Introduction
New York City is renowned for its world - class medical facilities and top - notch plastic surgeons. When it comes to removing silicone breast implants, there are several institutions that stand out. This article will introduce you to some of the popular institutions that are highly regarded in this field. Women may choose to remove their silicone breast implants for various reasons, such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or changes in lifestyle. Understanding the best institutions for this procedure can help patients make informed decisions.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Surgeon Overview
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has a reputation that spans both the New York area and the global medical community. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt, he is an acclaimed, board - certified plastic surgeon. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, which involves removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. For those who have silicone implants, he can handle the removal with precision and care, taking into account the potential issues like rupture or the development of scar tissue around the implant.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. This is particularly important in cases where there are concerns about the integrity of the implant or the development of certain medical conditions.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: He also performs the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Patient Suitability
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include women who are experiencing medical complications related to the implants and do not want a replacement implant placed, those who are unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wish 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 their previous breast augmentation surgery. By having an open and honest conversation about the desired outcome, Dr. Antell can create a proper surgical plan. He may also recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, depending on the patient's expectations.
Surgery and Recovery
The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. If possible, Dr. Antell will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. After the surgery, patients will recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite. Most patients can return home the same day as the procedure. It is common to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, as well as some fluid drainage. 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.
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Surgeon Overview
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in NYC. He has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artistry. His attention to detail ensures the best possible results, and he is meticulous about every aspect of patient care, from pre - op to post - op.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: He performs breast implant removal (explant) surgery, which can be done on its own or in combination with breast implant replacement. Patients may choose to change the size, location, or type of implants. For silicone implants, he can address issues such as capsular contracture, which is a common concern when the tissue around the implant becomes firm. He also offers the option of replacing the lost volume with autologous fat, which is liposuctioned from various areas of the body.
- Optimal Implant Placement: Dr. Weintraub always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. If the implants were originally placed over the muscle, he can reposition them to correct the “artificial” appearance of the breasts.
Patient Suitability
The best candidates for breast - implant removal and replacement are well - balanced, in good general health, and possess realistic expectations. They should be highly motivated to make the change, have the ability to pause their daily responsibilities for the procedure, and have the financial means to afford the elective cosmetic surgery.
Consultation Process
When considering breast implant removal and replacement, patients should schedule a consultation. During the consultation, they should check for the surgeon's board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensure that the physician attends a major hospital in the community and is in good standing, confirm the surgeon's reputation among other medical professionals, and speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures. Dr. Weintraub's office environment is comforting and personable, and he and his staff take great pride in helping patients at every step of the process.
Surgery and Recovery
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. The breast implant removal and replacement surgery is performed with great precision in his state - of - the - art surgical center. After the surgery, there may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising. Patients must carefully follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub to achieve the best results. He is a firm believer in early showering and will advise patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Surgeon Overview
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered to be one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns, she has the expertise to handle a wide range of cases.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Hutchinson performs breast implant removal for various reasons. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to silicone breast implants. Some of the aesthetic issues include the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from the original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement, distortion, asymmetry, and implant malposition. Medical issues she deals with include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
- Secondary Procedures: In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results after breast implant removal.
Patient Suitability
Women who have experienced problems with their breast implants, either aesthetic or medical, are potential candidates for breast implant removal with Dr. Hutchinson. She will assess each patient's situation and advise on the best course of action.
Consultation Process
Patients interested in breast implant removal can contact Dr. Hutchinson's office to book a consultation. During the consultation, she will discuss the reasons for the desired removal, assess the patient's current breast condition, and explain the available surgical options and the expected outcome.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery will be tailored to the patient's specific needs. After the surgery, patients should expect a recovery period where they may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Dr. Hutchinson and her staff will provide detailed post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Comparison of the Three Institutions
| Surgeon | Specialty | Patient Suitability | Consultation Approach | Recovery Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Good - health patients with medical complications, dissatisfaction with augmentation results, or recalled implants | Thorough evaluation of health, implant history, and open discussion for surgical plan | State - of - the - art recovery suite, individualized recovery plan |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | Breast implant removal and replacement, optimal implant placement | Well - balanced, healthy patients with realistic expectations and financial means | Check for board certification, reputation, and patient testimonials; comfortable office environment | Detailed post - op instructions, advice on lifestyle and exercise resumption |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Breast implant removal for aesthetic and medical issues, secondary procedures like breast lift | Women with implant - related aesthetic or medical problems | Discussion of reasons for removal, assessment of breast condition, and explanation of options | Detailed post - operative instructions for a smooth recovery |
Reasons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal
Health Concerns
- Capsular Contracture: The body may overproduce collagen around the implant, causing swelling, tenderness, pain, and misshaping of the breast. The newly - formed capsule tightens around the implant, and in severe cases, it can lead to fibrosis and more serious complications.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Over time, the outer shell of the silicone implant may break down, leading to silicone leakage. This can cause lumps, misaligned breasts, altered shape, pain, and numbness. If left untreated, it can spread into the surrounding tissue and cause more severe problems.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare cancer that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Although it is considered a rare condition, a link between certain types of textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL has been found. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and in more serious cases, it may spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A collection of systemic symptoms that can arise after receiving breast implants. Symptoms range from psychological and sensory issues like depression, anxiety, confusion, tinnitus, sleep complications, headaches, and fatigue to problems in the endocrine, digestive, muscular, and autoimmune systems.
Cosmetic Preferences
- Unsatisfactory Results: The appearance of the implants may not meet the patient's expectations. The implants may change shape or position over time, or there may be issues with symmetry, nipple position, or the overall look of the breasts.
- Change in Lifestyle: As women's lifestyles change, their aesthetic preferences may also change. For example, some women may wish to return to their natural breast size after a certain stage in life, or they may find that the implants are no longer in line with their current activities or clothing choices.
Pre - surgical Considerations
Medical Evaluation
Before undergoing silicone breast implant removal, patients should have a thorough medical evaluation. This includes a review of their medical history, including any pre - existing conditions, allergies, and previous surgeries. The surgeon will also assess the current condition of the breasts, such as the position of the implants, the presence of any scar tissue, and the overall breast health. Diagnostic tests like ultrasounds, mammograms, or MRIs may be ordered to get a better understanding of the implant and its surrounding tissue.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients may need to make certain lifestyle changes before the surgery. For example, they may be advised to stop smoking as nicotine can impair the healing process. They may also need to adjust their medications, especially blood thinners, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. Additionally, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them during the initial recovery period.
Post - surgical Recovery
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, patients will be monitored in a recovery area until they are fully awake from the anesthesia. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. A compression garment may be worn to minimize swelling and provide support to the breasts. Drains may be placed to remove any excess fluid or blood from the surgical site. Patients will be given pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed by the surgeon to manage pain and prevent infection.
Short - term Recovery
In the first few days to weeks after the surgery, patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities. They should follow the surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, dressing changes, and activity restrictions. It is normal to experience some numbness or loss of feeling in the breast area, which usually improves over time. Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their job.
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 breasts will settle into their new shape. Scars will also start to fade, but it may take up to a year or more for them to become less noticeable. Patients should continue to follow up with their surgeon for regular check - ups to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
Conclusion
When it comes to removing silicone breast implants in New York City, institutions led by Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson stand out as top choices. Each surgeon offers specialized services, has a unique approach to patient care, and can address a wide range of reasons for implant removal. Whether it is due to health concerns or cosmetic preferences, these institutions have the expertise and experience to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Patients considering silicone breast implant removal should take the time to research these surgeons, schedule consultations, and ask questions to make an informed decision about their care.
Call - to - Action
If you are considering silicone breast implant removal, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top institutions. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and learn more about the procedure. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic, and explore our other resources on breast health and plastic surgery to further educate yourself.
