Introduction

Silicone breast implant removal has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. Whether it's due to medical complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or simply a change in personal preferences, many women are looking for reliable hospitals and surgeons to perform this delicate operation. In this article, we will share a comprehensive ranking list of hospitals for silicone breast implant removal in New York City, along with detailed information about the procedure, candidates, risks, and more.

Why Do Women Opt for Silicone Breast Implant Removal?

Medical Reasons

• Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. For silicone implants, a rupture may not be as obvious as with saline implants, as the silicone gel may stay within the breast pocket or seep into the surrounding tissue. In some cases, an MRI may be required to detect a silicone implant rupture (Steven Wallach MD, FACS). The leaked silicone can cause local inflammation and changes in the appearance and feel of the breast.
• Capsular Contracture: This is a common complication where the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant hardens. As the capsule tightens, it can cause pain, distort the shape of the breast, and make the breast feel firm or hard. The rate of capsular contracture is about 3 - 4% and increases gradually over the years (Steven Wallach MD, FACS).
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is often associated with textured breast implants, and symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a change in the size or shape of the breast. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue (Manhattan Implant Removal).
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Although not yet fully understood, some women with breast implants report a range of symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, joint pain, and headaches. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems (Olivia Hutchinson, MD).

Non - Medical Reasons

• Change in Aesthetic Preferences: Over time, a woman's idea of an ideal breast appearance may change. She may want to return to her natural breast size or explore other breast enhancement options without the implants.
• Lifestyle Changes: Some women may find that the implants are no longer suitable for their active lifestyle or daily activities.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Dr. Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Dr. Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York. He has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery. During the procedure, he usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach, which may be along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. Dr. Wallach provides a comprehensive service, from consultation to post - operative care. The cost of the procedure may increase if breast implant replacement or a more complex procedure like a lift is required (Steven Wallach MD, FACS).

Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and is also skilled in en bloc capsulectomy, which involves removing the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has removed the recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with BIA - ALCL. His patients often come from referrals, and he has an excellent reputation for his surgical skills and beautiful results. The surgery is usually performed in his private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital, and he provides detailed pre - operative and post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery (Manhattan Implant Removal).

Dr. Daniel Maman

Dr. Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. His breast implant revision surgeries often involve the removal of original implants. He offers a 90 - minute consultation that includes a thorough review of the patient's medical history, an in - depth physical assessment, and a comprehensive operative plan. Dr. Maman performs surgeries at an in - office, AAAASF - certified facility or an outpatient ambulatory surgery center, and he provides luxurious recovery options for his patients (Best Breast Implant Revision Surgeon in NYC).

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, Dr. Hutchinson has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She can address various implant - related issues, both aesthetic and medical, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and BIA - ALCL. She will advise patients on the best surgical options and may recommend a secondary procedure like a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results (Breast Implant Removal Upper East Side).

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Consultation

The consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant removal process. Surgeons will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. They will also discuss the patient's reasons for implant removal and any desired outcomes. For example, if the patient is experiencing medical complications, the surgeon will examine the breasts and may order additional tests such as an MRI or ultrasound. If the reason is cosmetic, the surgeon may discuss options for breast implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures (Steven Wallach MD, FACS; Manhattan Implant Removal).

Preparation

Patients need to make some preparations before the surgery. They should be familiar with important terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis (sagging of the breasts), deflation (for saline implants), capsulectomy (removal of the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue), and explantation (removal of the implants). In addition, patients are usually advised to stop smoking and taking blood - thinning medications before the surgery. Some surgeons may also send patients for imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI (Steven Wallach MD, FACS; Manhattan Implant Removal).

Surgery

The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision to access the breast pocket and implant. They will then remove the implant and may also remove the scar capsule surrounding it. In the case of a silicone implant rupture, the surgeon will take extra care to remove any leaked silicone gel. If the patient has elected to get new implants, the surgeon will insert them according to the surgical plan and then close the incisions (Steven Wallach MD, FACS; Manhattan Implant Removal).

Recovery

After the surgery, patients will experience swelling and bruising around the breasts and may have mild pain. They will need a caregiver to drive them home and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days, but they should avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks. Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is normal, and this numbness usually fades over time. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally (Steven Wallach MD, FACS; Manhattan Implant Removal).

Risks and Complications of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

• Unfavorable Scarring: The incisions made during the surgery can leave scars. The appearance of the scars can vary depending on factors such as the patient's skin type and the surgeon's technique.
• Asymmetry: There is a risk of the breasts being asymmetrical after the implant removal, which may require further corrective surgery.
• Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Surgeons usually prescribe antibiotics to reduce this risk, but patients still need to follow proper post - operative wound care.
• Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. In some cases, it may require additional treatment to stop the bleeding.
• Nipple Loss: Although rare, there is a small risk of nipple loss during the surgery, especially if there are complications during the removal of the implant and the surrounding tissue.
• Skin Loss: Skin loss can happen due to poor blood supply to the area after the surgery, which may require further treatment such as skin grafting.
• Fat Necrosis: This is a condition where the fat cells in the breast die. It can cause lumps in the breast and may require further evaluation.
• Fluid Collections: Fluid may accumulate in the breast area after the surgery, which may need to be drained.
• Dysesthesias: Abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the breast area can occur and may persist for a long time.
• Need for Revision Surgery: In some cases, patients may need revision surgery to correct any complications or achieve the desired aesthetic results.

Cost of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

The cost of silicone breast implant removal can vary depending on several factors. These include the complexity of the procedure, whether implant replacement or a secondary procedure like a breast lift is required, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the location of the hospital or surgical facility. For example, the fee for breast implant removal may start at $5000 according to Steven Wallach MD, FACS, but it can increase significantly if additional procedures are involved. It is important for patients to have a detailed discussion with their surgeon about the cost during the consultation (Steven Wallach MD, FACS).

How to Choose the Right Hospital and Surgeon

Credentials and Experience

Look for a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that the surgeon has completed the necessary training and meets the high standards set by the medical community. Check the surgeon's experience in breast implant removal surgeries, including the number of procedures they have performed and their success rate. Surgeons with more experience are generally more likely to handle any complications that may arise during the surgery (Best Breast Implant Revision Surgeon in NYC; Manhattan Implant Removal).

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences with the surgeon and the hospital. Positive reviews can give you confidence in the quality of care, while negative reviews may highlight potential issues to be aware of. However, it's important to read a large number of reviews to get a balanced perspective.

Before - and - After Photos

Ask to see before - and - after photos of the surgeon's previous breast implant removal patients. This can help you assess the surgeon's aesthetic skills and the results they can achieve. The photos should be of patients with similar characteristics to you, such as age, body type, and the reason for implant removal.

Communication and Comfort

During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon communicates with you. They should be able to answer all your questions clearly and patiently, and make you feel comfortable and confident about the procedure. A good surgeon - patient relationship is essential for a successful surgery and recovery.

Conclusion

Silicone breast implant removal is a significant decision for many women in New York City. Whether it's due to medical reasons or a change in aesthetic preferences, choosing the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. We have shared a ranking list of some top hospitals and surgeons in the city, along with detailed information about the procedure, risks, and cost. It's important for women considering this procedure to do their research, have in - depth consultations with potential surgeons, and make an informed decision.

If you are interested in silicone breast implant removal, we encourage you to contact one of the recommended surgeons for a consultation. Take the time to discuss your concerns and goals, and find a surgeon who can provide you with the best possible care and results. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who may be considering this procedure, as it can be a valuable resource in their decision - making process.