Revealing the Top 10 Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City in 2025
Breast implant removal is a decision that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons, such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or changes in lifestyle. Finding the right plastic surgery hospital and surgeon is crucial to ensure a safe and successful procedure. In this article, we will explore the top 10 plastic surgery hospitals in New York City that are well - known for breast implant removal.
1. Practices Associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Overview
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also worldwide. He specializes in custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. Dr. Antell has an impeccable reputation, with many of his patients being referred by former patients. He has even performed surgeries on celebrities and well - known individuals.
Services Offered
- Custom breast implant removal: He removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body.
- En bloc capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of recalled implants: He also handles the removal of allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Patient Experience
Patients can expect a thorough consultation where Dr. Antell evaluates their general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. The surgery can be performed in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. After the procedure, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite with the support of registered nurses.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Overview
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services. Their plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are well - versed in handling breast explant procedures.
Services Offered
- Breast explant: This involves removing breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules. The surgeons also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
- Addressing various issues: They can handle cases where implants are leaking silicone gel, have ruptured, or are causing pain and other complications.
Pre - and Post - operative Care
Before the procedure, patients are advised to avoid certain medications and arrange for transportation and someone to stay with them after the surgery. During the procedure, either local or general anesthesia may be used. After the surgery, patients are provided with post - procedure instructions on pain management, wearing a compression bra, and caring for the incision sites.
3. Practices of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Overview
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal.
Services Offered
- Aesthetic issues: She can address problems such as breast implant palpability, rupture, leakage, deflation, and malposition. She also handles cases of capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, and unsightly scars.
- Medical issues: Dr. Hutchinson deals with medical concerns related to breast implants, including severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness (BII).
Patient Feedback
Patients have reported an exceptional experience with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere is calming, and the results are often amazing, according to patient testimonials.
4. Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Overview
Columbia University's plastic surgery division is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center. The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast - related procedures.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive care: They offer both cosmetic and reconstructive care related to the breasts. In the context of breast implant removal, they can also provide options for breast reconstruction if needed after the removal.
- Research - based approach: The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, which means patients can benefit from the latest advancements in breast implant removal techniques.
Available Surgeons
The division has a team of board - certified surgeons such as Christine Rohde, MD; Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD; and others. Each surgeon has their own areas of expertise and can provide personalized care for breast implant removal.
5. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Overview
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City, under the guidance of Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. Dr. Zuckerman understands that the decision to undergo these procedures is personal and tailors his approach to meet the patients' needs.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal: For various reasons such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or aging implants.
- Breast implant exchange: Allows patients to adjust the size or type of their implants if they don't want to remove them entirely.
Recovery and Patient Support
Post - operative care is emphasized, with patients provided with medication for discomfort, a support bra, and instructions to avoid strenuous activities. Dr. Zuckerman and his team guide patients through every step of the process.
6. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Overview
Dr. Barry Weintraub is well - known for his work in breast implant removal and replacement. He combines medical science and an artistic touch to achieve the best results for his patients.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal: He can address various reasons for removal, including concerns about breast implant illness and issues with existing implants.
- Breast implant replacement: Dr. Weintraub can replace the removed implants with better - positioned, appropriately sized, and more natural - looking implants. He also offers options like using autologous fat to replace lost volume.
Unique Approach
Dr. Weintraub prefers to perform surgeries in a private, hospital - grade surgical center attached to his office. He is meticulous about every aspect of the surgery, from pre - op to post - op care.
7. Dr. Ernest S. Chiu's Practice
Overview
Dr. Ernest S. Chiu is a plastic surgeon in New York with over 20 years of experience. He is well - versed in general plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, which may also be relevant in complex breast implant removal cases.
Relevance to Breast Implant Removal
His broad range of skills and experience can be an asset when dealing with any complications or special requirements during breast implant removal. He can offer a comprehensive approach to patient care.
8. Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue's Practice
Overview
Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue is a plastic surgeon affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell. He has experience in burn, plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and general plastic surgery.
Expertise in Breast - related Procedures
His knowledge of breast reconstruction and microsurgery can be beneficial in breast implant removal cases, especially when dealing with complex anatomical situations or when additional reconstruction may be needed after the removal.
9. Dr. David L. Abramson's Practice
Overview
Dr. David L. Abramson is a plastic surgeon affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health. He has over 20 years of experience in aesthetic / cosmetic plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Role in Breast Implant Removal
His experience in breast - related cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries gives him the ability to handle breast implant removal with a focus on achieving aesthetically pleasing results. He can also offer guidance on post - removal reconstruction if necessary.
10. Dr. Sherrell J. Aston's Practice
Overview
Dr. Sherrell J. Aston is a plastic surgeon affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health. He has more than 20 years of experience in general plastic surgery, which includes expertise in breast - related procedures.
Approach to Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Aston can provide a well - rounded approach to breast implant removal, considering both the physical and aesthetic aspects of the procedure. His long - standing experience in the field gives patients confidence in his abilities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Surgeon's Experience and Reputation
The experience of the plastic surgeon is of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who have a long - standing history of performing breast implant removal surgeries. Check their credentials, including board certification, and read patient testimonials to gauge their reputation. For example, surgeons like Dr. Darrick E. Antell and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson have been recognized for their exceptional work in the field.
Hospital Facilities and Safety Standards
The facilities of the hospital or surgical center where the procedure will be performed should meet high - safety standards. State - of - the - art equipment and a clean, sterile environment are essential. Hospitals like Columbia University's plastic surgery division have a reputation for providing top - notch facilities for plastic surgery procedures.
Range of Services Offered
Consider hospitals that offer a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant removal. This may include options for breast reconstruction after removal, handling of complications, and dealing with different types of implants (silicone or saline). For instance, Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice offers breast implant replacement along with removal, giving patients more choices.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Breast implant removal costs can vary widely. It's important to get a clear understanding of the total cost, including surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance, but in some situations such as medical necessity after a mastectomy, insurance may cover the costs. Consult with the hospital's billing department to understand your financial responsibilities.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Health - Related Reasons
- Implant rupture or leakage: Silicone or saline implants can rupture over time, leading to health concerns. For example, silicone implant rupture may cause local pain, swelling, or migration of silicone into surrounding tissues.
- Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma associated with certain types of textured breast implants. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a mass around the breast. If diagnosed, the implants usually need to be removed.
- Breast implant illness (BII): Some patients may experience a range of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, and migraines after breast augmentation. While the exact cause of BII is unknown, it is believed to be related to the body's reaction to the implants.
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and contracts, causing pain, distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort.
Cosmetic Reasons
- Changes in personal taste: Over time, a patient's aesthetic preferences may change. She may want a different breast size or shape, or may no longer desire to have implants at all.
- Implant aging: As breast implants age, they may change in appearance or feel. For example, they may become more palpable or visible, leading to an unnatural look.
- Unsatisfactory results from previous surgery: If the initial breast augmentation did not achieve the desired results, such as uneven breasts or improper placement of the implants, the patient may choose to have them removed.
What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Process
Consultation
During the consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history. They will also assess the current condition of your breasts, including the type of implants, their placement, and any signs of complications. It's important to be open and honest about your concerns and desired outcome. Bring any relevant information about your previous breast augmentation surgery, such as the type of implants used and the surgical technique.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on the surgeon's recommendations, you may need to undergo certain tests, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues. You will also be given instructions on medications to avoid before the surgery, such as blood - thinners and anti - inflammatory drugs. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to assist you during the initial days of recovery.
Surgery
The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision, usually in the same location as the original breast augmentation incision when possible. They will then remove the implants and, if necessary, the surrounding scar tissue. In some cases, an en - bloc resection may be performed to remove the implant and the entire capsule as a single unit.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in a post - operative care area. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed medications. You will be advised to wear a support bra and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, but full recovery may take up to six weeks or more, depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right plastic surgery hospital for breast implant removal in New York City is a crucial decision. The top 10 hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article have a proven track record of providing high - quality care, safety, and excellent results. Consider the factors such as surgeon experience, hospital facilities, range of services, and cost when making your decision. Remember to have an open and honest conversation with your chosen surgeon during the consultation to ensure that you understand the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of these top - rated facilities to learn more about your options.
