Newly Released Ranking List of Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal and Repair in New York City!

New York City is a hub of medical excellence, offering a wide range of options for breast implant removal and repair procedures. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in the city, along with important information about the procedures, risks, recovery, and more. Whether you're a local resident or considering traveling to New York for surgery, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision.

Top Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Removal

When it comes to breast implant removal, having an experienced and skilled surgeon is crucial. Here are some of the top surgeons in New York City:

Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, speaking volumes about his expertise and patient satisfaction.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns, Dr. Hutchinson can address any implant - related issue. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons. These can be broadly classified into medical and aesthetic reasons:

Medical Reasons

• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or 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.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Also known as “autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA),” 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.
• Severe Capsular Contracture: This occurs when significant scar tissue forms around the implants, causing pain and discomfort in addition to affecting the cosmetic results of the breasts.
• Infection and/or Bleeding: Infections or bleeding related to the breast implants can be a serious concern and may require implant removal.

Aesthetic Reasons

• Implant Rupture, Leakage, or Deflation: These issues can cause the breasts to change in appearance, making the patient unhappy with the results.
• Capsular Contracture: In addition to the medical issues it can cause, capsular contracture can also lead to a distorted and abnormal appearance of the breasts.
• Implant Malposition: For example, a “double bubble” appearance where the implant is not centered under the breast or “symmastia,” where the implants appear to touch in the middle, can be aesthetically unappealing.
• Breast Asymmetry: Unequal appearance of the breasts due to the implants can be a reason for removal.
• Unsightly or Widened Scars: Some patients may be unhappy with the appearance of the scars from their previous breast augmentation surgery.

Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal and Repair

New York City is home to several world - class hospitals that offer high - quality breast implant removal and repair services. Here are some of the top hospitals:

New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

This hospital has consistently ranked highly in national hospital rankings. It has been named a top hospital in New York and has made the honor roll in the nation. The institution is recognized for its excellence in multiple adult and children’s specialties, including breast surgery. The surgical expertise at Columbia includes high - performing surgical and medical interventions related to various conditions, and the national ranking in cancer care reflects the high quality of surgical oncology expertise, which can be relevant in breast implant - related cases, especially if there are concerns like BIA - ALCL. The hospital's evaluations for rankings take into account factors such as patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies.

New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai

Ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006, this hospital has also achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services. The Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai offers expert breast reconstruction services, which can be related to breast implant removal and subsequent reconstruction if needed. Plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced procedures, paying close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes.

Hackensack University Medical Center

This hospital earned the distinction of being New Jersey’s #1 hospital and is among the top 30 hospitals in the nation to have 10 or more (11) national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings. While it is located in New Jersey, it is close to New York City and can be a viable option for patients seeking high - quality breast implant removal and repair services.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The breast implant removal procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the patient's condition and the type of implants. Here is a general overview:

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. If the patient desires to have the implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing. It is also helpful for the patient to bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon and the patient will have an open and honest conversation about the desired outcome, and based on this, the surgeon will create a proper surgical plan. The surgeon may also recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to achieve a more plump and rounded appearance.

Pre - operative Preparation

Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. Ahead of the surgery day, the patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. The patient may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is often performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have someone to assist them in the first few days of recovery.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. The patient will be asleep and comfortable throughout the entire operation, and a board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring them throughout the procedure. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia.

Surgery

If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This method is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, but may not be possible with an armpit incision. If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or had textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are all removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically 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.

Recovery after Breast Implant Removal

Recovery after breast implant removal is an important phase that requires patience and following the surgeon's instructions. Here's what patients can expect:

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, 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. When performed with “twilight” sedation, the patient should be prepared to have an escort to bring them home, as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, the patient will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide them through the initial post - operative period.

Initial Days and Weeks

After surgery, the breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. The patient may feel tired or sore 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 intricacies of the customized procedure and the patient's rate of healing. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully and refrain from activities that could put stress on the incisions.

Long - term Recovery

It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions; this numbness typically fades over time. The patient may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will typically return to the office the day after their surgery so that the surgeon can monitor their healing process. In most cases, the surgeon will use dissolvable sutures or dermabond to avoid external sutures. If external sutures are used during surgery, 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.

Risks Associated with Breast Implant 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 or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
• Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue, which may require antibiotics or further medical intervention.
• Numbness at the Incision Site: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the area around the incisions.
• Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery.
• Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Results: There is a possibility that the patient may not be completely satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the breast implant removal, especially if there are issues such as scarring or changes in breast shape.

The surgeon will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation, and patients can reduce their risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal in New York City

The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure, the location of the hospital or surgical facility, and any additional procedures that may be performed. According to some industry data, the average price of breast implant removal is around a certain range, but it can be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances. The total cost may also include fees for anesthesia, hospital stay (if applicable), post - operative care, and follow - up appointments. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of all the costs involved before undergoing the procedure and to discuss payment options with their surgeon's office.

Traveling for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Many patients choose to travel to New York City for breast implant removal surgery to access the top surgeons and hospitals in the area. Here are some things to consider if you're traveling for surgery:

Accommodation and Transportation

New York City has a well - connected transportation system, with multiple options for local, domestic, and international travel. For local travel, options include mass transit in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and access via the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln and Holland Tunnel. For domestic and international travel, there are nearby airports such as JFK, LGA, and Newark. There are also many accommodation options available, from hotels to serviced apartments. Some surgeons may be able to provide recommendations on where to stay and the best times to fly in for your consultation or surgery.

Hospital Affiliations and Support

When traveling for surgery, it's important to choose a surgeon with hospital affiliations in well - regarded hospitals. For example, Dr. Joshua L. Levine has developed dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. His patients, whether local or traveling, can benefit from his hospital affiliations such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai and Hackensack University Medical Center. The staff at these facilities can also assist patients with logistics and planning, making the travel process as stress - free as possible.

Conclusion

New York City offers a plethora of options for breast implant removal and repair, with top - notch surgeons and world - class hospitals. Whether you're considering the procedure for medical or aesthetic reasons, it's important to do your research, choose an experienced surgeon, and understand all aspects of the procedure, including the risks, recovery, and costs. The information provided in this article can serve as a valuable guide in your decision - making process. Remember, breast implant removal is a personal choice, and taking the time to make an informed decision will ensure the best possible outcome.

If you're interested in learning more about breast implant removal and repair in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons mentioned in this article. Share this article with others who may be considering the same procedure to help them make an informed decision.