Do You Know the Top Five Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City!

New York City is known for its world - class medical facilities and highly skilled plastic surgeons. When it comes to breast implant removal, several hospitals and clinics stand out for their expertise, experience, and patient - centric approach. In this article, we will explore the top five hospitals or surgeons' practices for breast implant removal in New York City, highlighting their key features, services, and what sets them apart.

1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Overview

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

Services Offered

• Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant): He removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also deals with the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
• Combined Procedures: Based on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy) to produce a more plump, rounded appearance.

Patient Experience

Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to the satisfaction they have with their new look. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond.

Facility and Procedure

Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. Most 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. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of the customized procedure and the patient's rate of healing.

2. Dr. Steven Wallach

Overview

Dr. Steven Wallach is a plastic surgeon who offers breast implant removal services. As breast augmentation becomes more popular in the United States, the demand for implant removal has also increased, and Dr. Wallach addresses this need for patients in New York.

Services Offered

• Breast Implant Removal: He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. This may be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
• Implants Replacement: Patients may be able to have the implants replaced with new ones at the same time as the removal of the old ones if desired.

Patient Evaluation and Consultation

During the consultation, if the patient is experiencing complications such as capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach may perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and then schedule the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he may discuss other options for breast implant replacement, such as switching to a different type or size of implant, or explore other breast enhancement options like a breast lift. He walks patients through the options and techniques available for the procedure and which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.

Procedure and Anesthesia

The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Wallach will make a predetermined incision to access the breast pocket and implant, remove the implant, and may remove the scar capsule surrounding it. In the case of leakage or rupture, he will take extra care to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out from the implant.

Recovery and Risks

Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around their breasts and may be in mild pain. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days. Dr. Wallach instructs patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and avoid exertion of heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks. The main risks of breast implant removal surgery are unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and need for revision surgery.

3. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

Overview

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services. Their plastic surgeons, either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are experienced in performing these procedures and helping patients make informed decisions about their bodies.

Reasons for Explant Procedure

• Removal of breast implants that are leaking silicone gel or have ruptured.
• Removal of breast implants causing pain or other types of complications.
• Replacement of damaged implants.
• Improvement of the aesthetics and feel of the breasts.
• Removal of capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around an implant).

Preparation

Patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They should also avoid taking blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks prior to the breast implant removal procedure. Patients must arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and remain with them for at least 24 hours. They also need to undergo an examination to determine if their breasts are healthy enough to undergo a breast explant.

Procedure Steps

1. Anesthesia: The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia. If general anesthesia is given, the patient will be completely unconscious during the entire procedure, and the surgical team will continuously monitor vital signs.
2. Skin Preparation: The area around the breasts will be cleaned with antibacterial soap to guard against infection.
3. Placement of Incisions: Incisions can be formed in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically placed in the armpit. The surgeon will create the necessary incisions and drain any accumulated fluid in the area.
4. Removal of Implants: The surgeon may use methods such as prying out implants from beneath breast tissue, cutting through the shell of the implant if it is sticking to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the breast implant for slow removal through pulling.
5. Scar Tissue Removal: After implant removal, the surgeon will remove any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples and cauterize the area, then reconstruct the area for a more natural appearance.
6. Sealing of Incisions: The surgeon will re - attach the skin, stitch it, and apply dressings to prevent infection during healing. The explant surgery usually takes one to three hours to complete, depending on the extent of work.

Recovery

After the procedure, patients will be awakened from anesthesia and taken into a recovery room. They may experience some discomfort, for which pain relief medication will be provided. Patients will probably spend about an hour in the recovery room before returning home. They will be given post - procedure instructions on how to wear a compression bra, take prescribed antibiotics, and apply a cold compress to the surgical site. Recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation, with three days of downtime, and patients can return to most routine activities within a few days, and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Overview

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal.

Reasons for Implant Removal

Aesthetic Issues

• Breast implant becomes palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled).
• Breast implant rupture, leakage, or deflation.
• The implant has moved from its original position.
• Capsular contracture (distortion and abnormal appearance of the breasts).
• Breast asymmetry.
• Unsightly or widened scars.
• Nipple or areola enlargement, distortion, asymmetry.
• Implant malposition, such as a “double bubble” appearance or “symmastia”.

Medical Issues

• Severe capsular contracture (causing pain and discomfort).
• Chronic pain with breast implants.
• Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
• Breast implant illness (BII).
• Infection and/or bleeding.

Approach to Treatment

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 committed to ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients.

5. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery (Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman)

Overview

At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. He understands that the decision to undergo these procedures is deeply personal and aims to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.

Reasons for Implant Removal or Exchange

• Health Concerns: Issues such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII) can necessitate removal.
• Cosmetic Preferences: Changes in personal taste or body image may lead a patient to seek a different size or type of implant, or to remove them altogether.
• Aging Implants: Over time, breast implants may require replacement or removal as they can degrade or shift.

Procedure and Exchange Options

Breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration of the procedure will vary depending on whether a simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange is being done. For those looking to alter the size or type of their implants rather than removing them entirely, implant exchange offers a solution, allowing patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants.

Recovery and Care

Post - operative care is crucial for healing. It includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Patients typically return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks. Most patients resume normal activities within two weeks, with full recovery taking up to six weeks.

Comparative Analysis of the Top Five

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• Is breast implant removal dangerous?: When performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, breast implant removal is typically a safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, such as bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.
• How much does breast implant removal cost?: The cost varies widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, the operating facility, post - care essentials, tests, and prescription medication cost. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance, but it depends on the medical need for the surgery.
• Can breast implants be replaced after removal?: Yes, implants can be replaced during the same procedure as removal if desired. Patients can choose to change the type or size of the new implants.

Procedure - Specific Questions

• What anesthesia is used in breast implant removal?: Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia. In the case of more complex procedures or larger implants, general anesthesia may be used.
• How long does the surgery take?: The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete for a standard breast implant removal. An en - bloc resection or more complex cases can take even longer. If combined with other procedures like a breast lift, the time will also increase.