Popular Hospital Rankings for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in New York City 2025
Breast implant removal is a significant surgical decision that many women in New York City may face due to various reasons such as medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or lifestyle factors. Selecting the right hospital and surgeon is crucial to ensure a successful and safe procedure. In this article, we will explore the popular hospitals in New York City known for their excellence in breast implant removal surgery and delve into various aspects related to this procedure.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center holds a prestigious position in the medical field. It was named the top hospital in New York and ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. This institution is recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties. In terms of surgical excellence, it has nationally - ranked surgical specialties in both adult and children’s fields. For adult patients, specialties like heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery are highly regarded. In the children’s category, pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery are notable.
When it comes to breast surgery, the national ranking in cancer care reflects the high - quality surgical oncology expertise provided by many of its specialists, including those in breast surgery. The U.S. News & World Report procedure and conditions ratings analyze data under multiple categories, such as patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies. High - performing surgical and medical interventions from the surgeons at Columbia include a wide range of procedures relevant to patients' overall well - being.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is another leading institution on the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult and 4 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 20 adult procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility and also serves as a teaching hospital. The evaluation of this hospital includes data from Mount Sinai Queens and Kravis Children's Hospital.
In the adult rankings, it performs well in multiple areas. For example, it is ranked #4 in the nation in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, #6 in gastroenterology & GI surgery, and #1 in geriatrics. In the area of breast - related care, although not specifically mentioned for breast implant removal alone, its high - performing status in related procedures such as cancer surgery (including ovarian and uterine cancer surgeries) indicates a high level of surgical expertise that can be relevant to breast implant removal cases. The hospital also has a large number of experienced doctors across various specialties, which provides comprehensive support for patients.
Renowned Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. Women may choose to have breast implants removed for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons. Dr. Antell also performs an en bloc capsulectomy when indicated, which involves removing the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has also dealt with the removal of 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).
Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about his surgical skills and the satisfaction of his patients. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion, and has even operated on many celebrities and well - known persons.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC with over 20 years of experience. She has extensive experience in evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal. Patients may seek breast implant removal due to both functional and cosmetic issues related to their implants. Functional problems can include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding. Cosmetic issues may involve the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, and asymmetry.
Dr. Hutchinson 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 to achieve the best aesthetic results. She is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, which adds to her credibility and expertise in this field.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
There are several medical reasons that may lead a woman to consider breast implant removal. One of the most significant is breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary.
Another medical concern is severe capsular contracture. When this occurs, significant scar tissue forms around the implants, causing pain and discomfort in addition to affecting the cosmetic results. Chronic pain with breast implants can also be a reason for removal. Some patients may experience breast implant illness (BII), which refers to a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. Although the exact cause of BII is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Cosmetic Reasons
Cosmetic reasons are also common for breast implant removal. A patient may be unhappy with the result of her original breast augmentation. This could be due to the implant size being too large or too small, or the shape not being in line with her expectations. Implant malposition can also be a problem, such as the “double bubble” appearance where the implant is not centered under the breast or “symmastia,” where the implants appear to touch in the middle. Unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement, distortion, asymmetry, and the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled) are other cosmetic issues that may prompt removal.
Breast Implant Removal Procedures
En Bloc Capsulectomy
En bloc capsulectomy is a procedure where the plastic surgeon removes the implants and the surrounding capsule in a single piece. This method is often preferred in cases where there are concerns about BIA - ALCL or other medical issues related to the implant and its surrounding tissue. It aims to completely remove any potential source of contamination or complication. The advantage of en bloc capsulectomy is that it reduces the risk of leaving behind any potentially harmful tissue. However, it can be a more complex and time - consuming procedure compared to other methods.
Partial Capsulectomy
Partial capsulectomy involves solely removing the breast implant material and trimming or shaping some of the capsule material. This is done to create the patient’s desired chest contour. It is a less invasive option compared to en bloc capsulectomy. Patients who are mainly concerned with the cosmetic appearance and have a relatively healthy capsule may opt for this procedure. The plastic surgeon will carefully assess the patient's anatomy and the condition of the capsule to determine the appropriate amount of tissue to remove.
Total Capsulectomy
Total capsulectomy consists of removing the implant, the capsule, and any remaining scar tissue. The procedure begins with the removal of the breast implants, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue. This is a more comprehensive approach and is often recommended in cases where there is significant capsular contracture or other severe issues with the implant and surrounding tissue. It can provide a more thorough removal of all potentially problematic elements but may also require a longer recovery time.
Pre - operative Considerations
Consultation with the Surgeon
The initial consultation with the surgeon is a crucial step. During this meeting, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. If the patient desires to have the implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms she may be experiencing with the surgeon. The patient should also bring any information she has about her existing implants and her previous breast augmentation surgery to the appointment. By having an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about the desired outcome, a proper surgical plan can be created. The surgeon may also recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, based on the patient's expectations.
Medical Tests
Based on various factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI prior to the breast implant removal procedure. These tests can help the surgeon better understand the current state of the implants and the surrounding tissue. For example, an MRI can check for fluid around the implant or a mass in the capsule, which can be important in detecting any potential problems such as BIA - ALCL.
Preparation Guidelines
Patients will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications before the surgery. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, she may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is often performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive her home after the surgery and ensure she has someone to assist her in the first few days of recovery.
Intra - operative Process
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. This allows the patient to be asleep and comfortable throughout the entire operation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring the patient throughout the procedure to ensure safety. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia, depending on the patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure.
Surgical Technique
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision but may not be possible with an armpit incision. If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or had textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are all removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Post - operative Recovery
Immediate Post - operative Care
After undergoing the surgery, the patient will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until she feels well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, the patient can return home the same day as the procedure. However, when performed with “twilight” sedation, she should be prepared to have an escort to bring her home, as she will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, the patient will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide her through the initial post - operative period.
Recovery Timeline
After surgery, the patient's breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. She may feel tired or sore following surgery, as her body is using its energy to heal. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of the customized procedure and the patient's rate of healing. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully and refrain from activities that could put stress on the incisions.
It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions; this numbness typically fades over time. The patient may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. In most cases, the majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will typically return to the office the day after her surgery so that the surgeon can monitor her healing process. If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible. The scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the surgeon's experience and reputation, the type of procedure (en bloc capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy), the location of the hospital or surgical facility, and any additional procedures that may be performed simultaneously, such as a breast lift.
On average, the cost of breast implant removal in New York City can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of the total cost, including any fees for anesthesia, hospital or surgical facility use, post - operative care, and follow - up appointments. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of breast implant removal if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of BIA - ALCL or severe capsular contracture. However, patients should check with their insurance providers to determine their coverage.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a complex and personal decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. New York City is home to some of the top hospitals and renowned plastic surgeons in the world, offering a wide range of expertise and options for patients. Whether the reason for removal is medical or cosmetic, patients should thoroughly research their options, have in - depth consultations with their chosen surgeons, and understand the entire process from pre - operative preparations to post - operative recovery.
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Reach out to the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation. Discuss your concerns, expectations, and goals to make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and explore related topics to learn more about breast implant removal and other breast - related procedures.
