Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal has become a notable topic in New York City, whether for medical, aesthetic, or lifestyle reasons. In this article, we'll explore the rankings and some notable cases of institutions that perform breast prosthesis removal in the city. The insights presented here are based on a review of top Google search results, including information about leading plastic surgeons and specialized centers. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of the options available and what to expect if you're considering this procedure.
Top Institutions for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
1. Manhattan - Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also globally. He has a remarkable reputation, being listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
- Services Offered: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. This includes removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When necessary, he also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has experience in removing the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Patient Satisfaction: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about their satisfaction with the results. He has performed these surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, always maintaining the highest level of discretion.
- Facility: He has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. However, most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
2. Manhattan - Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
- Services Offered: They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc removal, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. The choice of procedure depends on the patient’s desired post - op result. The center also provides breast implant replacement for patients seeking to achieve their desired chest aesthetic.
- Expertise: The top - rated breast surgery team understands that breast implant technology has advanced over the years, and patient demand has changed. They are well - equipped to handle cases where patients want to remove their implants due to ineffectiveness or other reasons.
- Facility: The surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
3. New York - Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach has significant experience in breast implant removal procedures.
- Services Offered: He performs breast implant removal by making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. In some cases, he may combine the removal with other breast procedures based on the patient's needs.
- Patient Consultation: During the consultation, he will walk through the options and techniques available for the procedure, as well as which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring. He also discusses the benefits and risks of the surgery in detail with the patient.
- Recovery: Patients can expect swelling and bruising around their breasts immediately after the procedure and may be in mild pain. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days, but they should avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
4. New York - Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his aesthetic sense and precision in breast implant removal and replacement surgeries.
- Services Offered: His breast implant removal and replacement services aim to enhance the appearance of breasts by replacing past implants with better - positioned, more appropriately sized, and more natural - looking and - feeling implants. He also offers the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume or performing a breast lift in conjunction with the procedure.
- Approach to Surgery: He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
- Facility: He performs the surgeries in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility offers patients the utmost in medical and plastic - surgical care.
5. New York - New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides effective solutions for breast implant removal.
- Services Offered: They perform a breast explant, which involves removing breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. During the procedure, they also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
- Patient Preparation: Patients are required to avoid certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They should also stop taking blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks before the surgery. Additionally, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and stay with them for at least 24 hours.
- Recovery: The recovery process is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation surgery. Patients can expect three solid days of downtime, with swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
6. Upper East Side - Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC.
- Services Offered: She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She can address a wide range of issues, including aesthetic problems such as implant rupture, leakage, deflation, and capsular contracture, as well as medical issues like BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness (BII). In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.
- Expertise in Special Cases: She is well - versed in handling cases related to the recall of Allergan textured breast implants due to the risk of BIA - ALCL. She can guide patients through the decision - making process and provide the necessary treatment options.
- Patient Experience: Patients have reported an exceptional experience with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere of her clinic is calming, and she makes patients feel comfortable throughout the process.
Cases and Considerations in Breast Prosthesis Removal
Medical Reasons for Removal
There are several medical reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed.
Medical Condition | Explanation | Treatment |
---|---|---|
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) | This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. When left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. 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. In more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary. |
Capsular Contracture | The hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant after it is placed in the body. Normally, this tissue is soft and unnoticeable, but it can become hard and painful, distorting the appearance of the breasts. | The surgeon may perform a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue. In some cases, the implant may also be replaced. |
Implant Rupture or Leakage | For saline implants, a rupture can cause the breast to deflate rapidly as the sterile saline solution leaks out. For silicone implants, leakage may not be as obvious, and an MRI may be required to determine if a rupture has occurred. | The surgeon will remove the ruptured or leaking implant. If desired, a new implant can be inserted at the same time. |
Breast Implant Illness (BII) | Patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. The exact cause is uncertain, but it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. | Removing the implants may help relieve the symptoms, but the results can vary from patient to patient. |
Aesthetic Reasons for Removal
Some women may choose to have their breast implants removed for aesthetic reasons.
- Desire for a More Natural Look: As women age or their lifestyle changes, they may prefer a more natural breast appearance. Removing the implants can help them achieve this.
- Dissatisfaction with the Initial Result: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants after the initial breast augmentation surgery. Removing the implants can be a step towards correcting these issues.
- Changes in Fashion Preferences: Fashion trends may change over time, and some women may no longer feel that their breast implants fit in with their current style.
What to Expect During the Breast Prosthesis Removal Process
Consultation
The first step in the breast prosthesis removal process is a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation:
- The surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts.
- You should discuss your reasons for wanting the implants removed, any symptoms you may be experiencing, and your desired outcome.
- It is helpful to bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery to the appointment.
- The surgeon will explain the different surgical options available and recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your individual circumstances.
Preparation
Once you have decided to proceed with the surgery, you will need to prepare for the procedure.
- Based on various factors, such as your age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery.
- You will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications.
- You may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to your surgery.
- Depending on your history, you may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor.
- You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery.
Surgery
The breast prosthesis removal surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used.
- If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery. However, this may not be possible in all cases, such as with an armpit incision.
- If you have capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or textured breast implants and are experiencing BIA - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. This may involve an en - bloc resection, where the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously.
- 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 your new breasts to speed healing.
- The surgery usually takes between one to three hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged. The recovery process may vary from patient to patient, but generally:
- You may feel tired or sore following surgery, as your 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.
- You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and this numbness typically fades over time. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site.
- Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. However, in some cases, a breast lift may be recommended to achieve a more desirable aesthetic result.
- You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that the surgeon can monitor your healing process. If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following your 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. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several highly reputable institutions and surgeons in New York City for breast prosthesis removal. Whether your reason for removal is medical or aesthetic, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced professional. From well - known surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson to specialized centers like the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, each option offers unique expertise and services. Before making a decision, thoroughly research your options, have an in - depth consultation with your chosen surgeon, and follow all pre - and post - operative instructions carefully. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of a successful breast prosthesis removal and a satisfactory outcome.
If you're considering breast prosthesis removal in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of the institutions mentioned in this article for a consultation. Take the time to ask questions, understand the process, and make an informed decision that's right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast prosthesis removal in the city.