Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the demand for breast implant removal procedures has been on the rise. Whether it's due to health concerns, changing aesthetic preferences, or complications from previous surgeries, many women are seeking out reliable medical facilities and experienced surgeons to remove their breast implants. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for breast implant removal in 2025, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. These reasons can be broadly categorized into health - related and cosmetic - related factors.
Health - Related Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. A saline implant rupture is usually obvious as the implant deflates, while a silicone implant rupture may be silent. The leaked silicone gel can cause irritation to the surrounding breast tissue, and in some cases, lead to inflammation and changes in breast shape. According to a study, over time, the silicone shell of implants can wear out, increasing the risk of rupture.
- Capsular Contracture: When the body forms a scar tissue capsule around the implant, it can sometimes harden and shrink. This can cause the breast to become painful, firm, and distorted in shape. Capsular contracture is one of the most common reasons for implant removal, as it can significantly affect a woman's comfort and appearance.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII encompasses a constellation of autoimmune symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint aches, and skin and hair problems. While the exact cause of BII is not fully understood, many women report that their symptoms resolve after implant removal. Multiple studies have shown an association between breast implants and autoimmune problems.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a mass around the breast. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with an increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
Cosmetic - Related Reasons
- Change in Aesthetic Preferences: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer desire the look of her breast implants or may wish to return to her natural breast size and shape.
- Dissatisfaction with Previous Surgery: If a woman is unhappy with the results of her initial breast augmentation, such as the size, shape, or position of the implants, she may choose to have them removed.
Top Surgeons and Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in NYC
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
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 is known for performing custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. 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, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated.
- Removal of recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
- He may also recommend pairing explant surgery with other procedures like a breast lift to achieve a more desirable outcome.
Patient Experience
Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the satisfaction with their results. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. He has also worked on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond.
Facility
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.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal procedures. Patients can choose between two experienced plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs.
Services Offered
- Removal of leaking or ruptured breast implants.
- Removal of breast implants causing pain or other complications.
- Replacement of damaged implants and improvement of breast aesthetics.
- Removal of capsular contracture.
Patient Preparation
Before the procedure, patients are advised to avoid certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week. They should also avoid blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks and arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure. A pre - operative examination is also required to determine breast health.
Procedure Details
The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia. Incisions can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. The surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the work, including scar tissue removal and area reconstruction.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He offers breast implant removal and replacement procedures.
Services Offered
- Removal and replacement of breast implants to change size, location, or type.
- Addressing concerns related to breast implant illness by removing implants and replacing lost volume with autologous fat.
- Repositioning implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look.
- Performing a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal and replacement for patients with drooping breasts.
Patient Considerations
Breast implant removal and replacement should not be considered before the age of 18. Patients should be in good general health, highly motivated for the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means to undergo the elective cosmetic surgery.
Facility
He prefers to perform the procedures in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility has a private entrance and is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff.
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures.
Reasons for Procedures
- Health concerns such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness.
- Cosmetic preferences, including a change in personal taste or body image.
- Aging implants that may require replacement or removal.
Procedure Details
The procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in employing techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. The complexity and duration of the procedure vary depending on whether it is a simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange.
Recovery
Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks and can fully recover in up to six weeks.
Dr. Darren Smith
Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC.
Reasons for Removal
- Patients may no longer want implants, have complications with their implants, or want to revise their breast implants for a different size.
- Silicone and saline breast implants typically need to be exchanged or removed after about 10 years, although this can vary.
Procedure Details
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is usually made along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from breast augmentation to minimize scarring. Dr. Smith will remove the breast implants and may also remove the capsule and scar tissue if necessary.
Recovery
Patients spend a short time in the recovery room and are given appropriate support garments. Mild discomfort and swelling are expected, and patients should avoid strenuous movements for two weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Dr. Constance M. Chen
Dr. Constance Chen has 20 years of expertise in performing breast implant removal through a limited - scar technique, specifically an en bloc capsulectomy through an incision limited to the patient’s existing scar.
Reasons for Removal
Common reasons for breast implant removal include capsular contracture, rupture, infection, malposition, extrusion, breast implant illness, and cancers such as BIA - ALCL or breast implant - associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA - SCC).
Unique Procedure
Dr. Chen's limited - scar en bloc capsulectomy removes the entire breast implant and capsule in one piece without extending the original scar, which is a unique approach compared to many other surgeons.
Benefits
Benefits of breast implant removal with Dr. Chen include better mammogram visibility, resolution of pain and discomfort, resolution of BII symptoms, and a short recovery time.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
Reasons for Removal
Reasons for breast implant removal include aesthetic issues such as implant rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, and capsular contracture, as well as medical issues like severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness.
Services
She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers breast implant removal surgery in NYC, serving patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains.
Reasons for Removal
Reasons for considering breast explant surgery include dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, discomfort, health concerns such as breast implant illness and capsular contracture, and the desire to return to one's natural breast size or shape.
Procedures
She offers advanced techniques such as en bloc capsulectomy and open capsulotomy to address medical issues associated with breast implants. The outpatient surgery typically lasts one to three hours under general anesthesia.
Recovery
Recovery times vary, but patients generally experience minimal discomfort immediately following surgery. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first four to six weeks.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery, it is important to take several steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, assess the current condition of your breasts, and discuss your desired outcome. Bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery.
Medical Tests
Your surgeon may send you for imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to evaluate the condition of your implants and surrounding tissues.
Medication and Lifestyle Changes
Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding medications, vitamins, and supplements. You may need to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as blood - thinners, for a period of time before the surgery. If you smoke, you may be advised to quit before the procedure to improve healing.
Arrangements
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to assist you during the first few days of recovery. Make sure you have a comfortable place to rest and have all the necessary supplies, such as pain medication, compression bras, and ice packs.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on various factors, including the patient's preference, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's recommendation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor your vital signs during the procedure.
Incisions
The surgeon will make incisions in the breast to access the implants. The location of the incisions will depend on factors such as the type of implant, the original incision site from the breast augmentation, and the surgeon's technique. Common incision locations include the inframammary fold, around the areola, or in the armpit.
Implant Removal
The surgeon will carefully remove the breast implants from the breast tissue. If there is capsular contracture, silicone leakage, or other issues, the surgeon may also remove the surrounding scar tissue or capsule. In some cases, an en bloc capsulectomy may be performed, which involves removing the implant and the entire capsule in one piece.
Closure
After the implants and any necessary tissue are removed, the incisions will be closed with sutures. The surgeon may also place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to aid in healing.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - operative Care
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored by the medical staff. You may experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site. Pain medication will be provided to manage any discomfort. You will be given discharge instructions, which will include information on wound care, wearing a compression bra, and taking any prescribed medications.
Short - term Recovery
Most patients can return home on the same day as the surgery. You should rest for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities. Mild swelling and bruising may persist for a few weeks, but these should gradually subside. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area, which usually fades over time. You will need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress.
Long - term Recovery
It may take several months for the final results of the breast implant removal to become visible. The breasts will gradually return to their pre - implant size and shape, although there may be some changes depending on factors such as the size of the implants, the length of time they were in place, and the condition of the breast tissue. Some patients may choose to have additional procedures, such as a breast lift or fat grafting, to further enhance the appearance of their breasts.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal carries some risks and potential complications.
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the surgical site. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections.
- Scarring: Incisions will leave scars, although the surgeon will try to minimize their appearance. Scars may fade over time but may not completely disappear.
- Changes in Sensation: You may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.
- Asymmetry: