Introduction
Breast implant removal has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. Women may opt for this surgery for various reasons, including medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or concerns about the long - term effects of implants. In this article, we will not only discuss the general aspects of breast implant removal but also reveal the rankings of 3 legitimate public hospitals in New York City for this specific procedure.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the breast implant hardens. It can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and even affect the normal function of the breast. For example, severe capsular contracture can lead to tightness and discomfort, making it difficult for women to perform normal daily activities (source: multiple industry medical reports).
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak over time. Saline implants may deflate rapidly, while silicone implants may have a more subtle leakage that can sometimes only be detected through imaging. Ruptured implants can cause swelling, pain, and changes in breast appearance (source: information from plastic surgery practices in NYC).
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare form of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a mass or fluid collection around the breast. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher risk of BIA - ALCL (source: FDA official announcements).
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Women may experience a range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and skin rashes after breast augmentation. Although the exact cause of BII is still under research, it is believed to be related to a patient's immune response to the implants (source: medical research studies).
Aesthetic Reasons
- Unsatisfactory Results: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their breast implants. For instance, an implant may have moved from its original position, causing asymmetry or an unnatural appearance (source: patient testimonials at NYC plastic surgery clinics).
- Change in Lifestyle or Preferences: As women's lifestyles change, their aesthetic preferences may also evolve. They may decide to remove their implants to return to a more natural look or for personal comfort reasons (source: conversations with plastic surgeons in NYC).
Top Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
Before discussing the hospital rankings, it's important to mention some of the top surgeons in the area. These surgeons play a crucial role in the success of breast implant removal procedures.
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He is a premier breast surgeon in NYC and 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 surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. He has a large number of satisfied patients, many of whom were referred by former patients. He has also performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she has evaluated patients with breast implant - related concerns and performed numerous breast implant removal surgeries. She can advise patients on various surgical options and help them achieve their aesthetic goals (source: https://www.droliviahutchinson.com/plastic - surgery - nyc/breast/breast - implant - removal/).
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Weintraub has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artwork. He is meticulous in his work, from pre - op to post - op care. He prefers to place implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look. Dr. Weintraub performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries in his state - of - the - art surgical center. A large part of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, and he is known for getting excellent results (source: https://www.drbarryweintraub.com/breast/implant - removal - nyc/).
Rankings of 3 Legitimate Public Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
1. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
Overview
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell is one of the top - ranked hospitals in New York. It is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions.
Why it's great for breast implant removal
- Expertise: The hospital has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons who are experienced in breast implant removal procedures. They are familiar with the latest techniques and technologies in the field, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
- Comprehensive Care: It offers comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. This includes thorough evaluations before surgery, such as detailed medical histories and imaging studies. After surgery, patients receive personalized follow - up care to monitor their recovery and address any concerns.
- Research and Innovation: As a major academic medical center, it is involved in ongoing research in breast surgery. This means that patients may have access to the latest treatment options and innovative techniques that are not available elsewhere (source: https://health.usnews.com/best - hospitals/area/ny).
2. Mount Sinai Hospital
Overview
Mount Sinai Hospital is another highly regarded institution in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties and high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions.
Benefits for breast implant removal
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to breast implant removal. This means that plastic surgeons work closely with other specialists such as oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. In cases where there are concerns about medical complications like BIA - ALCL, this team - based approach ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Advanced Facilities: It is equipped with state - of - the - art surgical facilities and advanced imaging technology. This allows for precise surgical planning and better monitoring during the procedure.
- Patient - Centered Care: Mount Sinai Hospital is known for its patient - centered care model. Patients are involved in every step of the decision - making process, and the hospital staff is dedicated to providing a comfortable and supportive environment throughout the treatment journey (source: https://health.usnews.com/best - hospitals/area/ny).
3. NYU Langone Hospitals
Overview
NYU Langone Hospitals is a leading medical institution in New York. It is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties and high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions.
Advantages for breast implant removal
- World - Class Surgeons: The hospital has a team of world - class plastic surgeons who are at the forefront of breast surgery research and innovation. They have extensive experience in performing complex breast implant removal procedures and are able to handle a wide range of cases.
- Patient Education: NYU Langone Hospitals places a strong emphasis on patient education. Before surgery, patients receive detailed information about the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. This helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
- Rehabilitation Services: After breast implant removal, patients have access to comprehensive rehabilitation services. This includes physical therapy and counseling to help them recover both physically and emotionally (source: https://health.usnews.com/best - hospitals/area/ny).
Comparison of the 3 Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty Rankings | Expertise in Breast Implant Removal | Facilities | Patient - Centered Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | Nationally ranked in 14 adult and 10 pediatric specialties, high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions | Highly skilled plastic surgeons with experience in various breast implant removal techniques | Advanced surgical and diagnostic facilities | Comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, involvement in research for better treatment |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Nationally ranked in 12 adult and 4 pediatric specialties, high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions | Multidisciplinary approach involving multiple specialists for accurate diagnosis and treatment | State - of - the - art surgical and imaging facilities | Patient - centered decision - making and supportive environment |
| NYU Langone Hospitals | Nationally ranked in 13 adult and 3 pediatric specialties, high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions | World - class plastic surgeons with a focus on research and innovation | Advanced facilities for surgery and rehabilitation | Emphasis on patient education and comprehensive rehabilitation services |
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
Consultation
During the consultation, patients should have an open and honest conversation with their surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. It is important to bring any information about the existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will discuss the desired outcome, potential risks, and the surgical plan with the patient. For example, if a patient has concerns about capsular contracture, the surgeon may perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis and then discuss the appropriate treatment options (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Medical Tests
Based on the patient's age and implant condition, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. These tests can help detect any potential complications such as implant rupture or leakage. For instance, an MRI is often used to detect silicone implant leakage as it can provide detailed images of the breast tissue (source: multiple medical research studies on breast implant imaging).
Lifestyle Changes
Patients may need to make some lifestyle changes before surgery. They should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure as these can increase the risk of bleeding. They also need to stop taking blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks before surgery. In addition, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery and have someone to assist them during the initial days of recovery (source: https://www.nygplasticsurgery.com/surgical/breast/breast - implant - removal/).
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 the patient throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Surgical Technique
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, if there are issues such as capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection. The incisions are then closed using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Duration
The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, but en - bloc resection can take even longer depending on the complexity of the case (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Since breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day, but they will need an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. They will be provided with discharge instructions that include information on wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Short - Term Recovery
Patients may feel tired and sore after surgery. The breasts may be covered with a layer of gauze or a bandage. Swelling and bruising are common, but they usually fade in the first few weeks. Most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but they should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. It is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Long - Term Recovery
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. Scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade. In most cases, patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, breast implant removal has potential risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Other possible complications are 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 their surgeon's instructions before and after surgery (source: https://www.antell - md.com/breast/breast - implant - removal - nyc/).
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. In New York City, there are several excellent public hospitals, including New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospitals, that offer high - quality breast implant removal services. Each hospital has its own strengths in terms of expertise, facilities, and patient - centered care. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, patients can increase the likelihood of a successful and satisfying outcome.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of these top - ranked hospitals. Take the time to research and ask questions to make an informed decision about your treatment. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in New York City.
