Introduction

Prosthetic breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure in recent years. However, there are various reasons why individuals may choose to have their breast implants removed. In New York City, there are multiple hospitals and surgical centers that offer prosthetic removal services. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking list of these institutions and present a detailed project price list for prosthetic removal in prosthetic breast augmentation. It will also cover important aspects such as the procedure, recovery, and factors influencing the decision to remove breast implants.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are several reasons why someone might opt for breast implant removal. These can be categorized into personal and medical reasons:

• Personal Reasons:
  • Not being satisfied with the results of the initial breast augmentation, such as the size, shape, or feel of the implants.
  • Age, pregnancy, or weight changes leading to dissatisfaction with the appearance of the augmented breasts.
  • A lifestyle change where the implants no longer fit the individual's activities or preferences.
  • A desire to return to the natural body state or to replace the existing implants with larger or smaller ones.
• Medical Reasons:
  • Infection around the implant area, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness.
  • Rupture of the implant, whether it is a saline or silicone implant. A saline implant rupture will cause the breast to deflate quickly, while a silicone implant may leak more slowly and cause the surrounding scar tissue to harden.
  • Migration of the implant, which can result in an uneven or abnormal appearance of the breasts.
  • Capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, causing discomfort and sometimes changing the shape of the breast.
  • Back or neck pain that may be related to the added weight of the implants.
  • Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a rare cancer that occurs in the scar tissue around an implant, more commonly associated with textured breast implants.
  • Concerns that the breast implant is causing other medical conditions.

Ranking List of Hospitals for Prosthetic Removal in New York City

While an exact ranking can be challenging due to various factors such as patient preferences, success rates, and individual experiences, some of the well - known and highly regarded institutions in New York City for breast implant removal are as follows:

1. Center Associated with Dr. Darrick Antell:

   Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and globally. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His center offers custom breast implant removal surgeries, including en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. He also specializes in removing recalled allergan textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL. Patients appreciate his surgical skills, personalized care, and the discreet and private operating room just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. His state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.

2. Well - known Manhattan Plastic Surgery Centers:

   There are several plastic surgery centers in Manhattan that have a reputation for providing high - quality breast implant removal services. These centers often have a team of experienced surgeons, advanced facilities, and a focus on patient satisfaction. They offer a range of procedures, from simple implant removal to more complex surgeries that may involve removing scar tissue or performing a breast lift in conjunction with the explant procedure.

3. Renowned Outpatient Hospitals in the City:

   Some of the outpatient hospitals in New York City are well - equipped to handle breast implant removal surgeries. These facilities have the advantage of being affiliated with larger hospital systems, which can provide access to additional resources and support services. They may offer a more comprehensive pre - and post - operative care package, including consultations with multiple specialists, advanced imaging, and rehabilitation services.

Project Price List for Prosthetic 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 facility (surgery center or outpatient hospital), the complexity of the procedure, and the specific services included. Here is a breakdown of the average cash prices based on available data:

The following is a detailed breakdown of the components that contribute to the cost at each type of facility:

Common Breast Implant Removal at a Surgery Center Facility in New York

Common Breast Implant Removal at an Outpatient Hospital Facility in New York

It's important to note that these are average cash prices and the actual cost may vary based on individual circumstances. Also, these prices do not include additional costs such as anesthesia for the procedure, operating room costs, medications, or other related expenses in all cases.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The breast implant removal procedure typically consists of several steps:

Consultation

During the consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. They will also assess the current condition of the breasts. If the patient desires to have the implants removed due to medical complications, it is crucial 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 previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will review the patient's options, explain the positives and negatives of any recommended procedures, and take photographs and perform a breast examination. Based on the patient's expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.

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. 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, pre - operative clearance from another doctor may be required. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have assistance in the first few days of recovery.

The Surgery

The patient will be given general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Then, an incision will be made, usually under the folds at the bottom of the breast or around the areola. If possible, the surgeon 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. If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or had textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it 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 from Breast Implant Removal

After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Since it is an outpatient procedure, the patient can return home the same day, but they should have an escort as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Here are some aspects of the recovery process:

• Immediate Post - operative Period:

  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. Some surgeons may install small drains under the skin to help remove excess fluid. The patient should limit normal activity like driving and cooking for themselves for the first one to two weeks and expect to be sore and swollen for up to four weeks.

• Longer - term Recovery:

  It is common to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, but this numbness typically fades over time. There may also be 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 the surgery for a follow - up appointment. If external sutures are used, 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.

• Recovery Tips:
  • If possible, take a week or two off from work.
  • Stock up on books, movies, or other activities that can be done in bed.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Keep necessities such as water, snacks, medications, the phone, and a charger within reach.
  • Stock up on healthy snacks and/or premade meals.
  • Consider sleeping at an incline or in a recliner.

Potential Complications of Breast Implant Removal

As with any surgery, breast implant removal can have complications. These include:

• Breast asymmetry, which can occur due to uneven removal of tissue or differences in how the body heals.
• Loose skin, especially if the implants were large and the skin had stretched significantly.
• Seroma, which is the accumulation of fluid under the skin.
• Infection, which can cause pain, redness, swelling, and discharge.
• Scarring, which may vary in appearance and texture depending on the individual's healing process and the surgical technique used.
• Numbness or changes in nipple sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.

Patients should discuss with their surgeon how to mitigate the chance of these complications.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Implant Removal

Health insurance policies usually do not cover cosmetic procedures or complications related to cosmetic procedures. However, there may be some exceptions for breast implant removal:

• Some policies may cover explant surgery if it is considered to be medically necessary due to a ruptured implant, severe capsular contracture, or BIA - ALCL.
• According to the National Center for Health Research, if a doctor believes that removing breast implants is medically necessary for a patient who had breast implants after a mastectomy, the health insurance provider is legally obligated to cover the breast implant removal under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA).

Conclusion

When considering prosthetic removal in prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, it is essential to choose a reputable hospital or surgical center. The ranking list provided gives an idea of some of the well - regarded institutions, but individual research and consultations are crucial. The project price list shows the average costs at different facilities, but it's important to note that these can vary. The breast implant removal procedure has its own set of steps, and the recovery process requires patience and following the surgeon's instructions. Complications are possible, but with proper care and communication with the medical team, their impact can be minimized. Insurance coverage may be available in certain circumstances, so it's important to check with your provider.

If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in New York City. Discuss your concerns, expectations, and financial situation. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the best possible outcome for your health and well - being. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal, and explore related topics such as breast lift procedures or breast implant replacement options.