Introduction
Breast prosthesis removal is a significant decision that many women in New York City may face. Whether it's due to medical complications, lifestyle changes, or aesthetic preferences, finding the right hospital and surgeon for this procedure is crucial. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City that offer breast prosthesis removal services, providing you with detailed information to help you make an informed choice.
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast prostheses removed:
- Medical Complications: Issues such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around an implant), silicone gel leakage, or rupture can prompt removal. As reported in relevant sources, BIA - ALCL is a rare but serious non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
- Aesthetic Dissatisfaction: Some women may be unhappy with the results of their original breast augmentation, such as the size, shape, or position of the implants, and wish to return to their natural breast size.
- Lifestyle Changes: Changes in personal preferences or activities may make the presence of breast implants inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Top Surgeons for Breast Prosthesis Removal in New York City
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
- Services Offered: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he also performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also handles the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Consultation Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. It is important for patients to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing if the removal is due to medical complications. Patients are advised to bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy).
- Surgical Facility: 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.
Dr. Barry M. Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is also a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City who specializes in breast implant removal and replacement.
- Services Offered: He performs breast implant removal (explant) and replacement surgeries. His reasons for performing these procedures include changing the size, location, or type of implants, addressing concerns about breast implant illness (BII), and correcting capsular contracture. He also offers the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume and performing a breast lift in conjunction with the removal and replacement of implants.
- Consultation Process: A consultation with Dr. Weintraub helps patients better understand their issues. He emphasizes the importance of patients interviewing the doctor and bringing a list of questions. He believes in listening to the patient's specific needs and desires to develop a customized surgical plan.
- Surgical Facility: Although he has privileges at multiple hospitals, he prefers the privacy of 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.
Hospitals and Clinics Offering Breast Prosthesis Removal
Lenox Hill Hospital
Lenox Hill Hospital is a well - respected medical institution in New York City. It provides a comprehensive range of surgical services, including breast prosthesis removal.
- Facility Features: The hospital has state - of - the - art equipment and a team of experienced surgeons and medical staff. It offers a high - quality surgical environment and post - operative care.
- Surgeons: Surgeons affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital, such as Dr. Darrick Antell, bring their expertise to perform breast prosthesis removal surgeries. They are trained to handle various cases, whether they are simple explants or more complex procedures involving en bloc capsulectomy.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is another prominent medical center in New York City. It offers breast reconstruction and breast - related surgical services, which may include breast prosthesis removal.
- Specialty Services: Mount Sinai's expert plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction can assist patients in deciding on the best approach for breast prosthesis removal. They also offer options for breast reconstruction, if desired, either using implants or the patient's own tissue.
- Patient Support: The hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Patients have access to a team of doctors, including oncologists, surgeons, and support staff, to help them through the entire process from decision - making to post - operative recovery.
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are known for their advanced medical research and high - quality patient care. They offer breast surgery services, including breast prosthesis removal.
- Advanced Techniques: The surgeons at NYU Langone are at the forefront of using the latest surgical techniques for breast prosthesis removal. They can handle complex cases and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
- Comprehensive Care: The hospitals provide a full range of pre - operative, operative, and post - operative care. Patients can expect thorough evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and detailed follow - up care.
Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital and Surgeon
Board Certification
It is essential to choose a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has completed the necessary training and meets the high standards set by the medical community. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Barry Weintraub are both board - certified plastic surgeons, which gives patients confidence in their surgical skills.
Experience
Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast prosthesis removal. Surgeons who have performed a large number of these procedures are more likely to handle any complications that may arise during the surgery. Some surgeons, like Dr. Sydney Reese Coleman with 45 years of experience in plastic surgery, have a long - standing track record in the field.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Platforms like WebMD allow patients to share their experiences with breast implant removal doctors. For example, patients have praised Dr. Michael Eugene Jones for his work in removing keloids, which may also indicate his surgical skills in related procedures.
Insurance Coverage
Determine whether the hospital and surgeon accept your insurance. In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance, but if the removal is due to medical necessity, such as following a mastectomy, insurance companies may be obligated to cover the costs. It is important to check with your insurance provider and the hospital's billing department for accurate information.
The Breast Prosthesis Removal Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the breast prosthesis removal procedure, patients typically need to undergo several steps:
- Medical Evaluation: The surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. This may include physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. The imaging studies can help the surgeon assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue.
- Medication Adjustment: Patients are usually advised to avoid certain medications that can interfere with the surgery, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for about one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications may need to be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery, under the guidance of the prescribing physician.
- Arrangements: Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them during the first few days of recovery. They may also be given prescriptions to fill before the surgery and instructions on eating, drinking, and smoking before the procedure.
Anesthesia
Breast prosthesis removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially for more complex procedures. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure safety.
Surgical Process
The surgical process may vary depending on the patient's individual situation:
- Incision Placement: The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The surgeon will try to reuse the original incision sites from the breast augmentation surgery when possible to minimize scarring.
- Implant Removal: The surgeon will remove the implants from each breast. Different methods may be used, such as prying out the implants from beneath the breast tissue, cutting through the implant shell if it is stuck to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the implant for slow removal by pulling.
- Scar Tissue Removal: If there is excess scar tissue around the implants, the surgeon will remove it. This is especially important in cases of capsular contracture or when there are concerns about BIA - ALCL.
- Incision Closure: After the implants and scar tissue are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures and, if needed, a layer of external sutures. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in healing.
Post - operative Recovery
After the surgery, patients can expect the following during the recovery period:
- Recovery Room: Patients will recover in a post - operative recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. They may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain relief medication.
- Home Care: Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day. They will be provided with detailed discharge instructions, including how to care for the incision sites, wear a compression bra, take prescribed antibiotics, and apply cold compresses. It is common to experience some swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity in the breasts for a few weeks.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's healing rate. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure and resume light activities within one week.
- Follow - up Visits: Patients will typically return to the surgeon's office the day after the surgery for a follow - up appointment. The surgeon will monitor the healing process and may remove external sutures, if used, around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. It may take several months for the final results to be visible, and the scars will gradually fade over time.
Cost of Breast Prosthesis Removal
The cost of breast prosthesis removal in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors:
- Surgeon's Fees: The experience and reputation of the surgeon can affect the cost. Well - known and highly experienced surgeons may charge more for their services.
- Operating Facility Costs: The cost of using the surgical facility, including the equipment, staff, and overhead, is also a significant factor. Private surgical centers may have different pricing structures compared to hospitals.
- Post - care Essentials: This includes medications, follow - up appointments, and any special garments or supplies needed during the recovery period.
- Tests and Diagnostic Procedures: The cost of pre - operative tests such as imaging studies and blood tests will be added to the overall cost.
As mentioned earlier, in most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance, but it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine if there are any exceptions based on medical necessity.
Conclusion
Breast prosthesis removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and experienced surgeons who can provide high - quality care for this procedure. When choosing a hospital and surgeon, factors such as board certification, experience, patient reviews, and insurance coverage should be taken into account. Understanding the pre - operative preparation, surgical process, and post - operative recovery is also crucial for a successful outcome. If you are considering breast prosthesis removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your options and get personalized advice.
Take the next step towards your desired outcome by reaching out to a reputable surgeon in New York City. You can start by researching the surgeons and hospitals mentioned in this article and scheduling a consultation to have all your questions answered and make an informed decision.
