Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery has become an increasingly common procedure in New York City. Whether due to medical concerns such as capsular contracture, the recall of certain textured implants by the FDA, or personal preference, many women are seeking reliable and high - quality hospitals and surgeons for this procedure. The newly released hospital ranking list for breast implant removal surgery in New York City provides valuable information for patients to make informed decisions. In this article, we will explore the top - ranked hospitals, the surgeons, the procedures involved, and other essential aspects of breast implant removal surgery in the Big Apple.
Top - Ranked Hospitals in New York City
New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center has consistently been one of the top hospitals in New York and the nation. It was ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals, and in another instance, it rose to No. 4 in the nation. This institution has been recognized for its excellence in 14 - 15 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties. In terms of surgical excellence, it has nationally - ranked surgical specialties including adult heart surgery, gi surgery, lung surgery, and pediatric heart, gi, and lung surgeries. The national ranking in cancer care also reflects the high - quality surgical oncology expertise provided by many of its specialists, including those in breast surgery. The hospital's surgical and medical interventions in various conditions have also received high ratings, with patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies being key factors in the evaluation.
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is another notable hospital in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and rated high - performing in 1 adult specialty and 16 procedures/conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital. The hospital's evaluation also includes data from Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. In patient experience, it offers medical surgical ICU, cardiac ICU, bariatric/weight control services, and outpatient addiction treatment services, along with an onsite emergency department. Some of its high - performing procedures related to overall surgical excellence include leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma treatment, colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, and various heart - related surgeries. Although not specifically ranked for breast implant removal surgery, its overall high performance and comprehensive services may make it a reliable choice for patients.
Leading Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, removing 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 has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. His surgical approach involves a thorough evaluation of the patient's health and the condition of the breasts, and he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure such as a breast lift based on the patient's expectations.
Surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. They are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques. Many women may opt to have their breast implants removed at this center, especially if their implants are due for replacement or the patient no longer desires implants. The top - rated board - certified plastic surgeons routinely perform breast implant removal surgery at the state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy, and each procedure is customized to fit the unique needs of each patient.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery, which is the inverse of breast augmentation. He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. He will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. He has in - depth knowledge of the candidates suitable for the procedure, the benefits, and the potential risks. During the consultation, he walks patients through the options and techniques available for the procedure, aiming to provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Capsular Contracture: A capsular contracture is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant after it is placed in the body. Normally, this tissue is soft and unnoticeable, but it can become hard and painful, while also distorting the appearance of the breasts. Dr. Steven Wallach mentions that this is one of the medical reasons why a patient may need to have their breast implants removed.
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. In the case of saline implants, a leading sign of rupture is the rapid decrease in the size of the breast due to the sterile saline solution leaking out and being absorbed by the body. For silicone implants, if they are leaking, they may look different than normal, and an MRI may be required to determine if there is a rupture.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL. Dr. Darrick Antell performs the removal of the allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA in cases where patients are at risk or experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
Non - Medical Reasons
- Change in Aesthetic Preferences: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer be satisfied with the look or feel of her breast implants and may desire to return to her natural breast size or a different aesthetic. The surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC often encounter patients with such requests.
- Age - Related Changes: As women age, the breasts may sag more with implants in place. This can contribute to a less - desired appearance, and some women may choose to have the implants removed to address this issue.
Breast Implant Removal Procedures
En Bloc
During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. This method is often used when there are concerns such as capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or in cases of textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL. Dr. Darrick Antell may perform en - bloc resection in appropriate cases. The advantage of en bloc removal is that it ensures the complete removal of the implant and the surrounding scar tissue, reducing the risk of leaving behind any potentially problematic material.
Partial Capsulectomy
A partial capsulectomy consists of solely removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material in order to create the patient’s desired chest contour. This procedure is suitable for patients who want to keep some of the capsule intact while achieving a better chest shape. The surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC offer this option as part of their customized treatment plans.
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue. The procedure begins with the removal of the breast implants, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue. This is a more invasive procedure compared to partial capsulectomy but may be necessary in certain cases where there is significant scarring or medical concerns related to the capsule.
Pre - operative Considerations
Consultation
During the initial consultation, it is crucial for the patient to have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon. If the patient desires to have her implants removed due to medical complications, she should discuss any symptoms she may be experiencing. It is also helpful to bring any information about the existing implants and the previous breast augmentation surgery. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. Based on the patient's expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, and will go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery in detail.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based 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 breast implant removal procedure. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. In some cases, prescriptions may be given that should be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, she may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is often performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive her home after the surgery and ensure she has someone to assist her in the first few days of recovery.
Intra - operative and Post - operative Process
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring the patient throughout the procedure. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia. This ensures the patient's comfort during the surgery.
Surgical Procedure
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, 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. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to three hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in the hospital's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until she feels well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home the same day as the procedure. The patient should be prepared to have an escort to bring her home, as she will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. The patient may feel tired or sore following surgery, and 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 the customized procedure and the patient's rate of healing. It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and this numbness typically fades over time. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will typically return to the office the day after the surgery so that the surgeon can monitor the healing process. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible.
Risks and Complications
Breast implant removal surgery is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications. These include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Dr. Steven Wallach also mentions other risks such as unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery. Patients can reduce their risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal surgery can vary depending on several factors. If breast implant replacement is desired, or a lift or more complex procedure is required, the cost will increase. Dr. Steven Wallach mentions that the fee may start out at $5000, but it will ultimately depend on the extent of the work to be performed. It is important for patients to discuss the cost with their surgeon during the consultation and to check with their insurance carrier to see if any portion of the procedure is covered.
Conclusion
The new hospital ranking list for breast implant removal surgery in New York City in 2025 offers patients a valuable resource to make informed decisions. Hospitals like New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health stand out for their overall excellence and surgical capabilities. Surgeons such as Dr. Darrick Antell, those at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, and Dr. Steven Wallach are highly skilled in performing breast implant removal surgeries. Patients considering breast implant removal should weigh the reasons for the procedure, understand the different procedures available, and be well - informed about the pre - operative, intra - operative, and post - operative processes, as well as the potential risks and costs.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon. Share this article with others who may be considering this procedure, and explore related topics such as post - operative care tips and the latest advancements in breast implant removal techniques.
