Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal is a significant surgical decision for many women in New York City. There can be a variety of reasons for this decision, including medical complications, dissatisfaction with the appearance, or lifestyle changes. In this article, we will evaluate five selected institutions in New York City that offer breast prosthesis removal services. We'll look at the expertise of their surgeons, the range of services provided, patient experiences, and other important factors to help you make an informed choice.
1. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - New York plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely regarded as being among 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. His extensive experience and memberships in many regional and national medical societies, such as the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, attest to his high - level of professional skill.
Services Offered
- Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, where he removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body.
- En bloc capsulectomy when indicated, which involves removing the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- 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).
Patient Evaluation
Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the patient satisfaction with their results. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, demonstrating his ability to provide discreet and high - quality care.
Consultation and Procedure Process
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He will discuss any symptoms the patient may be experiencing and create a proper surgical plan based on the patient's desired outcome. The surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital.
Recovery and Results
Patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. The breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure. Although patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness initially, most can return to daily activities within days and should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. The final results may take several months to become fully visible.
2. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal in NYC. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal for various reasons, including both functional and cosmetic issues.
- Advising patients on various surgical options and the best course of action to achieve their goals, which may include a secondary procedure such as a breast lift in some cases.
Reasons for Implant Removal
There are both aesthetic and medical reasons for breast implant removal. Aesthetic issues include the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, and nipple or areola problems. Medical issues involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
Patient Experience
Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere is calming, and everything is super clean. Dr. Hutchinson makes patients feel comfortable, and the results are often amazing.
Approach to Rare Conditions
Regarding the rare condition of BIA - ALCL, she is well - informed. Although the incidence is extremely infrequent, she can guide patients through the decision - making process about implant removal, especially in light of the recall of certain textured implants by the FDA.
3. Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgeries. He approaches the procedure by making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and then removes them. He has experience dealing with both cosmetic and medical reasons for implant removal.
Services Offered
- Removal of breast implants and implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
- During the consultation, he discusses options for breast implant replacement or other breast enhancement options like a breast lift, depending on the patient's needs.
Candidate Evaluation
A good candidate for breast implant removal is someone who is healthy and desires implant removal. Candidates with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking prior to the procedure and discontinue blood - thinning medications are preferred.
Procedure and Risks
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. The main risks of the procedure include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery. However, he will discuss these risks with patients during the consultation.
Cost and Patient Information
The cost of the procedure may vary depending on whether breast implant replacement, a lift, or a more complex procedure is required. He encourages patients to visit the before - and - after photo gallery to see the results he can achieve.
4. Dr. Marc Everett's The Everett Clinic
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. Marc Everett is a board - certified plastic surgeon. The Everett Clinic led by him has years of experience in a wide array of plastic surgery procedures and aims to ensure a healthy, successful outcome for breast implant removal.
Reasons for Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons for breast implant removal. These include capsular contracture or compromised implant integrity, which can lead to swelling, tenderness, pain, and misshaping of the breast. Lifestyle changes such as the desire to breastfeed or a change in aesthetic preferences can also prompt removal. Additionally, systemic symptoms associated with breast implants (SSBI) or breast implant illness (BII) are other significant reasons. Symptoms of SSBI/BII can range from psychological to problems in the endocrine, digestive, muscular, and autoimmune systems.
Services and Complementary Procedures
The clinic offers breast implant removal. In addition, Dr. Everett can create a unique reconstruction plan if needed, which may incorporate a breast lift and/or a fat transfer. A breast lift can correct issues like sagging skin and misaligned nipples, while a fat transfer can refill the space left by the removed implant.
Patient Preparation and Recovery
Pre - operative instructions include discontinuing blood thinners or certain medications, ceasing nicotine usage, coordinating prescribed medications, and arranging for transportation. After the surgery, patients are likely to experience bruising and soreness. They will be required to wear a compression garment, and it is recommended to avoid work for at least one week and strenuous activities for a couple of weeks.
5. Mount Sinai - New York (Plastic Surgery for Breast Reconstruction)
Expert Surgeons
Mount Sinai has expert plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction. They can assist patients who are planning to have a mastectomy and are considering breast reconstruction, guiding them through the complex decision - making process.
Decision - Making Assistance
They help patients with three main decisions: whether to have reconstruction, when to have it (immediately after mastectomy or later), and what type of reconstruction to choose (using implants or the body's own tissue). Their surgeons listen to patients' concerns and needs and help them navigate through the various options based on their medical condition and personal preferences.
Types of Reconstruction
When it comes to the type of reconstruction, using implants offers a quicker recovery in some cases but may require more follow - up. Using the body's own tissue provides a more natural - looking result but is a more complex procedure with a longer recovery time. The choice depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, the size and location of the tumor, breast size, and body shape.
Benefits of Immediate Reconstruction
Immediate reconstruction can mean fewer surgical procedures, often only one set of surgical scars, and one time frame for combined healing. It also keeps the remaining breast skin stretched to the original size and shape, which may make the process easier.
Comparative Table of the Five Institutions
| Institution | Surgeon Expertise | Services Offered | Patient Experience | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Highly experienced, listed in top magazines, many memberships | Custom explant, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | High patient satisfaction, many referrals | Discreet operating room, extensive celebrity clientele |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice | Board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated, 20+ years of experience | Breast implant removal, advice on secondary procedures | Exceptional patient reports, calming atmosphere | Good for addressing both aesthetic and medical implant issues |
| Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice | Experienced in implant removal and replacement | Implant removal, discussion of replacement and enhancement options | Encourages patients to view before - and - after photos | Thorough candidate evaluation |
| Dr. Marc Everett's The Everett Clinic | Board - certified, experienced in various plastic surgeries | Implant removal, potential reconstruction plans (lift, fat transfer) | Provides detailed pre - and post - operative instructions | Addresses multiple reasons for implant removal including SSBI/BII |
| Mount Sinai - New York | Expert plastic surgeons in breast reconstruction | Assistance in breast reconstruction decision - making, different reconstruction types | Helps patients through complex decision - making process | Good for post - mastectomy patients considering reconstruction |
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right institution for breast prosthesis removal in New York City is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Each of the five institutions we've evaluated - Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice, Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice, Dr. Marc Everett's The Everett Clinic, and Mount Sinai - New York - has its own unique strengths. These include the expertise of the surgeons, the range of services offered, patient experiences, and special features. Whether you're facing medical complications, aesthetic concerns, or lifestyle changes, these institutions can provide the necessary care and guidance.
If you're considering breast prosthesis removal, we encourage you to research further and schedule consultations with these institutions. By speaking directly with the surgeons and their staff, you can get a better understanding of what each can offer and make an informed decision that's right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast prosthesis removal in New York City, and explore more about breast health and surgical options.
