Introduction
Breast implant removal is a significant decision for many women. Whether it's due to dissatisfaction with the current implants, medical complications, or a desire to return to a natural state, finding a reliable hospital and surgeon is crucial. In New York City, there are several renowned facilities that excel in prosthetic breast augmentation removal surgery. This article will introduce the top 5 hospitals in NYC for this procedure, providing detailed information about each, including their services, surgeons, and patient considerations.
1. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
General Information
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, located at 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016, (212) 481 - 0110, is known for its top - rated breast surgery team. The center's board - certified plastic surgeons are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Many women opt for breast implant removal at this center for various reasons. Firstly, implants may need replacement after 10 - 15 years to ensure optimal hardness, texture, and resilience. Secondly, patients may no longer desire implants or be dissatisfied with their current implants' ineffectiveness. As breast implant technology has advanced over the years, patient demands have also changed.
Removal Procedures
- En bloc: In an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. This method ensures the complete removal of the implant and the surrounding tissue that has formed around it.
- Partial capsulectomy: This procedure involves solely removing the breast implant material and trimming or shaping some of the capsule material to create the patient’s desired chest contour.
- Total capsulectomy: A total capsulectomy consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue. The surgeon first removes the breast implants, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue.
Procedure Details
The breast implant removal surgery is performed at the center's state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. It takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia. Patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Consultation
If you have any questions regarding breast implant removal plastic surgery, you can contact the center for a complimentary consultation. You can either call their NYC office or request a consultation online using the e - form on their website.
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
About Dr. Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in NYC. He is at the cutting edge of his field in terms of technique and medical developments. His office environment is comforting, personable, and inviting, and he and his staff truly care about each patient.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Patients choose breast implant removal and sometimes subsequent replacement for different reasons. Some patients are concerned with breast implant illness (BII) and wish to have the implants removed to determine the effect on their health. Others want to change the size, location, or type of implants. For example, they may want to replace saline implants with more natural - feeling, - looking, and - acting silicone gel implants due to the common leakage problem of saline implants and their firmer, unnatural feel.
Procedure Goals
The goal of breast implant removal and replacement is to enhance the appearance of breasts by replacing past implants with better - positioned, more appropriately sized, and more natural - looking and - feeling implants. Dr. Weintraub always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to achieve the most natural result.
Consultation and Preparation
When considering this procedure, patients should check for the surgeon's board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensure the physician has a good standing at a major hospital, and confirm the surgeon's fine reputation among other medical professionals. During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub will explain the procedures in detail and help patients develop a treatment plan. Before the surgery, patients need to provide medical clearance from their family physician, follow pre - surgery instructions, and order a custom - made post - surgical garment. For patients living far from NYC, Dr. Weintraub advises a two - night post - operative stay at a local hotel where his patients can get a special reduced rate.
Procedure and Recovery
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. The surgery is performed in his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility. After the surgery, there may be a short period of minimal swelling and bruising. Patients must follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub for the best results. Most patients can return to work three days after surgery and fully recover with little downtime.
3. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
General Information
Dr. Steven Wallach conveniently serves the areas of New York, NY. His practice offers breast implant removal surgery to patients who want their implants taken out.
Candidates for the Procedure
Good candidates for breast implant removal are healthy individuals who desire implant removal. Candidates with medical issues may need medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those willing to stop smoking before the procedure are also preferred, as they need to stop taking blood - thinning medications prior to surgery.
Benefits of the Procedure
There are both medical and non - medical reasons for breast implant removal. Medically, it may be necessary when an implant ruptures or when a capsular contracture occurs. Capsular contracture is the hardening of scar tissue around an implant, which can be painful and distort the appearance of the breasts. Non - medically, people may choose to remove implants due to a change in their preferences and desired appearance.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Wallach will perform an examination if there are complications like capsular contracture. If the issue is cosmetic, he will discuss other options such as implant replacement or a breast lift. Before the procedure, patients should be familiar with terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. They should also avoid taking certain medications and arrange for a caregiver after the surgery.
Procedure and Recovery
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Wallach will make an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant and remove it. He may also remove the scar capsule surrounding the implant and any leaked silicone gel. After the implants are removed, if replacement is elected, new implants will be inserted. Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising and may be in mild pain. They need a caregiver for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell
About Dr. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon 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. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed surgeries on many celebrities.
Candidates for Breast Implant Removal
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants without wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wanting to return to their natural breast size, and those with textured implants recalled by the FDA and experiencing symptoms of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Consultation and Evaluation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history and assess the current condition of the breasts. Patients should bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's expectations, a proper surgical plan will be created, which may include pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift.
Procedure and Anesthesia
Most patients prefer the procedure to take place in Dr. Antell's discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. If possible, Dr. Antell will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. In cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, en - bloc resection may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant.
Recovery and Results
After the surgery, patients will recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. They should arrange for an escort. The breasts may be covered with a gauze or bandage, and patients may feel tired or sore. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. It may take several months for the final results to be visible, and scars will fade over time.
5. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Services Offered
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides breast implant removal, also known as a breast explant. Their plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are experienced in removing breast implants and cleaning the breast pocket.
Reasons for Breast Explant
Common reasons for a breast explant procedure include removing leaking or ruptured implants, eliminating implants causing pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving the aesthetics and feel of the breasts, and removing capsular contracture.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before the procedure, patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week and blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks. They should arrange for a driver after the procedure and have an examination to determine if their breasts are healthy enough for the explant.
Procedure Steps
The surgeon will administer either local or general anesthesia. After the patient is under anesthesia, the surgical area will be prepared. Incisions will be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The implants will be removed using various methods, and excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples will also be removed. Finally, the incisions will be sealed, and dressings will be applied. The explant surgery usually takes one to three hours.
Recovery
After the procedure, patients will be awakened in the recovery room and may experience some discomfort, which can be relieved with pain medication. They will likely spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. Post - procedure instructions will be provided, including how to wear a compression bra, take antibiotics, and apply a cold compress. Recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation, with most patients able to return to light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
| Hospital/Doctor | Location | Services | Special Procedures | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016 | En bloc, partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy | Advanced breast implant removal techniques | Swelling and tenderness subside in 6 - 8 weeks |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | 800a Fifth Avenue | Breast implant removal and replacement | Implants placed under pectoralis - major muscle | Most return to work in 3 days, little downtime |
| Steven Wallach MD, FACS | Serves New York, NY | Breast implant removal and possible replacement | Removal of ruptured implant filler and scar tissue | Return to light activity in 3 - 5 days, avoid heavy lifting for 6 - 8 weeks |
| Dr. Darrick Antell | Across from Lenox Hill Hospital | Custom breast implant removal, en - bloc capsulectomy | Removal of recalled textured implants, associated with low - risk surgery due to experience | Return to most daily activities within days, refrain from vigorous exercise for 2 weeks |
| New York Group for Plastic Surgery | Serves NYC and surrounding areas | Breast explant, removal of silicone and scar tissue | Cleaning of breast pocket during explant | Return to light activities in 1 week, more vigorous in 6 weeks |
Conclusion
In conclusion, these top 5 hospitals and surgeons in New York City offer high - quality prosthetic breast augmentation removal surgery. Each has its own unique features, experienced surgeons, and specific procedures to meet the diverse needs of patients. When considering breast implant removal, patients should carefully evaluate their own situation, including reasons for removal, desired outcomes, and personal health conditions. They should also take the time to research and consult with these professionals to make an informed decision.
If you're interested in learning more about breast implant removal or are considering this procedure, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top - rated facilities. You can schedule a consultation, ask questions, and discuss your options with the experts. Share this article with others who may be in a similar situation to help them make the right choice for their health and well - being.
