Introduction
Breast augmentation is a well - known cosmetic procedure that has allowed countless women to enhance their physical appearance and boost their confidence. However, there are numerous reasons why individuals may decide to remove their breast implants. In New York City, there are several reputable plastic surgery hospitals and surgeons offering high - quality services for prosthetic breast augmentation removal. This article will comprehensively explore the process of breast implant removal in New York City, including what it entails, reasons for the procedure, surgical techniques, recovery, and considerations when choosing a plastic surgeon.
What is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also referred to as breast explant surgery, is a cosmetic procedure performed to take out breast implants placed during a previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery. It may also involve the removal of some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. Some surgeons like those at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery will also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean the breast pocket during the procedure.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why a patient might consider breast implant removal in New York City:
Medical Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. A saline implant rupture will result in the leakage of salt - water solution into the body, which is harmless and will be absorbed naturally. However, it can cause the breast to deflate. Silicone implant rupture is more complex as the silicone gel may leak within the breast or migrate to other areas of the body. This can lead to pain, swelling, and changes in breast shape.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant tightens. It can cause the breast to feel firm, look distorted, and may be painful. The severity of capsular contracture can range from mild to severe.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although rare, BIA - ALCL is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can develop in the scar tissue around breast implants. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and fluid collection around the implant. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to an increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a cluster of symptoms that some women experience after breast augmentation. Symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and skin rashes. While the exact cause of BII is not fully understood, some women find relief after having their implants removed.
Cosmetic Reasons
- Change in Preference: Over time, a patient's aesthetic preferences may change. They may no longer desire the size or shape of their current implants and wish to return to a more natural look or opt for a different implant size or type.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Some patients may be unhappy with the outcome of their initial breast augmentation, such as unevenness, unnatural appearance, or incorrect implant placement.
Lifestyle Reasons
- Discomfort or Limitations: Larger implants can cause discomfort, especially for active individuals. It may be difficult to participate in certain sports or physical activities. Also, the weight of the implants can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain.
- Aging: As the body ages, the natural breast tissue changes. The implants may no longer fit well with the new body shape, or the patient may want a more age - appropriate appearance.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Preparing for breast implant removal is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Here are some important aspects to consider:
Medical Consultation
Before the surgery, patients need to have a detailed consultation with their plastic surgeon. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell at Antell - MD will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. If the patient is considering implant removal due to medical complications, they should discuss all symptoms with the surgeon. It is also helpful to bring any information about the existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery.
Medication and Lifestyle Changes
Certain medications can interfere with the surgical procedure and increase the risk of bleeding. Patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications such as coumadin and heparin should be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery. However, patients should inform their prescribing physician about their plans to undergo breast implant removal so that they can receive appropriate guidance on when to stop taking these medications.
Arrangements for Recovery
Since the surgery is typically performed under anesthesia, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and stay with them for at least 24 hours. Patients should also plan for a period of rest and recovery at home, which may involve taking time off work and avoiding strenuous activities.
Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City
New York City is home to many renowned plastic surgery hospitals and highly skilled surgeons who offer breast implant removal services:
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
This group provides patients with solid information before any procedure so that they can make educated choices about their bodies. Surgeons such as Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs perform breast implant removal surgeries, including removing silicone from the implant shell and cleaning the breast pocket. They will discuss the procedure details, risks, and recovery process with the patients.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Located on Park Avenue, Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides personalized breast enhancement services tailored to each patient's individual goals. He will conduct a confidential consultation, create an individualized treatment plan, and walk the patient through the surgery and recovery process.
Antell - MD
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons. He performs custom breast implant removal surgeries, including en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. His office is located near Lenox Hill Hospital, and he offers a state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Weintraub is known for his sophisticated aesthetic and attention to detail. He performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries in his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility. He believes in providing a comfortable and personalized experience for his patients and has a high success rate in delivering long - lasting aesthetic improvements.
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients. He is meticulous in employing techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. His team provides comprehensive support throughout the process.
740 Park Plastic Surgery
Under the leadership of board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stafford Broumand, this clinic provides compassionate care and exceptional results for breast implant removal. Dr. Broumand tailors the procedure to each patient's specific needs and goals, and offers personalized pre - operative and post - operative instructions.
Albert Plastic Surgery
Dr. Mark G. Albert uses the latest surgical techniques and cutting - edge technology to perform breast implant removal surgeries. He is able to create naturalistic and incredible results, and is committed to ensuring that patients have a smooth recovery process. He also offers detailed aftercare instructions and schedules follow - up appointments.
Dr. Reinblatt
Dr. Maura Reinblatt, a board - certified plastic surgeon, offers breast implant removal surgeries in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She has extensive experience in addressing various reasons for breast implant removal and offers advanced techniques such as en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy. Her personalized approach to patient care has earned her a reputation for excellence.
Breast Implant Removal Procedures
The actual breast implant removal procedure involves several steps:
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used depends on various factors such as the patient's overall health, personal desires, and the location and size of the breast implants. It can be local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is often used for removing smaller breast implants placed over the chest muscle, while general anesthesia is more common for implants beneath the chest muscle or larger implants. With general anesthesia, the patient will be completely unconscious during the entire procedure, and a board - certified anesthesiologist will continuously monitor the patient's vital signs.
Skin Preparation
Once the patient is under the effects of anesthesia, the surgeon will prepare the surgical area. The area around the breasts will be cleaned with antibacterial soap to prevent infection, and all the necessary surgical equipment will be prepared and made ready.
Placement of Incisions
The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The surgeon will try to reuse the original incision sites from the initial breast augmentation to minimize additional scarring. In some cases, new incisions may be necessary. During the process, any accumulated fluid in the area will be drained.
Removal of Implants
Surgeons may use different methods to remove the implants. These can include prying out the implants from beneath the breast tissue, cutting through the implant shell if it is stuck to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the breast implant to pull it out slowly. In cases where there is significant scar tissue or the patient has capsular contracture, the surgeon may perform a capsulectomy to remove the entire capsule along with the implant. En bloc capsulectomy, which involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue in one piece, is sometimes recommended for patients with specific medical concerns such as BIA - ALCL or BII.
Scar Tissue Removal
After the implants are removed, the surgeon will also remove any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples. The area will then be cauterized to stop bleeding. The surgeon will then reconstruct the area to give the breasts a more natural appearance.
Sealing of Incisions
The final step is to re - attach the skin, stitch the incisions, and apply dressings to prevent infection. The length of the surgery can vary from one to three hours, depending on the extent of the work, including the removal of scar tissue and area reconstruction.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast implant removal is an important phase:
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, the patient will be awakened from anesthesia and taken to a recovery room. As the sensation returns to the area, some discomfort may be experienced. Pain relief medication will be provided in the recovery area. The patient will usually spend about an hour in the recovery room before being allowed to return home. They will receive post - operative instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites, including information on wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, and applying a cold compress to the surgical site.
Short - term Recovery
Most patients will experience some swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks. The first three days are usually the most difficult, with the most significant downtime. By the first few days after the procedure, these post - operative effects should have diminished enough to allow the patient to return to most routine activities without serious discomfort. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to prevent complications and promote proper healing.
Long - term Recovery
It may take several months for the final results to be visible. The breasts may appear somewhat deflated after the implant removal, but cosmetic procedures such as a breast lift may be available to address this issue. Patients may also experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. The scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City varies widely depending on several factors:
- Operating Facility Costs: The cost of using the surgical facility, including equipment, staff, and overhead expenses.
- Surgeon's Fee: The fee charged by the plastic surgeon for performing the procedure, which can vary based on the surgeon's experience, reputation, and skill level.
- Post - care Essentials: This includes follow - up appointments, medications, and compression garments.
- Tests Used: Such as imaging tests (ultrasound, mammogram, MRI) that may be required before the surgery.
- Prescription Medication Cost: Painkillers, antibiotics, and other medications prescribed for the recovery period.
In most cases, breast implant removal for cosmetic reasons is not covered by health insurance. However, if there are medical reasons such as complications or implant rupture, insurance coverage may apply. It is essential to check with the insurance provider beforehand. To determine the exact cost, patients should schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel better after breast implant removal?
Many patients find that their symptoms, such as those associated with BII or capsular contracture, are reduced after the breast implant removal procedure. However, it is an individual matter. The surgeon can inform the patient of what to expect after the procedure during the consultation.
How painful is breast explant surgery?
There is no pain during the surgery as the patient will be under anesthesia. After the surgery, some discomfort is normal, but it can be managed with pain relief medication. The level of pain can vary from person to person.
Will the original incision sites from my breast implant procedure be reused for my explant procedure?
The surgeon will try to reuse the old incisions to minimize scarring. However, in some cases, new incisions may be necessary. The surgeon will inform the patient about the planned incision locations before the procedure.
How long will I need to wait before undergoing a breast explant procedure?
It can take some time for a patient to develop dissatisfaction with the results of their breast implant procedure. Since it takes time for breast tissue to settle and swelling and bruising to resolve, most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months before committing to a revision procedure for cosmetic reasons.
What happens to your breasts when you remove implants?
The removal of implants usually results in a reduced volume of the breasts, and the area may look somewhat deflated. The outcome depends on factors such as the size of the original implants, changes to the body, and how long the implants have been in place. Cosmetic procedures are available to address these post - procedure issues.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that many women in New York City may consider for various medical, cosmetic, or lifestyle reasons. With the presence of highly skilled plastic surgeons and state - of - the - art facilities in the city, patients have access to high - quality services and personalized care. It is crucial for patients to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, including the reasons, preparation, surgical process, recovery, and cost. By choosing a reputable plastic surgeon and following the post - operative instructions carefully, patients can achieve a satisfactory outcome and restore their confidence. If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further.
