Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a sought - after procedure in New York City for various reasons, including medical complications, cosmetic dissatisfaction, and recent recalls of certain implants. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top hospitals and famous doctors for breast implant removal in NYC, along with their price lists. We will also provide detailed information on the procedure, its associated risks, recovery, and more.
Top Doctors for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
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 over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
He specializes in custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when needed. He also performs the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer his private operating room across from Lenox Hill Hospital.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she has a deep understanding of patients' concerns related to breast implants. She is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Hutchinson can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. In cases where aesthetic issues like breast implant palpability, rupture, or malposition exist, or when patients face medical problems such as severe capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, or breast implant illness (BII), she provides expert advice on surgical options.
Other Notable Doctors
There are many other qualified doctors in New York City who perform breast implant removal. On WebMD, there are 4349 breast implant removal doctors results in New York, NY, with an average of 25 years of experience and a total of 37509 reviews. Some of these doctors include:
- Dr. Michael Eugene Jones, MD: An otolaryngology - head & neck surgery and plastic surgery doctor with 33 years of experience and 1 award.
- Dr. Andrew Jacono, MD: Specializing in plastic surgery and otolaryngology - head & neck surgery, with 27 years of experience and 1 award. He provides follow - up as needed and is accepting new patients.
- Dr. Justin G. Steele, MD: A general surgeon with 25 years of experience who takes time to answer patients' questions and is accepting new patients.
Ranking of Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in NYC
While specific hospital rankings are not always publicly available in a definitive way, we can consider some factors such as the reputation of the doctors affiliated with the hospital, the hospital's facilities, and patient reviews. Some well - known hospitals in NYC that are likely to offer high - quality breast implant removal services are:
Lenox Hill Hospital
Although Dr. Darrick Antell often performs procedures in his private operating room across from Lenox Hill Hospital, the hospital itself is a world - renowned institution. It has a long - standing reputation for providing excellent medical care and has access to advanced medical technologies and a team of highly trained medical staff. Many top - notch plastic surgeons in the city have privileges at this hospital, which suggests a high standard of surgical procedures, including breast implant removal.
NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital
This is one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in New York City. It is affiliated with several leading medical schools, such as Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medicine. The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including plastic surgery. With its vast resources and research - based approach to medicine, it is likely to provide comprehensive and high - quality breast implant removal services.
Price Lists for 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 type of procedure (simple removal or en bloc capsulectomy), the experience of the doctor, the location of the hospital or surgical center, and any additional procedures that may be required (such as a breast lift).
According to Sidecar Health, the average cash price for breast implant removal and replacement care in New York is $9,455 at a surgery center versus $16,596 at an outpatient hospital. The breakdown of costs at a surgery center and an outpatient hospital is as follows:
| Service | Units | Avg Cash Price at Surgery Center | Avg Cash Price at Outpatient Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Surgeon Visit (First time) | 1 | $144 | $144 |
| Provider Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis (Standard, Bilateral) | 1 | $2,162 | $2,162 |
| Provider Fee for Breast Implant Removal (Standard, Bilateral) | 1 | $1,128 | $1,128 |
| Surgery Center Fee for Breast Implant Removal (Standard) | 1 | $1,613 | N/A |
| Outpatient Hospital Fee for Breast Implant Removal (Level 1, Standard) | 1 | N/A | $4,367 |
| Surgery Center Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis (Standard) | 1 | $3,162 | N/A |
| Outpatient Hospital Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis (Level 2, Standard) | 1 | N/A | $7,550 |
| Prescriptions (Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen, Standard) | 30 | $18 | $18 |
| Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure (Level 3, Standard) | 1 | $232 | $232 |
| Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure (Per Minute, Standard) | 431 | $994 | $994 |
| Total Average Cash Price | $9,454.51 | $16,596.28 |
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
There are several medical reasons why a woman may choose to have her breast implants removed:
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and 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.
- Severe Capsular Contracture: This occurs when significant scar tissue forms around the implants, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breasts. The hardening of the soft tissue envelope around the implants can lead to an abnormal appearance of the breasts.
- 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. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Infection and Bleeding: Infections around the breast implant can occur, which may require the removal of the implant to treat the infection. Bleeding during or after surgery can also be a complication that may lead to implant removal.
Cosmetic Reasons
Some women may choose to have their breast implants removed for cosmetic reasons:
- Unsatisfactory Results: This can include issues such as the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), implant rupture, leakage, or deflation. The implant may also have moved from its original position, resulting in an uneven or abnormal appearance of the breasts.
- Desire to Return to Natural Breast Size: Some women may initially have had breast augmentation but later decide they prefer their natural breast size.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. The current condition of the breasts will also be assessed. 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 helpful for the patient to bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery. The doctor and the patient will have an open and honest conversation about the desired outcome, and together they will create a proper surgical plan. Based on the patient's expectations, it may be recommended to pair the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the doctor may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Prescriptions may be given to be filled before the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and have someone to assist them in the first few days of recovery.
Surgery
If possible, the doctor will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This 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, silicone implant rupture, or has 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 removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) will be used to close the incisions. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed 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.
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. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia.
Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
After the surgery, the patient will recover in the doctor'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. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so the patient can return home the same day. When performed with “twilight” sedation, the patient should have an escort to bring them home and will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
After surgery, the breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. The patient may feel tired or sore as the 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 doctor will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's procedure and healing rate. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully and refrain from activities that could put stress on the incisions.
It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and this numbness typically fades over time. Some fluid drainage from the incision site may also be noticed. 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 surgery for the doctor to monitor the healing process. 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 always risks associated with any surgery. These risks include:
- Bleeding: There is a possibility of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or around the breast area, which may need to be treated with antibiotics.
- Numbness at the Incision Site: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness at the incision site or in the breast area.
- Adverse Reaction to the Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery.
The doctor will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation, and patients can reduce their risks by closely following the doctor's directions before and after surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, there are many top - notch doctors and hospitals available. Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson are just two of the highly skilled surgeons in the city who can provide excellent care. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on several factors, and it is important to have a detailed discussion with your doctor during the consultation. Understanding the reasons for removal, the procedure itself, the recovery process, and the associated risks is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether it is for medical or cosmetic reasons, breast implant removal can help you achieve your desired outcome and improve your overall well - being.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified doctor. You can also explore more resources on this topic to gather additional information and make the best decision for your situation. Share this article with others who may be considering breast implant removal to help them make an informed choice.
