Introduction
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons, such as lifestyle changes, medical complications, or aesthetic preferences. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons for breast implant removal in New York City, the reasons behind the procedure, the process, and what to expect during recovery. With the insights and data from top Google search results, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Medical Complications:
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both silicone and saline implants can rupture or leak over time. A saline implant rupture may cause the breast to deflate rapidly, while a silicone implant rupture may not be as obvious and may require an MRI to detect.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around the implant. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast shape.
- 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. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Infection: Infections around the implant can occur, often requiring implant removal to treat the infection effectively.
- Aesthetic Reasons:
- Unsatisfactory Results: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or feel of their breast implants after the initial augmentation surgery and may wish to return to their natural breast size.
- Changing Preferences: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change, leading her to decide to remove the implants.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Comfort: Some women may find that the presence of breast implants is uncomfortable, especially during physical activities or certain clothing choices.
- Health - Conscious Choices: A woman may choose to remove her implants as part of a more health - conscious lifestyle or due to concerns about the long - term effects of implants.
Top Surgeons and Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He is listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
- Services Offered: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He also removes the recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL.
- Reputation: 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 has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
- Location: His private operating room is located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal procedures. Patients can consult with either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs.
- Services Offered: They perform breast explant procedures, which involve removing breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules. The surgeons also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean within the breast pocket.
- Patient Information: The group provides patients with solid information to help them make an educated choice about the procedure. They also offer consultations to discuss the patient's needs and goals.
- Recovery Support: They provide post - procedure instructions on how to care for the incision sites and the recovery process, ensuring patients have a smooth recovery.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
- Services Offered: They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy, depending on the patient's desired post - op result.
- Customized Approach: Each procedure is customized to fit the unique needs of each patient, and the surgeons work with the patient to actualize a treatment plan that reflects the patient's desired post - operative goals.
- Facility: The surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal surgery.
- Procedure: He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
- Consultation: During the consultation, he walks the patient through the options and techniques available for the procedure, as well as which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.
- Recovery Guidance: He provides instructions to patients on post - operative care, including avoiding aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
- Expertise: She has the experience and skill to address any implant - related concern, whether it is functional or cosmetic. She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals.
- Conditions Addressed: She can handle cases of breast implant rupture, capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness. In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.
- Patient Experience: Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff, with a calming atmosphere and amazing results.
The Process of Breast Implant Removal
Consultation
The first step in the breast implant removal process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation:
- The surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history.
- Assess the current condition of your breasts, including the type, size, and placement of your implants.
- If you are experiencing medical complications, discuss any symptoms you may be having.
- You should bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery.
- Have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about your desired outcome. Based on your expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Preparation
Before the breast implant removal surgery, you will need to make some preparations:
- Medical Tests: Depending on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI.
- Medication: Avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. Also, avoid blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks before the surgery. Inform your prescribing physician about your plans so they can recommend when to stop taking the medications.
- Logistics: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you in the first few days of recovery.
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Surgery
The surgical process of breast implant removal may vary depending on the patient's situation:
- Incision Placement: If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. Incisions can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit.
- Implant Removal: The surgeon will remove the implant using various methods, such as prying it out from beneath the breast tissue, cutting through the shell if it is sticking to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the implant for slow removal.
- Scar Tissue Removal: If there is capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, the surgeon may need to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection.
- Wound Closure: Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to speed healing.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the breast implant removal surgery, the following is what you can expect during the recovery period:
Immediate Post - Surgery
- You will recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged.
- A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort.
- As it is an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day as the surgery. However, you will need an escort to bring you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
- You will be provided with thorough discharge instructions, including information on how to wear your compression bra, take prescribed antibiotics, and apply a cold compress to the surgical site.
Initial Weeks
- Your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore, and it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and some fluid drainage from the incision site.
- Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
- You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically 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.
- You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that the surgeon can monitor your healing process.
- If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure.
Long - Term
- 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.
- Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
- The surgeon and their staff will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the entire recovery process.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City varies widely depending on a range of factors, such as:
- The cost related to the operating facility.
- Post - care essentials, including medications, compression garments, etc.
- Tests used, such as imaging tests.
- The complexity of the procedure, such as whether en - bloc resection is required.
- Whether a secondary procedure like a breast lift is performed.
In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the removal is medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy, insurance companies may be obligated to cover the costs due to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1988. It is important to discuss the cost with your surgeon during the consultation.
Risks and Complications
Although breast implant removal surgery is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are always some risks and potential complications, including:
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can occur, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: Infections around the incision site or in the breast tissue can develop, which may require antibiotics or further surgical intervention.
- Numbness: Numbness at the incision site or in the breast area may occur, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.
- Unsatisfactory Results: There may be issues with breast symmetry, shape, or appearance after the surgery, which may require additional procedures to correct.
The surgeon will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during your initial consultation, and you can reduce your risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In New York City, there are many highly skilled surgeons and well - equipped hospitals that can perform the procedure safely and effectively. Whether you are considering breast implant removal due to medical complications, aesthetic reasons, or lifestyle changes, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to understand the process, risks, and expected outcomes. By choosing an experienced surgeon and following the post - operative instructions, you can have a smooth recovery and achieve the results you desire.
If you are interested in breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons mentioned in this article. You can also share this article with others who may be considering the same procedure to help them make an informed decision.
