Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation removal is a surgical procedure that some women choose for various reasons, such as dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, complications, or health concerns. In New York City, there are several hospitals and plastic surgeons that are highly regarded by netizens for performing these procedures. This article will explore some of the top - selected hospitals and surgeons, the reasons for breast implant removal, the procedures involved, and the recovery process.
Reasons for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation Removal
There are numerous reasons why women opt for prosthetic breast augmentation removal. Understanding these reasons can help patients make more informed decisions when considering the procedure.
Medical Reasons
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. According to some studies, it may develop primarily in patients with autoimmune issues, a hyperactive immune system, or allergy problems.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when excessive scar tissue forms around the implant, causing firmness, an irregular shape, or discomfort. In severe cases, it can also lead to pain and affect the cosmetic results of the breast augmentation.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak. Saline implants are more prone to leakage due to their valve design, while silicone implants can also rupture, although they are factory - sealed. Ruptured or leaking implants can cause changes in the breast's appearance and may lead to health concerns.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare cancer specifically related to breast implants. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation that manifests several years after the initial breast surgery. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Infection and Bleeding: Infections and bleeding can occur after breast augmentation and may sometimes require the removal of the implants to treat the problem effectively.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. For example, the implants may look too large or too small, be misaligned, or cause an unnatural appearance.
- Visible or Palpable Implants: Implants can sometimes become visible or palpable through the skin, resulting in a less - than - desirable aesthetic. This can be due to factors such as thin skin, implant folding, or wrinkling.
- Breast Asymmetry: After breast augmentation, some women may notice unequal appearance of the breasts, which can be a reason for implant removal and potential correction.
Top - Selected Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He offers breast implant removal and replacement services. He has a strong aesthetic sense and combines medical science with artwork in his practice. His patients often return to work three days after surgery, and the recovery period usually has minimal downtime. He performs the surgery in his quad - A - accredited NYC surgical facility attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff. He is known for his attention to detail and personalized approach to patient care.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs who perform breast explant procedures. Their team provides solid information to patients so they can make educated choices about their bodies. Before the procedure, patients are required to take certain steps, such as avoiding certain medications and arranging for post - operative care. The surgery can take one to three hours, depending on the extent of work needed, including scar tissue removal and area reconstruction. They also offer a range of post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. His office is located just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, and the state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited. He provides a thorough consultation, discusses all risks with the patient, and offers an individualized recovery plan.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides breast explant surgery. The practice offers capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue. The surgery takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room in Manhattan. The downtime after the procedure is about 1 week, and patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal. They also offer a personalized consultation to address each patient's concerns and goals.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal in NYC. She can advise patients on various surgical options and may recommend a secondary procedure like a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results. Her practice is known for providing a calming and professional environment.
Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. She offers advanced techniques such as en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy to address medical issues associated with breast implants. Her outpatient breast implant removal surgeries typically last one to three hours under general anesthesia. She is renowned for her personalized approach to patient care and her commitment to patient satisfaction. Her practice in White Plains serves patients from NYC, Westchester, and beyond.
Pre - Procedure Considerations
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant removal process. During the consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. The patient should bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open and honest conversation about the desired outcome is essential. The surgeon will then recommend the most appropriate surgical plan, which may include additional procedures like a breast lift. For example, Dr. Antell will go through the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail during the consultation to ensure the patient is fully informed.
Medical Clearance
Patients are usually required to obtain medical clearance from their family physician before the surgery. This is to ensure that the patient is in good enough health to undergo the procedure. The surgeon may also send the patient for imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, depending on factors like age and implant condition.
Medication and Lifestyle Changes
Patients need to make certain medication and lifestyle changes before the surgery. They should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure, as these can interfere with the surgery. Blood - thinning medications should be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery. Smoking is also generally advised to be stopped before the procedure, as it can affect the healing process.
Arranging Post - Operative Care
Since the patient will not be able to drive immediately after the surgery, it is important to arrange for someone to drive them home. Additionally, having someone to assist with daily activities during the initial recovery period is recommended. For patients living far from the surgical facility, the surgeon may advise a post - operative stay at a nearby hotel. For example, Dr. Weintraub advises patients living beyond a 50 - mile radius of NYC to stay at a hotel like the Pierre, the St. Regis, the Mark, or the Carlyle, where his patients are given a special reduced rate, and he will visit them after the procedure.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Anesthesia
There are different types of anesthesia used for breast implant removal. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia is commonly used. General anesthesia may also be an option, especially for more complex cases or larger implants. The choice of anesthesia depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, personal desires, and the location and size of the implants. During the procedure, a board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient's vital signs to ensure safety.
Incisions
The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in different locations, including the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The surgeon will try to reuse the original incision sites from the breast augmentation surgery to minimize scarring. However, in some cases, new incisions may be necessary. For example, if the patient has experienced capsular contracture or a silicone implant rupture, the surgeon may need to make different incisions to remove the hardened scar tissue effectively.
Implant and Scar Tissue Removal
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove the implants. There are various methods for implant removal, such as prying out the implants from beneath the breast tissue, cutting through the implant shell if it is stuck to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the implant for slow removal. After implant removal, the surgeon will also remove any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples and cauterize the area. In some cases, an en bloc capsulectomy may be performed, which involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue in one piece. This is often done for patients with capsular contracture or concerns about BIA - ALCL.
Reconstruction and Incision Closure
After the implant and scar tissue removal, the surgeon may reconstruct the area to achieve a more natural appearance. This may involve re - shaping the breast tissue. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and dressings are applied to prevent infection. The use of multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures and an external layer of sutures (if needed) is common. The surgeon may also place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to aid in healing.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, the patient will be awakened from anesthesia and taken to a recovery room. As the anesthesia wears off, the patient may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain relief medication. Swelling and bruising are common in the initial days after the surgery. The patient will usually spend about an hour in the recovery room before being allowed to return home. The surgeon will provide post - procedure instructions on how to care for the incision sites, wear a compression bra, take prescribed antibiotics, and apply cold compresses to the surgical site.
Short - Term Recovery
In the first few days after the surgery, most patients experience a certain amount of soreness, swelling, and bruising. The first three days are often the most difficult, and patients are advised to rest and allow their bodies to heal. They may need to limit their activities and avoid strenuous exercise. By the first few days, the post - operative effects should start to fade, allowing the patient to return to most of their routine activities without serious discomfort. Most patients can resume light activities within one week, but more vigorous activity should be avoided for about six weeks.
Long - Term Recovery
It may take several months for the final results of the breast implant removal to be visible. The swelling and bruising will gradually fade, and the scars will also start to fade over time. In the long - term, patients may notice a loss of breast volume, which can be addressed with additional cosmetic procedures if desired. Some patients may experience a loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which usually fades over time. Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
Cost Considerations
The cost of prosthetic breast augmentation removal in New York City varies widely. It depends on several factors, including the surgeon's fee, the cost of 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, unless there is a medical necessity for the surgery. For example, if the surgery is performed following a mastectomy and medical removal is required, insurance companies may be obligated to cover the costs under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Acts of 1988. To get an accurate quote, patients should schedule a consultation with the surgeon.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a range of excellent hospitals and surgeons for prosthetic breast augmentation removal. The decision to have this procedure is a personal one, often driven by medical or aesthetic reasons. Patients should carefully consider their options, have a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon, and understand the pre - procedure, procedure, and recovery processes. Each surgeon and facility has its own unique approach and advantages, and patients should choose the one that best suits their needs and expectations.
If you are considering prosthetic breast augmentation removal in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons. Take the time to learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic and continue to explore related content on breast health and cosmetic surgery.
