Finding the Right Place for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Breast implant removal is a significant decision for many women. There are numerous reasons why one might choose to have their breast implants removed, such as dissatisfaction with the current appearance, health concerns, or lifestyle changes. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several highly qualified surgeons and facilities offering breast implant removal procedures. This article will provide an in - depth look at some of the top options for breast implant removal in the city.

Top Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in NYC

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also worldwide. Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, in which he can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.

One of the unique aspects of Dr. Antell's practice is his work with the removal of 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). Dr. Antell 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 high - quality work. His office has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and his state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited.

Dr. Maura Reinblatt

Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon who serves patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She is well - known for her expertise in breast implant - related procedures. Breast implant removal, for Dr. Reinblatt, may be done for various reasons, including dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, or the desire to return to one's natural breast size or shape.

Dr. Reinblatt offers advanced techniques to address medical issues associated with breast implants. For example, en bloc capsulectomy is a procedure she performs to remove both the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing issues such as capsular contracture or breast implant illness (BII). Open capsulotomy is another option she provides, which is designed to address issues associated with capsular contracture or discomfort caused by scar tissue around breast implants.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and sometimes subsequent breast implant replacement procedures. He performs these surgeries in the comfort of his quad A - accredited NYC surgical facility. Patients who are dissatisfied with the current state of their breast implants may choose to have their implants removed or replaced. Dr. Weintraub's approach focuses on safety and achieving natural - looking results.

He prefers to have his breast implant removal and replacement patients in a comfortable state of twilight sleep, which helps in a smooth and clear emergence from anesthesia. Dr. Weintraub also insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. His attention to detail, from pre - op to post - op care, is remarkable. Over 60% of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, which shows his proficiency in handling challenging cases.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC. As a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, she has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. Dr. Hutchinson can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants.

Aesthetic issues may include the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from the original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, nipple or areola problems, and implant malposition. Medical issues such as severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness (BII) are also among the concerns she can handle. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals.

Dr. Darren Smith

Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He helps patients decide whether to have breast implants removed based on their individual needs and body goals. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Smith often uses the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring.

Patients undergoing breast explant surgery with Dr. Smith have options depending on how they want their breasts to look after surgery. Some may opt for replacement of their breast implants, while others may choose to no longer have implants. After surgery, Dr. Smith and his medical staff monitor patients in the recovery room and provide appropriate support garments and aftercare instructions.

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman

At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. Patients may choose to have their breast implants removed for reasons such as health concerns (implant rupture, capsular contracture, or BII), cosmetic preferences, or aging implants. For those who want to alter the size or type of their implants, implant exchange is an option.

The procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in employing techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Reasons

• Breast Implant Illness (BII): This is a rare condition where the body reacts adversely to breast implants. Symptoms can include swelling, infection, discomfort, and changes in breast skin texture. Some patients may also experience fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties. As the cause of BII is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems, removal of the implants may be necessary to alleviate symptoms.
• Capsular Contracture: Excessive scar tissue formation around the implant can cause firmness, irregular shape, or discomfort. In severe cases, the breasts may be painful, and the appearance may be distorted. Capsular contracture can occur due to various factors, such as the type of implant, the surgical technique, or an infection.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both silicone and saline implants can rupture or leak over time. Saline implants are more likely to have valve - leakage problems, while silicone implants can have shell - related issues. Ruptured or leaking implants may cause changes in breast shape and size, as well as discomfort.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma, it has been associated with certain types of textured breast implants. The FDA has recalled specific textured breast implants due to the increased risk of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms can include pain or swelling around the breasts, and an MRI can be used to check for fluid around the implant or a mass in the capsule.

Cosmetic Reasons

• Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their breast implants. For example, the implants may be too large or too small, or they may have moved from their original position, resulting in an unnatural appearance.
• Desire for a Natural Look: As personal taste or body image changes, a woman may prefer to return to her natural breast size and shape. This could be due to lifestyle changes, such as becoming more active or a shift in aesthetic preferences.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Consultation

Before the actual surgery, a consultation with the surgeon is crucial. During this initial meeting, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. It is important for the patient to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the implant removal is due to medical complications. Patients should also bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery.

The surgeon and the patient will have an open and honest conversation about the desired outcome. Based on the patient's expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy) to achieve a more plump, rounded appearance. The surgeon will also go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery process in detail so that the patient can make an informed decision.

Pre - operative Preparation

Depending on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. Ahead of the surgery day, patients will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled before the surgery. Some patients may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor.

Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have someone to assist them in the first few days of recovery.

The Surgery

Most breast implant removal surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure typically starts with the administration of anesthesia, either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon will then make an incision, often using the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery if possible. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision.

If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or had textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection. After the removal, multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to speed healing.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day as the procedure. However, they should not drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.

Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery, as the body is using its energy to heal. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and the surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of the procedure and the patient's rate of healing. It is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and this numbness typically fades over time. Some fluid drainage from the incision site may also occur. In most cases, patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. Scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.

Selecting the Right Surgeon and Facility

Board Certification

It is essential to choose a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification ensures that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and ethical practice in the field of plastic surgery. A board - certified plastic surgeon has completed extensive residency training in plastic surgery and has passed rigorous written and oral examinations.

Experience

Look for a surgeon with significant experience in breast implant removal procedures. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell, who have performed thousands of procedures over their careers, are more likely to have encountered a wide range of cases and can handle any complications that may arise. Patient testimonials and referrals can also give an indication of a surgeon's experience and the quality of their work.

Reputation

A surgeon's reputation is an important factor to consider. Check online reviews and ratings from previous patients, and see if the surgeon has been recognized in reputable magazines or professional organizations. Surgeons who are well - respected in the medical community are more likely to provide high - quality care.

Facility Accreditation

The facility where the surgery will be performed should be accredited. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Many of the top surgeons in NYC have their own accredited outpatient surgery centers or have privileges at well - known hospitals in the city.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon's fees, the complexity of the procedure, the location of the facility, and whether any additional procedures are being performed simultaneously, such as a breast lift.

Since each patient is unique, it is best to schedule a consultation with the surgeon to get an accurate quote. Some patients may be able to use their health insurance to cover part or all of the cost if the implant removal is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of BIA - ALCL or severe capsular contracture. However, for cosmetic reasons, insurance is less likely to provide coverage.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal is a personal decision that can be influenced by various medical and cosmetic factors. In New York City, there are many highly qualified surgeons and well - equipped facilities available to perform these procedures. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Maura Reinblatt, Dr. Barry Weintraub, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Dr. Darren Smith, and Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offer a range of expertise and experience to meet the diverse needs of patients.

Before making a decision, it is important to do thorough research, have in - depth consultations with multiple surgeons, and carefully consider all aspects of the procedure, including the reasons for removal, the surgical process, recovery, and cost. If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top surgeons to learn more about your options and take the first step towards achieving your desired outcome. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal and explore related topics on breast health and cosmetic surgery.