Introduction

Silicone breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, but there are various reasons why a woman might consider having her silicone breast implants removed. In New York City, there are several well - reputed hospitals and plastic surgeons offering this service. This article will provide a comprehensive introduction to some of these establishments, including the surgeons, procedures, recovery, and other important aspects related to silicone breast augmentation removal.

Top Surgeons and Their Clinics in New York City for Silicone Breast Augmentation Removal

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the premier breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He is board - certified and has an outstanding reputation for his surgical skills and the beautiful results he achieves.

• Expertise and Reputation: Dr. Antell has been listed in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, a testament to his excellent work. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons.
• Procedures Offered: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, which can include the removal of existing silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. Additionally, he removes the recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
• Consultation Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He discusses the patient's symptoms, desired outcome, and works together to create a proper surgical plan. He also goes through the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail.
• Operating Facility: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. However, most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility is fully accredited, equipped with the latest technology, and has a private back entrance for discretion.
• Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Patients can return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan, and he and his staff are available to answer any questions during the recovery process.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs)

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal procedures with the expertise of Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs.

• Procedure Information: A breast explant is performed to remove breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules. Surgeons also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket. Anesthesia can be either local or general, depending on the patient's needs and the surgical plan.
• Reasons for Removal: Common reasons for a breast explant include removal of leaking or ruptured implants, alleviating pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving breast aesthetics, and removing capsular contracture.
• Pre - operative Preparation: Patients are advised to avoid certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anti - inflammatory medications, and blood - thinners for a specific period before the procedure. They should arrange for a driver to take them home after the surgery and undergo an examination to ensure breast health.
• Recovery: After the procedure, patients spend about an hour in the recovery room. They are provided with pain relief medication and post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. Recovery is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation surgery, with most patients able to resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon who offers breast implant removal and replacement services.

• Procedures and Goals: Breast implant removal can be done on its own or combined with breast implant replacement. The goals may include changing the size, location, or type of implants, addressing breast implant illness (BII), and improving the overall appearance of the breasts. Dr. Weintraub always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look.
• Consultation: When considering breast implant removal and replacement, patients should schedule a consultation. During the consultation, it is important to check the surgeon's board certification, his hospital affiliations, and reputation. Dr. Weintraub listens to the patient's needs and desires and helps them understand the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
• Surgical Approach: Dr. Weintraub 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. The surgery is performed with precision and care, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
• Operating Facility: Although he has privileges at several hospitals, he prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility has a private entrance and offers the highest quality of medical and plastic - surgical care.
• Recovery: There may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising after the surgery. Patients must follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub to achieve the best results. He advises on when patients can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

Dr. Maura Reinblatt

Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains.

• Reasons for Removal: Patients may choose breast implant removal for various reasons, such as dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, discomfort, health concerns (including breast implant illness - BII), and capsular contracture. Dr. Reinblatt can address each patient's unique needs and goals with her extensive experience and skill.
• Advanced Techniques: She offers advanced techniques to address medical issues associated with breast implants, such as en bloc capsulectomy (removing both the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece) and open capsulotomy (addressing capsular contracture by selectively cutting and releasing the scar tissue capsule).
• Surgical Procedure: Dr. Reinblatt performs outpatient breast implant removal surgeries, typically lasting one to three hours under general anesthesia. The steps include administration of anesthesia, making incisions, removing implants, closing incisions with sutures, and applying surgical dressings. Some patients may require drainage tubes post - surgery.
• Recovery: Recovery is influenced by several factors. Patients generally experience minimal discomfort immediately following surgery, and prescribed pain medication can help manage any discomfort. They should rest in the first few days and avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first four to six weeks.

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures.

• Reasons for Removal: Patients may choose removal due to health concerns (implant rupture, capsular contracture, BII), cosmetic preferences (changes in personal taste or body image), or aging implants (degradation or shifting over time).
• Exchange Options: For those looking to alter the size or type of their implants rather than removing them entirely, implant exchange is an option. This allows patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants based on their aesthetic goals.
• Procedure and Recovery: The procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration vary depending on the type of procedure. Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Patients typically return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience.

• Reasons for Removal: She deals with both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues include palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, displacement, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness (BII).
• BIA - ALCL and BII: She educates patients about rare conditions like BIA - ALCL, which is associated with certain textured implants, and BII, which is believed to be related to pre - existing autoimmune problems. She helps patients make informed decisions about implant removal based on these concerns.
• Patient - centered Approach: Dr. Hutchinson provides a patient - centered approach, advising patients on various surgical options and the best course of action to achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be recommended for better aesthetic results.

NYU Langone's Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center

The center is directed by the world - renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez. It offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures, including breast implant removal.

• Expert Team: The center has a team of board - certified surgeons, including breast plastic surgeons. Dr. Rodriguez leads the team, and they have the skills and experience to perform various surgical and non - surgical cosmetic treatments.
• Consultation and Procedures: Patients start with a thorough consultation to discuss their preferred results and the most suitable procedures. The surgeons are experts in performing the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures, and the center has two full - service outpatient operating rooms equipped with advanced surgical technologies.
• Accreditation and Care: The facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, ensuring the highest quality of surgical care. The compassionate and attentive nursing staff works to assure patient comfort and safety during the entire process.

General Information about Silicone Breast Augmentation Removal

Reasons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Pre - operative Considerations

Before undergoing silicone breast augmentation removal, patients need to take several important steps:

• Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to assess the patient's overall health, including any pre - existing medical conditions, allergies, and current medications. Surgeons may also order imaging tests such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to evaluate the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues.
• Medication Management: Patients should inform their surgeon about all medications, vitamins, and supplements they are taking. Some medications, such as blood - thinners, aspirin, and anti - inflammatory drugs, may need to be stopped for a certain period before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Smoking Cessation: Smoking can impair the body's ability to heal, so smokers are usually advised to quit smoking well before the surgery. This helps reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
• Arranging for Support: Since the surgery is often performed under anesthesia, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and to assist them during the initial recovery period.

Anesthesia Options

The type of anesthesia used for silicone breast augmentation removal depends on various factors, including the patient's health, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's preference. Common anesthesia options include:

• Local Anesthesia with Intravenous Sedation: This is often used for less complex cases. The patient is awake but relaxed and numb in the breast area. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure.
• General Anesthesia: For more complex procedures or if the patient prefers to be completely unconscious during the surgery, general anesthesia is used. The anesthesiologist ensures the patient's safety and comfort during the entire operation.

The Surgical Procedure

The general steps of silicone breast augmentation removal surgery are as follows:

1. Anesthesia Administration: The chosen anesthesia is administered to the patient, ensuring they are comfortable and pain - free during the procedure.
2. Incision Placement: The surgeon makes an incision in one of several possible locations, such as the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. The choice of incision depends on factors like the patient's anatomy and the location of the original implants.
3. Implant Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the silicone implants from the breast. In some cases, the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) may also be removed, especially if there is capsular contracture or other issues.
4. Wound Closure: After the implants and any necessary tissue are removed, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are often used, and an external layer of sutures may be applied if needed. A layer of gauze or a bandage is then placed over the incisions to aid in healing.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after silicone breast augmentation removal varies from patient to patient, but some general guidelines apply:

• Immediate Post - operative Period: After the surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery area until they wake up from the anesthesia. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. A support bra or bandage is usually worn to help with healing and reduce swelling.
• Rest and Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to rest as much as possible in the first few days after the surgery. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise should be avoided for several weeks to allow the body to heal properly. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days but may need to take it easy for a while.
• Follow - up Appointments: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process. The surgeon will check the incisions, remove any external sutures if necessary, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have.