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Introduction

Breast implant removal has become a significant concern for many women in New York City. There are various reasons why women might opt for this procedure, such as medical complications, dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results, or concerns about potential health risks associated with breast implants. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation prosthesis removal, as well as provide in - depth information about the procedure, risks, recovery, and more.

Top Surgeons and Their Practices for Breast Implant Removal in NYC

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. His skills are highly respected, and he has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

• Procedures Offered: He can perform simple implant removal as well as an en bloc capsulectomy, which is used to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also handles the removal of 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).
• Patient Experience: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his excellent surgical results and patient satisfaction. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, while maintaining total discretion.
• Consultation Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He will have an open and honest conversation with the patient about their desired outcome and create a proper surgical plan. If necessary, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
• Surgical Location: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. However, most patients prefer for 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 fully accredited, equipped with the latest technology, and the staff offers personalized care.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is another prominent plastic surgeon in New York City. He is known for his work in breast implant removal and replacement.

• Procedure Scope: Breast implant removal can be done on its own or combined with breast implant replacement. He also offers autologous fat transfer to replace lost volume and performs breast lifts in conjunction with implant removal or replacement. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result.
• Consultation and Patient Selection: When choosing a surgeon for breast implant removal and replacement, patients are advised to check for board certification, hospital affiliations, and reputation. During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub listens to the patient's concerns and desires, and helps them understand the available options. The best candidates for his procedures are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations.
• Surgical Approach: He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision and care.
• Recovery and Results: There may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising after the surgery. Patients need to carefully follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub to achieve the best results. He is firm in his belief in early showering and will advise patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC.

• Reasons for Implant Removal: She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. Patients may seek implant removal due to aesthetic issues such as palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, or breast asymmetry. Medical issues like severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, or breast implant illness (BII) can also prompt the need for removal.
• Handling Special Cases: Regarding BIA - ALCL, although it is a rare cancer specifically related to breast implants, some women with Allergan textured implants may wish to have them removed due to the recall. Dr. Hutchinson will advise patients on the best course of action, and in some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
• Patient Feedback: Patients have given excellent feedback about their experience with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. They praise the calming atmosphere, cleanliness of the facility, and the professionalism of the team. The surgical results have also left patients highly satisfied.

Top Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Columbia University Plastic Surgery

Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Its plastic surgery department has a team of highly proficient surgeons.

• Range of Services: They offer a comprehensive range of plastic surgery services, including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. In the context of breast implant removal, their surgeons are well - trained and experienced. They can handle various cases, from simple implant removals to more complex situations involving scar tissue and associated medical issues.
• Research and Innovation: The department is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. Their research on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy related to wound healing may potentially have applications in improving the outcomes of breast implant removal surgeries and the subsequent recovery process.
• Team of Surgeons: The plastic surgery team at Columbia consists of board - certified surgeons with diverse areas of specialization. Surgeons like Christine Rohde, Jeffrey A. Ascherman, and others bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring high - quality care for patients seeking breast implant removal.

NYU Langone Health Breast Cancer Center

While primarily known for its breast cancer services, NYU Langone Health's expertise in breast - related matters also extends to breast implant removal.

• Integrated Approach: Their team of breast surgeons, oncologists, geneticists, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons work together. This integrated approach is beneficial for patients, as they can receive comprehensive care. For example, if a patient has concerns about potential health risks associated with breast implants during the removal process, the different specialists can collaborate to provide a well - rounded treatment plan.
• Advanced Technology: Their radiologists have developed novel MRI techniques for breast assessment, and their breast cancer surgeons were the first in New York City to use marginprobe® during breast - conserving surgery. This advanced technology can also be useful in the context of breast implant removal to ensure accurate detection of any associated issues.
• Clinical Trials: As part of their research efforts, they offer many clinical trials. Although not directly related to breast implant removal in all cases, these trials may contribute to the overall understanding of breast health and potentially lead to improved treatment methods for patients undergoing implant removal.

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast - related surgeries, including breast augmentation and by extension, breast implant removal.

• Patient - Centered Care: They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results of breast augmentation, which can also be useful in the context of implant removal. By showing patients different options, they can ensure that the patient has a clear understanding of what to expect after the removal procedure.
• Treatment Options: They offer different options for breast enlargement, including silicone and saline breast implants and a fat transfer technique known as NaturalFill®. This variety of treatment options may also translate into more flexibility when it comes to breast implant removal, as they can address different patient needs and anatomical situations.
• Long - Term Results: Their surgeons understand the long - term effects on the breasts after implant removal, such as potential drooping due to pregnancy, nursing, or weight changes. They can provide advice on follow - up procedures like breast lifts to help patients maintain the desired aesthetic results.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Reasons

1. Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and changes in breast size or shape. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary.
2. Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation with implants. These symptoms include 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.
3. Severe Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens. Severe cases can cause pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast appearance. Removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue is often the solution.
4. Infection and Bleeding: Infections around the breast implant can be a serious issue, requiring prompt medical attention. Bleeding complications can also occur, either during the initial augmentation surgery or later on. In some cases, implant removal may be necessary to resolve these problems.

Aesthetic Reasons

1. Unsatisfactory Results: Some patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. For example, the implants may have moved from their original position, causing asymmetry or an unnatural appearance. Or, the patient may have originally chosen a size that they later decided was too large or too small.
2. Visible or Palpable Implants: Over time, the implants may become visible through the skin, appearing folded, rippled, or wrinkled. This can be a source of distress for patients, leading them to seek implant removal.
3. Scar Issues: Unsightly or widened scars from the initial breast augmentation surgery can also be a reason for implant removal. In some cases, a breast lift or other corrective procedures may be combined with implant removal to improve the overall appearance of the breasts.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Pre - operative Preparation

Before the surgery, patients will have an initial consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. The patient should bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. The patient will also 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 prior to the surgery, and depending on their history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and assist them during the first few days of recovery.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. This ensures that the patient is asleep and comfortable throughout the entire operation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring the patient throughout the procedure. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia.

Surgical Technique

If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, but may not be possible with an armpit incision. If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or has textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are all removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, the patient will recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, the patient can return home the same day as the procedure. However, if “twilight” sedation was used, they should have an escort to bring them home, as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, the patient will be provided with thorough discharge instructions.

Short - term Recovery

The breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. The patient may feel tired or sore following surgery as the body uses its energy to heal. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the details of the procedure and the patient's rate of healing. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully and refrain from activities that could put stress on the incisions. Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, and this numbness typically fades over time. There may also be some fluid drainage from the incision site.

Long - term Recovery

The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will typically return to the office the day after the surgery so that the surgeon can monitor the healing process. If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible. The scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast implant removal can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, the location of the surgery, and any additional procedures that may be performed. In general, in the United States, the average price of breast implant removal can range from around $3,000 to $6,450. However, this is just an estimate, and each patient's situation is unique. It is important to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to get an accurate quote. Some patients may also consider the cost - effectiveness of the procedure in terms of the potential improvement in their health and well - being.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and experienced surgeons available for breast augmentation prosthesis removal. Whether it is for medical or aesthetic reasons, patients have access to high - quality care and advanced surgical techniques. Understanding the reasons for implant removal, the procedure itself, the recovery process, and the cost considerations is crucial for making an informed decision. If you are considering breast implant removal, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your specific situation and goals.

We encourage you to take the next step in your journey towards breast implant removal. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and feel free to explore more information on our website about breast - related surgeries and other plastic surgery procedures. Take control of your health and well - being by reaching out to a trusted surgeon today.