Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a significant concern for many women in New York City. There can be numerous reasons for this, such as medical complications, personal preferences, or dissatisfaction with the results of breast augmentation. Selecting the right hospital for the removal of injected breast augmentation material is crucial for a successful and safe procedure. In this article, we will unveil the top 3 hospitals in New York City for this specific procedure, along with detailed information about the hospitals, their surgeons, and the services they offer.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Women may opt for breast implant removal due to various reasons. Some of the common ones are:
- Medical Complications: Conditions like capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, causing pain and distortion of the breast shape. Also, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant, and breast implant illness (BII) are significant medical reasons for removal. BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog that patients may report after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants.
- Personal Preferences: Some women may simply change their aesthetic preferences over time, or they may find that the implants no longer suit their lifestyle.
- Dissatisfaction with Results: Unsatisfactory results from the initial breast augmentation, such as improper sizing, malposition of the implants, or visible rippling or wrinkling of the implants, can lead to the decision of removal.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Surgeries
| Type of Surgery | Description |
|---|---|
| En bloc removal | Removing the entire implant, including the capsule that forms around it, in one piece. This technique is recommended for patients who have developed capsular contracture or those who want to remove their implants due to health concerns. It reduces the risk of rupturing or spilling of silicone gel into the body during surgery. |
| Capsulectomy | Removing only the capsule that forms around an implant while leaving the implant itself in place. This method is typically recommended for patients who want to remove their implants due to cosmetic reasons or discomfort caused by capsular contracture but do not wish to undergo a more invasive surgery like en bloc removal. |
| Explantation with mastopexy | Removing the implant and excess skin, and lifting the breast tissue to create a more youthful appearance. This technique is recommended for patients who have experienced sagging or drooping of their breasts after having implants. |
| Explantation with fat transfer | Removing the implant and using the patient’s own fat from another area of their body such as thighs, hips, or abdomen to reshape and enhance their breasts. This method is typically recommended for patients who want to remove their implants but still desire some degree of breast augmentation. |
The Top 3 Hospitals for Removing Injected Breast Augmentation Material in New York City
1. Hospital Associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as being among 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
- Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant) Surgery: Dr. Antell performs custom explant surgery, in which he removes the existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also performs an en bloc capsulectomy when indicated to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: He specializes in the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
Patient Experience
Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about how they felt about their new look. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and other well - known persons in New York and beyond. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
Facility
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but 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. His facility has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and all members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
2. Columbia University’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care
Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers. Their plastic and reconstructive surgery department has the experience that few other programs can match, and their mission is to use their many resources to deliver the highest quality care for anybody in need of a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive Plastic Surgery: The plastic surgeons on their clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine, non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. For breast implant removal, they can offer personalized solutions based on the patient's condition.
- Research - Driven Approach: The plastic surgery research laboratory is currently conducting numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. This research - driven approach allows them to offer the latest techniques and treatments.
Surgeon Team
The division has a team of highly skilled board - certified surgeons. For example, Christine Rohde, MD, is the chief of the division of plastic surgery. She is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction.
Patient - Centered Care
They take a patient - centered approach, aiming to empower individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery to help them reclaim their physical and emotional well - being. For breast implant removal patients, they will thoroughly evaluate the patient's condition and provide a personalized treatment plan.
3. Dr. Barry Weintraub’s Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He is known for his aesthetic sense and attention to detail in performing breast implant removal and replacement surgeries.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: He offers breast implant removal and (sometimes) subsequent breast implant replacement. Patients who are dissatisfied with the current state of their breast implants can choose these procedures. He can also reposition implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result.
- Alternative Options: For patients concerned about breast implant illness, an increasingly popular option he offers is to remove existent implants and replace the lost volume with autologous fat, which can be liposuctioned from various areas of the body. In patients who have drooping breasts, a lift can be done in conjunction with a removal and replacement of implants.
Patient Care
Dr. Weintraub takes a patient - centered approach during the consultation. He listens to the patient's needs and desires, and provides a customized treatment plan. His office environment is comforting, personable, and inviting, and he and his staff truly care about each and every patient, taking great pride in making themselves available to help with every step of the process.
Facility
He prefers to perform breast implant removal and replacement in the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. This facility is attended by his team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff, offering the utmost in medical and plastic - surgical care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Surgeon Expertise
It is essential to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Check their credentials, such as certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and look for their membership in professional organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Experience in handling various types of breast implant removal surgeries, especially complex cases, is a significant factor.
Facility Quality
A state - of - the - art facility with the latest technology and equipment can ensure a safer and more successful procedure. Accreditation of the facility is also crucial. A clean, comfortable, and well - equipped operating room and recovery area contribute to a better patient experience.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
Reading patient reviews can give you an insight into the quality of care provided by the hospital and the surgeon. Positive reviews about the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience are indicators of a reliable hospital. The hospital's reputation in the medical community also matters.
Cost and Financing Options
Cost is an important consideration for many patients. Different hospitals may have different pricing structures for breast implant removal. It is advisable to get a detailed quote that includes all the costs involved, such as surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and post - operative care. Additionally, inquire about financing options, as many hospitals offer in - house financing plans or can assist with third - party medical loans.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, discuss your reasons for wanting breast implant removal, your medical history, and any current medications or supplements you are taking. The surgeon will evaluate your condition, assess the type of implant removal surgery that is most suitable for you, and answer all your questions about the procedure, risks, and recovery.
Medical Tests
Based on your age, implant condition, and overall health, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. These tests help the surgeon get a better understanding of the implant and the surrounding tissue, and plan the surgery accordingly.
Lifestyle Changes
Stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during surgery and slow down the healing process. Avoid taking medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for two weeks before the surgery. Your surgeon may also advise you to stop taking certain supplements or herbal remedies that could interfere with anesthesia or cause bleeding.
Post - operative Care Arrangements
Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery. Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery to help you with daily activities. Make sure you have comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off after the surgery, and have a comfortable place to rest at home.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will recover in the hospital's recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the breast area, which is normal. The surgeon will provide you with pain medication to manage the pain.
Initial Weeks after Surgery
You should rest and avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least two weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site, which is normal in the initial days. Follow all the post - operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as wearing a compression garment, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow - up appointments.
Long - term Recovery
It may take several months before the final results are visible. Swelling and bruising will gradually fade, and your breasts will gradually return to their natural shape. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. However, in some cases, a breast lift may be recommended for a more aesthetic result.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for the removal of injected breast augmentation material in New York City is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the procedure and your overall well - being. The top 3 hospitals - the one associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Columbia University’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care, and Dr. Barry Weintraub’s Practice - offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and state - of - the - art facilities. Consider factors such as surgeon expertise, facility quality, patient reviews, and cost when making your choice. Proper preparation before the surgery and careful adherence to the post - operative instructions will ensure a smooth recovery process. If you are considering breast implant removal, take the time to research and consult with the professionals at these hospitals to make an informed decision.
Call - to - Action
If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal or scheduling a consultation with one of the top hospitals in New York City, don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact the hospitals directly through their provided contact information. Share this article with others who may be in need of this valuable information, and continue to explore related topics to stay informed about the latest developments in breast implant removal procedures.
