Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a prevalent cosmetic procedure over the years, but there are instances when women opt for breast augmentation prosthesis removal. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, several hospitals and surgeons are known for their expertise in this area. This article delves into the newly released hospital rankings for breast augmentation prosthesis removal in New York City, along with providing in - depth information about the procedure, top surgeons, and important considerations.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal
There are numerous reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed.
- Medical Complications: Some women experience medical issues related to their implants. For example, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or a change in the size or shape of the breasts. In addition, capsular contracture, where the tissue around the implant becomes firm, can cause discomfort and an unnatural appearance.
- Desire for Natural Look: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer desire the look of augmented breasts and wish to return to her natural breast size and shape.
- Implant Aging: Most plastic surgeons recommend breast augmentation patients to replace their breast implants every 10 - 15 years to ensure optimal implant hardness, texture, and resilience. If the implants are due for replacement, some women may choose to remove them instead.
- Leakage: Saline implants are more prone to leakage due to their valve system. When a saline implant leaks, the body absorbs the saline solution, which is a salt - water mixture. Silicone implants, while factory - sealed, can also rupture, and the leaking silicone may cause health concerns or an unnatural appearance.
New Hospital Rankings for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal in New York City
Although there isn't a single, comprehensive ranking that focuses solely on breast augmentation prosthesis removal, we can draw information from various sources to assess the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for this procedure.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The top - rated breast surgery team at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan is highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. Their board - certified plastic surgeons routinely perform breast implant removal surgery at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy, which are customized to fit each patient's unique needs.
- En Bloc: In this procedure, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single operation. This is often recommended for patients with certain medical concerns, such as BIA - ALCL.
- Partial Capsulectomy: This involves removing the breast implant material and trimming or shaping some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour.
- Total Capsulectomy: Here, the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue are removed. The procedure starts with the removal of the breast implants, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue.
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
This institution was named the top hospital in New York and ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. It was recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties. While it is a general - purpose top - tier hospital, its surgical excellence, including in breast surgery, is well - established. The national ranking in cancer care reflects the high quality of surgical oncology expertise provided by many of its specialists, including those in breast surgery.
Top Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
Several plastic surgeons in New York City are renowned for their skills in breast implant removal.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, and when indicated, an en bloc capsulectomy. He has removed the recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with BIA - ALCL. Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results and has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. Newsweek has featured him as one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, including in the breast augmentation category. His extensive training and experience, combined with his artistic perspective, enable him to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results. He is also well - versed in breast implant removal and can provide personalized treatment plans for patients.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his expertise in breast implant removal and replacement. He prefers to place implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look. His aesthetic approach emphasizes sophistication and understated elegance. Dr. Weintraub performs breast implant - revision surgery in the comfort of his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility. Over 60% of his practice consists of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, demonstrating his ability to handle challenging cases.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The breast implant removal procedure can vary depending on the patient's needs and the type of implants.
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. They will assess the current condition of the breasts and discuss the patient's reasons for wanting the implants removed. It is important for the patient to bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will explain the different removal procedures, such as en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy, and help the patient choose the most suitable option based on their desired post - operative goals.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on various factors, such as the patient's age and implant condition, the surgeon may order imaging tests like an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. The patient will receive guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also be given prescriptions to fill before the surgery. If necessary, the patient may need to obtain pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them during the first few days of recovery.
Surgery
The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or “twilight” sedation. If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, if there are complications such as capsular contracture or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. The surgery can take about 1 - 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. After the removal, multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and sometimes a layer of external sutures, will be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to aid in healing.
Recovery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so the patient can return home the same day. They may feel tired or sore, and the breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. Swelling and tenderness usually subside within six to eight weeks. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and the surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan. The patient may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. Fluid drainage from the incision site may also occur. In most cases, the breasts will return to their pre - operative shape naturally, and external sutures are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. It may take several months before the final results are visible, and the scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's fees, the location of the surgery, the complexity of the procedure, and any additional procedures that may be required. It is important to schedule a consultation with the surgeon to get an accurate quote.
In terms of insurance, most insurance companies do not cover breast implant removal if it is done for cosmetic reasons. However, if the removal is necessary due to a medical condition, such as BIA - ALCL or capsular contracture, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. It is advisable to contact the insurance provider beforehand to understand the coverage details.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Selecting the right surgeon and hospital for breast implant removal is crucial for a successful outcome.
- Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has completed the necessary training and has met the high standards set by the board.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Ask about the number of procedures they have performed and their success rate.
- Reputation: Check online reviews, patient testimonials, and the surgeon's presence in the media. A surgeon with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care.
- Hospital Accreditation: Choose a hospital or surgical facility that is fully accredited. This ensures that the facility meets strict safety and quality standards.
- Communication: The surgeon should be able to communicate effectively, listen to your concerns, and answer all your questions. A good doctor - patient relationship is essential for a positive surgical experience.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation prosthesis removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons available to perform this procedure. By understanding the reasons for removal, the procedure itself, recovery process, cost, and how to choose the right surgeon and hospital, patients can make an informed decision. Whether it is due to medical complications or a change in aesthetic preferences, the goal is to achieve a satisfactory outcome and improve the patient's quality of life.
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top surgeons or hospitals mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your health and well - being. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and explore related topics to further educate yourself on the subject.
