Introduction
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, has become a topic of significant interest in New York City. With various reasons driving women to seek the removal of their breast implants, the demand for experienced plastic surgeons in this field has grown. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of breast implant removal in NYC, including the reasons, procedures, surgeons, and recovery process. As a new ranking for the removal of breast augmentation prostheses in New York City is out, it's essential to understand all aspects related to this surgical procedure.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant. It can cause pain, discomfort, and an abnormal appearance of the breasts. The rate of capsular contracture is relatively small, about 3 - 4%, but it does increase gradually over the years. For example, some women may experience their breasts becoming firm and distorted due to excessive scar tissue growth.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants may deflate rapidly if they rupture, as the sterile saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the body. Silicone implants, on the other hand, may not show obvious signs of rupture, and an MRI may be required to detect a leak. Ruptured implants can lead to pain, swelling, and deformity.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is primarily associated with certain types of textured breast implants. The FDA has recalled some of these specific textured implants due to the heightened risk of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms may include pain or swelling around the breasts, and a difference in the size or shape of the breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, migraines, and more. While the exact cause of BII is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Cosmetic Reasons
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their breast implants. For instance, they may find that the implants look too large or too small for their body frame, or they may have an uneven appearance of the breasts. Others may notice that the implants have moved from their original position, causing a “double bubble” appearance or other aesthetic issues.
- Change in Lifestyle: As women's lifestyles change, their breast implants may no longer be suitable. For example, active individuals may find that larger implants hinder their physical activities and cause discomfort or heaviness. They may decide to remove the implants to return to a more natural state and have more freedom in their daily lives.
Top Plastic Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in NYC
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He performs custom breast implant removal surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed surgeries on many celebrities. His office is equipped with state - of - the - art facilities, and he provides personalized care throughout the surgical process.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Weintraub is known for his expertise in breast implant removal and replacement. He believes in placing implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to achieve the most natural - looking result. His approach to surgery is meticulous, and he takes his time to ensure the best outcome for each patient. He also offers a comfortable and inviting office environment, and his staff is dedicated to helping patients through every step of the process. A significant portion of his practice involves complex redo surgeries for patients who have had previous breast surgeries by other surgeons.
Dr. Darren Smith
With over 20 years of specialized surgical experience in breast augmentation and reconstruction, Dr. Smith is a top choice for breast implant removal in NYC. He takes a personalized approach, thoroughly understanding each woman’s unique goals and medical history. His techniques produce natural - looking results, and his patients consistently rave about their experiences. He offers state - of - the - art facilities in Manhattan, ensuring privacy, comfort, and safety for his patients.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Wallach has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery. He typically uses the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant pocket and remove the implants. He will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. During the consultation, he walks patients through the options and techniques available for their procedure, aiming to provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Hutchinson is 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 in NYC. She can address both functional and cosmetic issues related to breast implants and will advise patients on the best surgical options to achieve their goals. In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to enhance the aesthetic results.
Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Dr. Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She offers advanced techniques to address medical issues associated with breast implants, such as en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy. Her personalized approach to patient care and her refined skills have earned her a reputation for excellence in the field. She is committed to achieving exceptional outcomes for her patients.
Breast Implant Removal Procedures
En Bloc Capsulectomy
This procedure involves removing the implant and the surrounding capsule as a single unit. It is often recommended for patients with capsular contracture, implant rupture, or concerns about BIA - ALCL. By removing the entire capsule along with the implant, the surgeon aims to minimize the risk of any remaining scar tissue causing complications or recurrence of symptoms. This approach ensures the thorough removal of problematic tissue while addressing any cosmetic concerns. However, it may be a more complex and time - consuming procedure compared to other methods.
Partial Capsulectomy
In a partial capsulectomy, the surgeon removes only a portion of the capsule. This may be done to create the patient’s desired chest contour while leaving some of the capsule in place. It can be a suitable option for patients who do not require the complete removal of the capsule or for those who want to preserve some of the natural tissue around the implant. The decision to perform a partial capsulectomy depends on the patient's individual anatomy and surgical goals.
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy involves the complete removal of the implant, capsule, and any remaining scar tissue. This procedure is more extensive and may be necessary for patients with severe capsular contracture or other significant issues. After removing the implant and capsule, the surgeon may also reconstruct the area to achieve a more natural appearance. The recovery time for a total capsulectomy may be longer compared to other procedures due to the more invasive nature of the surgery.
Consultation Process
During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. It is important for the patient to disclose any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to medical complications. Patients should also bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will assess the current condition of the breasts and discuss the patient's desired outcome. Based on the patient's expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift or fat transfer, to achieve the best aesthetic results. The surgeon will also go through the procedure, risks, and recovery process in detail to ensure the patient is fully informed and confident in the decision.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Medical Clearance
Patients may need to obtain medical clearance from their primary care physician before undergoing the surgery. This is to ensure that the patient is in good health and can safely undergo the procedure. The primary care physician may conduct a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and order any necessary tests.
Imaging Tests
Depending on the patient's situation, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery. These tests can help the surgeon better understand the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues, and plan the surgical approach accordingly.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients are usually advised to make certain lifestyle changes before the surgery. They may need to stop smoking for a period of time before and after the surgery, as smoking can affect the healing process. Patients may also need to avoid taking certain medications, vitamins, or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood - thinning medications. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on which medications to avoid and for how long.
Arrangements for Recovery
Since the surgery is typically performed under “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to assist them in the first few days of recovery. It is also important to have a comfortable and quiet place to rest at home, and to stock up on any necessary supplies, such as pain medication, bandages, and a compression bra.
The Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal can be performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia, or in some cases, general anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor the patient throughout the procedure and ensure their comfort and safety. Local anesthesia may be used for smaller implants or in certain situations, while general anesthesia is more commonly used for more complex procedures or when the patient desires to be completely asleep during the surgery.
Incisions
If possible, the surgeon will make incisions through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision. However, if an armpit incision was used for the initial placement, it may not be possible to reuse the same incision. The surgeon will carefully choose the incision location to minimize scarring and achieve the best cosmetic result.
Removal of Implants and Capsule
The surgeon will then remove the implants from the breast pocket. Depending on the patient's condition and the surgical approach, the capsule may be removed in whole (en bloc) or in part (partial or total capsulectomy). The surgeon will use gentle movements to separate the capsule from the surrounding tissues and ensure the complete removal of the implant and any associated scar tissue. In the case of a ruptured implant, the surgeon will take extra care to remove any leaking filler material.
Closure of Incisions
After the implants and capsule are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to speed up the healing process. The surgery usually takes between one to three hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Once the patient is awake and stable, they will be provided with discharge instructions. It is important for the patient to have an escort to take them home, as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
Initial Recovery Period
The patient may experience soreness, swelling, and bruising around the breasts in the first few days after the surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort. The breasts may be covered with a layer of gauze or a bandage, and the patient will need to follow specific instructions on how to care for the incisions, such as keeping them clean and dry. It is recommended to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and to gradually increase activity levels as the healing progresses.
Long - Term Recovery
Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within a few days to a week, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible. Some patients may experience a loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. It is also normal to notice some fluid drainage from the incision site in the first few days. In most cases, the majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. However, if a breast lift was performed in conjunction with the explant surgery, the recovery time may be slightly longer.
Expected Results
Breast implant removal can return the breasts to their pre - implant size. If a breast lift or other adjunct procedures were performed, the breasts may have a more youthful and lifted appearance. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results, as the final outcome may be influenced by factors such as the patient's age, skin elasticity, and the duration of having the implants. Patients may need some time to adjust to their new appearance, and it is normal to have some emotional changes during the recovery process. Overall, with proper care and a skilled surgeon, most patients are satisfied with the results of breast implant removal.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal in NYC can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, the location of the surgical facility, and any additional procedures that may be performed. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance unless there is a medical necessity, such as a rupture or an associated medical condition. It is recommended that patients schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get an accurate quote for the procedure.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Whether the reason is medical or cosmetic, there are many experienced plastic surgeons in New York City who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. Understanding the reasons, procedures, recovery process, and expected results is crucial for making an informed decision. By choosing a qualified and reputable surgeon, patients can ensure a positive outcome and a smooth recovery. If you are considering breast implant removal in NYC, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and goals.
Take the first step towards your desired change. Contact a trusted plastic surgeon in New York City today to schedule a consultation and learn more about breast implant removal. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic to spread valuable information.
