Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal is a significant decision that many women in New York City may face for various reasons, such as medical complications, personal preferences, or changes in lifestyle. Selecting the right hospital for this procedure is crucial to ensure a safe and successful outcome. In this article, we will present a new list of the top 5 hospitals for breast prosthesis removal in New York City, along with detailed information about each hospital, including their surgeons, services, and patient experiences.
Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
- Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice
- Services Offered: He performs explant surgery for women who want to remove their existing silicone or saline implants. He also conducts en bloc capsulectomy when indicated to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He is also experienced in removing the recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with a heightened risk of Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Patient Experience: Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about his surgical skills and the satisfaction of his patients. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. His patients often praise his attention to detail and the personalized care they receive.
- Facility: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
- Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
- Services Offered: She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include a palpable or visible implant, implant rupture, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Medical issues such as severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness are also treated. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift for the best aesthetic results.
- Patient Experience: Patients have reported an exceptional experience with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere is calming, and the facility is super clean. Dr. Hutchinson makes patients feel comfortable, and the results of the surgeries are often highly praised.
- Facility: Her practice is equipped to handle breast implant removal procedures with a focus on patient comfort and safety. The staff is well - trained to provide personalized care to each patient.
- Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
- Services Offered: He performs breast implant removal (explant) surgery, which may be done to change the size, location, or type of implants. He also offers breast implant replacement to improve the appearance of the breasts. Some patients may opt for autologous fat to replace lost volume, or a breast lift after implant removal. Dr. Weintraub always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create a more natural - looking result.
- Patient Experience: His patients appreciate his detailed consultations, where he listens to their needs and concerns. He and his staff provide personalized care throughout the entire process, from pre - op to post - op. The recovery process is well - managed, and patients often return to work relatively quickly.
- Facility: Although he has privileges at multiple hospitals, he prefers to perform breast implant removal and replacement in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff, offering the highest quality of medical and plastic - surgical care.
- Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center
- Services Offered: The center offers the most advanced surgical treatment options for breast cancer treatment and prevention, which may also be relevant for breast prosthesis removal cases. Services include lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and breast reconstruction. The team of experts provides individualized, multidisciplinary care for all stages and types of breast - related conditions.
- Patient Experience: Patients at the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center are provided with comforting, supportive, and compassionate care at every step of the process. The center's staff helps patients achieve optimal health and well - being, as well as enjoy the highest quality of life.
- Facility: The center is associated with Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. It has multiple locations in the city, making it accessible to a wide range of patients.
- NYU Langone Health's Breast Cancer Center
- Services Offered: The center uses the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat all stages and types of breast cancer. In the context of breast prosthesis removal, their team of experts can handle complex cases. They also offer many clinical trials, which may be beneficial for patients with specific needs. The center provides preventive treatment for high - risk individuals and offers a variety of reconstructive options after surgery.
- Patient Experience: Patients can often see their doctor and receive diagnostic and treatment services on the same day and in the same location, which is highly convenient. The center provides individual counseling and support groups for ongoing support during diagnosis and treatment, as well as integrative health services for recovery.
- Facility: The center has multiple locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and on Long Island. It is accredited by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), ensuring high - quality care.
Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has an extensive experience spanning over twenty years and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. Dr. Antell is well - known for his custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. As a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, she has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal.
Dr. Barry Weintraub is an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in breast implant removal and replacement. He has a unique blend of medical science and an artistic eye, ensuring the best aesthetic results for his patients.
The Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center is an exemplary institution for breast surgery. The center focuses on providing comprehensive care for patients, including those in need of breast prosthesis removal.
NYU Langone Health's Breast Cancer Center is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and related procedures, including breast prosthesis removal.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Prosthesis Removal
When selecting a hospital for breast prosthesis removal, several factors should be taken into account:
- Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in breast implant removal. Check their credentials, board certifications, and the number of procedures they have performed. Surgeons with a long - standing reputation for excellent results are more likely to provide a successful outcome.
- Range of Services: Consider the hospital's ability to handle various aspects of the procedure. This may include dealing with complications such as capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, or offering additional services like breast reconstruction or lift in case it is required after implant removal.
- Patient - Centered Care: A hospital that focuses on patient comfort, provides personalized care, and offers support services such as counseling and follow - up is essential. Positive patient experiences can significantly impact the overall recovery process.
- Facility and Technology: The quality of the hospital's facilities and the availability of the latest technology can contribute to a safer and more efficient procedure. State - of - the - art equipment and well - trained staff are crucial for successful breast prosthesis removal.
- Reputation and Reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the hospital's reputation. Positive reviews from former patients can be a good indication of the quality of care provided.
Understanding Breast Prosthesis Removal
Before undergoing breast prosthesis removal, it is important to understand the procedure, its reasons, and the potential risks and benefits.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
- Medical Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Saline implants may leak, causing the breast to deflate, while silicone implants may require an MRI to determine if they have ruptured. Ruptured implants can cause discomfort and may need to be removed.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue around the implant, which can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort. In severe cases, it may require implant removal.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Treatment usually involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Although the exact cause is unknown, some patients report a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, etc., after breast augmentation. In some cases, implant removal may be considered.
- Aesthetic Reasons
- Change in Preferences: A woman's aesthetic preferences may change over time, and she may desire to return to her natural breast size or have a different breast shape.
- Unsatisfactory Results: If the initial breast augmentation did not achieve the desired results, such as asymmetry, visible implants, or unnatural appearance, the patient may choose to have the implants removed.
The Procedure
The breast prosthesis removal procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation: The surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. The patient should discuss their reasons for implant removal, any symptoms they may be experiencing, and their desired outcome. The surgeon will then develop a personalized surgical plan.
- Anesthesia: Breast implant removal is usually performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with “twilight” anesthesia. In rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
- Surgery: If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant, especially if there is capsular contracture or BIA - ALCL. The incisions are then closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed.
- Recovery: After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. The procedure is usually an outpatient one, and the patient can return home the same day. The surgeon will provide post - operative instructions, including information on pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few days, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.
Risks
Like any surgical procedure, breast prosthesis removal carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue, which may require antibiotics or further surgical intervention.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness at the incision site or in the breast area, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for breast prosthesis removal in New York City is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the procedure. The top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article - Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice, Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice, Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, and NYU Langone Health's Breast Cancer Center - all offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and patient - centered care. By considering the key factors such as surgeon's expertise, range of services, patient - centered care, facility, and reputation, patients can make an informed decision. If you are considering breast prosthesis removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top hospitals to discuss your options and start your journey towards a successful outcome.