Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal is a procedure that has gained significant attention in recent years. Whether it's due to medical complications, lifestyle changes, or personal preferences, many women in New York City are seeking reliable hospitals to perform this surgery. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals for breast prosthesis removal in New York City, with a special focus on the prevalence of public hospitals among the top - ranked ones. We'll also delve into various aspects such as the surgeons, procedures, risks, and recovery associated with breast prosthesis removal.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast prosthesis removed:
- Medical Complications: This includes conditions like breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. As of July 24, 2019, the FDA recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL. Severe capsular contracture, where significant scar tissue forms around the implants causing pain and discomfort, is also a common medical reason for removal.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Some women may be unhappy with the way their breast implants look. Issues such as breast implant rupture, leakage, deflation, implant malposition (e.g., “double bubble” appearance or “symmastia”), breast asymmetry, unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement, distortion, or asymmetry can lead to a desire for implant removal.
- Lifestyle Changes: As a woman's life circumstances change, her aesthetic preferences may also change. For example, a woman may no longer wish to have the added weight or maintenance associated with breast implants.
Top Hospitals for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center
Weill Cornell Medicine partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. The breast center at Weill Cornell is well - known for its comprehensive breast care.
- Exemplary Surgeons: The center's surgeons have extensive training, expertise, and a passion for improving patients' health and lives through surgical treatment. They have advanced many of the latest standards for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
- Precision Medicine: Patients at Weill Cornell receive individualized, multidisciplinary care for all stages and types of breast - related issues, including breast prosthesis removal. The team can handle patients with aggressive biology and advanced disease, as well as those at high risk who may benefit from preventative surgical care.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: When a patient chooses Weill Cornell, they have access to a network of doctors and specialists. The breast surgeon may consult with experts in radiation oncology, nutrition, and other medical professionals as needed to ensure the best possible quality of life for the patient.
NYU Langone Health's Breast Cancer Center
NYU Langone's breast cancer center is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and is well - equipped to handle breast prosthesis removal procedures.
- Latest Techniques and Technology: The experts use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat all stages and types of breast - related conditions. They are also leaders in research and collaborate with scientists around the world to develop innovative treatment options.
- Integrated Approach: The center takes an integrated approach to address all aspects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, which also applies to breast prosthesis removal. Their high - risk screening program helps identify specific genetic mutations and provides genetic counseling. Radiologists have developed novel MRI techniques, and breast cancer surgeons were the first in New York City to use MarginProbe® during breast - conserving surgery.
- Reconstructive Options: If a patient opts for breast reconstruction after breast prosthesis removal, the experienced plastic surgeons at NYU Langone offer the latest reconstructive techniques. They also work closely with reproductive medicine specialists to offer options such as freezing unfertilized eggs or fertilized embryos before treatment begins.
Mount Sinai - Union Square's Breast Surgery Service
The breast surgery service at Mount Sinai - Union Square is part of the center of excellence for breast cancer at the Mount Sinai Health System.
- Comprehensive Care: They provide state - of - the - art care for both benign and malignant breast conditions. They treat a wide variety of breast problems, including breast cancer (invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer), ductal carcinoma in situ, abnormal breast biopsies, and breast masses.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: The surgeons use advanced surgical techniques such as hidden - scar lumpectomy and nipple - sparing mastectomy. They work as part of a team that includes specialists in radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to address all aspects of a patient's care.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: The team is dedicated to shared decision - making and works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans for breast prosthesis removal and other breast - related procedures.
Role of Public Hospitals
While the exact breakdown of public and private hospitals among the top 3 for breast prosthesis removal may vary, public hospitals in New York City play a crucial role. For example, NYC Health + Hospitals / Metropolitan is a public hospital that offers gender - affirming surgeries which can involve breast implant procedures or breast tissue removal. This hospital is committed to providing care to a diverse population, including transgender and gender non - conforming patients.
- Accessibility: Public hospitals often have a mission to serve a broader community, making them more accessible to patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds. They may offer more affordable options for breast prosthesis removal, which is especially important for those without comprehensive insurance coverage.
- Specialized Programs: Some public hospitals may have specialized programs for breast - related care. They may collaborate with community organizations to provide education, screening, and treatment services. For instance, they may have outreach programs to raise awareness about breast health and the risks associated with breast implants.
Top Surgeons for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who 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.
- Customized Approach: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, in which he removes the existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Handling Complex Cases: He is experienced in removing the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks to his high - quality work.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered to be one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC.
- Experience in Addressing Issues: With over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns, she can handle a variety of aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. These include problems like capsular contracture, implant rupture, and BIA - ALCL.
- Patient - Centered Care: Dr. Hutchinson focuses on ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal procedures in New York. His practice focuses on helping women who want or need their breast implants removed for either cosmetic or medical reasons.
- Comprehensive Consultation: During the consultation, he walks patients through the options and techniques available for their procedure, as well as which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring. He also discusses whether additional procedures like breast implant replacement or a breast lift may be beneficial.
- Managing Risks: Dr. Wallach is well - versed in the risks associated with breast implant removal, such as unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, and bleeding. He takes steps to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery for his patients.
The Breast Prosthesis Removal Procedure
The breast prosthesis removal procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation: During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. The patient should bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will also discuss the patient's desired outcome and may recommend additional procedures if necessary.
- Preparation: Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the patient may be sent for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled before the surgery. Additionally, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them during the initial recovery period.
- Anesthesia: Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
- Surgery: If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or has textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Risks Associated with Breast Prosthesis Removal
While breast implant removal surgery is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks involved:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. This can usually be managed, but in some cases, it may require additional treatment.
- Infection: An infection can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue. Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections.
- Numbness at the Incision Site: Some patients may experience numbness in the breast area and around the incisions. This numbness typically fades over time, but in some cases, it may be permanent.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery. This can include allergic reactions, breathing problems, or other complications.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk of the breasts appearing asymmetrical after the surgery. This may require additional surgery to correct.
Recovery Process
After breast prosthesis removal, the recovery process is as follows:
- Immediate Post - Operative Period: The patient will recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they feel 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 as the procedure. However, they should have an escort to bring them home as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
- Initial Days at Home: The patient's breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. They may feel tired or sore following surgery, as their body is using its energy to heal. Many patients are able to 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 patient's specific procedure and healing rate.
- Follow - up and Long - Term Recovery: The patient will typically return to the office the day after the surgery so that the surgeon can monitor the healing process. In most cases, dissolvable sutures or Dermabond are used to avoid external sutures. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. 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.
Expected Results
Breast prosthesis removal can return the breasts to their pre - implant size. If the patient desires to have a breast lift, it may or may not be performed at the same time. It may also be possible to have a breast lift at a future date. Patients should be patient with their healing process and understand that it may take some time to adjust to their new image. Most patients are very pleased with the results of the breast prosthesis removal procedure once they have fully recovered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to breast prosthesis removal in New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons to choose from. Public hospitals play an important role in providing accessible and comprehensive care, although both public and private institutions offer high - quality services. Patients considering breast prosthesis removal should carefully research their options, consult with experienced surgeons, and understand the procedure, risks, and recovery process. By making an informed decision, they can achieve the best possible outcome and regain confidence in their bodies.
If you are considering breast prosthesis removal, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon in New York City. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast prosthesis removal, and continue to explore our website for more information on breast health and related procedures.