Introduction

Breast silicone implant repair is a significant surgical need for many women in New York City. Whether due to cosmetic reasons, such as a desire for a different size or shape, or medical issues like implant rupture or capsular contracture, finding a reliable hospital and skilled surgeon is crucial. In this article, we will explore four prominent hospitals in New York City that offer breast silicone implant repair services, including their surgical approaches, key surgeons, and other relevant details.

Mount Sinai Hospital

1. Types of Breast Implants

At Mount Sinai, breast implants are made of a flexible silicone casing filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel (a soft gelatin - like substance). Silicone gel implants are often preferred by many women as they feel softer and more like a natural breast compared to saline implants. Both types are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are considered safe.

2. Surgical Procedures

Tissue Expander Process

Breast implant surgery is usually a two - step process. First, the surgeon inserts a tissue expander (like an empty balloon) under the chest muscles. Over several weeks, the expander is inflated until the desired size and shape are achieved. Then, a second surgical procedure is performed to replace the expander with the chosen saline or silicone implant. For example, if a patient wants a more natural - looking breast shape after a mastectomy, this process can be used to gradually stretch the tissue to accommodate the implant.

Direct - to - Implant Process

If the patient is eligible, a direct - to - implant breast reconstruction approach may be recommended. This technique avoids the use of a tissue expander. The surgeon inserts the implant immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle, using innovative methods to provide additional soft tissue support. C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, pioneered this approach.

3. Breast Implant Revision

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons can correct various problems with breast implants. These include incorrectly positioned implants (too low, too far to the side or center), wrinkled or rippled implants, capsular contracture (extraordinary scar tissue around one or both implants), stretched tissues around the implants, sagging breast implants and tissues, and implant rupture. Before any treatment, patients will consult with nationally recognized specialists. The hospital may recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area around the breast implant and may suggest fat transfer from areas like the abdomen, hips, or thighs to enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts.

4. Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction

At Mount Sinai West, they have special expertise in prepectoral breast reconstruction. This muscle - sparing procedure places the breast implant above the chest wall muscles, preserving the pectoral muscles without cutting or stretching them. It results in less postoperative pain, a faster recovery, and no future loss of strength. The procedure uses a sheet of collagen as scaffolding around the implant. Hani Sbitany, MD, at Mount Sinai West is an internationally recognized expert who helped pioneer this technique.

NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital

1. Breast Reconstruction Overview

Some breast cancer treatments may involve the removal of breast tissue, and breast reconstruction at NewYork - Presbyterian can rebuild breast shape and improve the emotional well - being of patients who have had mastectomies. The hospital's plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques and have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction. They have performed nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years.

2. Types of Breast Reconstruction

Autologous Reconstruction

This type of surgery uses the patient's own body tissue to reconstruct nerves and breast structure. At NewYork - Presbyterian, tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks can be used. The novel reinnervation procedure during autologous reconstruction only takes about 20 minutes, where a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest. For example, in DIEP flap reconstruction (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Artery), a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen is used to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.

Implant - Based Reconstruction

Although current practice guidelines discourage the use of textured implants, surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to meet the patients' clinical needs. During the mastectomy, the nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected to the breast skin and nipple in implant - based reconstruction.

NYU Langone Health - Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center

1. Renowned Leadership and Facilities

The center is directed by world - renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez. Their doctors have performed the most extensive face transplant to date and the first in New York State. The plastic surgeons are also known for their rigorous academic research. The center has two full - service outpatient operating rooms equipped with advanced surgical technologies and is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.

2. Breast - Related Surgeries

The center offers breast augmentation using silicone or saline implants, breast lift, and other related procedures. When it comes to breast silicone implant repair, patients can expect a thorough consultation with one of the plastic surgeons. The surgeons are experts at performing the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. For instance, if a patient wants to change the size of their existing breast implants or correct any issues with the current implants, the surgeons can customize the procedure based on the patient's anatomy and needs.

3. Team of Surgeons

The center has a team of board - certified surgeons. In addition to Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez, there are other experts like Rachel Blue Bond - Langner, MD (plastic surgeon), Daniel J. Ceradini, MD (plastic surgeon), and Mihye Choi, MD (breast plastic surgeon). This diverse team of surgeons ensures that patients receive comprehensive and high - quality care for breast silicone implant repair.

Antell MD

1. Dr. Darrick Antell - A Premier Surgeon

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the most renowned board - certified plastic surgeons in the world. Trained at Stanford and Cornell University, he is known for his exceptional surgical skills and use of advanced techniques. He is often a featured lecturer at national and international seminars, presenting his advancements in the field. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and recognized by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

2. Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision surgery at Antell MD involves replacing old breast implants with new ones for cosmetic or medical reasons. Some patients may want to change the size of their implants, while others may need new implants due to implant rupture or capsular contracture. During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He will guide the patient through selecting the proper implant type, incision size, implant placement, and size based on the patient's specific anatomy.

3. Surgical Process and Recovery

The chosen incision and placement of the new implant will be customized based on factors such as the patient's individual anatomy and the condition of the existing implant. When possible, the same incision site as used in the initial breast augmentation may be used. After removing the existing implant and any scar tissue, the new implant is carefully placed with a no - touch technique. The surgery usually takes between one and three hours to complete. After the surgery, patients will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to decrease discomfort. It is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. However, they should have an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Dr. Antell and his staff will be available to answer any questions during the recovery process.

4. Risks and Complications

Although breast implant revision surgery performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon is typically a safe procedure, there are risks. The most common complication is capsular contracture, where the capsule surrounding the implant restricts it, resulting in a misshapen appearance, hardening of the area, and pain. Other complications include bleeding, infection, numbness, and implant rupture. Dr. Antell will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation.

Comparison of the Four Hospitals

Conclusion

In New York City, these four hospitals - Mount Sinai Hospital, NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital, NYU Langone Health - Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, and Antell MD - offer a wide range of options for breast silicone implant repair. Each hospital has its own specialties, experienced surgeons, and advanced techniques. Mount Sinai is known for its innovative approaches like direct - to - implant and prepectoral breast reconstruction. NewYork - Presbyterian excels in both autologous and implant - based breast reconstruction. NYU Langone provides comprehensive breast - related surgeries with a team of world - class surgeons, and Antell MD is renowned for breast implant revision under the leadership of Dr. Darrick Antell.

If you are considering breast silicone implant repair, it is important to do thorough research, schedule consultations with surgeons at these hospitals, and ask questions to make an informed decision. Take the next step towards achieving your desired results by reaching out to these institutions. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant repair in New York City, and explore more related topics on our website.