Introduction
Breast augmentation with implants has been a popular cosmetic procedure for many years. However, there are various reasons why women might opt for breast implant removal. Whether it's due to medical complications, dissatisfaction with the results, or changing aesthetic preferences, finding a top - notch hospital in New York City for this procedure is crucial. In this article, we will present the highly anticipated list of the top 10 hospitals in New York City for breast implant removal after breast augmentation with implants in 2025.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Before delving into the list of hospitals, it's important to understand the common reasons why women choose to have their breast implants removed. According to various medical sources, these reasons can be broadly categorized into aesthetic and medical issues.
Aesthetic Breast Implant Issues
- Visible or palpable implants: Implants can become folded, rippled, or wrinkled, making them visible or palpable under the skin. For example, the implant may not blend well with the natural breast tissue, leading to an unnatural appearance.
- Implant rupture, leakage, or deflation: Silicone or saline implants can rupture or leak over time. Saline implants may deflate gradually, while silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect as the silicone gel can remain within the breast pocket or migrate to other areas.
- Implant malposition: The implant may move from its original position, either up, down, to the side, or towards the middle of the chest. This can result in a “double bubble” appearance where the implant is not centered under the breast or “symmastia,” where the implants appear to touch in the middle.
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when the soft tissue envelope around the implant hardens, causing distortion and an abnormal appearance of the breasts. The breasts may feel firm, tight, and may be painful in severe cases.
- Breast asymmetry: Unequal appearance of the breasts can occur after breast augmentation, which may be a source of dissatisfaction for some patients.
- Unsightly or widened scars: Scarring around the incision site can be a concern for many women. If the scars are wide, raised, or discolored, they can affect the overall aesthetic outcome of the breast augmentation.
- Nipple or areola issues: Enlargement, distortion, or asymmetry of the nipple or areola can occur as a result of breast augmentation and may prompt the patient to seek implant removal.
Medical Breast Implant Issues
- Severe capsular contracture: In addition to the cosmetic problems, severe capsular contracture can cause significant pain and discomfort. The tight scar tissue around the implant can restrict the normal movement of the breast and affect the patient's quality of life.
- Chronic pain: Some women experience chronic pain in the breasts after breast augmentation. This pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, implant pressure, or inflammation.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare cancer that is specifically related to breast implants. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation that manifests late, usually several years after the initial breast surgery. Although it is mostly treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant, it is a serious concern for women with breast implants.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may occasionally report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints. The exact cause of BII is still unknown, but it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Infection and/or bleeding: Infections can occur at the time of surgery or later on, and they can be difficult to treat. Bleeding can also be a complication during or after the surgery, which may require additional medical intervention.
Top 10 Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
- Hospital A: New York - Presbyterian Hospital
New York - Presbyterian Hospital is renowned for its comprehensive healthcare services. The hospital has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons who specialize in breast implant removal. They use the latest surgical techniques and advanced technology to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. The hospital also offers a supportive and patient - centered environment, with personalized care plans for each patient. Their surgeons are well - versed in handling both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implant removal, and they have a high success rate in achieving patient satisfaction.
- Hospital B: Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is a leading medical institution in New York City. At the Dubin Breast Center, their plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced breast implant removal services. They pay close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. The hospital also has a long - standing reputation for research and innovation in the field of breast surgery, which allows them to offer the latest treatment options to their patients.
- Hospital C: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Although primarily known for cancer treatment, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also has expertise in breast implant removal, especially in cases where there are concerns related to BIA - ALCL or other breast - related medical issues. Their team of experts includes plastic surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists, who work together to provide a multidisciplinary approach to breast implant removal. The hospital's advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of any underlying conditions.
- Hospital D: NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health offers a wide range of plastic surgery services, including breast implant removal. Their plastic surgeons are board - certified and have extensive experience in performing this procedure. The hospital uses state - of - the - art technology and surgical techniques to minimize scarring and ensure a quick recovery. They also provide pre - and post - operative counseling to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment and manage their expectations.
- Hospital E: Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine has a team of expert plastic surgeons who are dedicated to providing high - quality breast implant removal services. They take a personalized approach to each patient, considering their unique needs and goals. The hospital's research - driven approach allows them to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in breast surgery. Patients at Weill Cornell Medicine can expect excellent surgical results and comprehensive post - operative care.
- Hospital F: The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
This specialized center is well - known for its expertise in breast implant removal and replacement. The top - rated board - certified plastic surgeons at the center routinely perform breast implant removal surgery at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. 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. The center focuses on creating a comfortable and supportive environment for patients, with personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
- Hospital G: Dr. Reinblatt's Practice
Dr. Maura Reinblatt, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a trusted figure in the field of breast implant removal. Her practice in White Plains, New York, serves patients in NYC and the surrounding areas. Dr. Reinblatt offers advanced techniques to address medical issues associated with breast implants, such as en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy. She takes a personalized approach to patient care, ensuring that each patient's unique needs and goals are met. Her practice is known for its high - level of patient satisfaction and exceptional outcomes.
- Hospital H: Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients. He is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who employs techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. The practice provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, with a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction. Dr. Zuckerman also offers a range of options for breast implant exchange, allowing patients to adjust their breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants based on their current needs and aesthetic goals.
- Hospital I: Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his expertise in breast implant removal and replacement. He places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. His practice offers a personalized approach to each patient, with detailed consultations to understand their specific needs and desires. Dr. Weintraub performs breast implant - revision surgery in the comfort of his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. Patients can expect significant, long - lasting aesthetic improvements to their breasts following their implant removal and replacement.
- Hospital J: Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who is widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including the removal of the allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA. Dr. Antell takes the time to thoroughly evaluate each patient's general health and medical history, and he works closely with them to create a personalized surgical plan. His practice has an impeccable reputation for its exceptional surgical results and high - level of patient care.
What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The breast implant removal procedure generally follows a set of steps, regardless of the hospital or surgeon performing it. Here is a general overview:
Pre - operative Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history. If you desire to have your implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. You should also bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery in detail so that you can feel confident in being fully informed.
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 be monitoring you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Surgery
- Incisions: If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery. This method is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, but may not be possible with an armpit incision.
- Implant Removal: The surgeon will then remove the implants from each breast. If there is capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or textured breast implants with BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are all removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection.
- Closure: Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over your new breasts to speed healing.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged. You will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post - operative period. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure. However, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and ensure you have someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery. You may feel tired or sore following surgery, and it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your specific procedure and your rate of healing.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City varies widely, depending on a range of factors. Some factors involved in the cost include the cost related to the operating facility, post - care essentials, tests used, and prescription medication cost. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, the determination of whether a procedure is covered or not depends upon the medical need for the surgery. For example, if a breast explant procedure was performed following a mastectomy and medical removal is necessary, insurance companies are obligated to cover the costs related to the surgery because of the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Acts of 1988. To determine the cost of your breast implant removal, it is best to meet with a surgeon during a consultation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for breast implant removal after breast augmentation with implants is a crucial decision. The top 10 hospitals in New York City mentioned in this article have proven track records in providing high - quality, safe, and effective breast implant removal services. Whether you are dealing with aesthetic or medical issues related to your breast implants, these hospitals have the expertise and resources to meet your needs. Before making a decision, it is recommended that you schedule consultations with several surgeons to discuss your concerns, goals, and treatment options. Remember to ask questions, understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, and choose a surgeon and hospital that you feel comfortable with. If you are considering breast implant removal, don't hesitate to take the first step towards achieving your desired results. Reach out to one of these top hospitals today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a more satisfying breast appearance and overall well - being.
