Introduction
New York City is renowned for its world - class medical facilities, especially when it comes to breast implant removal and breast augmentation procedures. This article will delve into the top three hospitals in New York City for these specific cosmetic surgeries, providing detailed information about each institution, their surgeons, the procedures offered, and the recovery processes.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital
Selecting the right hospital for breast implant removal or breast augmentation is of utmost importance. A high - quality hospital with experienced surgeons can ensure a safe and successful procedure, reduce the risk of complications, and provide better aesthetic results. It can also offer comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, which is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Top Three Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal and Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Hospital Associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been widely listed in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest medical technologies, and an artistic eye. He is also an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.
Breast Implant Removal Services
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. Women may choose this procedure for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. In cases where indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has also removed the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Candidate Selection: Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants without wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the original breast augmentation results and wishing to return to their natural breast size, and those with textured implants recalled by the FDA and experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
Consultation Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assesses the current condition of the breasts. It is important for patients to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to medical complications. Patients should bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's expectations, Dr. Antell may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy). He will also go through the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail.
Procedure Details: The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. If possible, Dr. Antell removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or the patient has textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, he will remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and en - bloc resection can take longer.
Recovery: After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. The procedure is outpatient, and patients can return home the same day but need an escort. They will be provided with discharge instructions. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days but should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan. Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, which typically fades over time. Fluid drainage from the incision site may also occur. In most cases, external sutures are removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure, and it may take several months for the final results to be visible.
2. Hospital of Dr. Steven Wallach
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast implant removal and related breast procedures. His practice is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY.
Breast Implant Removal Services
Dr. Wallach performs breast implant surgery removal by making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and then removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. He can also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
Candidate Selection: Good candidates are generally healthy individuals who desire that their implants be removed. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician prior to the procedure. Candidates should be non - smokers or stop smoking prior to the procedure and stop taking blood - thinning medications.
Benefits of the Procedure: The procedure can be medically necessary, such as when an implant ruptures or a capsular contracture occurs. Capsular contracture is the hardening of scar tissue around an implant, which can cause pain and distort the appearance of the breasts. Patients may also choose to have the implants removed for non - medical reasons, such as a change in preferences or desired appearance. In some cases, they can have the implants replaced with new ones at the same time as removal.
Consultation Process: If a patient is experiencing complications like capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and then schedule the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he will discuss other options for breast implant replacement, such as switching to a different type or size of implant, or explore other breast enhancement options like a breast lift. He will walk the patient through the available options and techniques and which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.
Preparation: Patients should be familiar with important terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis (sagging of the breasts), deflation (rapid decrease in breast size for saline implants due to rupture), capsulectomy (removal of the breast implant and surrounding scar tissue), and explantation (removal of previously implanted material). They may also need to arrange for imaging, and should stop taking certain medications and supplements that could cause bleeding.
Procedure Details: The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Wallach makes a predetermined incision to access the breast pocket and implant. He removes the implant and may remove the scar capsule surrounding it. In case of leakage or rupture, he takes extra care to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out. If the patient has elected to get the implants replaced, he will insert the new implants according to the surgical plan, then close the incisions and bandage the sites.
Recovery: Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around the breasts and may be in mild pain. They will 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.
Risks: The main risks of breast implant removal surgery include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.
3. Mount Sinai Hospital
Hospital Overview
Mount Sinai Hospital is a well - respected medical institution in New York City. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation to enlarge breasts.
Breast Augmentation Services
Pre - surgery Consultation: The hospital uses advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts. The plastic surgeon will consult with the patient, listening carefully to understand their desire for enhancing breast size and help them decide about the size and shape that will look best for their body. A physical exam and a series of health - related questions are also part of the process to confirm the patient's candidacy for breast augmentation.
Treatment Options: There are several options for enlarging the breasts. There are two types of implants: silicone breast implants, which look and feel natural in the breasts, and saline breast implants, which are firmer and rounder. Additionally, Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected a fat transfer technique called Natural Fill®. This is a two - step procedure where fat is first removed from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction and then immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them. The surgeon will help the patient choose the best option based on their body type and desired outcome.
Expected Results and Considerations: Patients can expect their breast augmentation results to last for years. However, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight gain or loss may cause natural drooping over time. In such cases, a breast lift or replacement of breast implants along the lift line may be considered.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital/Surgeon | Specialty Focus | Surgeon Experience | Procedure Options | Recovery Expectations | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled textured implants | Over twenty years, more than ten thousand procedures, multiple awards and society memberships | Custom breast implant removal, possible combination with breast lift | Outpatient, same - day discharge, most daily activities within days, no vigorous exercise for about two weeks | Bleeding, infection, numbness at incision site, adverse reaction to anesthesia |
| Dr. Steven Wallach | Breast implant removal, possible replacement | Experienced in breast - related plastic surgery | Breast implant removal, replacement, exploration of other breast enhancement options | Swelling and bruising initially, light activity in 3 - 5 days, avoid aerobic activity for 3 - 4 weeks and heavy lifting for 6 - 8 weeks | Unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, etc. |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Breast augmentation | Extensive experience in breast augmentation | Silicone and saline implants, Natural Fill® fat transfer | Results last years, potential drooping due to pregnancy, nursing, weight changes | Not specified in this context, but general surgical risks apply |
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have shared their positive experiences with these hospitals and surgeons. For example, some patients of Dr. Darrick Antell were referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about their satisfaction with the results. Patients of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson have also reported excellent experiences, with one patient stating that “every single detail of my experience with Dr. Hutchinson and her amazing staff was exceptional. The atmosphere is calming, everything is super clean, and all I encountered were super professional and nice. Dr. Hutchinson made me feel so comfortable and the results are amazing. I could not be happier.”
Common Concerns and FAQs
Breast Implant Removal - Related FAQs
- Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease? As of today, there are no studies to support that implants can cause autoimmune issues.
- Can breast implants last a lifetime? Breast implants can last a lifetime, but most need to be changed at least once.
- How do I know if my implants are leaking? If the implants are saline and they leak, the breast will deflate. If a silicone implant is leaking, it may look different than normal, and an MRI may be required to determine if it ruptures.
- What is the average cost to have breast implants removed? The cost varies widely depending on factors such as the operating facility, post - care essentials, tests, and prescription medication cost. In most cases, it is not covered by health insurance, but medical removal following a mastectomy may be covered.
Breast Augmentation - Related FAQs
- Which type of breast implant is better? Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. The choice depends on the patient's body type and desired outcome.
- Can I nurse after breast augmentation? Yes, it is possible to nurse with augmented breasts.
- How long do the results of breast augmentation last? The results can last for years, but factors like pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight changes may affect the appearance over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers top - notch hospitals and surgeons for breast implant removal and breast augmentation procedures. Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, and the surgeons at Mount Sinai Hospital each bring their unique expertise and services to the table. When considering these procedures, it is essential for patients to do thorough research, consult with multiple surgeons, and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and preferences. Whether it's for medical reasons or cosmetic enhancement, choosing the right hospital and surgeon can significantly impact the success of the procedure and the patient's overall satisfaction.
If you're considering breast implant removal or breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for a consultation. Discuss your concerns, ask questions, and take the first step towards achieving your desired look. Share this article with others who may be interested in these procedures to help them make an informed decision.
