Selection of the Top Five Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City in 2025

For women in New York City who have undergone breast augmentation surgery and are considering removing their breast implants, choosing the right hospital is crucial. This article will introduce some of the top hospitals based on various factors such as the expertise of plastic surgeons, available procedures, and patient reviews, aiming to help you make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal

1. Surgeon's Expertise: The experience and skill of the plastic surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for board - certified surgeons with a long - standing record of performing breast implant removal surgeries. Their knowledge of different implant types and removal techniques can greatly impact the outcome of the procedure.
2. Available Procedures: Different patients may require different types of breast implant removal procedures. Hospitals should offer a range of options such as en bloc removal, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy to meet the specific needs of each patient.
3. Patient Reviews and Reputation: Online reviews and word - of - mouth recommendations can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction at a particular hospital. Positive reviews often indicate a high - standard of service, skilled medical staff, and good post - operative results.
4. Facility and Equipment: State - of - the - art facilities and advanced equipment contribute to the safety and success of the surgery. Well - equipped operating rooms and proper recovery areas are essential for a smooth surgical experience.
5. Cost and Insurance Coverage: Breast implant removal costs can vary widely depending on the hospital, procedure, and surgeon. It's important to understand the total cost and check if your insurance covers any part of the procedure.

Top Five Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

1. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan is renowned for its top - rated breast surgery team. Their board - certified plastic surgeons are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. Most plastic surgeons at this center recommend breast augmentation patients to replace their breast implants every 10 - 15 years, and they are well - equipped to handle both replacement and removal procedures.

Available Procedures: They offer three main types of breast implant removal procedures:

• En bloc: The plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure.
• Partial capsulectomy: This involves removing the breast implant material and trimming/ shaping some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour.
• Total capsulectomy: It consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.

Facility: The surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited 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.

Contact Information:

• Address: 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016
• Phone: (212) 481 - 0110

2. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of patients. He is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who understands the importance of minimizing scarring and optimizing recovery.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal:

• Health Concerns: Issues such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII) can necessitate removal.
• Cosmetic Preferences: Changes in personal taste or body image may lead a patient to seek a different size or type of implant, or to remove them altogether.
• Aging Implants: Over time, breast implants may require replacement or removal as they can degrade or shift.

Procedures: The removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Implant exchange is also available for those looking to alter the size or type of their implants.

Recovery: Post - operative care is crucial, and patients typically return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.

Contact Information: Contact them to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.

3. Practice of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, especially on the Upper East Side. With over 20 years of experience, she is well - versed in evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal.

Reasons for Removal:

There are both aesthetic and medical reasons for breast implant removal.

Approach: Dr. Hutchinson will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Contact Information: Call (212) 452 - 1400 to book a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson.

4. Practice of Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and also handles the removal of allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.

Candidate Assessment: 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, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation, and those with recalled textured implants and symptoms of BIA - ALCL.

Procedure Details: The surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. Dr. Antell will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery when possible. If needed, he will perform an en - bloc resection to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant.

Recovery: After the surgery, patients recover in his 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 as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.

Contact Information: Call the office at (212) - 988 - 4040 to schedule a consultation.

5. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal (breast explant) procedures. Patients can be treated by either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs.

Reasons for Explant: Common reasons include removing leaking or ruptured implants, addressing pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving the aesthetics and feel of the breasts, and removing capsular contracture.

Procedure Process:

1. Pre - operative Preparation: Patients should avoid taking certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They should also avoid blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks. An examination is required to determine breast health.
2. Anesthesia: Surgeons may administer either local or general anesthesia, and the surgical team will continuously monitor vital signs.
3. Procedure Steps: After skin preparation, incisions are made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The implants are then removed, followed by the removal of any excess skin or scar tissue. Finally, the incisions are sealed.

Recovery: Patients spend about an hour in the recovery room and then return home. They are provided with post - procedure instructions, and recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation, with most patients able to resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

Contact Information: Call 888 - 664 - 8381 (New York City) or 914 - 366 - 6139 (Tarrytown) to request a consultation.

Understanding Breast Implant - Related Conditions

Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)

BIA - ALCL is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Although it is a rare condition, a link between certain types of textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL has been found, leading to the FDA recall of these specific textured breast implants.

Symptoms: Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and some patients may notice a difference in the size or shape of their breasts. An MRI can check for fluid around the implant or a mass in the capsule.

Treatment: Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue. In more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast implant illness refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints.

Cause: It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems and is also referred to as “autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA).” Studies indicate that it may develop primarily in patients who have autoimmune problems, a hyperactive immune system, or allergy issues.

Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

1. Consultation: During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. It is important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, bring information about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery, and have an open and honest conversation about your desired outcome.
2. Medical Evaluation: Based on factors such as age and implant condition, you may be sent for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure.
3. Medication and Lifestyle Changes: You will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Stop taking medications that may interfere with the procedure as advised by your doctor.
4. Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

The recovery process after breast implant removal varies from patient to patient, but there are some general guidelines.

• Immediate Post - operative: After the surgery, you will recover in a monitored area until you are well enough to be discharged. You may feel tired or sore, and pain relief medication will be provided.
• First Few Weeks: Expect swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity. Most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Follow all post - operative instructions carefully, such as wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, and applying cold compresses to the surgical site.
• Long - term Recovery: It may take several months before the final results are visible. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.

Conclusion

Selecting the right hospital for breast implant removal in New York City is a significant decision that can greatly impact your surgical experience and outcome. The top five hospitals mentioned in this article - Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, the practice of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, the practice of Dr. Darrick Antell, and the New York Group for Plastic Surgery - all offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a range of procedures to meet different patient needs. Whether you are considering removal due to health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or other reasons, it is essential to do your research, have in - depth consultations with the surgeons, and make an informed choice.

If you are thinking about breast implant removal, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals to schedule a consultation. Learn more about the procedures, meet the surgeons, and get a better understanding of what to expect during and after the surgery. This way, you can take the first step towards achieving your desired results and regaining your confidence.