Top Five Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in New York City
Breast implant removal surgery has become increasingly common, whether due to medical reasons, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, or personal preferences. In New York City, several hospitals stand out for their expertise and advanced facilities in performing these procedures. Here are the top five hospitals that have been making waves in breast implant removal surgery.
1. Mount Sinai Health System
Overview
Mount Sinai Health System is one of New York City's largest academic medical systems. With 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, and over 600 research and clinical labs, it offers comprehensive healthcare solutions. The system is committed to advancing health through innovation, research, and education while providing high - quality care to the community.
Peakpoint Midtown West Surgery Center
Recently, Mount Sinai announced the opening of the Peakpoint Midtown West Surgery Center. This 25,106 - square - foot ambulatory surgical center at 787 11th avenue is a joint venture between Mount Sinai, leading surgeons, and Merritt Healthcare. It offers advanced care in orthopedic and spine surgery, neurosurgery, and breast surgery. For breast implant removal, it provides a seamless patient experience with the latest surgical technology.
The center is equipped with four operating rooms and 12 recovery bays, capable of handling both routine and complex procedures, including 23 - hour stays for recovery. It features Stryker Mako robotics for total joint replacements, Hana tables for anterior hip replacements, and advanced imaging and pathology capabilities to support complex spine and breast surgeries.
Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD, FACS, chief of breast service at Mount Sinai West, says that the location of the surgery center, one floor below Mount Sinai’s breast center, imaging center, and spine center, enhances the patient’s experience. Patients requiring breast surgery can see the breast specialist, have imaging performed and needle localization if needed, and have surgery without navigating a hospital campus or even leaving the building. The addition of onsite pathology in the coming months with real - time analysis will enable swift and informed decisions during the procedure, upgrading the patient experience and leading to faster, more precise treatments.
Awards and Recognition
The hospitals within the Mount Sinai system are consistently ranked by Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals” and by U.S. News & World Report's “Best Hospitals” and “Best Children’s Hospitals.” The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” honor roll for 2024 - 2025.
2. NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital
Accredited Breast Centers
NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital and its two affiliated medical colleges, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medical College, have the only two breast centers in Manhattan that are fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This accreditation is given to centers that demonstrate a firm commitment to offering patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.
The breast centers at NewYork - Presbyterian offer state - of - the - art treatment options, including through clinical research trials. They take a multidisciplinary team approach, offer community outreach and professional education, and undertake quality - improvement initiatives.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Surgeons at the breast centers are at the forefront of innovation. They were among the first to perform total skin - sparing, nipple - sparing mastectomy, which helps improve the aesthetic outcome of reconstructive surgery. They also pioneered the use of sentinel node biopsy, which limits the number of lymph nodes that need to be removed to determine if a tumor has spread. Additionally, they are among only a few worldwide to perform bone marrow examination at the time of surgery to rule out micro - metastatic disease and are among the first to offer intraoperative radiofrequency ablation to reduce the possibility of patients requiring additional surgery. The breast centers have also been leaders in oncoplastic surgery — the removal of cancerous tumor combined with cosmetic plastic surgery in a single procedure.
Future Advancements
Looking ahead, physician - scientists at NewYork - Presbyterian and its affiliated medical schools are working on new treatment and prevention strategies. This includes an intraductal approach that employs a miniature endoscope to access the milk ducts through the nipple, and the study of biomarkers in nipple fluid for potential screening tests. New radiotherapy techniques like balloon partial breast radiation are also under development, which reduces treatment time and limits radiation exposure to healthy tissues. In addition, breast center physicians are leading a national cancer institute (NCI) – funded multicenter clinical trial studying cryoablation as an alternative to mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Hospital Standing
NewYork - Presbyterian is the #1 hospital in the New York metropolitan area and is consistently ranked among the best academic medical institutions in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. It has nearly 2 million inpatient and outpatient visits in a year, including 12,797 deliveries and 195,294 visits to its emergency departments.
3. Practice of Dr. Darrick Antell
Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon 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. 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 distinct eye of an artist.
Breast Implant Removal Services
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant when indicated. He has experience in removing 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).
Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, a testament to his surgical results. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, with an impeccable reputation for exceptional surgical results performed with total discretion.
Patient - Centered Care
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He has an open and honest conversation with the patient about their desired outcome and creates a proper surgical plan. If necessary, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift. He explains the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail to ensure the patient is fully informed.
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.
4. Practice of Dr. Barry Weintraub
Skilled Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a plastic surgeon with a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and art. He studied medicine at Cornell during a time when core values were emphasized, and these values form the basis of his practice. He believes in being humble and respectful towards patients and takes surgery seriously, following the advice of his mentors that “the operating room is a sacred place.”
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Dr. Weintraub offers breast implant removal and replacement services. Breast implant removal can be done to change the size, location, or type of implants, address breast implant illness (BII), or deal with issues such as capsular contracture. Replacement options include using FDA - approved silicone gel implants, autologous fat, or combining the procedure with a breast lift for patients with drooping breasts.
He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. The surgery can take between half an hour and multiple hours, depending on the specific modality and aesthetic needs of the patient. Patients often return to work three days after surgery and require little downtime to fully recover.
High - Quality Facility
Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at several 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, offering the utmost in medical and plastic - surgical care.
5. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Expertise in Breast Implant Removal
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. The top - rated breast surgery team routinely performs breast implant removal surgery at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite.
Most plastic surgeons recommend breast augmentation patients to replace their breast implants every 10 - 15 years. Whether it's time to replace or remove the implants, the center's board - certified plastic surgeons offer the latest and greatest in breast implant removal surgery to help patients achieve their desired chest aesthetic.
Customized Procedures
The breast implants removal surgery may consist of an en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy procedure, depending on the patient’s desired post - op result. During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. A partial capsulectomy involves removing the breast implant material and trimming/ shaping some of the capsule material. A total capsulectomy includes removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each variation of the breast implant removal procedure and works with the patient to actualize a treatment plan that reflects their desired post - operative goals. The surgery is performed at the center's fully accredited surgical suite, takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Surgeon Experience
The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons who have performed a significant number of breast implant removal surgeries. Check their credentials, including board certification, and any awards or recognition they have received. Surgeons with extensive experience are more likely to handle complex cases and achieve better results.
Hospital Facilities
State - of - the - art facilities can enhance the safety and comfort of the procedure. Hospitals with advanced imaging and pathology capabilities can provide more accurate diagnoses and better support during surgery. Additionally, comfortable recovery areas and a private and secure environment can improve the patient experience.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can give you an idea of the quality of care at a hospital. Look for reviews that mention the professionalism of the staff, the success of the surgery, and the overall patient experience. Positive reviews can be a good indicator of a hospital's reliability and patient - centered approach.
Treatment Options
Choose a hospital that offers a variety of treatment options. This could include different types of breast implant removal procedures, such as en bloc capsulectomy, and the option to combine the procedure with other breast surgeries, like a breast lift. Having more treatment options allows you to customize your surgery based on your specific needs and goals.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. A saline implant rupture will cause the breast to deflate, while a silicone implant rupture may require an MRI to detect. Ruptured implants may need to be removed to prevent any potential health risks.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant. It can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort. Severe cases of capsular contracture may require implant removal.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is 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.
- Infection: Infections around the implant can occur, sometimes years after the initial surgery. These infections may require implant removal if they cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Non - Medical Reasons
- Change in Aesthetic Preferences: Over time, a patient's aesthetic preferences may change. They may no longer desire the look of the implants and wish to return to their natural breast size.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some patients report a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and joint pain, after getting breast implants. While the exact cause of BII is still uncertain, some patients choose to have their implants removed to alleviate these symptoms.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Consultation
During the consultation, be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any previous surgeries, medications you are taking, and any current health issues. You should also discuss your reasons for wanting the implants removed and your desired outcome. The surgeon will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue.
Lifestyle Changes
If you smoke, you should stop smoking before the surgery as it can increase the risk of complications and slow down the healing process. You may also need to adjust your diet and exercise routine to ensure you are in good health for the surgery. Additionally, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood - thinners, vitamins, and supplements, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Pre - operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide you with pre - operative instructions, which may include guidelines on eating and drinking before the surgery, taking prescribed medications, and arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You may also need to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the breasts, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your doctor. You will need someone to drive you home as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
Short - term Recovery
Most patients can return to light activities within a few days after the surgery. However, you should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks and avoid heavy lifting for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide you with a customized recovery plan based on the details of your procedure and your rate of healing. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Long - term Recovery
It may take several months for the final results of the surgery to be visible. Swelling and bruising will gradually fade, and your breasts will return to a more natural shape. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. If external sutures were used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
New York City is home to several top - notch hospitals and surgical practices that excel in breast implant removal surgery. Mount Sinai Health System, NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital, the practices of Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Barry Weintraub, and the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC all offer high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and advanced treatment options. When considering breast implant removal, it is important to weigh the factors such as surgeon experience, hospital facilities, patient reviews, and treatment options. By making an informed decision and following the pre - operative and post - operative instructions, patients can achieve the best possible results and a smooth recovery.
If you are considering breast implant removal surgery, don't hesitate to reach out to these top hospitals and surgeons. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options, address your concerns, and take the first step towards achieving your desired aesthetic and health goals. Share this article with others who