The guide to the hospital ranking for breast implant removal surgery in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Breast implant removal surgery has become a significant procedure for many women in New York City. Whether due to medical complications, personal preference, or aesthetic reasons, patients are seeking high - quality hospitals and experienced surgeons for this surgery. In this guide, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for breast implant removal surgery, the factors affecting hospital rankings, and what patients should consider when choosing a facility for their procedure.

Top Hospitals in New York City for Overall Excellence

NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center has a remarkable standing in the national hospital rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, it has been named a top hospital in New York and has ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation. It made the honor roll, with only 20 out of 5,000 evaluated hospitals achieving this feat.

This institution excels in a wide range of specialties. In adult surgical specialties, it is nationally ranked in heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery. In children's specialties, it shines in pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery. Additionally, its national ranking in cancer care reflects the high - quality surgical oncology expertise in areas such as breast surgery, pancreatic surgery, and endocrine surgery.

When it comes to breast implant removal surgery, the hospital's surgical oncology and plastic surgery departments have highly skilled and experienced surgeons. Their approach combines advanced medical knowledge with the latest surgical techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. For example, the hospital has access to state - of - the - art imaging and diagnostic tools that can accurately assess the condition of breast implants and surrounding tissues before surgery.

Leading Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He 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, where he removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy when indicated, which is the removal of the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.

Dr. Antell has an outstanding reputation. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his surgical skills and the satisfaction of his patients. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons, demonstrating his ability to provide discreet and high - quality care.

Before the surgery, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history. He also assesses the current condition of the breasts. If the patient desires implant removal due to medical complications, he discusses any symptoms in detail. He may recommend an imaging test such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI prior to the procedure. The surgery is often performed in his private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, which is a state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach offers breast implant removal surgery. He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. This may be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.

During the consultation, Dr. Wallach walks patients through the options and techniques available for the procedure, as well as which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring. For the procedure, it may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After the implants are removed, if the patient has elected to get them replaced, he will insert the new implants according to the agreed - upon surgical plan.

The recovery process under Dr. Wallach's care is well - monitored. He instructs patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and avoid exertion of heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks. He also discusses the potential risks of the surgery, such as unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, and others.

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. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants.

Aesthetic issues she deals with include breast implant rupture, leakage, deflation, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, and unsightly scars. Medical issues may involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), and breast implant illness (BII). In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Dr. Hutchinson takes a personalized approach to each patient. She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. She ensures that patients are well - informed about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.

Factors Affecting Hospital Rankings for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Surgeon Experience and Expertise

The experience and expertise of the surgeons are crucial factors in a hospital's ranking for breast implant removal surgery. Surgeons with extensive experience in performing breast implant removal procedures are more likely to handle complex cases and achieve better outcomes. For example, surgeons who have performed a large number of en bloc capsulectomies are more proficient in this specialized technique.

Surgeon expertise also includes their knowledge of the latest research and techniques in breast implant removal. Surgeons who stay updated with the latest medical literature and participate in professional development courses can offer the most advanced and effective treatments to their patients.

Patient Outcomes

Patient outcomes are a significant factor in hospital rankings. Positive patient outcomes include successful removal of implants, minimal complications such as bleeding, infection, or scarring, and patient satisfaction with the aesthetic results. Hospitals that have a high rate of positive patient outcomes are more likely to be highly ranked.

Long - term patient outcomes are also important. For example, whether the patient's breasts return to a natural - looking shape and function after the surgery. Data on patient outcomes are often collected and analyzed by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report to determine hospital rankings.

Technology and Facilities

State - of - the - art technology and facilities play a vital role in breast implant removal surgery. Hospitals with advanced imaging technology such as high - resolution MRI and ultrasound can accurately diagnose the condition of breast implants and surrounding tissues. This helps surgeons plan the surgery more effectively and reduces the risk of complications.

Modern operating rooms equipped with the latest surgical instruments and anesthesia equipment ensure the safety and comfort of patients during the procedure. Additionally, well - equipped recovery rooms and post - operative care facilities contribute to a smooth recovery process for patients.

Patient Experience

Patient experience encompasses several aspects, including the quality of communication between the patient and the medical staff, the comfort of the hospital environment, and the availability of support services. Hospitals that provide excellent patient experience are more likely to be preferred by patients and, in turn, receive higher rankings.

For example, a hospital with friendly and knowledgeable staff who can answer patients' questions and address their concerns promptly can significantly improve the patient experience. Support services such as pre - operative counseling, post - operative follow - up, and support groups for patients can also enhance the overall patient experience.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Complications

Medical complications are a common reason for breast implant removal. One of the most well - known complications is breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary.

Another common complication is capsular contracture, which is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast's appearance. Chronic pain with breast implants can also be a reason for removal, as well as infections and bleeding related to the implants.

Aesthetic Reasons

Aesthetic reasons also drive many patients to seek breast implant removal. Over time, patients' aesthetic preferences may change. For example, they may have initially chosen large implants but later desire a more natural - looking breast size. Some patients may also experience issues such as visible or palpable implants, rippling or wrinkling of the implants, or asymmetry between the breasts.

Additionally, scarring from the initial breast augmentation surgery may be a concern. Unsightly or widened scars can affect a patient's self - confidence, leading them to consider breast implant removal and potentially a revision procedure.

Pre - operative Considerations for Patients

Medical Evaluation

Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery, patients should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This includes a physical examination of the breasts, a review of the patient's medical history, and any necessary laboratory tests or imaging studies. The doctor will assess the patient's overall health, including their heart, lung, and kidney function, as well as their ability to tolerate surgery and anesthesia.

If the patient has any pre - existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of allergies, these need to be carefully managed before the surgery. For example, patients with diabetes may need to have their blood sugar levels tightly controlled to reduce the risk of infection after surgery.

Medication and Lifestyle Adjustments

Patients may need to make some medication and lifestyle adjustments before the surgery. Certain medications can interfere with the surgery or increase the risk of bleeding. For example, patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They should also avoid taking blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks prior to the surgery, such as coumadin and heparin.

Lifestyle adjustments may include quitting smoking, as smoking can delay wound healing and increase the risk of complications. Patients should also ensure they are well - rested and eating a healthy diet to prepare their bodies for the surgery.

Understanding the Procedure and Risks

Patients should have a clear understanding of the breast implant removal procedure and its associated risks. During the consultation, the surgeon should explain the different types of procedures available, such as en bloc capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy. They should also discuss the expected duration of the surgery, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the recovery process.

The risks of breast implant removal surgery include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, adverse reaction to the anesthesia, and unfavorable scarring. Patients should ask questions and make sure they are comfortable with the level of risk before proceeding with the surgery.

Procedure Details

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal surgery can be performed under different types of anesthesia. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia is commonly used. With local anesthesia and sedation, the patient is awake but relaxed and pain - free during the procedure. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be sufficient, especially for smaller implants or less complex cases.

General anesthesia may be used for more complex cases or if the patient prefers to be completely unconscious during the surgery. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure their safety.

Incision Placement

The surgeon will choose the incision site based on several factors, including the patient's previous incision from breast augmentation surgery, the location and type of implants, and the patient's desired aesthetic outcome. Common incision sites include the crease under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola, or in the armpit (transaxillary incision). If possible, the surgeon will reuse the original incision site to minimize scarring.

Implant and Scar Tissue Removal

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove the breast implants. The method of removal depends on the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissues. If the implants are intact and not adherent to the surrounding tissues, they can be easily removed. However, if there is capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or the patient has BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant.

An en bloc resection is a technique where the implant and the entire capsule are removed as a single unit. This is often recommended in cases where there is a suspicion of malignancy or to reduce the risk of leaving behind any potentially contaminated tissue. After the implant and scar tissue are removed, the surgeon will clean the breast pocket and may place drains to prevent fluid accumulation.

Closure of Incisions

After the implant and scar tissue removal, the surgeon will close the incisions. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are usually used to close the deeper tissues, and a layer of external sutures or dermabond may be used to close the skin. A layer of gauze or a bandage will be placed over the incisions to protect them and promote healing.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - operative Care

After the surgery, the patient will be taken to the recovery room, where they will be monitored by the medical staff. They may experience some discomfort, and pain relief medication will be provided. The patient will be advised to rest and keep the surgical site elevated to reduce swelling. They will also be given instructions on how to care for the incisions, such as keeping them clean and dry.

Patients are usually discharged from the hospital on the same day as the surgery if they are in a stable condition. However, they will need someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours.

Short - term Recovery

In the short - term, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the breast area. This is normal and will gradually subside over time. They may be advised to wear a compression bra to support the breasts and reduce swelling. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days to a week after the surgery, but they should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least a few weeks.

The incisions may have some drainage in the first few days, and the patient should follow the doctor's instructions on how to manage this. They will also need to attend follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and remove any external sutures if necessary.

Long - term Recovery

It may take several months for the final results of the breast implant removal surgery to be visible. The swelling and bruising will completely resolve, and the breasts will gradually return to a more natural shape. Some patients may experience a loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which usually fades over time.

Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. However, in some cases, a breast lift may be recommended to achieve a more plump and rounded appearance. The surgeon will provide long - term follow - up care to ensure the patient's satisfaction with the results.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast implant removal surgery in New York City can vary widely. Several factors affect the cost, including the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, the location of the surgery (hospital or private surgical center), and the surgeon's experience and reputation.

On average, the cost of breast implant removal can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the surgery is medically necessary, such as in the case of a ruptured implant or a diagnosis of BIA - ALCL, insurance may cover some or all of the costs. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine their coverage.

Conclusion

When it comes to breast implant removal surgery in New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and experienced surgeons to choose from. NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center stands out for its overall excellence in multiple specialties, while surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson have exceptional reputations in breast implant removal.

Patients considering breast implant removal should carefully evaluate the factors discussed in this guide, including hospital rankings, surgeon experience, pre - operative considerations, procedure details, recovery process, and cost. By making an informed decision, patients can ensure a safe and successful breast implant removal surgery.

If you are considering breast implant removal surgery in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with different surgeons, and ask