Powerful Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in New York City
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that many women may consider for various reasons, such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or implant - related complications. In New York City, there are several top - notch medical facilities and experienced surgeons who can perform this procedure with high levels of skill and expertise. This article will introduce some of the powerful places for breast implant removal surgery in the city.
Top Surgeons and Their Facilities
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He repeatedly appears on the best doctors lists for Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies.
He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including the removal of existing silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue around the breast implant. He has also dealt with the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to the heightened risk of Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Dr. Antell 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. His facility has a private back entrance, and all members of his staff are thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
For those considering a breast implant removal procedure with Dr. Antell, here are some key aspects:
- Candidate Criteria: Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate. This includes women experiencing medical complications related to the implants without wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and desiring to return to their natural breast size, and individuals with textured implants recalled by the FDA and showing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
- Consultation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. It is important for patients to discuss any symptoms and bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation. Based on the patient's desired outcome, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift.
- Preparation: Dr. Antell may send patients for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery. Patients will receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions to fill before the surgery and, depending on their history, may need pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Arrangements for post - surgery transportation and assistance should also be made.
- Procedure and Anesthesia: The surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. Dr. Antell will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL related to textured implants, en - bloc resection of the implant and scar tissue may be necessary. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
- Recovery: After the surgery, patients will recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, but patients should have an escort to take them home as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for around two weeks. Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan, and patients should follow all post - operative instructions carefully. Numbness around the breast area and incisions is common and typically fades over time. Scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before starting to fade.
Dr. Darren Smith
Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He helps patients decide on breast implant removal based on their individual needs and body goals.
Some key points about his breast implant removal services are:
- Procedure: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is generally made either along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola. Dr. Smith often uses the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring. He will remove the breast implants from the breast capsule and, in some cases, the capsule itself. Scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks will also be removed if necessary.
- Options after Surgery: Patients have options regarding the appearance of their breasts after surgery. Some may choose to replace their breast implants with new ones of the same, larger, or smaller size, while others may opt to go without implants. After the implants are removed and any additional procedures are completed, the incisions are closed and covered as needed.
- Immediate Post - Surgery: After the surgery, patients spend some time in the recovery room for monitoring. They are given appropriate support garments. Once approved for discharge, the doctor will go over aftercare instructions and prescribe pain medications if needed. A trusted friend or family member must drive the patient home and stay with them for at least 24 hours post - op.
- Candidate Criteria: Breast implant removal (with or without replacement) is generally required after approximately 10 years due to rupture, capsular contracture, or other issues. Other candidates include those whose breast shape has changed due to age, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or breastfeeding. Some patients may need the surgery due to medical reasons such as capsular contracture, calcium buildup around the implant, implant leaking or breakage, implant movement, or a diagnosis of BIA - ALCL.
- Recovery Time: Mild discomfort and swelling are expected after the surgery. Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous movements for two weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities of daily living shortly after the procedure. If there is an additional procedure like breast augmentation or mastopexy, more soreness may be experienced.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman
At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. He understands that the decision to undergo these procedures is deeply personal and aims to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.
- Reasons for Removal: Patients may choose to have their breast implants removed due to health concerns (such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness), cosmetic preferences (changes in personal taste or body image), or aging implants (degradation or shifting over time).
- Exchange Options: For those who want to alter the size or type of their implants instead of removing them entirely, implant exchange is an option. This allows patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants according to their current needs and aesthetic goals.
- Procedure Details: The breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration vary depending on the specific type of procedure (simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange). Dr. Zuckerman uses techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery.
- Recovery and Care: Post - operative care is crucial. Patients should 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.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Recovery timelines vary, with most patients resuming normal activities within two weeks and full recovery taking up to six weeks. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, changes in breast sensation, or dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcomes. Incisions are usually made in the same location as the original breast augmentation to minimize scarring, and implants can be replaced during the same procedure if desired.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs)
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services. Their surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs, perform a procedure known as breast explant, which is used to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules.
Here are the important aspects of their breast implant removal process:
- Reasons for Explant: Common reasons include removing leaking or ruptured implants, eliminating implants causing pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving breast aesthetics, and removing capsular contracture.
- Preparation: Patients 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. An examination is required to determine breast health, and arrangements should be made for post - surgery transportation and assistance.
- Procedure Steps:
- Anesthesia: Surgeons may administer either local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's consultation. The surgical team will monitor vital signs throughout the procedure.
- Skin Preparation: Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgical area is cleaned with antibacterial soap to prevent infection.
- Placement of Incisions: Incisions can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. Accumulated fluid in the area is drained.
- Removal of Implants: Surgeons use various methods to remove the implants, such as prying them out from beneath breast tissue, cutting through the implant shell if it's stuck to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the implant for slow removal.
- Scar Tissue Removal: Excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is removed, and the area is cauterized. The area is then reconstructed for a more natural appearance.
- Sealing of Incisions: The skin is re - attached, stitched, and dressings are applied to prevent infection. The explant surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on the amount of work needed.
- Recovery: After the procedure, patients are awakened from anesthesia and taken to the recovery room. Pain relief medication is provided. They will likely spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. Post - procedure instructions include information on wearing a compression bra, taking antibiotics, and applying cold compresses. Patients can expect about three days of downtime, with swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity lasting for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Many patients find symptom reduction after the procedure, but it's individual. The surgery is pain - free due to anesthesia. Surgeons try to reuse original incision sites. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months before a breast explant for cosmetic reasons. Breast volume will likely decrease after implant removal, and the cost varies depending on multiple factors. Insurance coverage depends on the medical need for the surgery.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artwork in his practice. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look.
The following are the details of his services:
- Reasons for Removal and Replacement: Breast implant removal can be done alone or combined with replacement. Reasons for removal include concerns about breast implant illness, implant leakage (especially with saline implants), capsular contracture, and the desire to change implant size, location, or type. Some patients choose autologous fat to replace lost volume, and a breast lift may be done in conjunction with the procedure for drooping breasts.
- Consultation: Patients should check for the surgeon's board certification, ensure he attends a major hospital in the community and has a good reputation, and speak to his previous patients. A consultation helps patients understand their issues and develop a surgical plan with the surgeon. A good surgeon should listen to the patient's specific needs and desires.
- Procedure Performance: Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. The surgery is performed with precision and care, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
- Procedure Location: Although he has privileges at some hospitals, he prefers to perform the procedures in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility offers high - quality medical and plastic - surgical care with a private entrance.
- Candidate Criteria: The best candidates are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. They should be motivated to make the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities for the procedure, and have the financial means for the elective cosmetic surgery.
- Preparation: Patients need to provide medical clearance from their family physician, follow pre - surgery instructions, and have prescriptions filled in advance. A custom - made post - surgical garment will be ordered. For patients living far from New York City, Dr. Weintraub advises a two - night post - operative stay at certain hotels with a special reduced rate, and a private nurse can be provided.
- Cost and After - Surgery: The cost is determined through a consultation. 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 will advise on when patients can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. Cosmetic breast surgery is one of her main areas of focus.
Key information about her breast implant removal services:
- Reasons for Removal: The desire for breast implant removal can be due to aesthetic issues (such as palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, deflation, implant movement, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, nipple or areola problems, and implant malposition) or medical issues (severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness, infection, and bleeding).
- BIA - ALCL: This is a rare cancer specifically related to breast implants. Some women with Allergan textured implants may want to have them removed due to the recall. Although it's rare, it's primarily associated with the Biocell textured surface in Allergan implants. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation, and is mostly treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a variety of symptoms like fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. It's believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Consultation: If you are interested in breast implant removal in NYC, you can contact her office at (212) 452 - 1400 to book a consultation. She will advise on the various surgical options and the best course of action to achieve the patient's goals.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC has board - certified plastic surgeons who offer breast implant removal surgery. They are committed to helping patients achieve their breast surgery goals with beautiful and natural - looking results. The center also accepts insurance when applicable and offers in - person and virtual consultations.
Regarding breast implant removal:
- Procedure Options: Breast implant removal surgery may consist of an en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy procedure, depending on the patient's desired post - op result.
- Other Services: In addition to breast implant removal, the center offers a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction, including immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, revisions of breast reconstructions, areola reshaping, implant - based breast reconstruction, nipple (areola) correction, nipple (areola) reconstruction, partial breast reconstruction, revision breast reconstruction, secondary breast reduction/lift, and cosmetic breast surgery such