Introduction
Breast implant removal and repair is a significant medical and cosmetic procedure that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons, such as medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or simply the natural aging of the implants. Finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. In this article, we will explore the top ten hospitals in New York City that are well - known for their expertise in breast implant removal and repair, drawing on insights from top Google search results.
1. Manhattan Implant Removal with Dr. Darrick Antell
Surgeon's Reputation
Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC and is widely regarded as one of 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. His reputation is built on his extraordinary experience, surgical skills, and beautiful results, with many of his breast implant removal patients being referred by former patients.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant): He performs custom explant surgery to remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. Women may choose this for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: Dr. Antell also performs the removal of 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).
Patient Consultation and Experience
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. He has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
2. Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai
Center Overview
The Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai is part of one of the nation’s top - ranked hospitals. It offers integrated and compassionate care for every phase of breast health in one location, including breast implant - related issues in the context of breast reconstruction after potential implant removal.
Services Offered
| Service Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Breast Imaging | To accurately diagnose any issues related to breast implants or breast health. |
| Breast Pathology | Analysis of breast tissue to detect any abnormalities, which may be relevant if there are concerns with implants. |
| Breast Surgery | Expert surgeons can perform implant removal and other related procedures. |
| Breast Reconstruction | Options available for patients who have had implant removal and wish to reconstruct their breasts. |
| Medical Oncology | For patients with any cancer - related concerns in the context of breast implants. |
| Radiation Oncology | If needed for the treatment of any associated conditions. |
| High - Risk Program | For patients at higher risk of breast - related problems, including those with implants. |
| Survivorship Program | Support for patients after treatment, including those who have had implant removal. |
| Cold Cap Therapy | May be relevant in certain treatment scenarios. |
| Support Services | Emotional and practical support for patients throughout the process. |
Benefits for Patients
The center organizes all appointments, referrals, and other details, aiming to support patients medically and emotionally. They also offer the opportunity to receive emerging therapies as part of a clinical trial.
3. Dr. Joshua Levine's Hospital Affiliations
Hospital Network
Dr. Levine operates in top - rated hospital facilities in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai Hospital in 2006 and has since developed dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers throughout the region.
Key Hospitals
- New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai: Ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status for excellence in nursing services.
- Good Samaritan Hospital: Has the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval.
- Northern Westchester Hospital: Listed among the “best hospitals 2013 - 14” by U.S. News & World Report.
- Hackensack University Medical Center: New Jersey’s #1 hospital and among the top 30 hospitals in the nation with 11 national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings.
- Morristown Medical Center: One of the safest hospitals in the nation (fourteen consecutive times) and a top teaching hospital according to The Leapfrog Group, also recognized as one of the world’s best hospitals in 2022 and best for infection prevention by Newsweek.
- Holy Name Medical Center
- Greenwich Hospital: In 2022, it earned a five - star hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), received the Women’s Choice Award for one of America’s best hospitals for cancer care, and has a history of outstanding patient experience awards.
Expert Surgical Teams
Dr. Levine builds expert surgical teams with advanced skill in natural breast reconstruction. Working with an advanced surgical team for sophisticated procedures is crucial as their collective expertise and cutting - edge techniques significantly impact patient outcomes. He personally directs the specialized training of the surgical teams in each of his dedicated practice centers.
4. Breast Implant Removal with Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Surgeon's Profile
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. As a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, she is committed to ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients.
Reasons for Implant Removal
- Aesthetic Issues: Such as 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, distortion, asymmetry, and implant malposition (e.g., “double bubble” or “symmastia”).
- Medical Issues: Severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and/or bleeding.
Approach to Patients
Dr. Hutchinson advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
5. Weill Cornell Medicine for Breast Reconstruction
Comprehensive Care
Weill Cornell Medicine's plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, with 20 years of experience in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction.
Reasons to Choose
- Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the process.
- Individualized Reconstruction: They can reconstruct the breast according to each patient's unique wishes, considering factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and gender identity.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists, including oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care.
- Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step, from pre - surgery consultations to post - surgery pain management and recovery support.
Reconstruction Options
- Autologous Reconstruction: Using the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Nerve reconstruction can also be performed to increase sensory recovery in the breasts.
- Implant - Based Reconstruction: Using tissue expanders and implants, with options for both saline and silicone breast implants. They have pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
6. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Services for Implant Removal and Exchange
At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.
Reasons for Removal and Exchange
- Health Concerns: Such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII).
- Cosmetic Preferences: Changes in personal taste or body image may lead patients to seek a different size or type of implant, or to remove them altogether.
- Aging Implants: Over time, breast implants may degrade or shift, requiring replacement or removal.
Procedure and Recovery
Breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in minimizing scarring and optimizing recovery. Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks, with full recovery taking up to six weeks.
7. NYC Breast Implant Removal with Dr. Darren Smith
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He is experienced in helping patients decide whether to remove or replace their implants based on individual needs and body goals.
Procedure Details
Breast implant removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is generally made either along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from breast augmentation to minimize scarring. Dr. Smith removes the breast implants from the breast capsule, along with any necessary scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks. Patients have options for replacement of implants or may choose to go without them.
Recovery
Mild discomfort and swelling are expected after surgery. Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous movements for two weeks. If there is an additional procedure like breast augmentation or mastopexy, more soreness may be experienced. Most patients can resume normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.
8. Dubin Breast Center - Breast Reconstruction Services
Reconstruction Approaches
At the Dubin Breast Center, plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced breast reconstruction. Reconstruction can be categorized into two types: implant - based and autologous tissue (your own tissue), with nipple reconstruction performed at a later date.
Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction starts with placing a tissue expander in the breast at the time of mastectomy. The expander is inflated in the plastic surgeon’s office after surgery. The patient may stay in the hospital for a day or two and can return to work in two to three weeks. A second ambulatory surgery about three months later involves removing the expander and placing a permanent implant (filled with silicone or saline).
Autologous Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient's own body tissue. For example, the DIEP flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to a “tummy - tuck,” and the latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back. The initial surgery is generally longer than with an implant, and the hospital stay is typically five days, with the patient able to return to work four to six weeks later.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast implant removal and repair in New York City is a significant decision that can have a major impact on the patient's well - being and satisfaction. The hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article, including those with Dr. Darrick Antell, the Dubin Breast Center, Dr. Joshua Levine's affiliated hospitals, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Weill Cornell Medicine, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Darren Smith, and the Dubin Breast Center's reconstruction services, offer a wide range of expertise, experience, and options for patients. Whether it's due to medical concerns, cosmetic preferences, or other reasons, these institutions are well - equipped to provide high - quality care.
If you are considering breast implant removal or repair, we encourage you to research further, schedule consultations with the surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and continue to explore related topics on breast health and cosmetic surgery.
