Introduction
Prosthetic breast removal surgery is a significant medical procedure that women in New York City may consider for various reasons, including medical complications, aesthetic preferences, or lifestyle changes. Selecting the right hospital for this surgery is crucial as it can greatly impact the outcome and patient experience. In this article, we will provide an in - depth overview of some of the top hospitals in New York City for prosthetic breast removal surgery. We'll delve into their services, the expertise of their surgeons, patient - centric features, and other important aspects.
Top Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Removal Surgery in New York City
| Hospital Name | Services Offered | Surgeon Expertise | Patient - Centric Features | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled allergan textured breast implants, breast lift in conjunction with explant surgery | Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been listed in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures, he combines surgical skills, the latest medical technologies, and an artistic eye. He is also an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. | Privileges in numerous NYC hospitals. Most procedures take place in a discreet, private operating room across from Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility has a private back entrance for discretion, and the staff is trained to offer personalized care. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited. | Call the office at (212) - 988 - 4040 to schedule a consultation. |
| NewYork - Presbyterian Medical Group Queens | Oncoplastic lumpectomy, skin - sparing mastectomy, nipple - preserving mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy and axillary lymph node removal, surgery for recurrent breast disease | The breast surgeons are dedicated to the treatment and recovery of breast cancer patients. They provide multidisciplinary care and are well - versed in the latest approaches to breast surgery. | The hospital offers a comprehensive approach to breast surgery, combining the latest surgical techniques with a team - based approach to patient care. This ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment for their condition. | Locations in Flushing (58 - 04 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355) and Forest Hills (112 - 05 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY 11375). Contact to find a doctor. |
| NYC Health + Hospitals | Excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, lumpectomies with savi scout localization or with needle localization, sentinel node biopsies, axillary node dissections, terminal duct excisions, access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI guided biopsy, diep flap reconstruction/implants, psychological support, lymphedema treatment/physical therapy, nutrition, radiation oncology | The breast surgery team includes Dr. Kathie - Ann Joseph (Chief, Breast Surgery Service, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue; Associate Professor, Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine) and Dr. Erica Friedman (Breast surgery attending, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue; Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine), both board - certified by the American Board of Surgery. | The hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to breast surgery, with a team of doctors working together to ensure patients receive the latest treatment approaches. It also offers a wide range of support services such as patient navigation, social work, and psychological support. | Contact: (212) 562 - 2911 – Breast PA office. Physician assistant: Aline Bedrosian, pa. Email: aline.bedrosian@nychhc.org |
| Columbia Surgery | Breast reconstruction after breast cancer, cosmetic breast procedures like breast augmentation, reduction, and lift, non - surgical cosmetic options, cleft palate/cleft lip care, orthoplastic surgery care | The plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization. Dr. Christine Rohde, the chief of the division of plastic surgery, is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher. She is trained in a full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Other surgeons like Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman and Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue also have extensive experience and notable achievements in the field. | As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - top medical center, it has the resources to deliver high - quality care. The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. | Call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. It has multiple offices in Washington Heights, Midtown, East Side, Westchester, and New Jersey. |
| Mount Sinai - New York (Dubin Breast Center) | Breast - conserving procedures, mastectomies (skin - sparing or nipple - sparing with immediate reconstruction), breast reconstruction options | The team includes Dr. Elisa Port (Chief, Breast Surgery and Director, Dubin Breast Center) and other experienced surgeons. They use the latest technologies for breast surgery and strive for the best medical and aesthetic results. | The hospital provides a patient - centered approach, where surgeons discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with patients and help them make informed decisions. They also ensure that all necessary medical information is gathered before the first visit to streamline the process. | Have all documentation sent to Dubin Breast Center, 1176 5th Avenue First Floor, New York, NY 10029. Contact to learn more about appointments. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Prosthetic Breast Removal Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
The experience and skill of the surgeon performing the prosthetic breast removal surgery are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a proven track record in this specific area of surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell, who have years of experience and are recognized in leading magazines, offer a higher level of confidence. Their expertise can lead to better surgical outcomes, reduced risks of complications, and a more aesthetically pleasing result. For example, a surgeon with in - depth knowledge of en bloc capsulectomy, when required, can ensure the complete removal of the implant and surrounding tissue, minimizing the chances of recurrence of any related issues.
Hospital Reputation
A hospital's reputation reflects its overall quality of care. Hospitals that are consistently ranked highly, such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, which has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight, are more likely to provide high - quality services. A good reputation often means that the hospital has a well - trained staff, advanced equipment, and a commitment to patient safety. This can give patients peace of mind during the surgical process.
Range of Services
Opt for a hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services related to prosthetic breast removal surgery. Some patients may require additional procedures such as breast lift in conjunction with implant removal. Hospitals like Columbia Surgery and Dr. Darrick Antell's practice offer a variety of options, including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. This allows patients to have all their needs met in one place, reducing the hassle of coordinating multiple appointments at different facilities.
Patient - Centric Features
Patient - centric features can greatly enhance the overall patient experience. These include personalized care, a comfortable and discreet environment, and access to support services. For instance, Dr. Darrick Antell's private operating room with a private back entrance provides discretion for patients. NYC Health + Hospitals offers a wide range of support services such as patient navigation, social work, and psychological support, which can be extremely helpful during the often - stressful surgical process.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the prosthetic breast removal surgery and check if your insurance is accepted. Different hospitals may have different pricing structures. Some hospitals, like the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, are in - network with certain insurance providers but may not accept others. It's important to have a clear understanding of what your insurance will cover and what out - of - pocket expenses you may incur. This way, you can plan your finances accordingly and avoid any unexpected costs.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Prosthetic Breast Removal Surgery
Before Surgery
Before the prosthetic breast removal surgery, patients will typically have an initial consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. It is crucial for patients to be honest about any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to medical complications. For example, if there are signs of Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), such as pain, swelling, or a change in breast size or shape, the surgeon needs to be informed. Patients should also bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the evaluation, the surgeon will create a surgical plan and may recommend additional procedures, such as a breast lift, if desired by the patient. In some cases, the patient may be sent for imaging tests like an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery. They will also receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications, vitamins, or iron tablets. Additionally, arrangements need to be made for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and assist them during the initial recovery period.
During Surgery
Prosthetic breast removal surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort. If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, in cases where there are complications like capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or if the patient has textured implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant through an en - bloc resection. The surgery typically takes between one to two hours, but an en - bloc resection may take longer. After the implant and any necessary tissue are removed, the incisions are closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and an external layer of sutures may be used if needed. A layer of gauze or a bandage is then placed over the breasts to aid in healing.
After Surgery
After the surgery, patients will recover in a dedicated recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Since prosthetic breast removal is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day, but they need to have an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. The breasts will be covered with a layer of gauze or a bandage, and patients may feel tired or sore as their body begins the healing process. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but they should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate. It is common to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which usually fades over time. There may also be some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. Patients will typically return to the office the day after surgery for the surgeon to monitor the healing process. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after 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, and the scars will gradually fade over time.
Common Concerns and Risks Associated with Prosthetic Breast Removal Surgery
Medical Complications
While prosthetic breast removal surgery is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still potential medical complications. Bleeding is one such risk, which can occur during or after the surgery. Infections are also a concern, as any surgical procedure creates an opening in the body that can allow bacteria to enter. Numbness at the incision site may occur, and in some cases, it may be permanent. There is also a risk of an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, although this is relatively rare. Patients should be aware of these risks and discuss them thoroughly with their surgeon during the consultation process. By closely following the surgeon's pre - and post - operative instructions, the risks can be minimized.
Scarring
Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, including prosthetic breast removal. The extent and appearance of the scars depend on several factors, such as the surgical technique used, the patient's skin type, and how well the incisions heal. Surgeons usually try to place the incisions in areas where the scars will be less noticeable, such as along the natural creases of the breast. Over time, the scars will gradually fade, but they may always be visible to some degree. Patients can take steps to improve the appearance of the scars, such as using scar - reducing creams or following the surgeon's post - operative care instructions regarding wound care.
Change in Breast Shape and Size
After prosthetic breast removal, the breasts will return to their pre - implant size. However, some patients may notice a change in the shape of their breasts. This is because the implants had been supporting the breast tissue, and their removal can cause the breasts to sag or lose some of their fullness. In some cases, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with the implant removal to achieve a more desirable shape. It's important for patients to have realistic expectations about the post - operative appearance of their breasts and to discuss these concerns with their surgeon before the surgery.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Undergoing prosthetic breast removal surgery can have an emotional and psychological impact on patients. For some, the implants may have been a significant part of their self - image, and their removal can lead to feelings of loss or insecurity. It's important for patients to address these emotions and to seek support if needed. Many hospitals offer psychological support services to help patients cope with these feelings. Additionally, having open communication with the surgical team and family members can also be beneficial in the emotional recovery process.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for prosthetic breast removal surgery in New York City is a critical decision that can have a profound impact on a patient's physical and emotional well - being. Hospitals like Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice, NewYork - Presbyterian Medical Group Queens, NYC Health + Hospitals, Columbia Surgery, and Mount Sinai - New York offer a range of services, experienced surgeons, and patient - centric features. By considering factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital reputation, range of services, patient - centric features, and cost and insurance, patients can make an informed choice. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery, as well as being aware of the common concerns and risks, will also help patients prepare for the procedure. We encourage you to reach out to these hospitals, schedule consultations, and take the necessary steps to ensure a successful and positive surgical experience. If you have any further questions or need more information, do not hesitate to contact the hospitals directly or consult with a medical professional.
