Introduction
Breast implant removal has become an increasingly common procedure in New York City. Many women who have previously undergone breast augmentation surgery are now considering removing their implants for various reasons, including health concerns, dissatisfaction with the appearance, or changes in personal preferences. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City that are certified for breast implant removal, providing you with detailed information 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. These reasons can be broadly categorized into health - related and aesthetic - related factors.
Health - related Reasons
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): This is a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems and is also referred to as “autoimmune / inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA)”.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast shape. In severe cases, it can be a significant medical issue.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare cancer specifically related to breast implants. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation, usually several years after the initial breast surgery. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to an increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Infection and Rupture: Implants can become infected, and in some cases, they may rupture or leak, causing discomfort and potential health risks.
Aesthetic - related Reasons
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer like the size, shape, or position of her implants.
- Changes in Body Image: Lifestyle changes, such as weight gain or loss, can affect how the implants look and feel, leading to a desire for removal.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Located in Manhattan, the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC is a leading facility for breast implant removal. The top - rated breast surgery team at this center is highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and is world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
Services Offered
- En Bloc: During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure.
- Partial Capsulectomy: This involves solely removing the breast implant material and trimming / shaping some of the capsule material to create the patient’s desired chest contour.
- Total Capsulectomy: The surgeon removes the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
Facility and Procedure Details
The breast implant removal surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Contact Information
Address: 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 481 - 0110
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City who offers breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He has a reputation for providing personalized care and achieving excellent aesthetic results.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: This can be done to change the size, location, or type of implants. Patients concerned about breast implant illness or those experiencing issues with saline implants may choose this option.
- Breast Implant Replacement: He can replace existing implants with better - positioned, more appropriately sized, or more natural - looking and - feeling implants. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural result.
- Other Procedures: In some cases, he may combine breast implant removal and replacement with a breast lift or fat transfer to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
Facility and Procedure Details
Dr. Weintraub performs breast implant - revision surgery in the comfort of his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility at 800a Fifth Avenue. The procedure can take between half an hour and multiple hours, depending on the specific modality chosen and the patient's aesthetic needs. Patients often return to work three days after surgery and require little downtime to fully recover.
Contact Information
Call his office for a private consultation to discuss breast implant removal and replacement options.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC.
Services Offered
Dr. Hutchinson has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, such as palpable or visible implants, rupture, capsular contracture, and breast implant illness.
Expertise in Specific Conditions
She is well - versed in dealing with breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and can provide guidance on whether implant removal is necessary in such cases. She will also advise on any secondary procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Contact Information
Address: Not specified on the source, but patients can call (212) 452 - 1400 to book a consultation.
Dr. Darrick Antell
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.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also performs en bloc capsulectomy when indicated to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: He can remove the allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
Facility and Procedure Details
Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Contact Information
Phone: (212) - 988 - 4040
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal procedures performed by either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs.
Services Offered
- Breast Explant: A procedure to remove breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules. The surgeons also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
Preparation and Procedure Details
Before the procedure, patients need to avoid certain medications and arrange for a driver. The procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the extent of work needed, including scar tissue removal and area reconstruction. Recovery is similar to that after the initial breast augmentation surgery, with patients typically experiencing some swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few weeks.
Contact Information
Phone: 888 - 664 - 8381 (New York City) or 914 - 366 - 6139 (Tarrytown)
Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has been serving patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She is known for her personalized approach to patient care.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Can be done for various reasons, including dissatisfaction, discomfort, or medical issues such as breast implant illness and capsular contracture.
- Advanced Techniques: She offers en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy to address medical issues associated with breast implants.
Facility and Procedure Details
She performs outpatient breast implant removal surgeries, typically lasting one to three hours under general anesthesia. Patients are advised to arrange for a designated driver for their safe return home post - procedure.
Contact Information
Schedule a consultation for breast implant removal with her at her practice in White Plains, New York.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
When choosing a surgeon and hospital for breast implant removal, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
Board Certification
Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and ethical practice.
Experience
Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in breast implant removal. Surgeons with more experience are likely to be more skilled in handling various complications and achieving better results.
Reputation
Research the surgeon's reputation by reading patient reviews and testimonials. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other medical professionals.
Facility Accreditation
Make sure that the hospital or surgical facility where the procedure will be performed is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards.
Personalized Approach
Choose a surgeon who takes the time to understand your specific needs and goals. A personalized approach will help ensure that you are satisfied with the outcome of the procedure.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Pre - operative Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. You should discuss your reasons for wanting the implants removed and your desired outcome. Bring any information you have about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will explain the procedure, the risks, and the recovery process in detail.
Preparation for Surgery
- Medical Clearance: You may need to obtain medical clearance from your family physician.
- Medication Adjustment: Avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood - thinners, for a period of time before the surgery as directed by your surgeon.
- Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you in the first few days of recovery. You may also need to purchase a custom - made post - surgical garment.
The Surgery
The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or “twilight” sedation. The surgeon will make incisions in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically placed in the armpit. The implants are then removed, and if necessary, the scar tissue and capsule are also removed. The incisions are closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied.
Recovery
- Immediate Post - operative: You will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. You may experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site. Pain medication will be provided to manage discomfort.
- First Few Days: Rest is essential in the first few days. You may need to wear a compression bra. Follow all post - operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as wound care and taking prescribed antibiotics.
- Long - term Recovery: Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. It may take several months for the final results to be visible, and scars will gradually fade over time.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City varies widely, depending on several factors:
- Surgeon's Fee: The experience and reputation of the surgeon can significantly affect the fee.
- Facility Fees: This includes the cost of using the surgical facility, anesthesia, and nursing care.
- Medical Tests: You may need to undergo tests such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery.
- Post - operative Care: This includes the cost of medications, follow - up appointments, and post - surgical garments.
In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the removal is necessary due to a medical condition, such as infection or rupture, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. It is best to consult with your insurance provider and surgeon to determine the exact cost and coverage.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that should be carefully considered. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons certified for this procedure. The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, Dr. Barry Weintraub, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Dr. Darrick Antell, the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Maura Reinblatt are all excellent options, each with their own areas of expertise and unique approach to patient care. When choosing a surgeon and hospital, factors such as board certification, experience, reputation, facility accreditation, and a personalized approach should be taken into account. The breast implant removal procedure involves pre - operative consultation, preparation, surgery, and a recovery period. The cost of the procedure can vary, and insurance coverage depends on the specific circumstances. By being well - informed and making a careful choice, you can ensure a successful breast implant removal and achieve the desired results.
Call - to - Action
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the surgeons mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your procedure. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal, and explore related topics such as breast lift after implant removal or alternatives to breast implants.
