Introduction
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that has become increasingly relevant in recent years. There are various reasons why women might choose to have their breast implants removed, ranging from medical complications to personal aesthetic preferences. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical expertise, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. This article aims to introduce the top 3 hospitals for removing breast augmentation prosthesis in New York City, based on the surgeons' experience, reputation, and patient satisfaction.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Before delving into the top hospitals, it's important to understand the common reasons for breast implant removal. These reasons can be broadly classified into medical and non - medical categories:
Medical Reasons
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation, such as 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.
- Capsular Contracture: Excessive scar tissue formation around the implant causing firmness, irregular shape, or discomfort. It can make the breasts feel hard and look distorted.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants may leak due to the valve, while silicone implants can rupture, although they are factory - sealed. Ruptured or leaking implants can lead to changes in breast appearance and potentially cause health issues.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
Non - Medical Reasons
- Change in Aesthetic Preferences: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change, and she may no longer desire the look of breast implants. She may want to return to her natural breast size or achieve a different look.
- Lifestyle Changes: For some women, large breasts may interfere with their physical activities, such as sports or exercise. Removing the implants can improve their quality of life.
Top 3 Hospitals for Removing Breast Augmentation Prosthesis in New York City
1. Facilities Associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With a career spanning over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest and safest medical technologies, and the eye of an artist. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant) Surgery: He removes the 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.
- 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.
- Combined Procedures: He may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy), to produce a more plump, rounded appearance.
Patient Experience
Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about their satisfaction. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, maintaining total discretion.
Hospital - Related Details
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer for the procedure to take place 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 facility has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and all members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care.
2. Facilities Associated with Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is 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 and performing breast implant removal in NYC. She is considered to be one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC.
Services Offered
- Addressing Aesthetic and Medical Concerns: She can address a wide range of breast implant - related issues, including aesthetic problems such as implant palpability, rupture, malposition, and capsular contracture, as well as medical issues like BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness (BII).
- Surgical Option Advice: She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Patient Experience
Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere is calming, everything is super clean, and the staff is professional and nice. Dr. Hutchinson makes patients feel comfortable, and the results are often highly satisfactory.
Hospital - Related Details
While specific hospital details are not as prominently mentioned as in the case of Dr. Antell, her practice is well - established in the NYC area, and she likely has access to appropriate surgical facilities. Patients can contact her office at (212) 452 - 1400 to book a consultation.
3. The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Surgeon Profile
The top - rated breast surgery team at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan, NY, consists of board - certified plastic surgeons who are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. They are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques.
Services Offered
- Diverse Removal Procedures: They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc removal (removing the implants and capsule in a single procedure), partial capsulectomy (removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material), and total capsulectomy (removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue).
- Customized Treatment Plans: Each procedure is customized to fit the unique needs of each patient. The plastic surgeons work with patients to actualize a treatment plan that reflects their desired post - operative goals.
Patient Experience
Patients can expect a professional and personalized experience at the center. The surgeons are dedicated to helping patients achieve their desired chest aesthetic, and they explain each variation of the breast implant removal procedure during the initial consultation.
Hospital - Related Details
The breast implant removal surgery is performed at the center's 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. The center is located at 461 Park Ave S, # 7K, New York, NY 10016, and patients can contact them at (212) 481 - 0110 for a complimentary consultation.
Comparison of the Top 3 Hospitals
| Hospital/Surgeon | Surgeon Reputation | Services Offered | Patient Experience | Facility Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Highly acclaimed, listed in major magazines, extensive experience | Custom explant, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants, combined procedures | Many patient referrals, worked on celebrities, discreet care | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital, fully accredited, state - of - the - art |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Board - certified, experienced in breast implant removal | Address aesthetic and medical concerns, surgical option advice | Exceptional patient reviews, calming atmosphere | Well - established practice, likely access to suitable facilities |
| Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | Top - rated board - certified plastic surgeons | En bloc, partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy, customized treatment plans | Professional and personalized experience | State - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite |
What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Surgeon Qualifications
It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Look for surgeons who are members of professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and have a good reputation in the industry.
Services Offered
Ensure that the hospital or surgeon can offer the specific services you need. For example, if you have textured implants recalled by the FDA, you need a surgeon who can perform the appropriate removal procedure. If you are considering a combined procedure like a breast lift, the surgeon should be experienced in performing such surgeries.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the quality of care and the results achieved by the surgeon. Look for reviews that mention the surgeon's communication skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience.
Facility Quality
The facility where the surgery will be performed should be clean, well - equipped, and accredited. A state - of - the - art facility with the latest technology can ensure a safer and more comfortable surgical experience.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the breast implant removal procedure and whether your insurance will cover it. Some insurance companies may cover the removal if it is due to medical reasons, such as implant rupture or BIA - ALCL.
Pre - surgery Preparation
If you have decided to undergo breast implant removal, proper pre - surgery preparation is essential. Here are some general steps:
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. Bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. Discuss your desired outcome and any concerns you may have.
Medical Tests
Based on the surgeon's recommendation, you may need to undergo imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. These tests can help the surgeon better understand the condition of your implants and the surrounding tissue.
Lifestyle Changes
You may be advised to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. For example, you may need to stop smoking, as smoking can increase the risk of complications. You may also need to adjust your medication intake or stop taking certain vitamins or supplements.
Arrange for Assistance
Since breast implant removal is usually an outpatient procedure, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery. Arrange for someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery, as you may experience some discomfort and fatigue.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast implant removal can vary from person to person. Here are some general aspects:
Immediate Post - surgery
After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. You may have a specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. You will be provided with discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post - operative period.
First Few Days
Your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore, and your body will be using its energy to heal. It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities. You may need to take prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort.
Return to Normal Activities
Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of your customized procedure and your rate of healing.
Long - term Recovery
It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, but this numbness typically fades over time. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, but it may take several months before the final results are visible. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right hospital for breast implant removal in New York City is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your experience and the outcome of the procedure. The top 3 hospitals mentioned in this article - those associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, and the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC - each have their own strengths in terms of surgeon expertise, services offered, patient experience, and facility quality. When making your decision, consider your specific needs, the reasons for implant removal, and the factors discussed in this article such as surgeon qualifications, services, patient reviews, facility quality, and cost.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons or hospitals mentioned. Discuss your concerns and goals in detail, and make an informed decision about your breast health and aesthetic goals. Share this article with others who may be in a similar situation, and help them make the right choice for their breast implant removal journey.
