Introduction

Silicone breast augmentation removal has become a significant procedure in the realm of plastic surgery, catering to patients with various concerns such as breast implant illness, dissatisfaction with the appearance, or complications related to the implants. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals that stand out in providing high - quality services for this specific procedure. In this article, we will explore five such hospitals that are among the top ten in the ranking for silicone breast augmentation removal in 2025.

1. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice

Overview

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known figure in the field of plastic surgery in New York City. His practice offers breast implant removal (explant) and replacement services. Breast implant removal, also known as “explant” surgery, is often done to change the size, location, and/or type of implants. Patients may choose to have their implants removed due to concerns about breast implant illness (BII), leakage of saline implants, or capsular contracture.

Reasons for Implant Removal and Replacement

• Changing Implant Type: Some patients want to remove saline implants in favor of more natural - feeling, - looking, and - acting implants made of FDA - approved silicone gel. Saline implants are more prone to leakage and can feel firm and unnatural, and rippling may occur more often with them.
• Capsular Contracture: This is when the tissue around prior implants becomes firm, causing a distortion in the appearance of the breasts. Repositioning the implants under the pectoralis - major muscle can create a more natural - looking result.
• Breast Implant Illness: Patients concerned about the potential health effects of breast implants may opt to have them removed to determine the effect on their health.

Procedure and Care

Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. The operating room maintains the highest sterility standards, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. He performs the surgery himself with precision and care. After the surgery, he is a firm believer in early showering, stating that “clean wounds make for narrower incisions.” He will also advise patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

Why It Ranks High

Dr. Weintraub's unique blend of medical science and artistic skills ensures that patients receive the best results possible. His attention to detail, from pre - op to post - op care, and his long - standing experience in the field contribute to his practice being among the top in silicone breast augmentation removal.

2. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Overview

Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including the removal of existing silicone or saline implants. He also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy when indicated to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. In addition, he removes the allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Candidate Criteria

Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation, and those with textured implants recalled by the FDA and experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.

Procedure and Risks

Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. Dr. Antell will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, removal of the hardened scar tissue may be necessary. As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, but Dr. Antell provides a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation.

Why It Ranks High

Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His reputation is built on his extraordinary experience, surgical skills, and the beautiful results he produces. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his high - quality care.

3. Columbia University's Plastic Surgery Division

Overview

Columbia University's plastic surgery division is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. The division offers a wide range of plastic surgery programs and services, including breast - related procedures. The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations.

Breast - Related Services

In the context of silicone breast augmentation removal, the division has the expertise to handle various situations. They also offer breast reconstruction after breast cancer, which is a related area of their expertise. Their research in plastic surgery, focusing on areas like stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing, also contributes to their high - quality care.

Why It Ranks High

Columbia's long - standing reputation as a top - tier medical institution, the proficiency of its plastic surgeons, and its commitment to research and innovation make it a leading choice for silicone breast augmentation removal. The division is also a recognized national and international leader in plastic surgery.

4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

Overview

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal procedures. She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants.

Aesthetic and Medical Issues

Aesthetic Issues: These include the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from the original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, and nipple or areola issues. Medical Issues: Such as severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.

Expertise in Specific Conditions

Dr. Hutchinson is well - versed in dealing with breast implant associated - anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). She also understands the complexities of breast implant illness (BII) and can guide patients on the best course of action.

Why It Ranks High

Her extensive experience, focus on patient - centered care, and ability to address a wide range of breast implant - related issues make her practice stand out. Her patients have reported exceptional experiences and amazing results.

5. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice

Overview

Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures. While his focus is not solely on breast implant removal, his expertise in breast - related procedures extends to handling cases of silicone breast augmentation removal.

Breast - Related Expertise

Dr. Kolker is experienced in various breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. His scientific and artistic approach allows him to achieve natural and proportional results. This same skill set can be applied to breast implant removal cases, ensuring that patients' aesthetic goals are met.

Accreditations and Recognition

He is featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York magazine's best doctors issues, America's best plastic surgeons by Newsweek, and Castle Connolly's top doctors. These accreditations and recognitions attest to his high - level of skill and expertise.

Why It Ranks High

Dr. Kolker's combination of in - depth medical knowledge, artistic vision, and a long list of accolades makes his practice a reliable option for silicone breast augmentation removal. His ability to understand each patient's unique needs and provide personalized care is also a significant factor.

Comparison of the Five Hospitals/Surgeons

Conclusion

In New York City in 2025, these five hospitals or surgeons' practices stand out among the top ten for silicone breast augmentation removal. Each has its own unique strengths, whether it's the expertise of the surgeon, the quality of the medical center, the approach to the procedure, or the focus on patient care. When considering silicone breast augmentation removal, patients should carefully research and choose the option that best suits their needs, taking into account factors such as the surgeon's experience, the hospital's reputation, and the overall approach to care.

If you or someone you know is considering silicone breast augmentation removal, we encourage you to explore these options further. Contact the hospitals or surgeons' offices for more information, schedule a consultation, and take the first step towards achieving your desired results.