Introduction
Breast implant removal in New York City is a procedure that has gained significant attention in recent years. Many women who have had breast implants may choose to have them removed for a variety of reasons, including medical complications, personal preferences, or a desire for a more natural look. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information for hospitals performing prosthetic breast implant removal surgery in NYC, covering aspects such as the procedure, candidate selection, recovery, and risks.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Complications
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both silicone and saline implants can rupture or leak over time. Silicone gel implants may cause less obvious symptoms, while saline implants typically result in the immediate deflation of the breast. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the risk of implant rupture increases over time, and it is important to address this issue promptly to avoid potential health risks.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant becomes thick and hard, causing discomfort, pain, and distortion of the breast shape. The Breast Implant Alliance reports that capsular contracture is one of the most common reasons for breast implant removal.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a controversial condition that some women report experiencing after getting breast implants. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and other issues. While not all doctors recognize it as a legitimate medical condition, many women report significant relief from their symptoms after having their implants removed.
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur 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 mass around the breast implant.
Personal Preferences
- Desire for a More Natural Look: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change, and she may prefer to have a more natural - looking breast without implants.
- Lifestyle Changes: Certain lifestyles or activities may be more challenging with breast implants, leading a woman to choose removal.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Surgeries
En Bloc Removal
En bloc removal involves removing the entire implant, including the capsule that forms around it, in one piece. This technique is recommended for patients who have developed capsular contracture or those who want to remove their implants due to health concerns. A skilled surgeon makes an incision around the perimeter of the capsule and carefully dissects it away from surrounding tissues until it can be removed intact. Benefits of en bloc removal include minimizing the risk of contamination, reducing postoperative pain, and ensuring complete removal of all silicone gel or saline solution from inside the capsule.
Capsulectomy
Capsulectomy is the removal of only the capsule that forms around an implant while leaving the implant itself in place. This method is typically recommended for patients who want to remove their implants due to cosmetic reasons or discomfort caused by capsular contracture but do not wish to undergo a more invasive surgery like en bloc removal. During the procedure, an incision is made around the perimeter of the capsule, which is then carefully dissected away from surrounding tissues and removed. It is a less invasive procedure than en bloc removal and may be associated with fewer risks and complications, but it may not be suitable for patients with severe capsular contracture or those who wish to remove their implants due to health concerns.
Explantation with Mastopexy
Explantation with mastopexy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the breast implant, excess skin, and lifting the breast tissue to create a more youthful appearance. This technique is recommended for patients who have experienced sagging or drooping of their breasts after having implants. An incision is made around the perimeter of the areola or underneath the breast fold. The implant is removed along with any surrounding scar tissue, and the remaining breast tissue is lifted before closing the incisions. This procedure addresses both cosmetic concerns related to sagging breasts and health concerns related to implant removal and avoids leaving behind excess skin that can lead to further sagging after surgery.
Explantation with Fat Transfer
Explantation with fat transfer involves removing the implant and using the patient's own fat from another area of their body, such as the thighs, hips, or abdomen, to reshape and enhance their breasts. This method is typically recommended for patients who want to remove their implants but still desire some degree of breast augmentation. An incision is made around the perimeter of the areola or underneath the breast fold. The implant is removed along with any surrounding scar tissue, and fat is harvested from another area of the body through liposuction techniques. The fat is then purified and injected into the breast tissue to create a more natural - looking and fuller appearance. It avoids the need for additional implants or foreign materials in the body and reduces the risk of rejection or allergic reactions.
Choosing a Surgeon
Qualifications
It is essential to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon for breast implant removal surgery. Look for credentials such as American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification or membership in professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These certifications ensure that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and passed stringent exams to have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform surgical procedures safely and effectively.
Experience
Experience is a crucial factor when selecting a plastic surgeon. Choose a surgeon who has performed many successful breast implant removal surgeries. Experienced surgeons can provide patients with realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure while minimizing risks associated with any surgical procedure. They have in - depth knowledge of the complexities involved in removing breast implants and can handle any complications that may arise during the surgery.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews can be an excellent way to gauge the quality of care provided by potential surgeons. Online review platforms like RealSelf.com allow patients to leave feedback on their experiences with specific surgeons. Consider factors such as bedside manner, communication skills, and overall satisfaction with results when reading these reviews.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Consultation with the Surgeon
Schedule a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your reasons for wanting breast implant removal surgery and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history and current health status, provide you with pre - operative instructions, and answer any questions you may have. They will also discuss the type of surgical procedure that is most suitable for you based on your individual circumstances.
Medical Preparations
- Stop Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during surgery and slow down the healing process. It is important to stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery. If you are having trouble quitting smoking on your own, talk to your doctor about options for quitting.
- Avoid Certain Medications: Avoid taking medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for two weeks before the surgery. Your surgeon may also advise you to stop taking certain supplements or herbal remedies that could interfere with anesthesia or cause bleeding.
- Arrange for Post - operative Care: Breast implant removal surgery is an outpatient procedure, but you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery. Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery to help you with daily activities. Also, make sure you have comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off after the surgery.
The Breast Implant Removal Surgery Procedure
Anesthesia Options
The type of anesthesia used will depend on the patient's medical history and preferences. Options may include local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation involves numbing only a specific area of the body while the patient remains conscious but relaxed. General anesthesia involves putting the patient into a deep sleep so that they do not feel anything during surgery.
The Implant Removal Process
The implant removal procedure typically takes around 1 - 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether any additional procedures are being performed. During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the same location as the original breast augmentation incision to remove the implant. If there is any scar tissue or calcification around the implant, this will also be removed. The surgeon will then evaluate the remaining breast tissue to determine if any additional procedures are necessary, such as a breast lift or fat transfer to restore volume.
Potential Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with breast implant removal. The most common risks include bleeding, infection, and scarring. In rare cases, patients may experience complications such as damage to the surrounding tissue or nerve damage. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure so that you can make an informed decision.
Recovery Process After Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Immediate Post - operative Care
After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will spend some time under close observation to ensure that you are stable and comfortable. Your vital signs will be monitored closely, and you may receive pain medication or other treatments as needed to manage any discomfort or side effects. Once you are cleared to leave the recovery room, it is important to take it easy for a few days and avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication or recommend over - the - counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It is important to take these medications as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage. In addition to taking medication, there are several other steps you can take during the recovery process to promote healing and reduce discomfort, such as wearing a compression garment, applying ice packs to the affected area, getting plenty of rest, and eating a healthy diet.
Follow - up Appointments
It is crucial to attend all follow - up appointments with your surgeon as scheduled. During these appointments, your surgeon will monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly. They may also provide additional instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery process and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Implant Removal
- Medical Complications: Women who have experienced complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, or BII may be ideal candidates for breast implant removal.
- Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Appearance: Patients who are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of their current implants, perhaps due to changes in body shape over time or an inappropriate initial implant choice, may consider implant removal or replacement to achieve their desired look.
- Life Changes: Those who have experienced significant weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or changes in muscle mass may also consider breast implant removal to achieve a more proportionate and balanced look.
Risks and Complications Associated with Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Breast Implant Illness and Implant Illness
There is a possibility of developing breast implant illness or implant illness after the surgery. As mentioned earlier, breast implant illness is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some women experience after getting breast implants, while implant illness refers to any adverse reaction to silicone or saline implants.
Capsular Contracture
Although the goal of breast implant removal may be to address capsular contracture, there is still a small risk of its recurrence or development after the surgery.
Cancer Concerns
While there is no conclusive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, some patients may have concerns about the potential risk. As noted, there have been reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in association with textured surface implants, although this type of cancer is extremely rare.
Patient Symptoms
Patients may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, inflammation, or other issues related to their implants during or after the surgery. It is important for patients to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms or concerns related to their implants.
Top Surgeons in NYC Specializing in Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as being among 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. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and is known for his extraordinary experience, surgical skills, and beautiful results. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman
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. He is meticulous in employing techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery.
Dr. Darren Smith
Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He often uses the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring and helps patients decide based on their individual needs and body goals.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in NYC
The cost of breast implant removal in NYC varies widely, depending on a range of factors. Some factors involved in the cost include the cost related to the operating facility, post - care essentials, tests used, and prescription medication cost. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, the determination of whether a procedure is covered or not depends upon the medical need for the surgery. For example, if a breast explant procedure was performed following a mastectomy and medical removal is necessary, insurance companies are obligated to cover the costs related to the surgery because of the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Acts of 1988. To determine the cost of your breast implant removal, meet with your surgeon during a consultation.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal surgery in New York City is a complex procedure that requires careful consideration and the expertise of a specialized surgeon. This guide has covered various aspects of the procedure, including reasons for removal, types of surgeries, surgeon selection, pre - operative preparation, the surgery itself, recovery, ideal candidates, risks, top surgeons, and cost. By understanding these factors, hospitals and patients can make informed decisions about breast implant removal. If you are considering breast implant removal, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific situation and goals. Take the time to research your options and choose a surgeon who has the experience and expertise to provide you with the best possible outcome. Share this guide with others who may benefit from this information and explore more resources on breast implant removal to stay informed.
