Introduction
Removing silicone breast augmentation prostheses is a significant decision that many women in New York City may contemplate. There could be various reasons behind this choice, including dissatisfaction with the appearance, health - related concerns, or complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. Selecting the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for a successful and safe procedure. In this article, we will explore some of the top - rated options in New York City for removing silicone breast implants, along with details about the procedure, preparation, recovery, and frequently asked questions.
Top Surgeons and Their Practices in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive breast implant removal services. They understand that deciding to have breast implants removed is a major decision, and they aim to provide patients with all the necessary information to make an informed choice. Surgeons like Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs are well - versed in the procedure.
- Procedure Details: The surgeons will remove the breast implants along with some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. They will also clean the breast pocket and remove any silicone from the implant shell. Anesthesia options include local or general, depending on the patient's consultation. Incisions can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit.
- Preparation: Patients are advised to avoid certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory drugs for one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications like coumadin and heparin should be avoided for up to six weeks. An examination is required to ensure the breasts are healthy enough for the procedure.
- Recovery: Recovery is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation. Patients can expect three days of significant downtime, followed by a few weeks of swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity. Light activities can usually be resumed within a week, and more vigorous activity after about six weeks.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the area and globally. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, and when indicated, an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue around the breast implant. He also removes recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with Bia - ALCL.
- Candidate Assessment: Good candidates for his breast implant removal procedure are those in good health who wish to have their existing implants removed. This includes women experiencing medical complications related to the implants, those unhappy with the original augmentation results, and those with recalled textured implants and symptoms of Bia - ALCL.
- Consultation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and breast condition. He discusses the patient's desired outcome and may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
- Procedure Location: Most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
- Recovery: After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. They are provided with thorough discharge instructions, and Dr. Antell and his staff are available to answer questions throughout the recovery process.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries. He focuses on achieving elegant and natural - looking results. He believes that breast implant removal and replacement can enhance the appearance of breasts by addressing issues such as size, location, and type of implants.
- Indications for Surgery: Reasons for breast implant removal and replacement include concerns about breast implant illness, the desire for more natural - feeling implants, capsular contracture, and the need to reposition implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look.
- Procedure Approach: Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He performs the surgery in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.
- Patient Requirements: The best candidates are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. They should be motivated for the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means for the elective cosmetic surgery.
- Recovery and Aftercare: After surgery, there may be a short period of minimal swelling and bruising. Patients must follow Dr. Weintraub's instructions carefully, and he will advise on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
Dr. John Mesa
Dr. John Mesa performs breast implant removal at fully accredited hospitals or surgery centers in NYC, NJ, and Miami. He is passionate about achieving a natural and attractive look for his patients and provides patient - centered service.
- Procedure Execution: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two hours. In many cases, the implant is removed through the original surgical scar, and incisions are placed discreetly to limit scarring.
- Recovery Expectations: Patients can expect to be up and moving around on the day of surgery and return to work in about seven to fourteen days. They need to wear a special supportive bra, and swelling should subside within a few weeks.
Dr. Darren Smith
Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He helps patients decide whether breast implant removal is the right choice based on their individual needs and body goals.
- Procedure Steps: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is made along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from breast augmentation to minimize scarring. The implants, capsule, and scar tissue or silicone from leaks are removed as needed.
- Post - surgery Care: After surgery, patients spend time in the recovery room. They are given appropriate support garments, and the doctor provides aftercare instructions and prescribes pain medications. A trusted friend or family member must drive the patient home and stay with them for at least 24 hours post - op.
- Recovery Time: Mild discomfort and swelling are expected. Strenuous movements should be avoided for two weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, and explantation is generally less uncomfortable than the original procedure.
Dr. Constance M. Chen
Dr. Constance M. Chen has 20 years of expertise in performing breast implant removal through a limited - scar technique. She performs a complete en bloc capsulectomy to address concerns about breast implant - related cancers like Bia - ALCL and Bia - SCC.
- Reasons for Implant Removal: Common reasons include capsular contracture, rupture, infection, malposition, extrusion, breast implant illness (BII), and cancers associated with breast implants.
- Unique Technique: Dr. Chen removes the entire breast implant and capsule in one piece through the patient's existing scar, avoiding scar enlargement.
- Benefits of Removal: Benefits for patients include better mammogram visibility, resolution of pain and discomfort, resolution of BII symptoms, and no need to worry about implant complications.
- Recovery Process: Patients can return home on the same day of surgery. They may be wrapped in a compressive dressing and should avoid heavy lifting for 6 - 8 weeks. Drains are usually removed in the first 1 - 2 weeks, and pain medication is prescribed.
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 with advanced techniques to address both medical and cosmetic concerns.
- Indications for Surgery: Reasons for considering breast explant surgery include dissatisfaction with the current implants, discomfort, health concerns such as breast implant illness (BII) or capsular contracture, and the desire to return to a natural breast size or shape.
- Advanced Techniques: She offers en bloc capsulectomy to remove the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece and open capsulotomy to address issues associated with capsular contracture.
- Procedure and Recovery: The outpatient surgery lasts one to three hours under general anesthesia. Recovery times vary, but patients generally experience minimal discomfort after surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Common Reasons for Removing Silicone Breast Implants
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Capsular Contracture | The scar tissue around the implant hardens and contracts, causing pain, an abnormal shape, and discomfort. This is one of the most common reasons for implant removal. |
| Implant Rupture | Saline implants will deflate when they rupture, which is usually obvious. Silicone implants may have a silent rupture, where the silicone gel leaks into the surrounding tissue and can cause irritation. |
| Breast Implant Illness (BII) | Some women experience a constellation of autoimmune - like symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint aches, and skin and hair problems after getting breast implants. Removing the implants often resolves these symptoms. |
| Malposition | The implant may shift position over time, causing asymmetry or an unnatural appearance of the breasts. This can be due to muscle movement, gravity, weight gain, or trauma. |
| Extrusion | The implant may push through the skin, usually due to constant pressure against the skin or radiation - damaged skin. Extruded implants are considered contaminated and need to be removed. |
| Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (Bia - ALCL) | A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue around the implant. Early - stage Bia - ALCL can be treated with implant removal and en bloc capsulectomy. |
| Breast Implant - Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Bia - SCC) | An even rarer but potentially aggressive epithelial - based cancer associated with breast implants. There have been very few reported cases. |
| Dissatisfaction with Appearance | Patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or feel of their breast implants and wish to return to their natural breast size or have a revision. |
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Evaluation
Before the procedure, a thorough medical evaluation is essential. This includes a review of the patient's medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous surgeries. The surgeon will also examine the breasts to assess the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue.
Medication Adjustment
Patients should inform their surgeon about all the medications they are taking. Some medications, such as blood - thinners, aspirin, and anti - inflammatory drugs, may need to be stopped for a certain period before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Lifestyle Changes
Smoking can affect the healing process, so smokers are usually advised to quit before the surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also contribute to a smoother recovery.
Arranging for Support
Since patients will be under the influence of anesthesia, they need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and stay with them for at least 24 hours. Having support during the initial recovery period is crucial for the patient's well - being.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Anesthesia
Anesthesia options for breast implant removal include local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The choice depends on the patient's overall health, the type and location of the implants, and the surgeon's recommendation. With local anesthesia, the patient may be awake but will not feel pain in the surgical area. General anesthesia puts the patient to sleep during the entire procedure.
Incision Placement
Surgeons have several options for incision placement. These include the inframammary fold (crease under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit. Using the original incision from the breast augmentation surgery is often preferred to minimize scarring.
Implant and Capsule Removal
The surgeon will carefully remove the breast implants from the breast pocket. In some cases, all or part of the scar capsule surrounding the implant will also be removed. If there is a concern about Bia - ALCL or Bia - SCC, a complete en bloc capsulectomy may be performed, where the implant and the entire capsule are removed in one piece.
Closure of Incisions
After the implants and capsule (if applicable) are removed, the incisions are closed with sutures. Dissolvable sutures may be used to avoid the need for suture removal later. Surgical dressings are then applied to the incisions to protect them and promote healing.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - surgery
After the surgery, patients are taken to a recovery room where they are monitored as the anesthesia wears off. They may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. Pain medication will be provided to manage the pain.
Short - term Recovery
In the first few days, patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities. They may need to wear a supportive bra to help with the healing process and reduce swelling. It is normal to have some fluid drainage from the incisions in the early days, but this usually stops within a short period.
Long - term Recovery
Most patients can resume light activities within a week. However, they should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for four to six weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually subside over several weeks, and the final results of the surgery become more apparent over a few months. The skin may contract, and the remaining breast tissue may re - expand during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel better after breast implant removal?
Many patients find that their symptoms are reduced after breast implant removal, especially if they were experiencing pain, discomfort, or symptoms related to breast implant illness. However, the outcome can be individual, and the surgeon can provide more specific expectations during the consultation.
How painful is breast explant surgery?
During the surgery, patients are under anesthesia and do not feel pain. After the surgery, some discomfort is normal, but it can be managed with pain medication. The level of pain varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the extent of the procedure and the individual's pain tolerance.
Will the original incision sites be reused?
Surgeons will try to reuse the original incision sites to minimize scarring. However, in some cases, new incisions may be necessary, such as when there are complications or when a different approach is required.
How long do I need to wait before undergoing a breast explant procedure?
It is usually recommended to wait at least six months after breast augmentation before considering a revision or removal procedure. This allows the breast tissue to settle and the swelling and bruising to resolve, so that the final results of the original surgery can be evaluated.
What happens to my breasts when I remove the implants?
The breasts will likely lose some volume since the implants added fullness. The area may look somewhat deflated initially. However, over time, the skin may contract, and
The ranking list of the top ten hospitals for Aurora teardrop - shaped breast augmentation in New York City is updated!
Review of the Ranking List of 5 Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Injections in New York City! 2025
A review of the capabilities of the top 5 breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals in New York City!
Ranking of Experts for Breast Augmentation Correction in New York City, Plastic Surgery Comparison Atlas!
The ranking of endoscopic prosthetic breast augmentation hospitals in New York City is made public!
List of the ranking of doctors for Nagor breast augmentation with prosthetics in New York City is announced!
Introduction to the top 5 hospitals for electro - acupuncture breast augmentation in New York City!
The Red - List Ranking of Plastic Prosthetic Breast Augmentation Hospitals in New York City!
