and finding the right hospital and doctor is crucial for a successful outcome. In this article, we will explore some of the top options in Albany for breast prosthesis removal, along with the reasons for the surgery, the procedures involved, and post - operative care.

Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal

Before delving into the hospitals, it's important to understand the various reasons that might lead someone to choose breast prosthesis removal. The most common reasons are detailed below:

1. Desiring a Different Size: Over time, a woman's body changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. Her aesthetic preferences may also evolve, leading her to desire either larger or smaller breasts. For example, women with 10 - 20 - year - old implants often find that their current implants no longer fit their lifestyle or body shape.
2. Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens. It can happen shortly after the initial breast augmentation surgery or many years later. Capsular contracture may cause the breasts to look distorted, asymmetric, and can even be painful.
3. Breast Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear, usually years or even decades after implantation. Saline implant rupture is often obvious as the breast deflates, while silicone implant rupture may have no symptoms or may present as a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. Mammograms may not detect silicone implant rupture, and high - definition ultrasound or breast MRI is often recommended for screening.
4. Implant Malposition: The implant can 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, asymmetric pocket creation, and tissue changes over time. Additional surgery is usually needed to correct the problem.
5. Implant Rippling: This is a cosmetic concern, more common with saline implants in thinner patients. Silicone implants can also show visible rippling if the overlying tissues are thin or stretched. Switching to a cohesive 'gummy' silicone implant or fat injections may help camouflage the rippling.
6. Recalled Implants, ALCL, and BII: There is a rare but serious risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with textured implants, leading to their recall. Breast implant illness (BII), a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms self - reported by some women with breast implants, is also a growing concern.

Hospitals and Surgeons in Albany for Breast Prosthesis Removal

1. Capek Surgical Arts with Dr. Lucie Capek

Dr. Lucie Capek is a well - known board - certified plastic surgeon offering breast implant removal services. Her state - of - the - art Quad A accredited operating suite, Capek Surgical Arts, is located in Latham, NY, just minutes from Albany. Here are some key features of choosing her services:

• Comprehensive Consultation: Before the procedure, Dr. Capek conducts a personalized consultation to assess the patient's unique situation. She explains the different procedure options, ensuring that the patient is well - informed and comfortable with the planned surgery. This helps in setting realistic expectations and achieving patient satisfaction.
• Multiple Procedure Options: Dr. Capek offers a variety of procedures depending on the patient's needs. These include simple implant removal, capsulectomy for capsular contracture, implant replacement with different types or sizes, fat transfer to the breasts as an alternative to implants, implant repositioning, and simultaneous breast lift and areola resizing. For example, if a patient has a capsular contracture, she performs a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and create a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired.
• Low - Risk Approach: Even though all surgical procedures carry some risk, Dr. Capek's expertise and careful pre - operative, intra - operative, and post - operative care help minimize serious risks and complications. Common early risks such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia - related problems are less likely to occur under her care.
• Recovery Support: After the surgery, Dr. Capek provides detailed aftercare instructions. Patients are advised to rest for 24 - 48 hours, can shower after 48 hours, and are required to wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks. Sedentary workers can usually return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments are scheduled to monitor the recovery process.

2. Albany Medical Center Hospital

Albany Medical Center Hospital offers a removal of ruptured breast implant procedure. Here's what you need to know about their services:

• Procedure Details: The removal of a ruptured breast implant involves making an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. The implant is then removed, and cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist to check for abnormalities.
• Post - operative Care: After the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures, and patients may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to aid in healing. There may be some swelling and discomfort in the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
• Cost and Pricing: The reported prices for the removal of a ruptured breast implant at Albany Medical Center Hospital vary depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate.
• Care Quality: According to data, the hospital has an overall ranking from CMS. It has mixed performance in different metrics. The effectiveness of care is below the national average, while the safety of care is above the national average. Other metrics such as efficient use of medical imaging, mortality, patient experience, readmission, and timeliness of care have varying performance compared to the national average.

3. K Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kayastha

Dr. Kayastha is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving Albany and the entire capital region. His services for breast implant removal have the following characteristics:

• Patient - Centered Approach: Dr. Kayastha spends time with patients during the consultation to understand their concerns and goals. He provides answers to frequently asked questions about breast implants, such as their potential link to autoimmune diseases, cellulitis, pain, and infection over time.
• Minimal Scarring: Breast implant removal without replacement at his practice utilizes the previous incision sites, which helps in avoiding new scarring. The procedure can be performed alone or combined with a breast lift to correct sagging after volume loss.
• Recovery Expectations: After the surgery, patients can expect some bruising and swelling. Prescription pain medication is provided to minimize discomfort. A surgical bra is given to assist in the healing process. Patients should take a few days off work and wait about a week to return to normal daily activity, with more strenuous exercise restricted for six weeks.

4. Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC with Dr. Steven Yarinsky

Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, offers breast implant removal services. Here are the aspects of his practice:

• Advanced Techniques: He is well - versed in the latest techniques, such as the “en bloc” capsulectomy. This procedure involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue as a single unit, which can be beneficial in reducing the risk of leakage and removing potentially problematic scar tissue for eligible patients.
• Customized Treatment: Dr. Yarinsky evaluates each patient's overall health and aesthetic goals to determine the most suitable procedure. Whether it's simple implant removal, capsulectomy, or breast revision surgery to replace the implants, he tailors the treatment plan accordingly.
• Recovery and Cost: Recovery from breast implant removal at his practice depends on factors like the patient's health and the technique used. Patients typically experience swelling and bruising, which should disappear within a few weeks to a few months. Strenuous exercise is restricted for about six weeks. The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, and patients receive a “global fee” that includes all related costs after the consultation.

5. St. Peter's Breast Surgery

St. Peter's Breast Surgery is committed to providing comprehensive breast health services. Here's an overview:

• Specialized Surgeons: The surgeons are fellowship - trained in breast and plastic surgery. They specialize in all areas of breast surgery, including treatment for primary breast cancer, complex breast reconstruction, and management of various breast diseases.
• Multi - disciplinary Approach: Working in collaboration with colleagues in radiology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and physical therapy, patients benefit from a multi - disciplinary approach to their diagnosis and treatment. This ensures a more comprehensive and coordinated care plan.
• Patient - Focused Care: The practice focuses on providing a comprehensive approach to patients, including advanced options for breast conservation using plastic surgery techniques and state - of - the - art reconstruction after mastectomy. They also offer initial consultations and second opinions, and are accepting new patients.

Procedures Involved in Breast Prosthesis Removal

1. Simple Implant Removal

This can be done under local anesthesia in an office - based setting (such as at Capek Surgical Arts) or a hospital operating room 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 to allow the skin to contract over a few weeks. This procedure has minimal downtime and discomfort.

2. Capsulectomy

Performed when there is capsular contracture, this procedure involves removing the scar tissue around the implant. It creates a fresh pocket for a new implant if desired. An 'en bloc' capsulectomy, which removes the capsule and the implant as one piece, is sometimes considered, especially for ruptured silicone implants. However, it may not be technically feasible in some cases.

3. Implant Replacement

Many patients choose to replace their breast implants at the time of explant. The surgeon will adjust the implant size by either enlarging or reducing the pocket. Different types of implants may be recommended based on the patient's goals, and additional procedures like a breast lift may also be suggested.

4. Fat Transfer

For patients who want a more natural look and feel or are going for a smaller size, their implants can be replaced with their own fat. This procedure works well when the natural breast tissue has been pre - expanded with implants.

5. Implant Repositioning

This procedure usually involves modifying the capsular tissue around the implants. Surgical techniques such as capsulorrhaphy (tightening) or capsulotomy (releasing) are used, and in some rare cases, a biological mesh'sling' may be added for support.

6. Simultaneous Breast Lift and Areola Resizing

If the patient is going for a smaller size or has loose skin, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed at the same time. This can range from simple areola resizing to more extensive skin removal, resulting in different types of scars.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Care

Pre - operative Care

Before any breast prosthesis removal surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is essential. During this consultation, the patient's medical history is reviewed, and the surgeon assesses the unique situation and explains the procedure options. Patients are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. They should also follow their primary care physician's advice for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients typically need to rest for 24 - 48 hours. They can shower after 48 hours. Wearing a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks is usually recommended. Patients may have drains for a few days if a capsulectomy was performed. Dissolvable sutures and glue are often used, reducing the need for extensive wound care. Recovery times vary, but patients with sedentary jobs can usually return to work within a week, while strenuous activities are restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Long - term, patients should continue with regular mammograms and breast exams.

Risks Associated with Breast Prosthesis Removal

Although breast prosthesis removal is a common procedure, it does carry some risks. Even under the care of a board - certified plastic surgeon, there can be complications. Some of the most common risks include:

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery, which may require additional treatment to control.
• Infection: An infection can occur at the surgical site, which may be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, it could lead to more serious complications.
• Anesthesia - related Risks: General or local anesthesia used during the surgery can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or more serious allergic reactions.
• Changes in Sensation: There may be changes in the sensation of the nipple or breast after the surgery, which could be temporary or permanent.
• Recurrent Implant Complications: If new implants are inserted, there is a risk of experiencing the same or similar complications as before, such as capsular contracture.

Conclusion

When considering breast prosthesis removal in Albany, patients have several excellent options. Hospitals and surgeons like Capek Surgical Arts with Dr. Lucie Capek, Albany Medical Center Hospital, K Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kayastha, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC with Dr. Steven Yarinsky, and St. Peter's Breast Surgery offer a range of services and expertise. It's important to choose a provider based on their experience, the services they offer, patient reviews, and the overall fit with your needs and goals. Each provider has its own unique approach to the procedure, pre - operative and post - operative care, and management of risks. By making an informed decision and working closely with a trusted healthcare professional, patients can achieve the desired results and improve their quality of life.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the providers mentioned in this article to learn more about breast prosthesis removal. Take the time to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and understand the entire process. You can also share this article with friends or family who may be interested in this topic and help them make an informed decision. Additionally, explore related topics such as breast implant illness and long - term breast health to stay well - informed.