Introduction

In New York City, a metropolis known for its top - notch medical facilities and world - class plastic surgeons, the demand for breast implant removal has been on the rise. Whether it's due to medical concerns like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII), or for cosmetic reasons such as a change in personal taste, many women are seeking reliable hospitals and surgeons for this procedure. In this article, we'll unveil the top 3 hospitals and their associated surgeons in New York City for the removal of injected breast augmentation, providing in - depth details about their expertise, services, and patient experiences.

Top Surgeons and Their Practices in New York City

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Professional Standing

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also on a global scale. His name frequently appears on the best doctors lists for esteemed magazines like Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in numerous regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards, such as the Fellow of the Jacques W. Maliniac Circle of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is listed in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America.

Services Offered

Dr. Antell specializes in custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. In cases where necessary, he performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also takes on the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with an increased risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Candidate Assessment

He evaluates candidates thoroughly. Generally, anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is a potential candidate. Ideal candidates include women experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wanting to return to their natural breast size, and those with FDA - recalled textured implants and showing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.

Consultation Process

During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He encourages patients to bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open and honest conversation about the desired outcome helps in creating a proper surgical plan. Depending on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, like a breast lift. He also goes into detail about the procedure, risks, and recovery during this consultation.

Surgical Procedure

Dr. Antell often has privileges in multiple hospitals across New York City. However, most patients prefer having the surgery in his private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, though an en bloc resection can take longer. If possible, he removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation, but may need to remove the hardened scar tissue in cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL.

Recovery and Aftercare

Patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized local anesthesia helps reduce discomfort. The procedure is outpatient, so patients can return home the same day. Dr. Antell provides detailed discharge instructions and an individualized recovery plan. He and his staff are available to answer any post - operative questions. Patients may feel tired or sore initially, with some numbness in the breast area that typically fades over time. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks, and the final results may take several months to become visible.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Professional Standing

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she has a proven track record of evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing successful breast implant removal surgeries.

Reasons for Implant Removal

There are both aesthetic and medical reasons for breast implant removal as identified by Dr. Hutchinson. Aesthetic issues can include the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from the original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement or distortion, and implant malposition. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.

Addressing Breast Implant - Associated Conditions

Regarding BIA - ALCL, she is well - versed in the condition. Some women with Allergan textured implants may wish to have them removed due to the recall. Although removal of all textured breast implants in NYC is not currently a standard treatment, each patient should make an informed decision after discussing with her. She also helps patients dealing with breast implant illness, which is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.

Consultation and Treatment Planning

Dr. Hutchinson offers a detailed consultation where she advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be recommended to attain the best aesthetic results. Her approach focuses on ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients.

Patient Experience

Many patients have had excellent experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. They praise the calming atmosphere, cleanliness of the facility, and the professionalism and friendliness of the team. Patients often express high satisfaction with the results of their breast implant removal surgeries.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Professional Standing

Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York. His practice conveniently serves the areas of New York. As breast augmentation has become more popular in the United States, the demand for implant removal has also increased, and Dr. Wallach has extensive experience in performing this procedure.

Candidate Criteria

Good candidates for breast implant removal are generally healthy individuals who desire to have their implants removed. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those willing to stop smoking before the procedure, and those who can stop taking blood - thinning medications are preferred candidates.

Benefits of the Procedure

The procedure can be medically necessary in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture. Capsular contracture, which is the hardening of scar tissue around the implant, can be painful and distort the appearance of the breasts. In some cases, patients may choose to replace the old implants with new ones at the same time as removal. Non - medical reasons for removal include changes in personal preferences and desired appearance.

Consultation Process

During the consultation, Dr. Wallach's approach depends on the patient's concerns. If there are complications like capsular contracture, he will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he will discuss options such as implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures like a breast lift. He walks patients through the available options and techniques and which will provide the best results with minimal scarring.

Preparation and Procedure

Before the surgery, patients are advised to be familiar with terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Wallach makes an incision through the previous surgical approach to access the implant pocket, removes the implant, and may also remove the scar capsule. In case of leakage or rupture, he takes extra care to remove any leaked silicone gel. If the patient has chosen implant replacement, new implants are inserted according to the surgical plan, and the incisions are then closed and bandaged.

Recovery and Risks

Immediately after the procedure, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain. They need a caregiver for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days, but aerobic activity should be avoided for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting for six to eight weeks. The main risks of the surgery include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.

Comparison of the Three Surgeons

General Considerations for Breast Implant Removal

Pre - operative Considerations

Before undergoing breast implant removal, patients should ensure they are in good overall health. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process, so patients are usually advised to quit smoking well before the surgery. They should also inform their surgeon about any medications, vitamins, or supplements they are taking, as some may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI may be required before the surgery to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal can be performed using different types of anesthesia. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or "twilight" anesthesia is commonly used, which allows the patient to be asleep and comfortable during the operation. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure. In rare cases, only local anesthesia may be sufficient for the removal.

Recovery

The recovery period after breast implant removal varies from patient to patient. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the breast area. They may need to wear a support bra or compression garment for a few weeks to minimize swelling and help the tissues heal. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding activities, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and certain movements that could put stress on the incisions. In most cases, patients can resume normal daily activities within a few days to a week, but full recovery may take several months.

Potential Risks

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal has potential risks. These include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, adverse reactions to the anesthesia, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery. However, choosing an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon can significantly reduce these risks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast implant removal in New York City is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the outcome of the procedure and the patient's overall experience. Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, and Dr. Steven Wallach are among the top surgeons in the city, each with their own unique expertise, approach, and patient - centered care. They are well - equipped to handle a variety of cases, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons.

If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation with one of these esteemed surgeons. They can provide you with personalized advice, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision about your breast health and appearance. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards achieving the results you desire. Schedule a consultation today and embark on your journey to a more confident you.