Introduction
Breast implant removal has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. There can be numerous reasons for this, including medical complications, changing aesthetic preferences, or the development of health - related concerns associated with breast implants. With a plethora of doctors in the city offering breast implant removal services, selecting the right one is of utmost importance. In this article, we will evaluate the top five selected doctors for removing breast implants in breast augmentation surgery in New York City in 2025.
Why Consider Breast Implant Removal?
There are several compelling reasons why a woman might consider removing her breast implants. Firstly, medical complications such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) have been linked to certain types of textured breast implants. BIA - ALCL is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a change in the size or shape of the breasts.
Another common reason is capsular contracture, where the body forms excessive scar tissue around the implant, leading to distortion and abnormal appearance of the breasts. This can also cause pain and discomfort. Some women may also experience chronic pain associated with the implants, or they may have developed breast implant illness (BII), which is a collection of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, and migraines.
On the aesthetic front, women may be unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation. The implants may have moved from their original position, become palpable or visible, or the patient may simply desire to return to their natural breast size.
Top Five Doctors for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and globally. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His career spans over twenty years and includes more than ten thousand procedures.
Expertise: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including the removal of existing silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he also performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has experience in removing the allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
Patient Experience: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the satisfaction of his patients. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. He is known for his open and honest conversations with patients during the consultation, helping them create a proper surgical plan.
Facility: He 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.
2. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. She is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon.
Expertise: With over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns, Dr. Hutchinson can address any implant - related issue, whether it is functional or cosmetic. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Patient Experience: Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere of her practice is calming, and everything is super clean. She makes her patients feel comfortable and the results are often highly satisfactory.
Awareness of Risks: She is well - versed in issues such as BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness (BII). She helps patients make informed decisions about the removal or replacement of their implants, especially in light of the recall of certain textured implants.
3. Dr. Richard G. Reish
Dr. Richard G. Reish is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 1,480 reviews in RealSelf. He offers virtual consultations and has 16 years of experience.
Expertise: He is highly skilled in breast implant removal surgery. His patients describe him as kind, professional, and having hyper - excellent surgical precision. He is very honest with his patients, which is an important quality when it comes to making decisions about surgery.
Patient Reviews: The large number of positive reviews on RealSelf indicates his high level of patient satisfaction. Patients appreciate his surgical skills and the attention he gives to their individual needs.
Location: His practice is located at 1040 Park Ave., Ste. 1 BC, New York, New York, which is a convenient location for many patients in the city.
4. Dr. Adam Schaffner
Dr. Adam Schaffner, MD, FACS, is a plastic surgeon with 21 years of experience. He is board - certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Expertise: Dr. Schaffner has experience in breast implant removal and replacement. Some patients first went to him for implant replacement and breast augmentation, and his work has been praised for its natural - looking results. He has a wide range of professional memberships, which shows his commitment to staying updated in the field of plastic surgery.
Patient Satisfaction: Patients who have visited Dr. Schaffner have reported positive experiences. His surgical skills and ability to achieve natural - looking results are highly regarded. He also has experience in handling complex cases, which is beneficial for patients who may have had previous issues with their breast implants.
Range of Services: In addition to breast implant removal, he offers other plastic surgery services such as botox treatment, hair loss treatment, and nose surgery.
5. Dr. Sophie Bartsich
Dr. Sophie Bartsich, MD, FACS, is a New York City - based plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on cosmetic breast surgery.
Expertise: She has expertise in restoring volume and contour for women with pregnancy or age - related changes of the breasts and body. She offers procedures such as the no - implant lift, which uses the patient's own breast tissue to create cleavage without an implant, and the reduction revolution for women with large breasts. Her experience in breast - related surgeries also makes her well - equipped to handle breast implant removal.
Patient Experience: Patients describe her as an angel who is passionate, intelligent, and patient. She has a calming, approachable, and trustworthy energy around her, which helps patients feel relaxed during the consultation process. She takes the time to listen to her patients' concerns and desired expectations and provides options on how to achieve them.
Artistic Approach: With a background in art and knowledge in medicine, she has an artistic eye, which is evident in the natural - looking results she achieves for her patients.
Evaluating the Doctors
Credentials
All five doctors have impressive credentials. Dr. Darrick Antell is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated plastic surgeon. Dr. Richard G. Reish, Dr. Adam Schaffner, and Dr. Sophie Bartsich are all board - certified by relevant plastic surgery boards, which is a crucial factor in ensuring the quality of the surgical procedure.
Experience
Experience plays a vital role in breast implant removal surgery. Dr. Antell has over twenty years of experience with more than ten thousand procedures. Dr. Hutchinson has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. Dr. Reish has 16 years of experience, Dr. Schaffner has 21 years, and Dr. Bartsich also has significant experience in breast - related surgeries.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into a doctor's skills and bedside manner. Dr. Antell has many patients who refer others to him, indicating high patient satisfaction. Dr. Hutchinson's patients have reported exceptional experiences, and Dr. Reish has a large number of positive reviews on RealSelf. Dr. Schaffner and Dr. Bartsich also have positive patient testimonials highlighting their skills and ability to make patients feel comfortable.
Range of Services
While all doctors specialize in breast implant removal, some offer a broader range of services. For example, Dr. Schaffner offers botox treatment, hair loss treatment, and nose surgery in addition to breast - related procedures. This can be beneficial for patients who may have other cosmetic concerns.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal can vary depending on several factors, including the doctor's experience, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the practice. In New York City, prices can be relatively high compared to other areas. However, it is important not to base your decision solely on cost. A more experienced doctor may charge more, but they are more likely to provide a higher - quality and safer surgical experience.
Some doctors may offer payment plans or accept insurance in certain cases, especially if the removal is due to a medical complication. It is advisable to discuss the cost and payment options with the doctor during the consultation.
The Breast Implant Removal Process
Consultation
The first step in the breast implant removal process is the consultation. During this visit, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. It is important to bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. You should also discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to a medical complication.
The doctor will explain the different types of breast implant removal procedures available, such as en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy. They will work with you to create a surgical plan that reflects your desired post - operative goals.
Surgery
Breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 - 3 hours. The doctor will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery if possible. If there is capsular contracture or other issues, they may need to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant.
After the implant and any necessary tissue are removed, the incisions will be closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed. The doctor may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over your new breasts to speed healing.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in the doctor's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. You will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post - operative period.
You may feel tired or sore following surgery, and your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and you may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that the doctor can monitor your healing process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right doctor for breast implant removal in New York City is a crucial decision. The top five doctors evaluated in this article - Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Dr. Richard G. Reish, Dr. Adam Schaffner, and Dr. Sophie Bartsich - all have high levels of expertise, experience, and positive patient reviews. When making your decision, consider factors such as credentials, experience, patient reviews, range of services, and cost.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one or more of these doctors to discuss your options and determine the best course of action for you. Remember, the goal is to achieve a safe and successful surgery that meets your aesthetic and health needs.
