Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal is a surgical procedure that many women may consider for various reasons, including medical complications, changes in personal preference, or dissatisfaction with previous breast augmentation results. In New York City, there are several hospitals that offer high - quality services for breast prosthesis removal. This article will provide a detailed summary of information and evaluations of the top five hospitals in New York City for this procedure.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Before delving into the hospitals, it's important to understand the common reasons why women opt for breast prosthesis removal. According to research and data from the top Google search results, some of the main reasons include:
- Medical Complications:
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue around the implant, which can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort. 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 cancer specifically related to breast implants, primarily associated with the biocell textured surface present in some Allergan implants. Although extremely infrequent, it has led to the recall of certain textured implants in 2019. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation several years after the initial breast surgery and is mostly treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant.
- Implant Rupture, Leakage, or Deflation: Saline implants may leak, causing the breast to deflate rapidly. Silicone implants may also rupture, and an MRI may be required to determine if rupture has occurred.
- Chronic Pain: Some women experience long - term pain related to their breast implants, which can be caused by various factors such as improper implant placement or nerve damage.
- Infection and/or Bleeding: These can occur as complications after breast implant surgery and may necessitate implant removal.
- Aesthetic Reasons:
- Unsatisfactory Appearance: This can include the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), implant malposition (such as a “double bubble” appearance or “symmastia”), breast asymmetry, nipple or areola enlargement, distortion, or asymmetry, and unsightly or widened scars.
- Change in Personal Preference: Over time, a woman's aesthetic goals may change, leading her to desire the removal of breast implants.
Top Five Hospitals for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
1. Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is a well - known medical institution in New York City. It offers comprehensive breast surgery services, which include breast prosthesis removal.
Facilities and Locations
It has multiple locations in New York City:
- Lower Manhattan: 156 William Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10038, call (646) 962 - 4240
- Upper East Side: 425 East 61st street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065, call (646) 962 - 4240
- Upper East Side: 1283 York Avenue, 4th floor, New York, NY 10065, call (646) 962 - 4240
Medical Team
The hospital has a team of exemplary surgeons with extensive training and expertise. Some of the surgeons at the Weill Cornell Medicine breast center include Russell S. Berman, M.D., FACS; Lisa Newman, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCO; Magdalena Lombardi Plasilova, M.D., Ph.D.; Rachel M. Simmons, M.D.; and Alexander Julian Swistel, M.D. These surgeons are dedicated to providing high - quality care and have advanced many of the latest standards for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Treatment Approaches
They offer a range of surgical treatment options for breast cancer treatment and prevention, which are relevant to breast prosthesis removal cases as well. These options include:
- Lumpectomy: A procedure to remove the cancer and abnormal tissue from the breast without removing other parts of the breast.
- Mastectomy: A procedure to remove all the breast tissue to prevent or treat breast cancer.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A procedure performed for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. The sentinel lymph node is identified, removed, and evaluated for cancer cells.
- Breast Reconstruction: After breast prosthesis removal, in some cases, breast reconstruction may be an option to restore the shape and contour of the breasts. The team focuses on breast reconstruction approaches that preserve tissue and restore the patient's natural contour.
Patient - Centric Care
At the Weill Cornell Medicine breast center, they understand that breast surgery can be an overwhelming and challenging process. They provide comforting, supportive, and compassionate care at every step. The team also focuses on providing individualized, multidisciplinary care for all stages and types of breast - related issues. When treating patients, the breast surgeon may consult with experts in radiation oncology, nutrition, and other medical professionals as needed to help the patient achieve the best possible quality of life. Weill Cornell Medicine partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S., which further enhances the quality of care.
2. Mount Sinai
Expertise in Breast Reconstruction and Removal
Mount Sinai is a well - regarded medical facility in New York City. Their expert plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction can also perform breast prosthesis removal. They help patients think through the issues involved in breast - related surgeries, such as whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type to have after breast prosthesis removal.
Decision - Making Support
The surgeons at Mount Sinai carefully guide patients through the decision - making process. They listen to the patient's concerns and needs and are qualified to help navigate the many options. For example, if a patient has decided to have breast reconstruction after breast prosthesis removal, they can discuss the pros and cons of using implants or the patient's own tissue to re - form the breast, taking into account factors such as the patient's overall health, the size and location of the tumor (if applicable), breast size, other medical and/or surgical treatments needed, body shape, and speed of recovery from the procedure.
Robotic Surgery Option
Mount Sinai offers new robotic surgery for breast cancer survivors. Although not directly related to all breast prosthesis removal cases, this advanced technology may be applicable in some complex situations and shows the hospital's commitment to using the latest medical advancements in breast - related surgeries.
3. NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
Multidisciplinary Breast Surgery Team
The breast surgery team at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue manages and treats a wide range of breast - related conditions, including those that may lead to breast prosthesis removal. The team works in a multi - disciplinary manner with a team of doctors to make sure that every patient gets the latest treatment approaches to breast cancer care.
Surgeons and Staff
The breast surgery team includes Kathie - Ann Joseph, MD, who is the chief of the breast surgery service and an associate professor at the department of surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Erica Friedman, MD, a breast surgery attending and assistant professor at the same department. The contact for the breast PA office is (212) 562 - 2911, and the physician assistant is Aline Bedrosian, with the email aline.bedrosian@nychhc.org.
Range of Services
They perform various operations related to breast surgery, such as excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple - sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, lumpectomies with savi scout localization (wireless removal of tumors) or with needle localization, sentinel node biopsies, axillary node dissections, and terminal duct excisions (for nipple discharge). In addition to surgical services, they also offer access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI - guided biopsy, diep flap reconstruction/implants, psychological support, lymphedema treatment/physical therapy, nutrition, and radiation oncology. These comprehensive services can be beneficial for patients undergoing breast prosthesis removal, as they address both the physical and psychological aspects of the treatment process.
4. Surgeons Associated with Private Practices
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
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. Her practice focuses on cosmetic breast surgery, and she is committed to ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients. As a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, she can address a variety of implant - related issues, whether they are functional (such as physical or medical problems) or cosmetic (related to appearance). She advises 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.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is another well - known plastic surgeon in New York City for breast implant removal and replacement. He believes in placing implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. His approach to breast implant removal and replacement takes into account the patient's aesthetic needs. He performs the procedures in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff. Dr. Weintraub emphasizes safety during the procedure, insisting on the most sterile conditions and using the latest advancements in anesthesia. He also takes the time to understand the patient's specific needs and desires, providing a high level of personalized care.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach offers breast implant removal services. He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them. During the procedure, he may also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. He provides a comprehensive consultation process, walking patients through the options and techniques available for their procedure, as well as which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring. He also gives detailed instructions on preparation, recovery, and the associated risks of the procedure.
Evaluating the Hospitals
Medical Expertise
When evaluating these hospitals, medical expertise is a crucial factor. Weill Cornell Medicine and Mount Sinai have teams of highly trained and experienced surgeons who are experts in breast - related surgeries. The surgeons at these hospitals are involved in research and have advanced the latest standards in breast cancer treatment and reconstruction, which is relevant to breast prosthesis removal cases. The private - practice surgeons like Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and Dr. Steven Wallach also have extensive experience specifically in breast implant removal and related procedures, with years of practice and a focus on cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Technology and Facilities
Weill Cornell Medicine partners with New York - Presbyterian, a top - tier hospital system, which provides access to advanced medical technologies and facilities. Mount Sinai offers new robotic surgery for breast cancer survivors, indicating their investment in the latest surgical techniques. NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment facilities, including tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI - guided biopsy, and diep flap reconstruction/implants. The private - practice surgeons like Dr. Weintraub have their own state - of - the - art surgical centers equipped with the latest monitoring and anesthesia equipment, ensuring a high - quality surgical environment.
Patient - Centric Care
All of the hospitals and surgeons mentioned prioritize patient - centric care. Weill Cornell Medicine provides comforting and supportive care at every step of the breast surgery process. Mount Sinai's surgeons guide patients through the decision - making process, taking into account their individual concerns and needs. NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue offers a range of support services, including patient navigation, social work, and psychological support. The private - practice surgeons like Dr. Hutchinson, Dr. Weintraub, and Dr. Wallach also take the time to understand the patient's goals and preferences, providing personalized consultations and post - operative care.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of breast prosthesis removal can vary depending on the hospital, the complexity of the procedure, and whether additional procedures such as breast reconstruction or lift are required. It's important for patients to check with their insurance carriers to determine if the procedure is covered. Some private - practice surgeons may offer payment plans or options for financing. For example, Dr. Steven Wallach states that the fee for breast implant removal may start out at $5000, but it can increase if breast implant replacement, a lift, or more complex procedures are needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers several excellent options for breast prosthesis removal. Weill Cornell Medicine, Mount Sinai, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the private - practice surgeons like Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and Dr. Steven Wallach all have their own strengths in terms of medical expertise, technology, patient - centric care, and cost - effectiveness. When choosing a hospital or surgeon for breast prosthesis removal, patients should consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific factors related to their breast condition. It's recommended that patients schedule consultations with multiple providers to get a better understanding of the available options and make an informed decision.
If you are considering breast prosthesis removal, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals or surgeons for more information. You can also do further research on their websites, read patient reviews, and ask for recommendations from other patients or medical professionals. Make sure to ask all your questions during the consultation to ensure that you are comfortable with the chosen provider and the proposed treatment plan.
