The carefully selected top 5 hospitals for breast implant removal in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Many women who have previously undergone breast augmentation may consider having their implants removed for various reasons, such as medical complications, changes in personal preferences, or health concerns. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. This article will introduce you to the carefully selected top 5 hospitals for breast implant removal in New York City in 2025.

1. Darrick Antell, MD's Practice

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and having performed more than ten thousand procedures, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest and safest medical technologies, and the distinct eye of an artist. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.

Services Offered

• Custom Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
• Removal of Recalled Implants: He also specializes in removing the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Patient Experience

Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his excellent results. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. His facility is located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. It has a private back entrance for total discretion, and all members of his staff are thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.

Procedure Process

• Consultation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. Patients are encouraged to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open and honest conversation about the desired outcome will help create a proper surgical plan. It may be recommended to pair the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
• Preparation: Based on factors like age and implant condition, patients may be sent for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. Guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications will be provided. Prescriptions may be given, and pre - operative clearance from another doctor may be required. Arrangements for transportation after surgery and assistance during the first few days of recovery are necessary.
• Surgery: Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. If possible, the implant will be removed through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. In cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant may be removed. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and an external layer of sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take longer.
• Recovery: Patients will recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, the breasts may be covered with gauze or a bandage. Patients may feel tired or sore, but many can return to most daily activities within days. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for around two weeks. Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan. Numbness in the breast area and around the incisions is common and usually fades over time. External sutures, if used, are typically removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure, and it may take several months for the final results to be visible.

2. Olivia Hutchinson, MD's Practice

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she has been evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal procedures.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Patients may choose to have their breast implants removed due to various reasons, which can be divided into aesthetic and medical issues:

Handling of Specific Conditions

• BIA - ALCL: A rare cancer specifically related to breast implants. Dr. Hutchinson can advise patients on the appropriate course of action, such as removal or replacement of implants, especially in the case of Allergan textured implants that have been recalled.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Refers to a wide variety of symptoms patients may report after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. Although the exact cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. Dr. Hutchinson can help patients make informed decisions based on their symptoms and medical history.

Patient Reviews

Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere is calming, the facilities are super clean, and everyone is professional and nice. Patients are extremely satisfied with the results and the comfort they felt during the process.

3. Steven Wallach, MD's Practice

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers breast implant removal services conveniently located to serve the areas of New York. He performs breast implant removal surgeries to help women who want or need their breast implants removed for cosmetic or medical reasons, and may combine the procedure with other breast procedures.

Candidates and Benefits

• Candidates: Good candidates are generally healthy individuals who desire implant removal. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking prior to the procedure and discontinue blood - thinning medications are also ideal candidates.
• Benefits: The procedure can be medically necessary, such as in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture. It can also be for non - medical reasons, like a change in personal preferences and desired appearance. Patients may also choose to replace the old implants with new ones at the same time as removal.

Procedure and Recovery

• Consultation: The consultation will vary depending on the patient's situation. If there are complications like capsular contracture, an examination will be performed to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. For cosmetic issues, other options such as implant replacement or a breast lift may be discussed.
• Preparation: Patients should be familiar with important terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. Instructions on diet, medication, and smoking will be provided, and prescriptions may be given.
• Procedure: The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Wallach will make a predetermined incision to access the breast pocket and implant, remove the implant, and may remove the scar capsule. In case of leakage or rupture, he will take extra care to remove any silicone gel. If the patient elects to replace the implants, new ones will be inserted according to the surgical plan.
• Recovery: Immediately after the procedure, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain. A caregiver is needed to drive them home and stay with them 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 avoid heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.

Risks and Cost

• Risks: The main risks include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.
• Cost: The cost will increase if breast implant replacement, a lift, or a more complex procedure is required. The fee may start at $5000, but it varies depending on the extent of the work.

4. Barry Weintraub, MD's Practice

Surgeon Profile

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a highly experienced plastic surgeon. He has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artwork. He studied medicine at Cornell and bases his practice on core values such as humility and respect for patients. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, and patients seek him from all over the world to correct their aesthetic problems.

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement Services

Dr. Weintraub offers breast implant removal (explant) and replacement services. Breast implant removal can be done to change the size, location, or type of implants, address breast implant illness (BII), or deal with capsular contracture. Replacement options include using FDA - approved silicone gel implants, autologous fat to replace lost volume, or performing a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal.

Patient Considerations

• Age and Maturity: Breast implant removal and replacement should not be considered before the age of 18, or until the patient is mature enough to know her breast volume and what she wants.
• Autonomy: The decision for plastic surgery should be made by the patient herself, not due to pressure from others.

Procedure Process

• Consultation: When patients notice things that upset them about their breasts in the mirror, they should schedule a consultation. The consultation will help them understand their issues better. When choosing a surgeon, patients should check for board certification, ensure the physician has good standing at a major hospital, confirm their reputation among other medical professionals, and speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures. Dr. Weintraub's office environment is comforting and personable, and he and his staff care about each patient and help with every step of the process.
• Procedure: Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand. The surgery can take between half an hour and multiple hours, depending on the modality and aesthetic needs.
• Recovery: There may be minimal swelling and bruising after surgery. Patients must follow Dr. Weintraub's instructions carefully. He believes in early showering for clean wounds. He will advise patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

5. Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD's Practice at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Profile

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

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal and Exchange

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

Procedure and Recovery

• Procedure: Breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration of the procedure depend on whether it is a simple removal, removal with a lift, or an exchange. Dr. Zuckerman uses techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery.
• Recovery: Post - operative care is crucial. Patients should manage discomfort with prescribed medication, wear a support bra, and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients can return to work within one to two weeks, but heavy lifting and intense physical activity should be avoided for up to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common questions patients may have include:

• Recovery Time: Recovery timelines vary, but most patients resume normal activities within two weeks, with full recovery taking up to six weeks.
• Risks: Potential risks include infection, bleeding, changes in breast sensation, or dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcomes.
• Scars: Incisions are typically made in the same location as the original breast augmentation to minimize additional scarring, and these scars should fade over time.
• Implant Replacement: Implants can be replaced during the same procedure as removal if desired, and patients can choose to change the type or size of the new implants.

Conclusion

When considering breast implant removal in New York City in 2025, these top 5 hospitals and their associated surgeons offer a wide range of expertise, services, and personalized care. Whether it is for medical reasons, cosmetic preferences, or other concerns, patients can find high - quality solutions. Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Dr. Steven Wallach, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman have the experience, skills, and commitment to providing excellent results.

If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with these professionals, and discuss your needs and expectations in detail. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful breast implant removal experience.