A new and comprehensive strength review of the hospital list for breast implant removal surgery in New York City!

Introduction

Breast implant removal has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. Women may opt for this surgery due to various reasons, such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or changes in lifestyle. In this article, we will provide a detailed review of some of the top facilities and surgeons offering breast implant removal surgery in NYC, helping you make an informed decision about your procedure.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Before delving into the review of hospitals and surgeons, it's important to understand the common reasons why women choose to have their breast implants removed:

1. Health Concerns:
   • Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. Saline implants may leak and cause a visible deflation of the breast, while silicone implants may have a “silent rupture” where the leakage is not as obvious but can still cause health issues.
   • Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant hardens and tightens, leading to pain, distortion of the breast shape, and sometimes even reduced mobility of the breast.
   • Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that has been associated with certain textured breast implants. The FDA has recalled some textured implants due to the increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
   • Breast Implant Illness (BII): A collection of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, joint pain, and cognitive issues that some women believe are related to their breast implants. While the exact cause is still under investigation, it is thought to be related to an autoimmune response in some cases.
2. Cosmetic Preferences:
   • Changes in personal taste or body image may lead a woman to desire a different size or type of implant, or to remove them altogether to return to her natural breast size.
   • Some women may be unhappy with the results of their initial breast augmentation, such as asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.
3. Aging Implants: Over time, breast implants can degrade, shift, or lose their shape, which may prompt a woman to have them removed or replaced.

Top Surgeons and Their Practices for Breast Implant Removal in NYC

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the premier breast surgeons in New York City and worldwide. He has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures.

• Expertise: Dr. Antell specializes in custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can perform an en bloc capsulectomy when indicated, which involves removing the implant along with the surrounding scar tissue in one piece. He also removes allergan textured breast implants that have been recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
• Reputation: He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, and he has worked on numerous celebrities.
• Consultation and Procedure Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He will also discuss the patient's desired outcome and create a personalized surgical plan. The surgery is typically performed under “twilight” sedation, and most procedures take between one to two hours, with en - bloc resection taking longer.
• Recovery: After surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite. The procedure is outpatient, and patients can return home the same day. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan, and most patients can return to daily activities within a few days but should avoid vigorous exercise for about two weeks.

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman

Dr. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures.

• Reasons for Procedures: His patients may choose to have their implants removed for health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or due to aging implants. For those who want to change the size or type of their implants, he offers implant exchange options.
• Procedure Details: The procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in minimizing scarring and optimizing recovery. The complexity and duration of the procedure depend on whether it is a simple removal, removal with a lift, or an exchange.
• Recovery and Care: Post - operative care is crucial, and patients are advised to manage discomfort with prescribed medication, wear a support bra, and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks and full recovery takes up to six weeks.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is well - known for his breast implant removal and replacement procedures in NYC.

• Procedures Offered: He performs breast implant removal (explant) surgery, often in combination with breast implant replacement. He can also use autologous fat to replace lost volume or perform a breast lift after implant removal. He places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look.
• Patient Criteria: The best candidates for his procedures are in good general health, have realistic expectations, are motivated for the change, can pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means to undergo the elective cosmetic surgery.
• Surgical Process: Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room and performs every step of the surgery himself with precision.
• After - care: After surgery, there may be minimal swelling and bruising. Patients must follow his instructions carefully, and he advises early showering. He will also advise on when the patient can return to normal lifestyle and exercise routines.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC.

• Expertise in Concerns: She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness (BII).
• Procedure Advice: Dr. Hutchinson will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be recommended.
• Patient Experience: Patients have reported excellent experiences with her and her staff, praising the calming atmosphere, cleanliness of the facility, and the amazing results of the surgery.

Other Relevant Hospitals and Facilities in NYC

Mount Sinai - Dubin Breast Center

While not strictly focused on breast implant removal, the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai offers comprehensive breast reconstruction services. Their plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to provide seamless and advanced care.

• Reconstruction Types: They offer two main types of breast reconstruction - implant reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction. In implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is placed first and then replaced with a permanent implant. Autologous reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue from areas like the lower abdomen or back.
• Recovery: Recovery times vary depending on the type of reconstruction. Hospital stays and return - to - work times also differ, with implant reconstruction generally having a shorter hospital stay and quicker return to work compared to autologous reconstruction.

NYC Health + Hospitals - Bellevue

The breast surgery team at NYC Health + Hospitals - Bellevue manages a wide range of breast - related issues, including breast cancer surgery, benign tumors, and high - risk lesions.

• Operations Performed: They perform excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple - sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, and various other breast - related surgeries. They also offer sentinel node biopsies, axillary node dissections, and terminal duct excisions.
• Support Services: In addition to surgery, they provide access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, psychological support, lymphedema treatment, physical therapy, nutrition, and radiation oncology.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, which may be relevant to patients considering breast implant removal and related procedures.

• Surgeon Expertise: Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field and are able to help patients achieve a natural look. They work closely with patients from the initial consultation to understand their goals and discuss the best options.
• Services Offered: The services include breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation with implants, and diep flap surgery. The team focuses on patient comfort at every step of the process, from pre - surgery consultation to post - surgery recovery.

Considerations for Medicaid Recipients

The New York State Department of Health has a policy regarding breast cancer surgery for Medicaid recipients. Medicaid will pay for breast cancer surgery at high - volume facilities, which are those performing 30 or more all - payer mastectomy and lumpectomy procedures associated with a breast cancer diagnosis on average over a three - year period, or at facilities that have successfully appealed their restriction. Low - volume facilities may still provide diagnostic or excisional biopsies and post - surgical care such as chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstruction for Medicaid patients.

This policy is aimed at ensuring cost - effective, high - quality healthcare and better outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries, as research shows improved five - year survival rates for patients who have their breast cancer surgery at high - volume facilities.

Preparation for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Preparing for breast implant removal surgery is an important step to ensure a successful procedure and a smooth recovery. Here are some general steps that patients may need to take:

1. Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, discuss your medical history, current health status, reasons for wanting the implant removal, and your desired outcome. Bring any relevant information about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery.
2. Medical Tests: Depending on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to assess the current state of the breasts and implants.
3. Pre - operative Instructions: You will receive instructions on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may also be given prescriptions that need to be filled before the surgery.
4. Clearance: Depending on your medical history, you may need to obtain pre - operative clearance from another doctor, such as your primary care physician.
5. Arrangements: Since the surgery is usually performed under sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to assist you during the first few days of recovery.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

The recovery process after breast implant removal can vary from person to person, but here are some common aspects:

1. Immediate Post - operative: After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. You may have a layer of gauze or a bandage on your breasts. You may feel tired and sore, and it is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions.
2. First Few Days: You will be discharged with detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, manage pain, and take any prescribed medications. Most patients can return home the same day, but you should have an escort. You may need to wear a support bra.
3. Return to Activities: Many patients can return to most daily activities within a few days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. Your surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your specific procedure and healing rate.
4. Long - term Recovery: Swelling and bruising will gradually fade over the first few weeks, but it may take several months to see the final results. Scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before starting to fade. You will typically return to the doctor's office for follow - up appointments to monitor your healing process.

Conclusion

When considering breast implant removal surgery in New York City, there are several excellent surgeons and facilities to choose from. Each surgeon has their own area of expertise, approach to the procedure, and level of patient care. It's crucial to thoroughly research and consult with different surgeons to find the one who best meets your needs and expectations. Additionally, understanding the reasons for the procedure, the preparation process, and the recovery can help you make a more informed decision and have a better surgical experience.

If you're interested in breast implant removal surgery, we encourage you to reach out to the surgeons and facilities mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation. By taking the time to learn more about your options, you can take the first step towards achieving your desired results.