Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a significant concern for many women in New York City. There could be various reasons behind this, such as health issues, changes in aesthetic preferences, or simply the natural aging process of the implants. In this article, we will unveil the ranking list of 5 top - notch oral institutions (it should be noted that it might be a misnomer here as it's mainly about plastic surgery institutions) for removing breast implants in New York City. We'll also explore details about breast implant removal, including the reasons, procedures, recovery, and associated risks.
Top 5 Institutions for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. Antell MD
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has over twenty - year experience in his career and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. According to the top Google search result, he has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and can also perform en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. He also handles the removal of recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with Bia - ALCL. Many of his patients are referred by former ones, and he has operated on many celebrities. His facility is located just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, offering a private and accredited outpatient surgery center with state - of - the - art technology.
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He believes in placing implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look. Dr. Weintraub has privileges at multiple well - known hospitals like Lenox Hill Hospital, but he prefers to perform procedures in his private hospital - grade surgical center at 800a Fifth Avenue. With over 60% of his practice involving complex redos of surgeries done by other offices, he is highly skilled in handling difficult cases. He takes a patient - centric approach, ensuring that patients feel heard and understood during the consultation process.
3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
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 can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Some of the aesthetic issues she deals with include palpable or visible implants, rupture, capsular contracture, and implant malposition. On the medical side, she handles problems like Bia - ALCL and breast implant illness. Her patients praise her for making them feel comfortable and achieving amazing results.
4. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. Patients may choose to have their implants removed due to health concerns like implant rupture or capsular contracture, cosmetic preferences, or aging implants. The procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Zuckerman aims to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. Post - operative care instructions are provided to ensure a smooth healing process, including managing discomfort, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities.
5. Columbia Surgery at New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Although not exclusively focused on breast implant removal, this top - ranked hospital in New York (ranked No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals) offers high - quality surgical services. It has nationally - ranked surgical specialties in areas like heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, as well as pediatric specialties. The high - performing surgical and medical interventions from its surgeons, along with a wide range of advanced clinical technologies and experienced staff, provide a safe and reliable option for breast implant removal procedures.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. Saline implants may leak due to valve issues, while silicone implants can rupture due to physical trauma or natural wear and tear. Ruptured implants can cause discomfort, pain, and changes in breast appearance.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, leading to distortion and abnormal appearance of the breasts. Severe capsular contracture can cause pain and discomfort and may affect the overall aesthetic result.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (Bia - ALCL): A rare cancer related to certain textured breast implants, especially those with the Biocell textured surface in Allergan implants. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a mass around the breast. Surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant is often the treatment.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): It refers to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and depression that some patients report after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Change in Personal Taste: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer be satisfied with the size, shape, or look of her breast implants and may wish to return to her natural breast size or change to a different type of implant.
- Unsatisfactory Results: The initial breast augmentation may not have achieved the desired results, such as uneven breasts, visible or palpable implants, or unnatural - looking breasts.
Pre - Procedure Considerations
Consultation
During the consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. You should bring any information you have about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open and honest conversation with the surgeon about your desired outcome is crucial for creating a proper surgical plan. You may also discuss whether a secondary procedure like a breast lift is necessary.
Preparation
Based on your age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. You will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Prescriptions may be given to be filled prior to the surgery. You may also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and have assistance during the initial days of recovery.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Surgical Process
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, this may not be possible with certain incisions like those in the armpit. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or Bia - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant, which is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures and, if needed, a layer of external sutures will be used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, you will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you are well enough to be discharged. A specialized local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day, but you will need an escort as you cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
Initial Recovery Period
Your breasts may be covered with a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore as your body heals. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your procedure and healing rate. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and there may be some fluid drainage from the incision site.
Long - Term Recovery
It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully and refrain from activities that could stress the incisions. In most cases, dissolvable sutures or dermabond are used to avoid external sutures. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. 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. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Risks and Complications
While breast implant removal is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still potential risks. These include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. The surgeon will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during your initial consultation, and you can reduce your risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.
Expected Results
Breast implant removal can return your breasts to their pre - implant size. If you desire a breast lift, it may or may not be performed at the same time. You may also choose to have a breast lift at a future date. It takes time to adjust to your new image, so be patient with your healing process. In most cases, patients are very pleased with the results.
Conclusion
In summary, the 5 institutions mentioned - Antell MD, Dr. Barry Weintraub, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, and Columbia Surgery at New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center - are among the top choices for breast implant removal in New York City. Each institution offers high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a patient - centered approach. When considering breast implant removal, it is essential to carefully weigh the reasons, understand the procedure, and follow the pre - and post - operative instructions. By choosing a reputable institution and a skilled surgeon, you can achieve the best possible results and ensure a smooth recovery process.
If you are interested in breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these institutions. Take the time to ask questions, understand your options, and make an informed decision that is right for you. You can share this article with others who may be facing similar concerns to help them make the best choice for their breast implant removal journey.
