Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a common cosmetic procedure, but there are various reasons why some individuals may opt to have their breast implants removed. In New York City, there are several popular institutions that offer high - quality breast augmentation prosthesis removal services. This article will explore the details of breast implant removal, including reasons for the procedure, the process itself, recovery, and introduce some well - known institutions in New York City that specialize in this area.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Definition and Common Reasons
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure to take out breast implants. Some of the common reasons for this procedure are as follows:
- Medical Complications:
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. Saline implants may deflate rapidly when they rupture as the saline solution is absorbed by the body. Silicone implants, on the other hand, may not show obvious signs of rupture at first, and an MRI may be required to detect it. For example, a patient may notice a change in the shape of their breast or feel a lump or unevenness if a silicone implant has ruptured.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant hardens. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distort the shape of the breast. The rate of capsular contracture is relatively small, about 3 - 4%, but it increases gradually over the years.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Although the exact cause is not fully understood, some women experience symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, joint pain, and headaches after breast augmentation. They believe that removing the implants can relieve these symptoms.
- Infection: Implants can get infected years later. Infections may cause swelling, pain, and redness in the breast area.
- Cosmetic Reasons:
- Change in Preference: Over time, a person's aesthetic preferences may change. They may want a more natural look or a different size or shape of the breasts.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Some patients may be unhappy with the results of their original breast augmentation, such as the position, symmetry, or appearance of the implants.
Options after Breast Implant Removal
After breast implant removal, patients have several options:
- No Replacement: Return to the natural breast size and shape. In some cases, the breasts may look somewhat deflated after the removal, but this can often be addressed with other cosmetic procedures later if desired.
- Implant Replacement: Replace the old implants with new ones of a different size, type, or position. For example, a patient may want to switch from saline to silicone implants or change the position of the implant from above to below the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: Use the patient's own fat, which can be liposuctioned from various areas of the body such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, to replace the lost volume.
- Breast Lift: Perform a breast lift after implant removal to give the smaller breasts a perkier profile, especially for patients with drooping breasts.
The Process of Breast Implant Removal
Consultation
The first step in the breast implant removal process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will:
- Thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history.
- Assess the current condition of the breasts, including the size, shape, position of the implants, and any signs of complications.
- Discuss the patient's reasons for wanting the implants removed and their desired outcome. For example, if the patient wants to replace the implants, the surgeon will discuss the different options for new implants.
- Explain the procedure, including the surgical techniques, risks, and recovery process in detail. The patient should also be informed about the possible need for additional procedures, such as a breast lift or capsulectomy.
- Answer all of the patient's questions and address any concerns they may have.
Pre - operative Preparation
Once the patient decides to proceed with the breast implant removal, they will need to prepare for the surgery:
- Medical Clearance: Provide medical clearance from their family physician. This may involve a physical examination, blood tests, and other necessary evaluations to ensure that the patient is in good health for the surgery.
- Medication Adjustment: Avoid taking certain medications that can interfere with the procedure. For example, aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications should be avoided for one week prior to the surgery, and blood - thinning medications should be stopped for up to six weeks before the procedure. Patients should inform their prescribing physician about their plans to undergo the breast implant removal so that appropriate advice can be given.
- Arrangements for Aftercare: Arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and stay with them for at least 24 hours. For patients who live beyond a 50 - mile radius of New York City, some surgeons may advise a two - night post - operative stay at a nearby hotel, where the surgeon can visit them after the procedure. A private nurse may also be provided.
- Imaging Tests: Depending on the patient's situation, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to evaluate the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue.
Surgical Procedure
The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or “twilight” sedation, where the patient is asleep and comfortable throughout the operation. The steps of the surgery usually include:
- Making Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically placed in the armpit. If possible, the original incision from the breast augmentation surgery will be reused to minimize scarring.
- Removing the Implants: The surgeon will access the breast pocket and remove the implants. If there is any leakage or rupture, the surgeon will take extra care to remove any silicone gel or other filler material. In some cases, the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant may also be removed. There are different techniques for removing the capsule, such as en bloc capsulectomy (removing the implant and the entire capsule in one piece) or partial capsulectomy.
- Reconstructing the Area: After the implants are removed, the surgeon may perform additional procedures if necessary, such as reconstructing the breast tissue to create a more natural appearance. This may involve removing excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples and cauterizing the area.
- Closing the Incisions: The surgeon will re - attach the skin, stitch the incisions, and apply dressings to prevent infection during the healing process. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are typically used to close the incisions.
The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, but it usually takes between one to three hours. In some cases, if an en bloc capsulectomy is performed or if there are other complications, the surgery may take longer.
Recovery
The recovery process after breast implant removal is an important part of the overall experience. Here are some aspects of the recovery:
- Immediate Post - operative Period: After the surgery, the patient 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 discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the breasts, and pain relief medication will be provided. Most patients are able to go home on the same day as the surgery (outpatient procedure), but they will need someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours.
- Initial Recovery (First Few Days to Weeks):
- Patients are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days. They may need to wear a compression bra to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
- There may be some fluid drainage from the incision sites, and the patient should follow the surgeon's instructions on how to care for the incisions, such as keeping them clean and dry.
- Most patients can return to light activities within a few days to a week, but they should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least two to six weeks, depending on the individual case.
- Long - term Recovery:
- Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the first few weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible. The breasts will continue to heal and reshape during this time.
- Some patients may experience a loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, but this numbness typically fades over time.
- Scars will also start to fade, but it may take several months to a year for them to become less noticeable. The patient can follow the surgeon's advice on scar management, such as using scar creams or silicone sheets.
Popular Institutions for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal in New York City
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries with a focus on achieving natural - looking results. His key features include:
- Experience and Expertise: He has a long - standing practice and is experienced in dealing with various cases of breast implant removal. He understands the complex anatomical and aesthetic aspects of the breast and can provide personalized solutions for each patient.
- Patient - centered Care: He takes the time to listen to the patient's concerns and goals during the consultation. He believes in building a trusting relationship with the patient and ensuring that they are well - informed about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Surgical Facility: He performs the surgeries in his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is equipped with state - of - the - art monitoring equipment and has a team of board - certified anesthesiologists and fully licensed operating - room staff, ensuring a high - level of safety and comfort for the patients.
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. Here are his notable aspects:
- Accomplishments: He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons, which speaks to his high - level of skill and reputation.
- Comprehensive Services: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and can also perform an en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He is also experienced in removing the allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Private Operating Room: Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services with a team of experienced plastic surgeons, including Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs. Their highlights are:
- Patient Education: They provide patients with solid information before any procedure, allowing them to make an educated choice about their bodies. They explain the reasons for breast explant procedures, the different techniques involved, and the recovery process in detail.
- Range of Procedures: They can perform various breast implant removal procedures, including removing silicone from the shell of the implant and cleaning within the breast pocket. They also address other related issues such as scar tissue removal and breast reconstruction.
- Convenient Location: They serve patients in all of New York and communities in Hudson River Valley, northern New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and western Connecticut, making it accessible for a wide range of patients.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgeries. The following are his characteristics:
- Reversal of Breast Augmentation: He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket and remove the implants, which is a more straightforward and minimally invasive method. He can also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
- Patient Evaluation: He carefully evaluates candidates for breast implant removal, ensuring that they are healthy and have realistic expectations. He also provides comprehensive consultation services, discussing options for breast implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures if desired.
- Addressing Risks: He is aware of the risks associated with breast implant removal surgery, such as unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, and infection, and takes appropriate measures to minimize these risks during the procedure and post - operative care.
Dr. Mark G. Albert
Dr. Mark G. Albert at Albert Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal in NYC. His advantages are:
- Tailored Surgical Plans: He creates a surgical plan that is tailored directly to the patient's needs and the specifics of their surgery. Whether the patient wants to fully remove the implants and return to a natural look or replace them with a different type or size of implant, he can develop a suitable plan.
- Advanced Techniques: He uses the en bloc removal technique for cases related to breast implant illness, aiming to safely remove the breast implants and the surrounding tissue capsule in a single procedure to relieve symptoms and improve overall health. He also tries to utilize the same incision lines as the initial breast augmentation to minimize scarring.
- Patient - centric Recovery: He provides patients with a detailed timeline and thorough aftercare instructions for the recovery period. He ensures that patients know what to expect and has a support system in place to address any questions or concerns during the recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implant Removal
General Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will I feel better after breast implant removal? | Many patients find that their symptoms are reduced after the procedure, but it is very much an individual matter. A surgeon can inform you of what to expect based on your specific situation. |
| How painful is breast explant surgery? | There is no pain during the surgery as the patient is under anesthesia. The type of anesthesia (local or general) depends on factors such as overall health, implant size, and location. Some discomfort may be felt after the surgery, but it can be managed with pain relief medication. |
| Will the original incision sites from my breast implant procedure be reused for my explant procedure? | The surgeon will try to reuse the old incisions to conceal any needed incisions. However, in some cases, new incisions may be necessary. The surgeon will inform the patient about the planned incision locations before the procedure. |
Medical - related Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease? | As of today, there are no studies to support that implants can cause autoimmune issues. |
