Introduction
The decision to remove breast augmentation prostheses is a significant one that many women in New York City may face. Whether it's due to health concerns, aesthetic preferences, or other reasons, finding a reliable and experienced medical facility for the procedure is crucial. In this article, we'll explore some of the top - notch options in New York City for breast implant removal, backed by insights from top Google search results.
Why Women Choose to Remove Breast Implants
There are several reasons why women might opt to have their breast implants removed:
- Health - related Issues:
- Implant Rupture: Saline implants may deflate rapidly if they rupture, while silicone implants can have more subtle signs, sometimes requiring an MRI for detection. For example, a saline implant rupture leads to an immediate decrease in breast size as the sterile saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the body (Steven Wallach MD website).
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distort the appearance of the breasts. The rate of capsular contracture is relatively small, about 3 - 4%, but it increases gradually over the years (Steven Wallach MD website).
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare form of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It's primarily associated with certain textured breast implants, leading to the recall of some products by the FDA. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a change in breast size or shape (Darrick Antell's page).
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, etc. It's believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems (Olivia Hutchinson's page).
- Aesthetic Preferences:
- Some women may no longer like the size, shape, or feel of their implants. As personal taste and body image change over time, they may want to return to their natural breast size or change the type of implant (Zuckerman Plastic Surgery website).
- Unsightly scars, implant malposition (like the “double bubble” appearance or “symmastia”), or asymmetry can also prompt the decision to remove implants (Olivia Hutchinson's page).
- Aging Implants: Breast implants generally have a lifespan of about 10 - 15 years. Over time, they may degrade, shift, or develop other mechanical issues, making removal or replacement necessary (William Samson MD website).
Top Plastic Surgeons and Their Facilities in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both 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. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He also removes allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
Facility: He has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. 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.
Patient Experience: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. He is known for his exceptional surgical results and total discretion.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The top - rated breast surgery team at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC (Manhattan, NY) is highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques. The board - certified plastic surgeons routinely perform breast implant removal surgery at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite.
Procedures Offered:
- En Bloc: The plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure.
- Partial Capsulectomy: Involves removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour.
- Total Capsulectomy: Removes the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
Recovery: The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery 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.
Consultation and Patient Guidance: During the consultation, he walks patients 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 answers patients' questions about various aspects of the surgery, such as risks, recovery, and cost.
Cost and Risks: The cost of the procedure may increase if breast implant replacement, a lift, or a more complex procedure is required. The main risks of breast implant removal surgery include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman (Zuckerman Plastic Surgery)
Dr. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients. He understands that the decision to undergo these procedures is deeply personal.
Procedures and Approach: Breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. He is meticulous in employing techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. The complexity and duration of the procedure vary depending on whether a simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange is being done.
Recovery and Care: Post - operative care is crucial. Patients need to manage discomfort with prescribed medication, wear a support bra, and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. They typically return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she evaluates patients with breast implant - related concerns and performs breast implant removal.
Reasons for Removal: She addresses various reasons for breast implant removal, including aesthetic issues (such as palpable or visible implants, rupture, malposition) and medical issues (severe capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, BII). She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals.
Patient Testimonials: Many patients have had positive experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff, praising the calming atmosphere, cleanliness of the facility, and the amazing results of the surgery.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Weintraub performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries. He focuses on enhancing the appearance of breasts by replacing past implants with better - positioned, more appropriately sized, or more natural - looking and - feeling implants.
Surgical Approach: He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision and care.
Facility: Although he has privileges at several hospitals, he prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.
Dr. William Samson
Dr. Samson in New York City strives to provide his patients with the best, most natural - looking results from their breast implant removal. He has extensive experience in breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery.
Benefits of Removal: His patients have reported benefits such as boosted confidence, decreased neck or back pain, elimination of the risk of rare cancers like BIA - ALCL, easier mammograms, and reduced pain from capsular contracture.
Procedure Process: On the day of surgery, the patient is given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Incisions are made either underneath the lower fold of the breast or around or below the areola, and the breast capsules and implants are removed. The incisions are then closed using sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in New York City
The cost of breast implant removal and replacement in New York City can vary depending on several factors. The average cash price for breast implant removal and replacement care in New York is $9,455 at a surgery center versus $16,596 at an outpatient hospital (Sidecar Health website).
A breakdown of a common breast implant removal and replacement at a surgery center and an outpatient hospital is as follows:
Component | Units | Avg Cash Price (Surgery Center) | Avg Cash Price (Outpatient Hospital) |
---|---|---|---|
General Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First time visit) | 1 | $144 | $144 |
Provider Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis (Standard, Bilateral procedure) | 1 | $2,162 | $2,162 |
Provider Fee for Breast Implant Removal (Standard, Bilateral procedure) | 1 | $1,128 | $1,128 |
Facility - Surgery Center Fee for Breast Implant Removal (Standard, Standard) | 1 | $1,613 | - |
Facility - Surgery Center Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis (Standard, Standard) | 1 | $3,162 | - |
Facility - Outpatient Hospital Fee for Breast Implant Removal (Level 1, Standard) | 1 | - | $4,367 |
Facility - Outpatient Hospital Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis (Level 2, Standard) | 1 | - | $7,550 |
Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen (Standard, Standard) | 30 | $18 | $18 |
Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put under" for Procedure (Level 3, Standard) | 1 | $232 | $232 |
Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put under" for Procedure (Per minute, Standard) | 431 | $994 | $994 |
Total Average Cash Price | - | $9,454.51 | $16,596.28 |
What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Process
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. If you're removing the implants due to medical complications, it's important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. You should bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will also go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery in detail, and work with you to create a proper surgical plan based on your desired outcome. In some cases, they may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Preparation
Based on factors like age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. You'll be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may be given prescriptions to fill before the surgery, and depending on your history, you may need pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is often performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and have someone to assist you in the first few days of recovery.
The Surgery
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. The surgeon will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, if possible. If there are issues like capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or 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's called en - bloc resection. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions, and a layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to speed healing.
Recovery
After the surgery, you'll recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you're well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Since it's an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day. You may feel tired or sore, and your breasts may be covered with gauze or a bandage. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and there may be some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but it's best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your procedure and healing rate. It's important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully. 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, and your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several highly qualified plastic surgeons and well - equipped facilities for breast implant removal. Women have various reasons for choosing to remove their breast implants, including health concerns and aesthetic preferences. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on the facility and whether additional procedures are required. The breast implant removal process involves a thorough consultation, proper preparation, a surgical procedure, and a recovery period. Each step is crucial for a successful outcome.
If you're considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the surgeons mentioned in this article, and make an informed decision. You can also reach out to these facilities to learn more