Inventory of the Ranking of Regular Hospitals for Silicone Breast Implant Removal in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Silicone breast implant removal has become a significant procedure in the field of plastic surgery, especially in New York City. With numerous women opting for breast augmentation in the past, there is a growing demand for implant removal, whether due to medical issues, changes in aesthetic preferences, or other concerns. This article aims to provide an in - depth inventory of the ranking of regular hospitals for silicone breast implant removal in New York City in 2025, along with detailed information about the procedure, including its reasons, processes, and recovery.

Reasons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal

There are several reasons why women may choose to have their silicone breast implants removed. Understanding these reasons is crucial in evaluating the necessity and suitability of the procedure.

Medical Reasons

• Implant Rupture: Over time, silicone implants may rupture, which can cause various symptoms. A study indicates that the implant rupture rates are about 5%. When a silicone implant ruptures, the silicone gel may seep out into the surrounding tissue. An MRI may be required to determine if a silicone implant has ruptured as it may not always be visible from the outside. For example, if the implant rupture occurs, the breast may change shape or actually deflate.
• Capsular Contracture: This is a common medical issue related to breast implants. Capsular contracture is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant after it is placed in the body. Normally, this tissue is soft and unnoticeable, but it can become hard and painful, while also distorting the appearance of the breasts. The rate of capsular contracture is very small, about 3 - 4%, and it does increase gradually over the years. Early signs of capsular contracture include pain, hardness, tightness, and a change in the shape of the breast. If left untreated, it can cause significant discomfort and affect the patient's quality of life.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): BIA - ALCL is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring 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 recently been found. As a result, the FDA has recalled these specific texture breast implants. Symptoms of BIA - ALCL include pain or swelling around the breasts, and some patients may notice a difference in the size or shape of their breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may occasionally report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints. While it's uncertain what causes BII, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems and is also referred to as “autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA).” Studies seem to indicate that it may develop primarily in patients who have autoimmune problems, a hyperactive immune system, or allergy issues.

Cosmetic Reasons

• Changes in Aesthetic Preferences: As time passes, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer desire the size or shape of her current implants. For example, a woman who initially had large - sized implants may later prefer a more natural - looking, smaller breast size. In such cases, implant removal or replacement can help her achieve her desired appearance.
• Visible or Palpable Implants: Sometimes, the implants may become visible or palpable, which can be aesthetically unpleasing. This can happen due to factors such as thin skin, improper implant placement, or the type of implant used. For instance, if the implant has moved from its original position (up, down, to the side, or towards the middle of the chest), it can cause an abnormal appearance of the breasts.
• Asymmetry: Breast asymmetry, where the two breasts do not have an equal appearance, can be a concern for some women. This can be a result of factors related to the implants, such as different rates of capsular contracture in each breast or uneven implant placement.

Top Hospitals for Silicone Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon offering breast implant removal services in New York. He is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY.

Procedure

Dr. Wallach usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. This may be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. During the procedure, he will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.

Candidates

Good candidates are generally healthy and desire that their implants be removed. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician prior to the procedure. Candidates should be non - smokers or stop smoking prior to the procedure and stop taking blood - thinning medications before surgery.

Benefits

Sometimes, the procedure is medically necessary, such as in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture. Non - medical reasons include changes in aesthetic preferences. Patients may also have the option to replace the old implants with new ones at the same time if desired.

Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around their breasts and may be in mild pain. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days. Dr. Wallach instructs patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and avoid heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.

Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

Procedure

He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. If possible, he will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also performs the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.

Candidates

Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement implant, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wishing to return to their natural breast size, and those with textured implants recalled by the FDA and experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.

Recovery

Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure. Patients can return home the same day as the procedure. They should be prepared to have an escort to bring them home as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Most 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.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal.

Reasons for Removal

The desire for breast implant removal is often due to problems related to the implants, such as patient discomfort, mechanical problems with the implants and surrounding capsule, or for aesthetic reasons. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Special Attention

She is well - versed in handling cases related to BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness. For patients with textured implants made by Allergan, she can provide guidance on whether removal or replacement is the best option based on the recall of these implants.

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.

Reasons for Removal

Patients may choose to have their breast implants removed for health concerns such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII), cosmetic preferences, or due to aging implants that may degrade or shift over time.

Exchange Options

For those looking to alter the size or type of their implants rather than removing them entirely, implant exchange is offered. This allows patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants based on their current needs and aesthetic goals.

Recovery

Post - operative care is crucial, including 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. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a highly skilled plastic surgeon known for his breast implant removal and replacement procedures.

Procedure

He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He performs breast implant - revision surgery in the comfort of his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility. The surgery can take between half an hour and multiple hours to complete, depending on the specific modality chosen and the patient's aesthetic needs.

Candidates

The best candidates are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. They should be highly motivated to make the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means to undergo the elective cosmetic surgery.

Uniqueness

Dr. Weintraub has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artwork. He pays great attention to detail and ensures the best results for his patients. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices.

Comparative Analysis of the Hospitals

The Procedure of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Consultation

During the 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 desires to have the implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing. Patients should bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery to the appointment. The surgeon will then work with the patient to create the proper surgical plan based on their expectations.

Preparation

Patients may be required to undergo imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. They will also be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Some patients may need to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. It is also necessary to arrange for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and assist them during the initial days of recovery.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal can be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation, general anesthesia, or “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring the patient throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort.

Surgery

The surgeon will make an incision to access the breast pocket and implant. They will then remove the implant and may remove the scar capsule surrounding it. In the case of leakage or rupture, extra care will be taken to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out from the implant. If the patient has elected to get the implants replaced, the new implants will be inserted according to the agreed - upon surgical plan, and then the incisions will be closed and bandaged.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - Operative Period

Immediately after the procedure, patients will experience swelling and bruising around the breasts and may be in mild pain. They will need a caregiver to drive them home from the surgery center and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can go back to light activity within a few days, but they should avoid aerobic activity for several weeks and heavy lifting for a couple of months.

Long - Term Recovery

It may take several months for the final results to be visible. The swelling and bruising will gradually fade, and the scars will also start to fade over time. Patients may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and the best possible results.

Cost of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

The cost of silicone breast implant removal can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the complexity of the procedure, whether implant replacement is desired, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the location of the hospital or surgical facility. On average, the cost of breast implant removal in the United States can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. In New York City, where the cost of living and medical services is relatively high, the cost may be on the higher end of the spectrum. It is best to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to get an accurate quote based on the individual's specific situation.

Conclusion

Silicone breast implant removal is a procedure that is becoming increasingly common in New York City. There are several excellent hospitals and surgeons available, each with their own areas