Introduction

Breast implant capsular contracture is a common concern among women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. It occurs when the fibrous scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant tightens and constricts the implant, causing discomfort, distortion of the breast shape, and other issues. In New York City, patients have access to a wide range of medical facilities and doctors specializing in treating this condition. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the popular hospitals and doctors for breast implant capsular contracture in New York City, along with essential information about the condition, treatment options, and more.

Click to view the popular hospital ranking list for breast implant capsular contracture in New York City!

Understanding Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture happens when the body's natural response to the presence of a breast implant leads to the tightening of the fibrous capsule around it. According to Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, this can occur at any time after breast implant surgery but is most common in the months following the initial procedure. The scar tissue that forms around the implant can harden and squeeze the implant, resulting in a firm or hard - feeling breast and sometimes distorting its appearance.

Symptoms of Capsular Contracture

Unusual Firmness: The breast may feel significantly firmer than normal, sometimes compared to a rock - like texture.
Change in Shape or Position: The breast implant may shift in position, or the breast may take on an abnormal shape, such as being overly high or misshapen.
Discomfort or Pain: Patients may experience pain, tenderness, or a feeling of tightness in the affected breast.
Visible Distortion: In severe cases, the distortion of the breast can be clearly visible, affecting the aesthetic appearance.

Top Doctors in New York City for Capsular Contracture of Breast Implants

Doctors in New York

Healthgrades has identified several highly - rated doctors in New York who treat capsular contracture of breast implants. The doctors below have at least 3 or more past patient ratings, indicating their experience and competence:

Doctor's Name	Rating (out of 5)	Location
Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD	4.60	425 W 59th st lbby 5, New York, NY 10019
Dr. Lauren Cassell, MD	4.90	114a e 78th st, New York, NY 10075
Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD	4.90	51 west 51st street suite 380, New York, NY 10019
Dr. Clare Hochreiter, MD	5.00	525 east 68th street m - 404, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Jonathan Villena - Vargas, MD	-	525 east 68th street m - 404, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Emile Bacha, MD	3.60	525 east 68th street f677, New York, NY 10065
Dr. David Otterburn, MD	5.00	525 east 68th street starr 8, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Amber Guth, MD	4.70	560 1st ave fl 10, New York, NY 10016
Dr. Virgilio Sacchini, MD	5.00	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Alexandra Heerdt, MD	4.70	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Jennifer Lehman, MD	4.50	10 union sq e ste 4, New York, NY 10003
Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD	4.80	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Andrea Barrio, MD	4.80	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065

Doctors in the Bronx

Similarly, in the Bronx area, Healthgrades has listed doctors with significant experience in treating capsular contracture:

Doctor's Name	Rating (out of 5)	Location
Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD	4.60	425 W 59th st lbby 5, New York, NY 10019
Dr. Lauren Cassell, MD	4.90	114a e 78th st, New York, NY 10075
Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD	4.90	161 fort washington avenue suite 511, New York, NY 10032
Dr. Dan Reiner, MD	3.40	2800 marcus avenue suite 204, Lake Success, NY 11042
Charise Hunter, PA	-	2800 marcus avenue suite 204, Lake Success, NY 11042
Dr. Mark Dobriner, MD	3.40	3 vermont drive, Lake Success, NY 11042
Dr. David Otterburn, MD	5.00	525 east 68th street starr 8, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Amber Guth, MD	4.70	160 e 34th st, New York, NY 10016
Dr. Virgilio Sacchini, MD	5.00	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Alexandra Heerdt, MD	4.70	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Jennifer Lehman, MD	4.50	1090 amsterdam ave fl 10, New York, NY 10025
Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD	4.80	300 e 66th st, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Evan Matros, MD	4.80	1275 york ave, New York, NY 10065

Popular Hospitals in New York City for Treating Capsular Contracture

NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

This hospital has been recognized as a top hospital in New York and ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in 2024 - 2025. It is renowned for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties. In terms of surgical excellence, it has nationally - ranked adult specialties such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, as well as pediatric specialties like pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery. The hospital's national ranking in cancer care also reflects the high - quality surgical oncology expertise provided by many of its specialists, including those in breast surgery. While it has a wide - ranging reputation for surgical and medical excellence, it can potentially offer high - quality treatment for breast implant capsular contracture, given its overall surgical capabilities and experienced medical staff.

NYC Health + Hospitals

All of the hospitals within the NYC Health + Hospitals system have been named to the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals 2024 – 2025” list. These hospitals are recognized for excellence in treating conditions including heart failure, heart attack, hip fracture, kidney failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The system includes facilities like NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, and others. Although the specific ranking for breast implant capsular contracture is not mentioned, their commitment to providing high - quality, comprehensive health care to all New Yorkers suggests that they may have competent medical teams and resources to handle cases of capsular contracture.

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are well - known for their breast implant revision services. They can correct various problems with breast implants, including capsular contracture. Their specialized procedure involves matching and repairing the body’s tissue with the breast implants to achieve a natural and beautiful position, shape, and texture of the breast implants. They may recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area surrounding the breast implant and suggest fat transfer to enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts.

Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dedicated to addressing and treating capsular contracture, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery employs the latest techniques and treatments to manage and correct this condition. The clinic focuses on ensuring that patients can enjoy both the aesthetic and comfort benefits of their breast implants without compromise. They offer a comprehensive approach from diagnosis to long - term management and prevention of capsular contracture.

Treatment Options for Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

Medication

In mild cases of capsular contracture, certain medications may be used to try to reduce the inflammation and slow the progression of the capsule formation. However, the effectiveness of medication alone may be limited, and it is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods or as an initial attempt to manage the condition.

Capsulectomy

This is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the scar tissue capsule. In some cases, it may also include the replacement of the implant. A capsulectomy can be a more invasive procedure compared to others, but it can effectively remove the tightened scar tissue that is causing the capsular contracture. Dr. Zuckerman and other experienced surgeons in New York City are skilled in performing this procedure.

Capsulotomy

Making incisions into the capsule to release the tension without removing the tissue is known as a capsulotomy. This approach is less invasive than a capsulectomy but may not be suitable for all cases, especially in more severe forms of capsular contracture. It can provide some relief from the symptoms and may be combined with other treatment options.

Implant Exchange or Removal

In some cases, replacing the implant with a new one, possibly with a different type or texture, or removing the implants altogether, may be recommended. If the implant is contributing to the development of capsular contracture, such as a textured implant with a higher risk, a smooth implant may be used as a replacement. Removal of the implants may be an option for patients who no longer wish to have implants or if the condition is severe and other treatments are not effective.

Pre - and Post - operative Considerations

Pre - operative Considerations

Before undergoing treatment for capsular contracture, patients should have a thorough consultation with their doctor. This includes a detailed review of their medical history, any previous breast surgeries, and current medications. Doctors may also perform a physical examination to assess the severity of the capsular contracture. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. For example, if an implant exchange is planned, they should discuss the type, size, and texture of the new implant with their doctor.

Post - operative Considerations

Recovery times and specifics will vary depending on the type of treatment. Most corrective surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to follow their doctor's detailed pre - operative and post - operative care instructions. This may include wearing a special support garment, taking pain medication as prescribed, and refraining from certain activities for a period of time. Regular follow - up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and detect any potential complications early.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor

Research and Reviews

Patients should conduct thorough research on the hospitals and doctors in New York City. Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the doctor's bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Online platforms, such as Healthgrades, can be a great resource for finding doctor ratings and reviews. Patients can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other medical professionals.

Credentials and Experience

It is crucial to choose a doctor who is board - certified and has significant experience in treating capsular contracture. Doctors with fellowships or additional training in breast surgery are often more well - equipped to handle complex cases. For example, Dr. Daniel Maman at Maman Plastic Surgery is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. He has extensive experience in breast implant revision procedures, which may include treating capsular contracture.

Communication and Comfort

During the consultation process, patients should feel comfortable communicating with their doctor. The doctor should take the time to answer all of the patient's questions, explain the treatment options in detail, and address any concerns. A good doctor - patient relationship is essential for a successful treatment outcome.

Conclusion

Breast implant capsular contracture is a significant concern for many women who have undergone breast augmentation. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and doctors with the expertise to treat this condition. Hospitals