Introduction
In New York City, there is a diverse range of public and private hospitals that offer services for prosthetic removal and breast augmentation. These procedures are sought after by many individuals for various reasons, including medical necessity, cosmetic preferences, and lifestyle changes. This article will delve into the different aspects of these procedures, the hospitals available in New York City, and the important considerations for patients.
Breast Implant Removal: Reasons and Considerations
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Medical Complications: Some patients may experience medical issues related to their breast implants. For example, capsular contracture can occur when the scar tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and changes in the appearance of the breasts. Another serious concern is breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can develop in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. According to available data, there is a link between certain types of textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL, which has led to the FDA recalling these specific textured implants.
- Cosmetic Dissatisfaction: Patients may be unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation. They might want to return to their natural breast size, change the shape or position of the implants, or address issues such as rippling or an unnatural appearance.
- Lifestyle Changes: Changes in lifestyle can also prompt breast implant removal. For instance, some women may find that the implants are no longer compatible with their activities, such as certain sports or physical endeavors.
Candidates for Breast Implant Removal
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the cosmetic result of their original augmentation, and those with recalled textured implants and symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
What to Expect During Consultation
During the initial consultation, a plastic surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. It is important for patients to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to medical complications. Patients should also bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open and honest conversation about the desired outcome will help the surgeon create an appropriate surgical plan. The surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to achieve a more desired aesthetic result. The surgeon will also go through the procedure, risks, and recovery process in detail.
Breast Augmentation: Types and Considerations
Types of Breast Augmentation
- Implant - Based Augmentation: This is the most common method. Implants can be filled with saline or silicone gel. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt - water solution. They have the advantage of a valve, which allows for adjustable filling during the procedure. However, they can sometimes feel firm and unnatural, and rippling may occur more frequently. Silicone gel implants, on the other hand, are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel that feels more natural. They are factory - sealed, eliminating the valve - leakage problem associated with saline implants.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: In this procedure, fat is harvested from other areas of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and then injected into the breasts. This method offers a more natural look and feel and has the added benefit of body contouring in the donor areas. However, the amount of volume that can be added is limited, and some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Implant
When considering breast augmentation, it is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon. Patients should research the surgeon's experience, reputation, and before - and - after photos of previous patients. The choice of implant also depends on several factors, including the patient's body type, desired size and shape, and personal preferences. The surgeon can provide guidance on the most suitable options.
Public and Private Hospitals in New York City
Private Hospitals
- Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice: Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon 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 one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He also deals with the removal of recalled allergan textured breast implants due to the risk of BIA - ALCL. His practice is known for its high - end service, with a private operating room located just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. Most patients prefer having their procedures here for the discretion and personalized care provided by his trained staff. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
- Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice: Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and replacement services. He prefers performing the procedures in a comfortable state of twilight sleep, ensuring the patient's comfort and safety. His aesthetic is sophisticated, aiming for an understated and elegant result. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look and feel. His hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue provides a private and high - quality environment for patients. Over 60% of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, which shows his expertise in handling challenging cases.
- Dr. Darren Smith's Practice: Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He uses general anesthesia for the procedure and often uses the original incision from the breast augmentation to minimize scarring. He offers options for patients after implant removal, including replacement with new implants of different sizes or choosing not to have implants at all. The facility provides post - operative support, and patients are given appropriate support garments after the procedure.
- Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery: At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them. He offers personalized consultations to understand each patient's concerns and goals. The surgery takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room in Manhattan. The recovery period is about 1 week, with a full recovery taking 1 to 2 months, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity.
Public - Affiliated Hospitals
- New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital: The plastic surgeons at New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital perform a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. All physicians are on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College, providing patients with a high - level of care typically found in a leading academic medical center. Common aesthetic procedures include breast augmentation and reduction, facial rejuvenation, liposuction, abdominoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Reconstructive procedures include breast reconstruction, surgery for skin cancer, and major flap procedures.
- Columbia University Plastic Surgery: As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - top medical center, Columbia's plastic surgery division offers a wide range of services. Their cosmetic care program provides surgical and non - surgical options such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and ear and eyelid lifts. In the reconstructive care area, they are world leaders in breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears. The division also conducts extensive research in plastic surgery, including studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing.
- NYU Langone Health: NYU Langone has two locations in Manhattan. Their board - certified plastic surgeons from the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for both adults and children. They offer a full range of services, including cancer surgery reconstruction, cleft and congenital craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, cosmetic surgery, anti - aging therapies, gender - affirming surgery, and oculoplastic surgery. They also have a plastic surgery resident clinic where medical doctors in advanced training provide cosmetic procedures at a reduced cost. Their state - of - the - art center at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Center - East 41st Street is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, ensuring high - quality surgical care.
- Mount Sinai - New York: At the Dubin Breast Center of Mount Sinai, they offer expert breast reconstruction services. Plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to provide seamless and advanced procedures. Breast reconstruction can be done using implants or autologous tissue (the patient's own tissue). In implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is placed at the time of mastectomy, and a permanent implant is inserted later. Autologous reconstruction can use tissue from the lower abdomen (DIEP flap) or the back (latissimus dorsi flap).
Comparison of Public and Private Hospitals
| Aspect | Private Hospitals | Public - Affiliated Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Service Customization | Often provide highly personalized services, tailoring procedures to individual patient needs and goals. Surgeons take more time to understand the patient's specific concerns and preferences. | While they also strive to meet individual needs, the large patient volume may sometimes limit the extent of customization. However, they still offer a wide range of procedures and treatment options. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive. The cost may include the surgeon's fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and other associated costs. However, some private practices may offer financing options. | May be more cost - effective, especially for patients with insurance. Public - affiliated hospitals often have a structured pricing system, and some procedures may be covered by insurance plans. |
| Waiting Time | Typically have shorter waiting times for consultations and procedures. Patients can often schedule appointments more quickly and have more flexibility in choosing the date of their surgery. | May have longer waiting times due to the high demand for services. However, efforts are made to prioritize patients based on medical urgency. |
| Research and Innovation | Some private surgeons may be involved in research, but it may not be as extensive as in public - affiliated hospitals. However, they often keep up with the latest techniques and technologies in plastic surgery. | Public - affiliated hospitals are usually at the forefront of research and innovation. They conduct clinical trials, research studies, and contribute to the advancement of plastic surgery knowledge. |
| Facility and Staff | Private hospitals often have high - end facilities with a focus on privacy and comfort. The staff is trained to provide personalized care, and the operating rooms are equipped with the latest technology. | Public - affiliated hospitals have well - equipped facilities, but they also serve a large number of patients. The staff is highly skilled and experienced, and they are involved in teaching and training future plastic surgeons. |
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Care
Before prosthetic removal or breast augmentation surgery, patients need to follow certain steps. The surgeon may send patients for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, to assess the current condition of the breasts and implants. Patients will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also need to obtain pre - operative clearance from another doctor. It is important for patients to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to have assistance during the initial days of recovery.
Post - operative Care
After the surgery, patients will recover in a designated recovery area under the supervision of medical staff. A specialized local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is usually an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. However, they will need to follow the discharge instructions carefully, which may include wearing support garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities. The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and remove sutures if necessary. Most patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness, which will gradually subside over time.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are numerous public and private hospitals that offer prosthetic removal and breast augmentation services. Patients have a wide range of options to choose from, depending on their needs, preferences, and budget. It is essential for patients to do thorough research, choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, and have open and honest communication with the medical team. By considering all the factors involved in these procedures, patients can make informed decisions and achieve the desired results. Whether it's due to medical reasons or cosmetic goals, the availability of high - quality hospitals and surgeons in New York City provides patients with the opportunity to undergo safe and effective breast - related procedures.
If you are considering prosthetic removal or breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Take the time to learn more about the procedures, ask questions, and ensure that you are comfortable with the chosen hospital and surgeon. Share this article with others who may be interested in these topics and explore related resources to stay informed about the latest developments in breast surgery.
