Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal after breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons. These can range from dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, to medical complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or breast implant - associated illnesses. In this article, we will explore some of the top regular hospitals and surgeons in New York City known for performing high - quality breast prosthesis removal surgeries, along with detailed information about the procedures, candidate suitability, and recovery.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Before delving into the ranking of hospitals, it's essential to understand the common reasons why women opt for breast prosthesis removal:
- Medical Complications:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when excessive scar tissue forms around the implant, causing firmness, irregular shape, or discomfort. The breast may become hard, and the implant can be distorted.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak. A saline implant will deflate quickly, while a silicone implant may have a more subtle sign, like a change in the shape of the breast.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Treatment usually involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Women may experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and breathing difficulties. The exact cause is not fully understood but is thought to be related to the body's reaction to the implants.
- Aesthetic Dissatisfaction:
- Desire for Natural Appearance: Some women may want to return to their natural breast size and shape, feeling that the implants no longer suit their body or lifestyle.
- Implant Malposition: The implants may have shifted from their original position, causing an uneven or unnatural appearance of the breasts.
- Visible or Palpable Implants: The implants may become visible or easily felt under the skin, especially if they are placed incorrectly or the breast tissue is thin.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
1. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. They are known for their advanced breast implants removal techniques and have a team of top - rated board - certified plastic surgeons.
Services Offered:
- En Bloc Removal: Removing the implants and capsule in a single procedure.
- Partial Capsulectomy: Removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour.
- Total Capsulectomy: Removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
Procedure Details: The surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. It takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Contact Information:
- Address: 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016
- Phone: (212) 481 - 0110
- Website: http://www.breastreconstructioncenternyc.com/best - breast - implant - removal - plastic - surgeon - in - manhattan - nyc
2. Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a widely regarded breast surgeon 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.
Services Offered: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He also conducts en bloc capsulectomy when indicated and removes recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL.
Procedure Details: The surgery can be performed in his discreet, private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital. It usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. He uses local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (212) - 988 - 4040
- Website: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/
3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
Services Offered: She can address a wide range of aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. For medical issues like BIA - ALCL or severe capsular contracture, she has the expertise to perform appropriate removal procedures. She also advises on secondary procedures like breast lifts if necessary.
Procedure Details: She will assess the patient's situation and recommend the best surgical option to achieve the patient's goals. The exact procedure time and recovery depend on the specific case.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (212) 452 - 1400
- Website: https://www.droliviahutchinson.com/plastic - surgery - nyc/breast/breast - implant - removal/
4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs who perform breast implant removal procedures.
Services Offered: They remove breast implants, clean the breast pocket, and can also address the removal of surrounding scar capsules. The reasons for explant surgery can include implant leakage, pain, capsular contracture, and aesthetic improvement.
Procedure Details: The surgery can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the extent of work needed. They may use local or general anesthesia. Incisions can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit.
Contact Information:
- New York City Phone: 888 - 664 - 8381
- Tarrytown Phone: 914 - 366 - 6139
- Website: https://www.nygplasticsurgery.com/surgical/breast/breast - implant - removal/
5. Columbia University's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgery division has experienced surgeons proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast reconstructive care.
Services Offered: While they offer a comprehensive range of plastic surgery services, they can handle breast implant removal procedures with high - quality care. Their surgeons have the expertise to deal with complex cases and perform secondary procedures like breast lifts if required.
Procedure Details: The exact details of the breast implant removal procedure will be determined based on the patient's individual situation. They have a multi - disciplinary approach and access to advanced research and technology.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (212) 305 - 3103
- Website: https://columbiasurgery.org/plastic
6. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is an experienced plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He has a strong aesthetic sense and is known for his attention to detail.
Services Offered: He can remove and replace breast implants to change the size, location, or type of implants. He also offers the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume and can perform breast lifts in conjunction with implant removal.
Procedure Details: The surgery is performed in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center. He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. The surgery time can vary from half an hour to multiple hours depending on the case.
Contact Information:
- Contact his office for a private consultation
- Website: https://www.drbarryweintraub.com/breast/implant - removal - nyc/
7. Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon serving patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She has a personalized approach to patient care and is highly regarded in the field.
Services Offered: She performs breast implant removal surgery, and offers en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy for specific medical issues. She can also combine the removal with other procedures like breast lifts or fat transfers.
Procedure Details: Her outpatient breast implant removal surgeries typically last one to three hours under general anesthesia. Patients are advised to arrange for a driver for their return home.
Contact Information:
- Schedule a consultation
- Website: https://www.drblatt.com/breast/breast - implant - removal/
Comparing the Hospitals and Surgeons
Hospital/Surgeon | Specialty | Procedure Time | Anesthesia | Contact Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | En bloc, partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy | 1 - 3 hours | General anesthesia | 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016; (212) 481 - 0110; Website |
Dr. Darrick Antell | Custom explant, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | 1 - 2 hours (en - bloc resection longer) | Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia | (212) - 988 - 4040; Website |
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Addressing aesthetic and medical implant issues | Case - dependent | Case - dependent | (212) 452 - 1400; Website |
New York Group for Plastic Surgery | Implant removal, scar capsule removal | 1 - 3 hours | Local or general anesthesia | 888 - 664 - 8381 (NYC), 914 - 366 - 6139 (Tarrytown); Website |
Columbia University's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | Comprehensive breast care, complex cases | Case - dependent | Case - dependent | (212) 305 - 3103; Website |
Dr. Barry Weintraub | Implant removal and replacement, autologous fat transfer, breast lifts | Half an hour to multiple hours | Twilight sleep | Contact office for consultation; Website |
Dr. Maura Reinblatt | Breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, open capsulotomy, combination procedures | 1 - 3 hours | General anesthesia | Schedule consultation; Website |
Preparing for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Preparing for breast prosthesis removal is an important step to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Here are some general guidelines:
- Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of your medical history, current medications, and allergies. You may also need to undergo imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues.
- Medication Adjustment: You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications, as well as blood - thinning medications, for a period of time before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours. You may also need to make arrangements for help with daily activities during the initial recovery period.
- Follow Instructions: Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding diet, smoking, and any other pre - operative preparations. This may include avoiding alcohol and caffeine before the surgery.
The Breast Prosthesis Removal Procedure
The breast prosthesis removal procedure typically involves the following steps: