Introduction
Breasts play a significant role in a woman's body and identity. For many women, their feelings about their breasts can be complex, spanning from concerns about health to self - esteem. In New York City, there are several esteemed hospitals and plastic surgeons offering services for breast implant removal and breast augmentation plastic surgery. These procedures are highly sought - after, either to change the appearance of the breasts or due to medical reasons. Let's explore the various aspects of these surgeries and the institutions in NYC that provide them.
Breast Augmentation in New York City
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to change the appearance of the breasts by making them larger, smaller, or altering their shape. From puberty through adulthood, breasts are a natural part of a woman's body, and in society, they are symbolic of many aspects of womanhood. Our society places a certain value on breast aesthetics, which is why many women opt for breast augmentation to enhance their self - image.
At Mount Sinai in New York, their skilled plastic surgeons use new technology built specially for them by Microsoft and Touch MD to help patients visualize the results they desire. They can offer a personalized breast enhancement plan that may include procedures such as breast augmentation, breast implant revision, breast lift, or breast reduction. Their team of board - certified plastic surgeons is highly qualified and talented, capable of achieving attractive and natural - looking breast improvements.
Columbia University's Approach to Breast Augmentation
Columbia University, one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center, also offers breast augmentation as part of its comprehensive plastic surgery program. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations. Their cosmetic care program provides a variety of options to improve a patient's cosmetic health, including breast augmentation. They aim to use their vast resources to deliver the highest quality care for patients seeking such procedures.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Over time, breast implants can rupture. For saline implants, a rupture leads to the rapid deflation of the breast as the sterile saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the body. In the case of silicone implants, an MRI may be required to determine if a rupture has occurred, as the silicone may not always be visible externally.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant after it is placed in the body. Normally, this tissue is soft and unnoticeable, but it can become hard and painful, while also distorting the appearance of the breasts. The rate of capsular contracture is relatively small, about 3 - 4%, but it increases gradually over the years.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. When left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue. In more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary. Symptoms of BIA - ALCL include pain or swelling around the breasts, and some patients may notice a difference in the size or shape of their breasts.
- Infection: Implants can get infected years later, which may require their removal to treat the infection.
Non - Medical Reasons
- Changing Aesthetic Preferences: As a person's style and aesthetic preferences change over time, they may no longer be satisfied with the look of their breast implants. For example, a woman may have originally opted for a larger size but later decides that a more natural - looking size is more suitable for her body.
- Cultural Shifts: Cultural norms regarding beauty can change, influencing a woman's decision to remove her breast implants. What was considered attractive at the time of the initial augmentation may not be in line with current cultural ideals.
Top Plastic Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in NYC
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and is also well - known for performing an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant when indicated. He has removed the allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
Dr. Antell has an impeccable reputation, being listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed surgeries on numerous celebrities and well - known individuals. He takes pride in his exceptional surgical results and the personalized care he provides.
During the consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He discusses the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail, and based on the patient's expectations, may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Doctors at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, with doctors like Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, offers breast implant removal services. Before the procedure, patients are provided with solid information to make an educated choice. They need to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood - thinning medications for a specific period before the surgery.
The surgical process involves anesthesia (either local or general, depending on the agreement), skin preparations, placement of incisions (which can be in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit), removal of implants, removal of scar tissue, and sealing of incisions. The recovery process is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation, with some swelling, bruising, and soreness expected for a few weeks.
Dr. David Shokrian
Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery is another option for breast implant removal in NYC. He works with patients to create a perfect balance of surgical and natural remedies to ensure they feel comfortable in their bodies. Many women who have had breast implants for many years may choose to have them removed due to changes in their bodies, such as weight, hormone fluctuations, or pregnancy, or because of dissatisfaction with the initial procedure results.
The breast implant removal at Millennial Plastic Surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. It involves anesthesia, making an incision under the breast or around the areola, removing the implants and scar tissue, and closing the incisions. Patients are closely monitored during the recovery process, and they are given detailed instructions on post - operative care, including wearing a compression garment, taking pain medication, and avoiding certain activities.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Preparations
Before undergoing breast implant removal, patients need to undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure their breasts are healthy enough for the procedure. Depending on the surgeon's recommendation, patients may need to have imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. They should also inform their surgeon about any medical conditions they have, medications they are taking, and if they smoke.
Patients should stop taking medications that can interfere with the surgery, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for about one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications like coumadin and heparin should be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery, after consulting with the prescribing physician.
Lifestyle Preparations
It is essential to arrange for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and to stay with them for at least 24 hours. Patients should also make preparations at home for a comfortable recovery, such as having easy - to - access food, a comfortable place to rest, and any necessary post - surgical supplies ready.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal can be performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort.
Incision Placement
The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in different locations. The surgeon may try to reuse the original incision sites from the breast augmentation surgery to minimize scarring. However, new incisions may be necessary in some cases. Common incision locations include the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit.
Implant and Scar Tissue Removal
Once the incision is made, the surgeon removes the implants. If there is scar tissue, it may also be removed. In some cases, such as when there is capsular contracture or BIA - ALCL, an en - bloc resection may be performed, where the implant and the surrounding scar tissue are removed as a single unit. This method helps to ensure that all potentially affected tissue is removed.
Closing the Incisions
After the implants and scar tissue are removed, the surgeon closes the incisions using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed. A layer of gauze or a bandage is then placed over the breasts to aid in healing.
Recovery from Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can return home the same day. However, they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia, so they need an escort.
Short - Term Recovery
In the days following the surgery, patients may experience tiredness, soreness, swelling, and bruising. They are usually advised to wear a compression bra or support garment to minimize swelling and allow the tissues to shrink back. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within a few days, but they should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
Long - Term Recovery
Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, but this numbness typically fades over time. Fluid drainage from the incision site may also occur. 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. In most cases, patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.
Expected Results of Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal returns the breasts to their pre - implant size. However, the appearance of the breasts after the procedure depends on various factors, such as the size of the original implants, changes to the body over time (such as pregnancy, menopause, or weight loss/gain), and how long the implants have been in place. Some women may experience sagging or drooping, especially if they had large implants that stretched the skin. In such cases, a breast lift may be recommended either at the same time as the implant removal or at a future date.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal in NYC varies widely. It depends on factors such as the cost related to the operating facility, post - care essentials, tests used, and prescription medication cost. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the removal is deemed medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy, insurance companies may be obligated to cover the costs under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Acts of 1988. To determine the cost, patients should schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of options for breast implant removal and breast augmentation plastic surgery. With experienced plastic surgeons and state - of - the - art facilities at hospitals like Mount Sinai, Columbia University, and practices led by renowned surgeons such as Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. David Shokrian, and the doctors at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, patients can find the right solution for their needs. Whether it's for medical reasons or changing aesthetic preferences, these procedures can help women feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies.
If you're considering breast implant removal or breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can provide you with personalized information, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision about your surgery. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about these procedures and explore related topics on our website for additional insights.
