New ranking of hospitals for breast augmentation prosthesis removal in New York City!
New York City is a vibrant hub for plastic surgery, and when it comes to breast augmentation prosthesis removal, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons to consider. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of breast implant removal in NYC, providing you with detailed information about the best options, associated conditions, procedures, and recovery processes.
Top Surgeons and Facilities in NYC for Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also worldwide. He is premier in breast - related plastic surgeries and has been listed in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar as among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
- Experience: With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt, Dr. Antell combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest medical technologies, and an artistic eye. His expertise includes custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery.
- Patient Referrals: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about his patients' satisfaction with their new look. He has also performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known individuals, maintaining an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results and total discretion.
- Facility: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer the procedure to take place 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 comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Manhattan - based Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
- Expertise: The top - rated breast surgery team is well - versed in handling various reasons for breast implant removal, whether it's due to the need for replacement or the patient's desire to remove implants altogether. They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures tailored to each patient's needs.
- Procedures Offered: These include en bloc breast implant removal (removing the implants and capsule in a single procedure), partial capsulectomy (removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material), and total capsulectomy (removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue).
- Facility: The breast implant removal surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care
As one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers, Columbia University's plastic surgery division has the experience that few other programs can match.
- Expert Surgeons: The clinical staff consists of proficient plastic surgeons specialized in multiple areas, including routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures, complex reconstructive operations, and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction.
- Research - Driven: The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is conducting numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. This research - driven approach contributes to high - quality patient care.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is well - known for his breast implant removal and replacement procedures in NYC.
- Approach: He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. With advancements in anesthesia, patients no longer have to contend with nausea, vomiting, or grogginess. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
- Patient Care: Dr. Weintraub believes in taking the time to understand each patient's needs and desires. His aesthetic is sophisticated and reflective of understated elegance. He performs every intraoperative maneuver with precision and care, and sews all wounds in multiple layers by his own hand.
- Facility: He has privileges at several hospitals but prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC.
- Experience: With over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns, she has the skill to address any implant - related issue. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals.
- Conditions Addressed: She is well - versed in handling both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, and malposition, while medical issues include severe capsular contracture, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), and breast implant illness (BII).
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. When left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and a difference in the size or shape of the breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary.
- Severe Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the tissue around the implants hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breasts' appearance. In severe cases, it may require the removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Infection and Bleeding: Infections around the breast implants can occur, which may require the removal of the implants to resolve the issue. Similarly, excessive bleeding during or after breast augmentation can lead to complications and sometimes necessitate implant removal.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Unsatisfactory Results: Patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their breast implants. For example, the implants may look too large or too small, or they may have moved from their original position, causing asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.
- Visible or Palpable Implants: Implants may become visible or palpable, especially if they are folded, rippled, or wrinkled. This can be a significant concern for patients from an aesthetic point of view.
- Scarring Issues: Unsightly or widened scars from the initial breast augmentation surgery can be a reason for patients to consider implant removal. Sometimes, a secondary procedure to improve the scar appearance may be combined with implant removal.
Procedures for Breast Implant Removal
En Bloc Capsulectomy
This procedure involves removing the implant and the surrounding capsule as a single unit. It is often recommended when there are concerns such as BIA - ALCL, silicone implant rupture, or capsular contracture. En bloc resection helps ensure that all potentially affected tissue is removed, reducing the risk of complications.
Partial Capsulectomy
In a partial capsulectomy, only part of the capsule is removed. The plastic surgeon trims or shapes the capsule to create the desired chest contour while leaving some of the capsule intact. This approach may be suitable for patients who do not require complete capsule removal.
Total Capsulectomy
As the name suggests, a total capsulectomy involves the complete removal of the implant, the capsule, and any remaining scar tissue. This is a more extensive procedure but may be necessary in cases where there is significant scarring or medical issues related to the capsule.
What to Expect During the Consultation
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant removal process. It allows the patient and the surgeon to communicate effectively and plan the best course of action.
- Medical History and Evaluation: 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 is experiencing any medical complications related to the implants, it is important to discuss the symptoms with the surgeon. For example, in the case of Dr. Antell, patients are advised to bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery to the appointment.
- Discussion of Goals: The patient should have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about their desired outcome. Based on the patient's expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy), to achieve a more plump, rounded appearance.
- Procedure Explanation: The surgeon will explain the chosen procedure in detail, including the risks and the recovery process. Patients should not hesitate to ask questions about the surgery, recovery, and expected outcome. For instance, during the consultation with Dr. Weintraub, patients can expect a thorough discussion about the breast implant removal and replacement process.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a successful breast implant removal surgery.
- Medical Clearance: The patient may be required to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor, especially if there are underlying health conditions. Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may also send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure.
- Lifestyle Changes: Patients will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Smoking should be stopped before the surgery as it can affect the healing process. For example, Dr. Antell provides detailed instructions to his patients to ensure they are well - prepared.
- Arrange for Assistance: Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient will not be able to drive home after the surgery. Therefore, it is important to arrange for someone to drive the patient home and assist them in the first few days of recovery.
The Surgery and Anesthesia
Anesthesia Options
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring the patient throughout the procedure. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia. For example, Dr. Antell's patients are usually under a comfortable form of anesthesia during the surgery, ensuring they are asleep and pain - free.
The Surgical Process
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, if there are complications such as capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or the presence of BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. After the removal, multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) will be used to close the incisions.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast implant removal varies from patient to patient, but there are some general guidelines to follow.
- Immediate Post - Operative Period: After the surgery, the patient will recover in a 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 may be used to reduce discomfort. The patient will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide them through the initial post - operative period.
- Rest and Activity: Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery, and it is normal for the body to use 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 intricacies of the customized procedure and the patient's rate of healing.
- Physical Changes: It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and this numbness typically fades over time. Patients may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. In most cases, the majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.
- Scarring and Swelling: The scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade. 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.
Expected Results
Breast implant removal can return the breasts to their pre - implant size. If the patient desires a breast lift, it may or may not be performed at the same time. It is important for patients to be patient with the healing process and give their bodies time to adjust to the new look. Most patients are satisfied with the results as they achieve their desired aesthetic or resolve medical issues.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of excellent options for breast augmentation prosthesis removal. Top surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, along with facilities such as the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC and Columbia University's plastic surgery division, provide high - quality care and advanced surgical techniques. Whether it's for medical or aesthetic reasons, patients can be confident that they will receive the best possible treatment. However, it is crucial for patients to do their research, have an in - depth consultation with the surgeon, and follow the pre - and post - operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top surgeons mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation, ask all your questions, and take the first step towards achieving your desired results. Your journey to a more comfortable and confident you starts now!
