Introduction
Breast implant capsule contracture is a significant concern for many women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. In New York City, a vibrant hub of medical excellence, there are numerous hospitals and doctors offering services for the repair of breast implant capsule contracture. Understanding the ranking and evaluation of these facilities can greatly assist patients in making informed decisions about their healthcare. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant aspects, including information on top doctors, surgical procedures, recovery, and risk factors.
What is Breast Implant Capsule Contracture?
When breast implants are inserted, the body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue, known as the capsule, around them. Capsule contracture occurs when this scar tissue tightens and hardens, squeezing the implant. This can lead to various issues such as breast pain, firmness, changes in breast shape and position, and restricted movement. There are four grades of capsular contracture, ranging from a soft, normal capsule (Grade 1) to a hard, painful, and misshapen breast (Grade 4). Grades 3 and 4 usually require surgical intervention.
The exact causes of capsular contracture are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include bacterial infection, specifically the formation of a biofilm inside the breast pocket; hematoma (blood accumulation) and seroma (fluid accumulation), which can provide a nutrient source for bacteria; incomplete breast cancer treatment; genetic predisposition, especially in patients with a family history of autoimmune disorders; and random chance.
Top Doctors in New York City for Capsular Contracture Repair
Healthgrades has identified 530 doctors in New York who treat capsular contracture of breast implants. The following are some of the highly - rated doctors in the area:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 425 W 59th St Lobby 5, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Lauren Cassell, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 114a E 78th St, New York, NY 10075 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 51 West 51st Street Suite 380, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Clare Hochreiter, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street M - 404, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Jonathan Villena - Vargas, MD | n/a | 525 East 68th Street M - 404, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Emile Bacha, MD | 3.60 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street F677, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Amber Guth, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 560 1st Ave Fl 10, New York, NY 10016 |
| Dr. Virgilio Sacchini, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Alexandra Heerdt, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Jennifer Lehman, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 10 Union Sq E Ste 4, New York, NY 10003 |
| Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Andrea Barrio, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
These doctors have varying levels of experience and expertise, and patients should consider factors such as the doctor's ratings, reviews from past patients, and their specific approach to treating capsular contracture when making a choice.
Leading Surgeons and Their Specialties
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the most renowned board - certified plastic surgeons in the world. Trained at Stanford and Cornell University, he is known for his exceptional surgical skills and use of advanced techniques. He is often a featured lecturer at national and international seminars. Dr. Antell has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. For breast implant revision surgery, he takes a comprehensive approach, including a thorough initial consultation where he evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He guides patients through the selection of implant type, incision size, implant placement, and size based on their specific anatomy. His practice is well - equipped, and most patients prefer to have the procedure in his private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital.
Dr. Daniel Maman
Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. He completed a Harvard fellowship in aesthetic breast surgery and a 6 - year plastic surgery residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He has appeared on the New York Times top doctors and Super Doctors in plastic surgery lists. Dr. Maman offers a 90 - minute consultation that includes a thorough review of the patient's medical history, an in - depth physical assessment, and the creation of a comprehensive operative plan. His practice emphasizes personalized care and a smooth recovery process, providing patients with multiple pre - op visits, specialized surgery coordinators, and attentive aftercare.
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh is a fellowship - trained, double Ivy - league alumnus with over 23 years of experience. He is the founder and medical director of Cosmoplastic Surgery. Dr. Alizadeh specializes in breast procedures and is known as a precision artist with the female figure. He takes a careful approach to diagnosing capsular contracture, including asking about symptoms, examining the breasts, and potentially performing additional tests. His treatment options for capsular contracture range from removing a portion of the capsule tissue in the early stages to performing a capsulectomy (removing both the capsule tissue and the implant) in more advanced cases. The surgery is performed at a state - of - the - art and fully certified facility.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a top breast implant replacement surgeon on NYC’s Upper East Side. As a fellowship - trained, board - certified plastic surgeon educated at both Harvard and Columbia, she has extensive knowledge and experience. Dr. Hutchinson provides detailed patient evaluations and offers various cosmetic surgery options for breast implant replacement, including changing the size, type, and placement of the implants, as well as adjusting the capsule around the implants. In some cases, she may recommend fat transfer after breast implant removal to correct minor irregularities or provide additional breast volume.
Surgical Procedures for Capsular Contracture Repair
Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant revision surgery is a common approach for treating capsular contracture. It involves the replacement of old breast implants with new ones for either cosmetic or medical reasons. During the procedure, the surgeon will first make an incision, preferably using the same site as the initial breast augmentation if possible. The old implant and any surrounding scar tissue are then removed. When inserting the new implant, a “no - touch technique” is often used to minimize the risk of infection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions, and a layer of gauze and a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in healing. The surgery usually takes between one and three hours to complete.
Capsulectomy
Capsulectomy is a procedure where the entire capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implant is removed. This is typically done when the capsular contracture is more severe (Grade 3 or 4). In some cases, new implants can be placed immediately after the capsulectomy if the patient desires to maintain breast augmentation. Capsulectomy can be a complex procedure, especially if there is extensive scar tissue or if the implant is in an abnormal position.
Partial Capsule Removal
If the capsular contracture is caught early (Grade 1 or 2), the surgeon may choose to remove only a portion of the capsule tissue. This can create more space in the breast pocket and relieve the pressure on the implant, correcting the early stages of capsular contracture. This approach is less invasive than a full capsulectomy and may have a shorter recovery time.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after surgery for capsular contracture repair varies depending on the type of procedure performed. In general, patients will spend some time in a recovery suite being monitored by nurses until they are stable enough to be discharged. Since the surgery is often performed under “twilight” sedation, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home.
After returning home, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and soreness. Medication prescribed by the surgeon can help manage the pain. The breasts may be covered with a layer of gauze and a bandage, and patients may be required to wear a surgical bra to reduce swelling and support the breasts for several weeks. Most patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few days to a week, but they should avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks. External sutures, if used, are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. It may take several months for the swelling and bruising to fully subside and for the final results to become visible. Patients should closely follow the post - operative instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery.
Risk Factors and Complications
While surgery for capsular contracture repair is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks and potential complications. The most common complication is the recurrence of capsular contracture. Placing an ADM (a cellular dermal matrix) such as Strattice or Alloderm and prescribing Accolate may help reduce the risk of recurrence. Other complications include bleeding, infection, numbness, and implant rupture. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed. Implant rupture can occur due to injury or normal compression and movement of the breast, and it usually requires revision surgery to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Doctor
Expertise and Experience
Look for hospitals and doctors with a proven track record in treating capsular contracture. Surgeons with extensive experience are more likely to handle complex cases and achieve better outcomes. Check the doctor's credentials, such as board certification and fellowship training, and look for patient reviews and testimonials to gauge their expertise.
Comprehensive Care
Choose a hospital or doctor that offers comprehensive pre - operative evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and post - operative support. This includes access to rehabilitation services, psychological counseling, and support groups. A patient - centered approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's well - being are addressed throughout the treatment process.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Opt for a facility that is equipped with state - of - the - art technology and uses advanced surgical techniques. This can lead to improved outcomes, reduced complications, and shorter recovery times. Surgeons who stay updated with the latest advancements in the field are better able to provide the best possible care.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the procedure and check if insurance will cover any part of it. In most cases, breast implant revision for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance, but if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as in the case of implant rupture or severe capsular contracture, insurance may provide some coverage. Discuss the cost and payment options with the doctor's office during the consultation.
Preventive Measures for Capsular Contracture
While the exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood, there are some measures that can be taken to potentially reduce the risk:
- Implant Type: Silicone implants have a higher risk of developing capsular contracture compared to saline implants. Smooth - textured implants may also have a lower chance of causing capsular contracture.
- Implant Placement: Placing the implants under the muscle tissue in the chest can be associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture. The muscles can massage the implants during normal movements, helping to keep the scar tissue soft.
- Breast Massage: Gently massaging the breasts after breast augmentation, under the doctor's instructions, can help keep the breast tissue pliable during the healing process and may prevent capsular contracture.
- Proper Implant Size: Choosing the right size of implants is important. If the implant is too large for the patient's natural breast tissue, the risk of capsular contracture may increase. For patients with small breasts who want a significant size increase, a staged augmentation approach may be considered.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are numerous highly - qualified doctors and hospitals offering services for the repair of breast implant capsule contracture. Understanding the ranking and evaluation of these facilities, as well as the surgical procedures, recovery process, and risk factors, is crucial for patients considering this type of treatment. By carefully researching and choosing the right doctor and hospital, patients can increase their chances of a successful outcome and a smooth recovery. It is important to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon to discuss personalized treatment options and make an informed decision based on individual needs and circumstances.
If you or someone you know is considering breast implant capsule contracture repair in New York City, take the time to explore the options available, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations with potential doctors. Remember, this is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well - being. Reach out to a trusted medical professional today to start your journey towards a solution.
