Introduction
Breast augmentation has long been a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. However, as time goes on, some women may choose to have their breast implants removed. Recently, a new ranking of breast augmentation prosthesis removal surgery in New York City has emerged, shedding light on the top surgeons and clinics in the area. In this article, we will explore the reasons for breast implant removal, the top surgeons in New York City, the procedure itself, and what to expect during recovery.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman may choose to have her breast implants removed. These reasons can be categorized into medical, cosmetic, and lifestyle factors.
Medical Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Over time, breast implants can rupture, either due to wear and tear or trauma. Silicone implants may not show obvious signs of rupture, while saline implants will deflate immediately. A ruptured implant may need to be removed to prevent complications.
- Capsular Contracture: This is a common complication where the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant. It can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort. Severe cases of capsular contracture may require implant removal.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although rare, certain types of textured breast implants have been associated with an increased risk of BIA - ALCL. The FDA has recalled some of these implants, and women with these implants who show symptoms such as pain, swelling, or a mass around the breast may need to have their implants removed.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women report a range of symptoms after breast augmentation, including fatigue, joint pain, migraines, and skin rashes. While the exact cause of BII is unknown, some women choose to have their implants removed in the hope of alleviating these symptoms.
- Infection: An infection in the breast tissue around the implant can be a serious complication. In some cases, removing the implant may be necessary to treat the infection effectively.
Cosmetic Reasons
- Unsatisfactory Results: Some women may not be happy with the appearance of their breast implants. This could be due to issues such as asymmetry, incorrect sizing, or changes in the appearance of the implants over time.
- Desire for a More Natural Look: As personal preferences change, some women may decide they prefer the look of their natural breasts and choose to have the implants removed.
Lifestyle Reasons
- Age: As women age, their bodies change, and they may no longer want to maintain their breast implants. For example, the breasts may naturally sag, and the presence of implants may no longer be aesthetically pleasing.
- Health and Wellness: Some women may want to focus on their overall health and wellness and feel that having breast implants is a hindrance. They may choose to remove the implants to simplify their lives or as part of a health - conscious lifestyle change.
Top Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
New York City is home to many highly skilled plastic surgeons who specialize in breast implant removal. Here are some of the top surgeons based on their experience, reputation, and patient reviews.
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and worldwide. He is listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He has performed surgeries on many celebrities and has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results and discretion. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about their satisfaction with their new look.
Surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The top - rated breast surgery team at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan is highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. They are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques. The board - certified plastic surgeons at this center routinely perform breast implant removal surgery at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. They offer various breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy, and customize the treatment plan based on each patient's unique needs and desired post - operative goals.
Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Patients at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery have the option of having their breast implant removal procedures performed by either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs. These surgeons provide patients with solid information to help them make an educated choice about their breast implant removal. They also address various concerns and perform the necessary steps to ensure a safe and successful procedure, including removing silicone from the implant shell and cleaning the breast pocket during the surgery.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York. He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant pocket and remove the implants. During the procedure, he also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. Dr. Wallach provides a comprehensive consultation, discussing options for implant removal and replacement, and helps patients make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she has evaluated numerous patients with breast implant - related concerns and performed breast implant removal surgeries. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants and advises 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 achieve the best aesthetic results.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City. He understands that the decision to undergo these procedures is deeply personal and aims to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients. He is meticulous in his surgical techniques, aiming to minimize scarring and optimize recovery for his patients.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Consultation
The first step in the breast implant removal process is the consultation. During this appointment, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. If you are having the implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. You should also bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. By having an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about your desired outcome, you can work together to create the proper surgical plan. The surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, depending on your expectations.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on various factors, such as your age and the condition of your implants, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery. You will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may be given prescriptions that should be filled before the surgery. Depending on your medical history, you may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you during the first few days of recovery.
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Placement of Incisions
The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically placed in the armpit. The surgeon will choose the best location based on your previous breast augmentation incisions and the current condition of your breasts. If possible, the surgeon will reuse the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery.
Removal of Implants and Scar Tissue
The surgeon will then remove the implants from each breast. There are several methods for implant removal, including prying out the implants from beneath the breast tissue, cutting through the shell of the implant if it is sticking to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the breast implant for slow removal. If you have experienced capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or are at risk of BIA - ALCL due to textured implants, the surgeon may need to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection.
Sealing of Incisions
After the implants and any necessary scar tissue have been removed, the surgeon will re - attach your skin, stitch it, and apply dressings to prevent infection during the healing process. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may also place a layer of gauze or a bandage over your new breasts to speed healing.
Recovery from Breast Implant Removal
Recovery from breast implant removal is an important part of the process. Here's what you can expect during the recovery period.
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day as the surgery. However, because you will have received anesthesia, you should have an escort to bring you home, and you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, you will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post - operative period.
First Few Days and Weeks
Your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore following surgery, as your body is using its energy to heal. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the details of your customized procedure and your rate of healing. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site.
Longer - term Recovery
The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that the surgeon can monitor your healing process. In most cases, the surgeon will use dissolvable sutures or dermabond to avoid external sutures. If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following your procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Risks and Complications
While breast implant removal surgery is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are always some risks and potential complications. These include:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery, which may require additional treatment or monitoring.
- Infection: An infection in the surgical site can occur, which may require antibiotics or further medical intervention.
- Numbness at the Incision Site: You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the breast area or around the incisions.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery.
- Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Results: There is a possibility that you may not be completely satisfied with the final appearance of your breasts after the implant removal.
- Asymmetry: The breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical after the surgery.
The surgeon will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during your initial consultation, and you can reduce your risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the cost related to the operating facility, post - care essentials, tests used, and prescription medication cost. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the surgery is medically necessary, such as in the case of a ruptured implant or BIA - ALCL, insurance companies may be obligated to cover the costs under certain laws, such as the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Acts of 1988. To determine the cost of your breast implant removal, you should meet with your surgeon during a consultation.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that many women in New York City may consider for various medical, cosmetic, or lifestyle reasons. The new ranking of breast augmentation prosthesis removal surgery in New York City highlights the top surgeons and clinics in the area, providing women with valuable information to make an informed choice. By choosing an experienced and reputable surgeon, understanding the procedure, and following the pre - and post - operative instructions carefully, women can expect a safe and successful breast implant removal and a smooth recovery process. If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and determine the best course of action for you.
