Introduction
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that many women may consider for various reasons, such as medical complications, lifestyle changes, or a desire to return to their natural breast size. In New York City, there are several hospitals that offer this service. This article will provide an inventory of three regular hospitals in the ranking for breast implant removal in New York City, along with a price list. We will also explore the factors that influence the cost of the procedure, the surgical process, and what to expect during recovery.
Overview of Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, aims to remove breast implants and any scar tissue that has formed around them. There are multiple reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. Medical complications, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), or breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), can prompt the need for removal. Some women may also opt for removal due to cosmetic dissatisfaction or lifestyle changes.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures
- Simple Implant Removal: This involves the straightforward removal of the breast implant through the existing incision from the initial breast augmentation surgery. It is typically done when there are no significant complications or scar tissue issues.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: In this procedure, the implant and the entire surrounding capsule (scar tissue) are removed as a single unit. It is often recommended in cases of suspected BIA - ALCL or when there is significant scar tissue.
Inventory of Three Regular Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan is a well - known medical facility in New York City. It is affiliated with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. The hospital is located at 1901 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, and can be contacted at (212) 423 - 6262.
| Procedure | HCPCS Code | Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| Biopsy of breast | 19101 | $3,550.51 |
| Partial removal of breast | 19301 | $3,550.51 |
| Reduction mammaplasty | 19318 | $6,137.89 |
| Removal of ruptured breast implant | 19330 | $3,298.05 |
The hospital offers a range of breast - related surgical procedures, and the price transparency allows patients to make more informed decisions.
NYC Health + Hospitals - South Brooklyn Health / Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospital
Located at 2601 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11235, this hospital can be reached at (718) 616 - 3000. It is known for its breast implant removal services, especially in cases of ruptured breast implants.
The price for the removal of a ruptured breast implant varies depending on whether the patient is paying in cash or is part of an insurance plan with a pre - negotiated rate. The surgical process involves making an incision in the breast to access the ruptured implant and surrounding tissue. After removing the implant, cells from the surrounding tissue may be examined by a pathologist to check for any abnormalities.
In terms of care quality, it has an overall ranking from CMS. Some of the performance metrics include effectiveness of care being below the national average, mortality being the same as the national average, and patient experience being below the national average. However, it has a 4 - star rating for price transparency.
NYC Health + Hospitals - North Central Bronx
This hospital is situated at 3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10467, and can be contacted at (212) 519 - 5000. Similar to the other two hospitals, it offers breast implant removal services.
The reported price for the removal of a ruptured breast implant depends on the payment method (cash or insurance). The surgical procedure is similar to that at the South Brooklyn Health hospital, where an incision is made to access and remove the ruptured implant and check the surrounding tissue. The hospital has a 2 - star care quality rating, with some performance metrics such as effectiveness of care being below the national average, and safety of care being the same as the national average. It has a 5 - star rating for price transparency.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in New York City
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary significantly. According to Sidecar Health, the average cash price for breast implant removal care in New York is $3,412 at a surgery center versus $6,165 at an outpatient hospital. There are several factors that contribute to these price differences:
Factors Affecting the Cost
- Facility Type: As mentioned, surgery centers (ambulatory surgery centers or ASCs) are often less expensive than outpatient hospitals. ASCs are independent, licensed medical facilities with distinct regulatory requirements. They usually offer fewer complimentary services compared to outpatient hospitals, which are affiliated with a hospital system and may provide more support services.
- Surgeon's Experience: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons may charge more for their services. Their expertise can reduce the risk of complications and lead to better outcomes.
- Complexity of the Procedure: A simple implant removal may cost less than an en bloc capsulectomy, which is a more complex procedure.
- Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used (local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, "twilight" anesthesia, or general anesthesia) and the length of the procedure can affect the anesthesia cost.
- Medications and Post - surgery Garments: Prescriptions for pain medication, antibiotics, and post - surgery compression garments also add to the overall cost.
Comparison of Costs at Different Facilities
| Facility Type | Components | Average Cash Price for Breast Implant Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery Center | General surgeon visit provider fee (first time visit) | $144 |
| Provider fee to remove breast implant material | $953 | |
| Surgery center fee to remove breast implant material | $1,613 | |
| Prescriptions (hydrocodone - acetaminophen) | $18 | |
| Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure | $155 | |
| Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure | $528 | |
| Total | $3,411.51 | |
| Outpatient Hospital | General surgeon visit provider fee (first time visit) | $144 |
| Provider fee to remove breast implant material | $953 | |
| Outpatient hospital fee to remove breast implant material | $4,367 | |
| Prescriptions (hydrocodone - acetaminophen) | $18 | |
| Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure | $155 | |
| Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure | $528 | |
| Total | $6,165.35 |
The Surgical Process of Breast Implant Removal
Pre - surgery Consultation
Before the surgery, patients will have an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. If the patient is having the implants removed due to medical complications, they should discuss any symptoms they are experiencing. It is also helpful to bring information about the existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will work with the patient to create a surgical plan, which may include a breast lift (mastopexy) if the patient desires a more plump, rounded appearance after implant removal.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on various factors, such as the patient's age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery. The patient will also be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Prescriptions may be provided, which should be filled before the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, pre - operative clearance from another doctor may be required. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and have assistance during the first few days of recovery.
The Surgery Itself
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure. 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 there is capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or textured breast implants with BIA - ALCL symptoms, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant (en - bloc resection). Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery from Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - surgery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they are 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. However, they will need an escort as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. The patient's breasts will be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage.
First Few Days and Weeks
The patient may feel tired or sore following surgery as the body uses energy to heal. Many patients can 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 complexity of the procedure and the patient's healing rate. 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. In most cases, the patient will return to the office the day after surgery so that the surgeon can monitor the healing process. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure.
Long - term Recovery
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. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. However, if a patient desires a breast lift, it can be discussed with the surgeon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast implant removal is a surgical option that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons. We have provided an inventory of three regular hospitals in the city that offer this service, along with their price lists. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on factors such as the facility type, surgeon's experience, and complexity of the surgery. The surgical process involves a pre - surgery consultation, pre - operative preparation, and the actual surgery under appropriate anesthesia. Recovery from breast implant removal takes time, with different stages of healing from the immediate post - surgery period to long - term scar fading and final result visibility.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with board - certified plastic surgeons, and ask all the necessary questions to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in New York City.
