Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a procedure of increasing demand in New York City. Women opt for this surgery for various reasons, including health concerns, changes in aesthetic preferences, or simply a desire to return to a more natural state. In this article, we will introduce five highly - regarded hospitals and surgeons in New York City that are well - known for their breast implant removal procedures.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell - Manhattan
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has an over - twenty - year career with more than ten thousand procedures. He is repeatedly listed on the best doctors lists for magazines like Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in numerous regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards, such as the fellow of the Jacques W. Maliniac Circle of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Procedures Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs custom explant surgery to remove existing silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he can perform an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also specializes in removing the recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Combined Procedures: Depending 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 and rounded appearance.
Consultation and Preparation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. Patients are advised to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. He will then create a surgical plan based on the patient's desired outcome. Based on factors like age and implant condition, patients may be sent for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, before the surgery. They will also receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. Some patients may need pre - operative clearance from another doctor.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is typically performed in his private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. Breast implant removal is usually done with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. Dr. Antell will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation. The surgery takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection may take longer. After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite. They can usually return home the same day but need an escort. Most patients can return to daily activities within days but should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Surgeons' Profile
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has two well - known plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs. They are experienced in breast implant removal procedures and are dedicated to providing solid information to patients so that they can make informed decisions about their bodies.
Procedures Offered
- Breast Explant: This is a cosmetic procedure to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. Surgeons will also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean the breast pocket during the procedure.
- Reasons for the Procedure: Common reasons include removing leaking or ruptured implants, dealing with pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving breast aesthetics, and removing capsular contracture.
Consultation and Preparation
Patients need to be well - informed before the procedure. They should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications should be avoided for up to six weeks. They must arrange for a driver after the procedure and undergo an examination to determine breast health. During the consultation, the type of anesthesia (local or general) will be discussed and agreed upon.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery involves skin preparation, placement of incisions in one of three locations (crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit), removal of implants using various methods, removal of scar tissue, and sealing of incisions. The procedure takes one to three hours. After the surgery, patients will spend about an hour in the recovery room. They will be provided with pain relief medication and post - procedure instructions on wearing a compression bra, taking antibiotics, and applying cold compresses. Most patients experience three days of downtime, and can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
3. Dr. Steven Wallach
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery and helps women who want or need their breast implants removed for cosmetic or medical reasons. He also offers the option of combining the removal with other breast procedures.
Procedures Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Wallach usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant pocket and remove the implants. He will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
- Reasons for the Procedure: Medical reasons include implant rupture or capsular contracture, while non - medical reasons involve changes in aesthetic preferences.
- Combined Procedures: Patients may choose to have their implants replaced with new ones at the same time as removal if desired.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, if the patient is experiencing complications like capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. For cosmetic issues, he will discuss options such as implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures. In preparation for the consultation, patients should be familiar with terms like ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. They should also stop smoking and taking blood - thinning medications before the surgery.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Wallach will make a predetermined incision, remove the implant and possibly the scar capsule, and clean any leaked silicone. If replacement is desired, new implants will be inserted. Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling, bruising, and mild pain. They need a caregiver for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting for six to eight weeks.
4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She has over 20 years of experience in evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal in NYC. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side.
Procedures Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: She addresses various implant - related problems, including aesthetic issues (such as implant rupture, malposition, capsular contracture) and medical issues (severe capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness).
- Combined Procedures: In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Consultation and Preparation
Dr. Hutchinson will discuss the patient's reasons for implant removal and advise on surgical options. For patients with textured implants, especially those recalled due to BIA - ALCL, she will provide in - depth information and help them make informed decisions. Before the surgery, patients may need to follow specific pre - operative instructions regarding their health and medications.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is tailored to the patient's individual needs. After the procedure, patients will recover under the care of Dr. Hutchinson's team. The recovery process may involve dealing with swelling, bruising, and soreness, but Dr. Hutchinson will provide personalized post - operative care and support to ensure a smooth recovery.
5. Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman - Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman is a highly skilled plastic surgeon at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery. He offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.
Procedures Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Patients may choose to have their implants removed due to health concerns (implant rupture, capsular contracture, breast implant illness), cosmetic preferences, or aging implants.
- Breast Implant Exchange: For those who want to change the size or type of their implants, implant exchange is an option. This allows patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Zuckerman will discuss the patient's goals and concerns. He will explain the procedures, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Patients will receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, which may include avoiding certain medications and arranging for post - operative care.
Surgery and Recovery
The procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration depend on the specific procedure (simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange). Dr. Zuckerman uses techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks and achieve full recovery in up to six weeks.
Comparative Table of the Five Providers
| Surgeon/Clinic | Experience | Procedures Offered | Anesthesia Options | Recovery Time | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Over 20 years, more than 10,000 procedures | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, combined with breast lift | Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia | Return to daily activities within days, avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks | Listed in top magazines, many awards, private operating room |
| New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs) | Experienced in breast implant removal | Breast explant, removal of silicone from shell, clean breast pocket | Local or general anesthesia | 3 days of downtime, light activities in 1 week, vigorous in 6 weeks | Provide solid information for patients |
| Dr. Steven Wallach | Extensive experience in breast implant removal | Breast implant removal, replacement, capsulectomy | IV sedation or general anesthesia | Light activity in 3 - 5 days, avoid aerobic for 3 - 4 weeks, heavy lifting for 6 - 8 weeks | Board - certified, offers combination procedures |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Over 20 years in breast implant - related evaluations and removal | Breast implant removal, possible breast lift | Not specified, tailored to patient | Recovery with personalized post - operative care | Harvard and Columbia - educated, female surgeon |
| Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman - Zuckerman Plastic Surgery | Highly skilled in breast implant removal and exchange | Breast implant removal, breast implant exchange | General anesthesia | Return to work in 1 - 2 weeks, full recovery in up to 6 weeks | Focus on minimizing scarring and optimizing recovery |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is breast implant removal covered by insurance?
In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the removal is medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy, insurance companies may be obligated to cover the costs under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Acts of 1988. It is important to check with your insurance carrier.
2. What are the risks of breast implant removal?
The risks include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, adverse reaction to anesthesia, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery. Choosing an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon can help reduce these risks.
3. Will my breasts return to their pre - implant size?
Breast implant removal can return your breasts to their pre - implant size. However, factors such as the size of the original implants, changes to your body, and how long the implants have been in place can affect the final result. In some cases, a breast lift may be recommended to achieve a more desirable shape.
4. How long does the recovery take?
Recovery times vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, patients can expect to return to daily activities within a few days to a week, but should avoid vigorous exercise for several weeks. Full recovery may take up to six weeks or more.
Conclusion
When considering breast implant removal in New York City, these five selected hospitals and surgeons offer a wide range of expertise, experience, and procedures to meet different patient needs. Whether your reason for removal is related to health, aesthetics, or personal preference, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon. Take the time to research, have in - depth consultations, and ask questions to make an informed decision. Each of these providers has a track record of success and is dedicated to providing high - quality care and achieving the best possible results for their patients.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to reach out to these surgeons or clinics for a consultation. By taking this step, you can start your journey towards achieving your desired outcome and regain confidence in your body. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in New York City.
