Introduction
Breast implant removal has seen a significant rise in demand in New York City as more women seek to have their implants taken out for various reasons, including medical concerns and changing aesthetic preferences. In this article, we'll explore the top three hospitals for breast implant removal surgery in NYC, providing detailed information about each facility and the services they offer. Before delving into the hospitals, let's first understand the general aspects of breast implant removal surgery.
General Overview of Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure where the silicone or saline breast implants are taken out of the body. It can be done for both medical and non - medical reasons. Some common medical reasons include implant rupture, capsular contracture (the hardening of scar tissue around the implant), and the development of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Non - medical reasons often involve a change in personal aesthetic preferences.
The procedure typically involves making an incision, usually using the same surgical approach as the initial breast augmentation. The surgeon then accesses the pocket where the implant is located, removes the implant, and may also remove the surrounding scar tissue. After the implant is removed, the incision is closed with sutures.
Top Three Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in NYC
1. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
About the Surgeon
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery and is committed to providing high - quality care to his patients. His practice is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY.
Candidates for the Procedure
Good candidates for breast implant removal by Dr. Wallach are generally healthy individuals who desire the removal of their implants. Those with medical issues may need medical clearance from their primary care physician before the procedure. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking prior to the surgery and individuals who stop taking blood - thinning medications are also preferred candidates.
Benefits of the Procedure
Medically, the procedure may be necessary in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can cause pain, change the shape of the breasts, and distort their appearance. In some cases, patients may choose to have the implants replaced with new ones at the same time as the removal. Non - medically, patients may have the implants removed due to a change in aesthetic preferences.
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. For cosmetic concerns, he will discuss options for breast implant replacement, such as changing the type or size of the implant, or other breast enhancement options like a breast lift.
Preparation for the Procedure
Patients should be familiar with some important terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis (sagging of the breasts), deflation (a sign of rupture in saline implants), capsulectomy (removal of the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue), and explantation (removal of the previously implanted material). They should also follow pre - operative instructions, which may include changes in diet, avoidance of certain medications, and other lifestyle adjustments.
The Procedure Itself
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia for the patient's comfort and safety. Dr. Wallach will make a predetermined incision to access the breast pocket and implant. He will remove the implant, may remove the scar capsule, and take extra care to remove any silicone gel in case of leakage or rupture. If the patient has elected to replace the implants, he will insert the new ones according to the surgical plan and then close the incisions and bandage the sites.
Recovery
Immediately after the procedure, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain, which can vary depending on whether the implants were removed or replaced. A caregiver is required to drive the patient home from the surgery center and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days, but aerobic activity should be avoided for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting should be avoided for about six to eight weeks.
Risks
The main risks of breast implant removal surgery by Dr. Wallach include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.
Cost
The cost of the procedure will increase if breast implant replacement is desired or if a lift or more complex procedure is required. The exact cost will depend on the specific circumstances of the patient's case.
2. Darrick Antell, MD
About the Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons.
Candidates for the Procedure
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. This includes women experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wanting 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 will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. It is important for patients to bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. They should also have an open and honest conversation about their desired outcome, as this will help in creating the proper surgical plan. Based on the patient's expectations, a breast lift or other procedures may be recommended in conjunction with the explant surgery.
Location of the Surgery
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility is a state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center that is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
Preparation for the Procedure
Dr. Antell may send patients for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. Patients will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions to fill before the surgery, and in some cases, pre - operative clearance from another doctor may be required. Since the procedure is performed under “twilight” sedation, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home and assist them in the first few days of recovery.
The Procedure Itself
Breast implant removal is typically performed 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 surgery when possible. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant in a procedure called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) will be used to close the incisions. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery
After the surgery, patients will recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. It is an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day, but they need an escort due to the effects of anesthesia. They will be provided with discharge instructions to guide them through the initial post - operative period. 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 based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate. It is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which usually fades over time. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.
Risks
Although breast implant removal surgery by Dr. Antell is typically safe when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.
3. Olivia Hutchinson, MD
About the Surgeon
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. Cosmetic breast surgery is one of her main areas of focus, and she is committed to ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Patients may want their breast implants removed for aesthetic or medical reasons. Aesthetic issues include the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from the original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement or distortion, and implant malposition. Medical issues may involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
Dealing with BIA - ALCL
A rare cancer related to breast implants, BIA - ALCL, is primarily associated with the biocell textured surface present in some Allergan implants. Although the incidence is extremely infrequent, the FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants. Dr. Hutchinson can provide guidance to patients with textured implants and those experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL, which may include pain, swelling, or a difference in the size or shape of the breasts. The cancer is mostly treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants, such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. While the exact cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Consultation and Procedure
Dr. Hutchinson will evaluate the patient's specific concerns and advise 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 has the experience and skill to address any implant - related concern and will work with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Comparing the Three Hospitals
| Surgeon | Location | Experience and Reputation | Unique Services | Cost Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Wallach, MD | New York, NY | Experienced in breast implant removal, provides detailed pre - and post - operative care | Discusses replacement options during implant removal and addresses both medical and cosmetic concerns | Cost increases with replacement or additional procedures |
| Darrick Antell, MD | Close to Lenox Hill Hospital | Highly rated, listed in top magazines, has performed surgeries on celebrities | Offers en - bloc resection for certain cases, provides an individualized recovery plan | Cost factors in multiple elements like anesthesia, imaging, etc. |
| Olivia Hutchinson, MD | Upper East Side, NYC | Board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated, focused on cosmetic breast surgery | Expertise in handling BIA - ALCL and BII cases, provides personalized treatment plans | Cost varies based on the complexity of the case |
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implant Removal
Here are some common questions patients have about breast implant removal:
- Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease? As of 2025, there are no studies to support that implants can cause autoimmune issues.
- Can breast implants last a lifetime? While they can last a lifetime, most need to be changed at least once.
- Can breast implants cause cellulitis? Cellulitis may develop with implants.
- How do you know if my implants are leaking? If saline implants leak, the breast will deflate. For silicone implants, an MRI may be required to determine if there is a rupture.
- How much does it cost to have breast implants removed? The cost varies depending on the extent of the work, such as whether replacement or a lift is involved. It can start around $3,000 - $5,000, and other costs like anesthesia, medical tests, and facility fees should also be considered.
Conclusion
In 2025, the demand for breast implant removal surgery in New York City is on the rise, and patients have several excellent options to choose from. Dr. Steven Wallach, Dr. Darrick Antell, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson are all top - notch surgeons with extensive experience and a commitment to patient care. Each surgeon offers unique services and expertise, whether it's dealing with medical complications like BIA - ALCL and BII, providing replacement options, or focusing on aesthetic outcomes.
If you're considering breast implant removal, it's important to do your research, schedule consultations with these surgeons, and discuss your concerns and goals. By making an informed decision, you can ensure a successful and satisfactory breast implant removal experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to these professionals to take the first step towards achieving the look and comfort you desire. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey to a new you!
