Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a growing concern for many women in New York City. Whether it's due to medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or other reasons, finding a reliable and experienced plastic surgery hospital for this procedure is crucial. In this article, we will explore some of the top - rated plastic surgery hospitals in New York City for breast implant removal and provide in - depth information about the procedure, reasons for removal, and more.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed. Some of the common reasons are:
- Medical Complications:
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both silicone and saline implants can rupture over time. A ruptured silicone implant may not be as obvious externally, while a saline implant will cause the breast to deflate rapidly. Rupture can occur due to normal wear and tear, physical trauma, or manufacturing defects.
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distort the appearance of the breasts. Severe cases may require implant removal.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Treatment typically involves removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Patients may experience a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and more. Although the exact cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems in some cases.
- Cosmetic Preferences:
- Change in Aesthetic Goals: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may desire a different breast size or shape, or simply no longer want implants.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Some patients may be unhappy with the results of their initial breast augmentation, such as asymmetry, visible rippling, or incorrect placement of the implants.
- Aging Implants: Breast implants do not last a lifetime. Most plastic surgeons recommend replacing breast implants every 10 - 15 years to ensure optimal implant hardness, texture, and resilience. As implants age, they may degrade or shift, leading to the need for removal.
The Ranking List of Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, located in Manhattan, are well - known for their breast implant removal services. The hospital is staffed with top - of - the - line New York - based board - certified plastic surgeons who are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
Services Offered:
- En Bloc Removal: In this procedure, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single piece.
- Partial Capsulectomy: Only the breast implant material is removed, and some of the capsule material is trimmed or shaped to create the desired chest contour.
- Total Capsulectomy: The implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue are all removed.
Facilities: The hospital has a state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite where the breast implant removal surgery is routinely performed. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Contact Information:
- Address: 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016
- Phone: (212) 481 - 0110
2. Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a widely - regarded top New York plastic surgeon. He is considered among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and is known for his excellent surgical skills and beautiful results.
Services Offered:
- Removal of existing silicone or saline implants.
- En bloc capsulectomy when indicated to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
Consultation and Preparation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He may recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery. Patients are given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking medications before the procedure.
Facilities: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
Contact Information:
- Office phone: (212) - 988 - 4040
3. Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery. 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.
Services Offered:
- Removal of breast implants and, if necessary, implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants.
- Option to replace the old implants with new ones during the same procedure if desired.
Candidates: Good candidates for the procedure are generally healthy individuals who desire implant removal. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking before the procedure and stop taking blood - thinning medications are preferred. Candidates with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician.
Recovery: Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
Contact Information: To learn more about breast implant removal and other breast enhancement options, patients can call the office or contact them online.
4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal procedures.
Reasons for Removal Considered: She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, deflation, implant malposition, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness.
Consultation: Dr. Hutchinson advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (212) 452 - 1400
5. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.
Services Offered:
- Breast implant removal for various reasons such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, and aging implants.
- Breast implant exchange for those looking to alter the size or type of their implants.
Procedure and Recovery: The procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration of the procedure vary depending on the type of operation. 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 full recovery takes up to six weeks.
Contact Information: Patients can contact the clinic to schedule a consultation and learn more about their options.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures
There are different types of breast implant removal procedures, and the choice depends on various factors such as the patient's anatomy, the condition of the implants, and the desired post - operative result.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
In an en bloc capsulectomy, the entire implant along with the surrounding capsule is removed as a single unit. This procedure is often recommended when there are concerns about BIA - ALCL or when the capsule has thickened and is causing problems. It requires more surgical skill and may take longer than other procedures, but it can provide a more complete removal of the implant and associated tissue.
Partial Capsulectomy
During a partial capsulectomy, the breast implant is removed, and some of the capsule material is trimmed or shaped. This is a less invasive option compared to en bloc capsulectomy and is often chosen when the capsule is in good condition and the patient does not require a complete removal of the capsule.
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy involves removing the implant, the entire capsule, and any remaining scar tissue. This is a more extensive procedure and may be recommended in cases of severe capsular contracture or other complications where a complete removal of all foreign and scar tissue is necessary.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Proper preparation is essential for a successful breast implant removal procedure. Here are some steps that patients can take:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, discuss your reasons for removal, medical history, expectations, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will evaluate your breasts and recommend the most appropriate procedure.
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. This helps the surgeon assess the condition of the implants and your overall health.
- Medication Adjustment: Stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood - thinning medications, for the recommended period before the surgery. Consult your prescribing physician before making any changes to your medication regimen.
- Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Also, make sure you have a comfortable and clean recovery area at home.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
The recovery process after breast implant removal can vary from person to person, but there are some general guidelines:
- Immediate Post - Operative: After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until you wake up from anesthesia. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. Pain relief medication will be provided.
- Home Care: Follow the post - operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, applying cold compresses to the surgical site, and avoiding strenuous activities. You will likely have some swelling and tenderness for a few weeks.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and other strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days and gradually increase their activity level as they heal.
- Follow - Up Appointments: Attend all follow - up appointments with your surgeon. The surgeon will monitor your healing process, check for any complications, and remove any sutures if necessary.
Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Removal
Although breast implant removal is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks and complications involved:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. In some cases, a blood transfusion or additional surgical intervention may be required to control the bleeding.
- Infection: An infection can occur at the surgical site. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections.
- Numbness: Numbness or changes in breast sensation can occur. This may be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of nerve damage during the surgery.
- Asymmetry: There is a possibility of breast asymmetry after the removal, which may require additional procedures to correct.
- Unsatisfactory Scarring: The incisions made during the surgery can result in scarring. While efforts are made to minimize scarring, the appearance of the scars can vary from person to person.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, such as:
- Surgeon's Fee: The experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon can affect the fee. More experienced and well - known surgeons may charge higher fees.
- Facility Fee: The cost of using the surgical facility, including the operating room, equipment, and staff, is included in the total cost.
- Anesthesia Fee: The type of anesthesia used (local, general, or intravenous sedation) and the anesthesiologist's fee contribute to the overall cost.
- Additional Procedures: If a breast lift or other additional procedures are performed along with the implant removal, the cost will be higher.
- Post - Operative Care: The cost of post - operative medications, follow - up appointments, and other post - care essentials should also be considered.
In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance. However, if the removal is medically necessary, such as in cases of implant rupture, capsular contracture, or BIA - ALCL, insurance may cover some or all of the costs. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. New York City offers a range of reputable plastic surgery hospitals and experienced surgeons who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. Understanding the reasons for removal, the different types of procedures, the preparation and recovery process, as well as the risks and costs involved, is essential for making an informed choice. If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific situation. Don't hesitate to reach out to the recommended hospitals and surgeons in this article to learn more and take the first step towards achieving your desired results.
