In recent times, the topic of breast implant removal has gained significant attention in New York City. Many women who have previously undergone breast augmentation are now considering having their implants removed for various reasons, including health concerns, dissatisfaction with the appearance, or a change in lifestyle. This article will provide detailed information about some of the popular institutions in New York City that specialize in breast implant removal, along with essential details such as the surgeons, procedures, recovery, and more.
Top Plastic Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in NYC
Several highly regarded plastic surgeons in New York City are well - known for their expertise in breast implant removal procedures. Let's take a closer look at some of them:
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He 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.
- Services Offered: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, where 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. He also removes the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Reputation: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and other well - known persons in New York and beyond. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
- Consultation and Surgery Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He will work with the patient to create a proper surgical plan. The surgery is usually performed in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, which is a state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center.
- Recovery: After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite. The recovery process may involve some swelling, bruising, and soreness, but most patients can return to most daily activities within days. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan based on the procedure and the patient's healing rate.
Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs (New York Group for Plastic Surgery)
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services with the expertise of Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs.
- Services Offered: A breast explant is performed to remove breast implants and some, or all, surrounding scar capsules. The surgeons also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
- Reasons for Explant: Common reasons for explant surgery include the removal of leaking or ruptured implants, removing implants causing pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving the aesthetics and feel of the breasts, and removing capsular contracture.
- Preparation and Procedure: Before the procedure, patients should avoid certain medications and arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours. The procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia, and it usually takes between one to three hours to complete, depending on the extent of work needed.
- Recovery: Recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They are provided with post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is an experienced plastic surgeon who offers breast implant removal and replacement services.
- Services Offered: Breast implant removal (explant) can be done to change the size, location, or type of implants. Sometimes, it is combined with breast implant replacement to improve the appearance of the breasts. He also offers the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume or performing a breast lift after implant removal.
- Consultation and Patient Selection: During the consultation, he helps patients understand their options and determines if they are good candidates for the procedure. The best candidates are in good general health, highly motivated to make the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means for the elective cosmetic surgery.
- Surgery Process: Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. The surgery is performed in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.
- Recovery and Results: There may be minimal swelling and bruising after the surgery. Patients should follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub. They can expect significant, long - lasting aesthetic improvements to their breasts.
Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains.
- Services Offered: She performs breast implant removal surgery, which may involve the complete removal of implants without replacement or replacement with different sizes or types. She also offers advanced techniques such as en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy to address medical issues associated with breast implants.
- Reasons for Removal: Reasons for breast implant removal include dissatisfaction with the current implants, discomfort, health concerns such as breast implant illness (BII), capsular contracture, and a desire to return to one's natural breast size or shape.
- Procedure and Recovery: The outpatient breast implant removal surgeries typically last one to three hours under general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients should rest and allow their bodies to heal. Strenuous activities should be avoided for the first four to six weeks.
- Patient Qualification: Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non - smokers or willing to quit before the procedure, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
- Services Offered: She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. For aesthetic issues such as implant rupture, malposition, or capsular contracture, she provides appropriate surgical solutions. In cases of medical issues like BII or BIA - ALCL, she also has the expertise to manage them.
- Reasons for Removal: The desire for breast implant removal can be due to problems with the implants, discomfort, or aesthetic reasons. She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals.
- Consultation and Follow - up: During the consultation, she listens to the patient's concerns and provides a detailed treatment plan. She will guide the patient through the entire process, from surgery to recovery.
Dr. Darren Smith
Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC.
- Services Offered: He removes silicone or saline breast implants. Patients have the option of replacing their implants with new ones or not having implants at all after the removal.
- Procedure Details: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is generally made along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from the breast augmentation to minimize scarring. He also removes scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks if necessary.
- Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients spend time in the recovery room, are given appropriate support garments, and are provided with aftercare instructions and pain medications if needed. Someone must drive the patient home after the surgery, and they should have a caregiver for at least 24 hours post - op.
Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani (Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery)
Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery provides breast explant surgery in NYC.
- Services Offered: He offers capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them. The surgery is tailored to each patient's individual goals to deliver the most optimal results.
- Consultation and Treatment Plan: During the consultation, he listens to the patient's concerns and goals and creates an individualized treatment plan. This includes whether to partially or fully remove the scar tissue and replace the breast implants.
- Surgery and Recovery: The surgery takes place in the in - office operating room in Manhattan and usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity of the breast condition. The downtime after the procedure is 1 week, and patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal.
Dr. Mark G. Albert
Dr. Mark G. Albert of Albert Plastic Surgery can perform breast implant removal in NYC.
- Services Offered: He offers different techniques for breast implant removal, such as capsulectomy surgery and en bloc removal for breast implant illness. He can also help patients decide whether to replace their implants or return to a more natural look.
- Reasons for Removal: Common reasons include a change in preference, capsular contracture, implant migration, implant rippling, and ruptured implants.
- Procedure and Recovery: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and in most cases, he uses the same incision lines as the initial breast augmentation. The recovery process is relatively mild, and most patients can return to work after about five to seven days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed. These reasons can be broadly classified into health - related, aesthetic, and lifestyle - related reasons.
Health - Related Reasons
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A rare condition where the body reacts adversely to breast implants, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Capsular Contracture: Excessive scar tissue formation around the implant causes firmness, irregular shape, or discomfort. In severe cases, it can also be painful and affect the cosmetic appearance of the breasts.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is primarily associated with certain types of textured breast implants, and treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Infection and Rupture: Infections around the implant or a rupture of the implant can occur, leading to pain, swelling, and other complications. These situations usually require immediate medical attention and may result in implant removal.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. For example, the implants may look too large or too small, or they may have shifted from their original position, causing an uneven or unnatural appearance.
- Visible or Palpable Implants: In some cases, the implants may become visible or palpable, such as when they are folded, rippled, or wrinkled. This can be a cosmetic concern for many women.
- Asymmetry: Breast asymmetry, where the breasts do not look equal in size or shape, can be a reason for implant removal. This may be due to factors such as uneven healing after the initial augmentation or differences in the way the body reacts to the implants.
Lifestyle - Related Reasons
- Change in Lifestyle: Women who have become more active or have different lifestyle requirements may find that their breast implants are a hindrance. For example, athletes or those involved in physically demanding jobs may prefer to have a more natural and less restricted breast appearance.
- Desire for a Natural Look: Over time, some women may develop a preference for a more natural breast look and feel. They may want to return to their pre - implant state or make a change to a more subtle enhancement.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The breast implant removal procedure generally follows a series of steps, which may vary slightly depending on the surgeon and the specific situation of the patient.
Consultation
The first step is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the patient should discuss their reasons for wanting the implant removal, their medical history, and any concerns or expectations they may have. The surgeon will perform a physical examination of the breasts, evaluate the current condition of the implants, and may order additional tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. Based on this information, the surgeon will develop a personalized surgical plan for the patient.
Preparation
Before the surgery, patients may be given specific instructions to follow. These instructions may include avoiding certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They may also need to stop taking blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks before the surgery. Additionally, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to assist them during the initial recovery period.
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and the patient's personal preference. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will make an incision in one of several locations, depending on the initial incision site from the breast augmentation and the specific circumstances of the patient. Common incision locations include the crease under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The surgeon will try to use the original incision to minimize scarring.
Implant Removal
The surgeon will then carefully remove the breast implants from the breast pocket. In some cases, if there is scar tissue or a capsule around the implant, the surgeon may choose to perform a capsulectomy to remove the entire capsule along with the implant (en bloc capsulectomy) or perform a partial removal of the capsule (open capsulotomy). The surgeon may also need to clean the breast pocket to remove any silicone or other debris.
Closure
After the implants and any necessary tissue are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures and a layer of external sutures if needed. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in healing.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
The recovery process after breast implant removal can vary from person to person, but there are some general guidelines that patients can follow.
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients will be taken to a recovery room where they will be monitored by medical staff until they wake up from the anesthesia. They may experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site. Pain medication will be provided to manage any discomfort. Patients may also have drainage tubes in place to remove excess fluid from the breasts.
First Few Days
During the first few days after the surgery, patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities. They should follow the post - operative instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include wearing a compression bra to support the breasts and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling. It is important to keep the incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection.
Return to Normal Activities
Most