Best Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation Removal in New York City in 2025

Introduction

Prosthetic breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure, but for various reasons, some patients may decide to have their breast implants removed. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. This article will explore these options, the reasons for removal, the procedures involved, and the recovery process, helping you make an informed decision about which hospital or doctor is the best fit for your needs.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are multiple reasons why a patient might choose to have their breast implants removed. According to various sources, these reasons can be classified into several categories:

Medical Reasons

• Breast Implant Illness (BII): This refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems, also referred to as “autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA).”
• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the tissue around prior implants becomes firm. Excessive scar tissue formation around the implant can cause firmness, irregular shape, or discomfort.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants are more prone to leakage due to their valve, while silicone implants, though factory - sealed, can also rupture. Leakage can lead to changes in the appearance of the breasts and may cause discomfort.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare cancer specifically related to breast implants. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation that manifests late (usually several years after the initial breast surgery) and is mostly treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant.
• Infection and Bleeding: Infections can occur around the implant area, and in some cases, there may be excessive bleeding during or after the initial surgery, which could lead to the decision to remove the implants.

Aesthetic Reasons

• Unsatisfactory Results: Patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. For example, the implants may be too large, causing discomfort or an unnatural appearance, or they may have shifted from their original position.
• Changes in Lifestyle: Some patients may find that the implants are no longer suitable for their current lifestyle. For instance, athletes or active individuals may feel that the implants hinder their activities.
• Aging: As a patient ages, the breasts naturally change, and the implants may no longer look or feel as they did when they were first inserted. This can lead to a desire for removal.

Top Hospitals and Doctors for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

1. Services by Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He offers breast implant removal and replacement services. His practice focuses on creating natural - looking results.

Procedure and Expertise

• He prefers to perform breast implant removal and replacement with patients in a comfortable state of twilight sleep, using advanced anesthesia techniques to minimize nausea, vomiting, and grogginess.
• He always insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
• He has a unique blend of medical science and artistry, paying attention to detail in every step of the procedure, from pre - op to post - op care. Over 60% of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices.

Patient Suitability

The best candidates for his services are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. They should be highly motivated to make the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities for the procedure, and have the financial means for the elective cosmetic surgery.

2. Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast implant removal.

Benefits

• Exemplary Surgeons: Their surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote comfort throughout the process.
• Partnership with Top Hospital System: They partner with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
• Individualized Care: Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly skilled and can help patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities achieve the natural look they want.
• Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step. They use the latest anesthetics and medications to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster.

3. Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai's breast implant revision specialists are experts in medical care and plastic surgery. They can correct problem areas related to breast implants.

Procedures Offered

• They perform secondary or breast implant revision surgery by matching and repairing the body's tissue with the breast implants to ensure a natural and beautiful position, shape, and texture of the implants.
• They may recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area surrounding the breast implant and may suggest fat transfer from other parts of the body to enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts.

4. Services by Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the upper east side in NYC. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.

Patient Consultation and Care

• She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary for the best aesthetic results.
• She has experience dealing with both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, including BIA - ALCL and BII.

5. Services by Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a widely regarded plastic surgeon in the New York area. He performs custom breast implant removal surgery.

Procedure and Recovery

• He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
• He offers consultations to thoroughly evaluate a patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. He creates a personalized surgical plan based on the patient's expectations.
• The surgery is usually performed in his discreet, private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital. His facility is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
• He provides detailed pre - operative and post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.

6. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services. Their plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are experienced in the procedure.

Procedure Steps

• They administer either local or general anesthesia based on the patient's preferences and condition. The surgical team continuously monitors the patient's vital signs during the procedure.
• 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. They then remove the implants and any excess scar tissue, and finally seal the incisions.

Recovery Guidance

Patients are provided with post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. They can expect a recovery period similar to that of the initial breast augmentation surgery, with some swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks.

7. Services by Dr. Maura Reinblatt

Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She offers breast implant removal surgery.

Techniques and Benefits

• She uses advanced techniques such as en bloc capsulectomy (removing both the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece) and open capsulotomy (partially removing the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant) to address medical issues associated with breast implants.
• Her practice focuses on personalized patient care. She has dual board certifications in plastic surgery and surgery and is a member of esteemed professional organizations.

8. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, specifically under the care of Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani, provides capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures for breast implant removal in NYC.

Services and Consultation

• They offer a personalized consultation to understand each patient's individual concerns and goals. Based on this, they create an individualized treatment plan, which may include partial or full removal of scar tissue and replacement of breast implants.
• The surgery takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room in Manhattan. The procedure usually takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity of the breast condition.
• They provide support and guidance through the post - surgery care, including scheduling follow - up appointments to assess recovery and results.

Comparative Analysis of Hospitals and Doctors

Pre - operative Considerations

Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery, patients should take several steps:

Medical Clearance

Most surgeons will require patients to obtain medical clearance from their family physician. This ensures that the patient is in good health and can safely undergo the surgery.

Medication Adjustment

Patients may need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anti - inflammatory medications, and blood - thinning medications, for a specific period before the surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

Arrangements for Recovery

Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to assist them during the first few days of recovery. They may also need to make arrangements for post - operative care, such as wearing a compression bra and following a specific diet.

Procedure Process

Anesthesia

Anesthesia options for breast implant removal include local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The choice depends on factors such as the patient's preference, the size and location of the implants, and the complexity of the procedure. Local anesthesia may be used for smaller implants or less complex cases, while general anesthesia is often preferred for more extensive surgeries.

Incision Placement

The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in one of three common locations:

• Inframammary Fold: An incision is made in the crease under the breast. This is a common location as it can provide good access to the implant and may be well - hidden.
• Areolar: The incision is made around the areola. This option can be advantageous as the scar may be less visible due to the natural pigmentation of the areola.
• Axillary: An incision is made in the armpit. This approach allows for a less visible scar on the breast, but it may be more technically challenging to reach the implant.

Implant and Scar Tissue Removal

The surgeon will remove the implants from the breast pocket. In some cases, if there is capsular contracture or other issues, the surgeon may also remove the surrounding scar tissue. This can be done in a piecemeal fashion or as an en bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and the entire capsule are removed as one unit.

Closure of Incisions

After the implants and any scar tissue are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures. In some cases, dissolvable sutures may be used to avoid the need for suture removal.

Post - operative Recovery

The recovery process after breast implant removal can vary from patient to patient, but there are some general guidelines:

Immediate Post - surgery

Patients will wake up in a recovery room where they will be monitored by medical staff. They may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication. A compression bra or dressing will be applied to support the breasts and reduce swelling.

First Few Days

Patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days. They may need help with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing