Introduction
Silicone breast implant removal is a procedure that many women in New York City consider for various reasons, including medical complications, cosmetic dissatisfaction, or changes in personal preferences. Finding a top - rated hospital and experienced surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals for silicone breast implant removal in New York City and the different techniques they use.
1. Antell Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Information
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest medical technologies, and an artistic eye. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Medical Reasons: He performs breast implant removal for women experiencing medical complications related to the implants, such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), which is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL, and Dr. Antell removes these recalled implants. Capsular contracture, where the tissue around the implant hardens, is another reason for removal.
- Cosmetic Reasons: Women who are unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wish to return to their natural breast size may also choose this procedure.
Techniques Used
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. If possible, he removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, which is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision. When indicated, he performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions.
Patient Experience
Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients. He has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, with an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
Consultation and Preparation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history, assesses the current condition of the breasts, and discusses the patient's desired outcome. He may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. Patients are given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also need to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor.
Recovery
After surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. However, they need an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after anesthesia. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan, and most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
2. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Surgeon Information
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon who offers breast implant removal services. His practice is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Medical Reasons: When an implant ruptures or a capsular contracture occurs, this procedure may be medically necessary. A capsular contracture can cause the breasts to be hard, painful, and distorted in appearance.
- Cosmetic Reasons: As people's preferences and desired appearance change, they may choose to have their breast implants removed for cosmetic reasons. Patients may also consider switching to a different type or size of implant or exploring other breast enhancement options like a breast lift during the consultation.
Techniques Used
Dr. Wallach usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants. This may be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He removes the implant and, if necessary, the scar capsule surrounding it. In the case of a ruptured silicone implant, he takes extra care to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Wallach evaluates the patient's condition. If there are complications such as capsular contracture, he may perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. He walks patients through the options and techniques available for the procedure, aiming to provide the best results with the least amount of scarring. Patients are advised to be familiar with terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation, before the consultation.
Recovery
Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around the breasts and may be in mild pain. They need a caregiver to drive them home and stay with them for about a day. 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.
3. Olivia Hutchinson, MD
Surgeon Information
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered 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.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Aesthetic Reasons: Issues such as the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from its original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement/distortion/asymmetry, and implant malposition can lead to patients seeking removal.
- Medical Reasons: Severe capsular contracture causing pain and discomfort, chronic pain with breast implants, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding are among the medical reasons for removal.
Techniques Used
Dr. Hutchinson assesses each patient's situation and advises on the various surgical options available. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results. She is experienced in handling different complications related to breast implants and uses appropriate techniques to remove the implants and address any associated issues.
Consultation
Patients interested in breast implant removal in NYC can contact her office to book a consultation. During the consultation, she will discuss the patient's concerns, the surgical options, and the best course of action to help the patient achieve their goals.
4. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Information
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman is a highly skilled plastic surgeon at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City. He offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Health Concerns: 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 degrade or shift, requiring replacement or removal.
Techniques Used
Breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in employing techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. For those looking to alter the size or type of their implants rather than removing them entirely, implant exchange is an option, allowing patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants.
Recovery
Post - operative care is crucial. Patients need to manage discomfort with prescribed medication, wear a support bra, and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.
5. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Surgeon Information
Dr. Barry Weintraub is an experienced plastic surgeon. He has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artistry. He studied medicine at Cornell and bases his practice on core values. A large portion of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
- Implant - related Issues: Concerns such as breast implant illness (BII), capsular contracture, leakage (more common in saline implants), and the desire for more natural - looking and - feeling implants (switching from saline to silicone) are reasons for removal and replacement. Some patients also want to reposition their implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural result.
- Aesthetic Goals: To enhance the appearance of the breasts by replacing past implants with better - positioned, appropriately sized, and more natural - looking implants.
Techniques Used
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle. The procedure may involve removing the existing implants and inserting new ones, or using autologous fat to replace lost volume. In some cases, a breast lift is done in conjunction with the removal and replacement.
Consultation and Preparation
When considering a consultation, patients should check for the surgeon's board certification, hospital affiliations, and reputation. During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub listens to the patient's needs and desires. Patients need to provide medical clearance from their family physician, follow instructions on preparation, and fill prescriptions in advance. A custom - made post - surgical garment is ordered for the patient.
Recovery
There may be minimal swelling and bruising after the surgery. Patients must follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub to achieve the best results. He advises on when patients can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
Comparison of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital/Surgeon | Surgeon Experience | Common Reasons for Removal | Techniques Used | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antell Plastic Surgery (Dr. Darrick E. Antell) | Over twenty years, more than ten thousand procedures, highly acclaimed | Medical (BIA - ALCL, capsular contracture), cosmetic (unsatisfied with augmentation result) | Custom explant, en bloc capsulectomy when indicated, use of existing incisions if possible | Most daily activities within days, refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks |
| Steven Wallach MD, FACS (Dr. Steven Wallach) | Well - known in New York | Medical (implant rupture, capsular contracture), cosmetic (change in preferences) | Use previous surgical approach for incision, remove implant and scar capsule, handle silicone gel leakage | Light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, heavy lifting for six to eight weeks |
| Olivia Hutchinson, MD | Over 20 years, top on upper east side | Aesthetic (implant appearance issues), medical (severe capsular contracture, BII, etc.) | Assess individual cases, may combine with breast lift | Not specifically detailed, depends on individual procedure |
| Zuckerman Plastic Surgery (Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman) | Highly skilled | Health (implant rupture, BII), cosmetic (change in taste), aging implants | General anesthesia, implant exchange option, minimize scarring | Return to work within one to two weeks, avoid heavy lifting for up to six weeks |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | Experienced, many complex redo cases | Implant - related (BII, capsular contracture), aesthetic (better - positioned implants) | Twilight sleep, place implants under pectoralis - major muscle, may use autologous fat or combine with breast lift | Return to normal lifestyle and exercise as advised by surgeon, may have swelling and bruising initially |
Conclusion
In New York City, these five hospitals and their respective surgeons offer a range of options for silicone breast implant removal. Each surgeon has their own areas of expertise, and they use different techniques based on the patient's needs and the nature of the implant - related issues. Whether it's for medical reasons such as addressing complications or for cosmetic reasons to achieve a desired look, patients can find a suitable provider among these top - rated professionals.
If you're considering silicone breast implant removal, it's essential to schedule a consultation with one or more of these surgeons. Discuss your concerns, ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected results. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful outcome. Take the first step towards your desired result and reach out to these experienced surgeons today.
