Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery has become increasingly popular in New York City, as more and more women seek to either replace their existing implants, or remove them altogether for a variety of lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons. Finding a highly - skilled and experienced doctor for this procedure is crucial for a successful outcome. In this article, we will delve into the ranking of doctors for breast implant removal surgery in New York City, along with an exploration of the procedures and considerations related to this surgery.
Importance of Choosing the Right Doctor for Breast Implant Removal
The choice of a doctor for breast implant removal is of utmost importance. A skilled and experienced doctor will not only be able to perform the surgery safely, but also help patients achieve their desired aesthetic results. The surgical process involves accessing the implant pocket, removing the implant, and in some cases, dealing with the capsule and scar tissue that may have formed around the implant. A proficient doctor can minimize the risks associated with the surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, and ensure a smooth recovery process.
For example, a doctor with extensive experience in handling various types of breast implants and associated complications can make more informed decisions during the surgery. They can choose the most appropriate approach for removing the implant, whether it is through the existing incisions or a new one, based on the patient's specific situation.
Available Doctors for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
There are numerous doctors in New York City who perform breast implant removal surgeries. Healthgrades lists 90 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in New York. Let's look at some of them:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Wendy - Ann Olivier, MD | 4.60 | 1 Hanson Pl Ste 710, Brooklyn, NY 11243 |
| Dr. Christina Weltz, MD | 3.20 | 1176 5th Ave # 1235, New York, NY 10029 |
| Dr. Donna Marie Manasseh, MD | 4.90 | 745 64th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220 |
| Dr. Sarah Cate, MD | 4.50 | 325 W 15th St fl 1, New York, NY 10011 |
| Dr. Ashley Tsang, MD | 4.80 | 1090 Amsterdam Ave fl 10, New York, NY 10025 |
| Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD | 4.60 | 425 W 59th St lbby 5, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Joshua Levine, MD | 5.00 | 3 Columbus Cir Ste 1410, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. George Ferzli, MD | 4.80 | 1220 Avenue P, Brooklyn, NY 11229 |
| Dr. Kenneth Rothaus, MD | 4.80 | 325 E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021 |
| Dr. Richard Reish | 4.90 | 330 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 |
RealSelf also provides a list of breast implant removal doctors in New York, NY. Here are some well - rated ones:
| Doctor's Name | Reviews | Years of Experience | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trevor M. Born, MD | 402 reviews | 28 | 910 Fifth Ave., Ste. B, New York, New York |
| Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS | 282 reviews | 21 | 33 W. 56th St., New York, New York |
| Samuel Rhee, MD | 150 reviews | 19 | 12 N. State Rte. 17, Ste. 304, Paramus, New Jersey |
| Leland Deane, MD, FACS | 290 reviews | 38 | 1111 Park Ave., Ste. 1 G, New York, New York |
| Finny George, MD | 235 reviews | 12 | 1040 Park Ave., Ste. 1 BC, New York, New York |
Some Renowned Doctors in Detail
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - ranked 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 worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and is known for also performing en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. He has removed the recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with an increased risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Dr. Antell has an outstanding reputation. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his patients are referrals from former patients, and he has performed surgeries on numerous celebrities. His surgical skills are highly regarded, and he uses the latest and safest medical technologies.
During the consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He discusses the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail with the patient to ensure they are well - informed. He often performs the surgery in his private, fully - accredited outpatient surgery center across from Lenox Hill Hospital for patient comfort and discretion.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach is another well - known doctor for breast implant removal. He performs the inverse of breast augmentation, accessing the implant pocket through the previous surgical incision when possible. During the procedure, he can remove the implant and, if needed, the implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants.
He is experienced in dealing with patients who have complications such as capsular contracture. Before the surgery, he helps patients understand important terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. He also provides detailed preparation instructions, including dietary and medication guidelines. After the surgery, he offers a personalized recovery plan, which includes restrictions on aerobic activity and heavy lifting for a certain period.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures
En Bloc Breast Implant Removal
During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and the capsule in a single procedure. This method is often preferred when there are concerns about the integrity of the implant or when dealing with complications such as capsular contracture or BIA - ALCL. By removing the implant and the capsule together, it reduces the risk of spreading any potentially harmful substances or cells. For example, if a silicone implant has ruptured, en bloc removal can help contain the leaked silicone within the capsule and prevent it from spreading in the body.
Partial Capsulectomy
A partial capsulectomy consists of solely removing the breast implant material and trimming or shaping some of the capsule material to create the patient’s desired chest contour. This approach is suitable for patients who do not want to remove the entire capsule or when the capsule is in relatively good condition. It can help improve the appearance of the breasts while minimizing the amount of tissue removed.
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy involves removing the implant, the capsule, and the remaining scar tissue. The procedure starts with the removal of the breast implants, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue. This is often recommended for patients with severe capsular contracture or other complex issues. However, it is a more invasive procedure and may have a longer recovery time compared to the other two methods.
Considerations Before Choosing a Doctor
Experience and Expertise
Look for doctors who have extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery. A doctor with a high number of successful surgeries and a long - standing practice is more likely to have the skills and knowledge to handle various complications that may arise during the procedure. For example, a doctor who has dealt with multiple cases of BIA - ALCL will be better equipped to manage the associated risks and ensure a proper surgical outcome.
Patient Reviews and Referrals
Patient reviews and referrals can provide valuable insights into a doctor's quality of care. Reading reviews from real patients who have undergone breast implant removal with a particular doctor can give you an idea of their satisfaction level, the results they achieved, and the overall experience during the pre - operative, operative, and post - operative phases. Referrals from friends, family, or other medical professionals can also be a reliable way to find a good doctor.
Accreditations and Memberships
Check if the doctor is board - certified by recognized medical boards. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met the high standards of education, training, and professional conduct in the field of plastic surgery. Additionally, memberships in professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that the doctor is committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in the field.
The Consultation Process
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant removal process. During the consultation, the doctor will first assess the patient's general health and medical history. This includes any pre - existing medical conditions, allergies, and previous surgeries. If the patient is experiencing symptoms related to their breast implants, such as pain, swelling, or changes in breast shape, the doctor will carefully evaluate these symptoms.
Patients should bring any available information about their existing implants, such as the type, size, and brand, as well as details about their previous breast augmentation surgery. The doctor will then discuss the different types of breast implant removal procedures and recommend the most suitable one based on the patient's situation. The doctor will also go over the risks and benefits of the surgery, the expected recovery process, and the potential outcomes.
It is important for patients to be open and honest with the doctor about their desired outcome. They can ask questions about the surgery, the anesthesia used, the scarring, and the cost. A good doctor will take the time to address all of the patient's concerns and provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision.
The Surgical Procedure
Most breast implant removal surgeries are performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In rare cases, local anesthesia alone may be sufficient. The doctor will make an incision, usually through the existing incision from the initial breast augmentation surgery if possible. However, if this is not feasible or if there are specific complications, a new incision may be made.
Once the incision is made, the doctor will access the implant pocket and carefully remove the implant. If en bloc capsulectomy is required, the doctor will remove the implant and the capsule together. In other cases, the capsule may be partially or completely removed depending on the surgical plan. After the implant and any associated tissue are removed, the incisions are closed with sutures. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are often used, and an external layer of sutures may also be applied if necessary. The surgery usually takes between one to three hours, but an en - bloc resection can take longer.
Recovery Process
After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. The use of specialized local anesthesia helps reduce discomfort. Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, patients can usually return home the same day. However, they will need an escort to drive them home as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
Patients can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the breast area. Tiredness is also common as the body uses energy to heal. Many patients can return to light daily activities within a few days, but they should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. The doctor will provide a personalized recovery plan based on the patient's specific situation.
Some numbness in the breast area and around the incisions is normal and typically fades over time. There may also be some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most patients do not require a breast lift after the surgery as the breasts often return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The doctor will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process, and in most cases, dissolvable sutures or dermabond are used to avoid the need for suture removal. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will subside in the first few weeks, it may take several months for the final results to be visible, and the scars will gradually fade over time.
Importance of Surgical Case Pictures
Surgical case pictures can be extremely beneficial for patients considering breast implant removal surgery. These pictures provide a visual representation of the doctor's work and the possible outcomes of the surgery. They can help patients have a better understanding of what to expect in terms of the final appearance of their breasts after the removal.
By looking at surgical case pictures, patients can assess the doctor's aesthetic skills, the quality of the scarring, and how well the doctor is able to achieve a natural - looking result. They can also compare different cases to see how the doctor has handled various situations, such as different types of implants, complications, and patient body types. This can give patients more confidence in their choice of doctor and help them set realistic expectations for their own surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right doctor for breast implant removal surgery in New York City is a significant decision that can have a major impact on the outcome of the procedure and the patient's overall well - being. With numerous doctors available, it is essential to consider factors such as experience, patient reviews, accreditations, and the doctor's approach to the surgery. Understanding the different types of breast implant removal procedures, the consultation process, the surgical procedure itself, and the recovery process is also crucial. Surgical case pictures can provide valuable insights and help patients make more informed decisions.
If you are considering breast implant removal surgery in New York City, take the time to research different doctors, schedule consultations, and ask for surgical case pictures. By being well - informed and proactive, you can increase your chances of having a successful and satisfying surgical experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to potential doctors to discuss your concerns and goals. Your journey to a better - looking and healthier you starts with a single step, so take the initiative today and explore your options for breast implant removal.
