The Best Doctors for Breast Prosthesis Removal Surgery in New York City
Breast prosthesis removal surgery is a crucial procedure for many women in New York City, whether for medical reasons, dissatisfaction with previous results, or lifestyle changes. Choosing the right doctor is of utmost importance to ensure a successful and safe surgery. In this article, we will unveil the top 5 doctors in the ranking list for breast prosthesis removal surgery in New York City, along with in - depth details about them and the surgical process.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Expertise and Reputation
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He specializes in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery and has a career spanning over twenty years, performing more than ten thousand procedures. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His patients often refer others to him, which speaks volumes about their satisfaction with his work. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, maintaining an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results and total discretion.
Qualifications
- He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- He holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards, such as the fellow of the Jacques W. Maliniac Circle of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare,” “Who's Who in the World,” “Who's Who in America,” and the President's Citizenship Award from the Medical Society of the State of New York.
Services Offered
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also conducts en bloc capsulectomy when indicated to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. Additionally, he specializes in the removal of 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).
Patient Consultation and Care
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assesses the current condition of the breasts. He encourages patients to bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. By having an open and honest conversation, he creates a proper surgical plan tailored to the patient's desired outcome. He may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, for a more satisfactory result. He goes through the procedure, risks, and recovery process in detail to ensure the patient is fully informed.
Facility and Recovery
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. After surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. The majority of patients can return home the same day, and Dr. Antell and his staff are available to answer any questions throughout the recovery process.
2. Dr. Brian D. Cohen
Experience and Skills
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is the associate surgical director of the division of wound care and an attending physician in the division of plastic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He completed a 6 - year combined residency position at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, with prerequisite general surgery training at Columbia University Medical Center and three years of plastic & reconstructive surgery training at Columbia, Weill - Cornell Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. He also served as administrative chief resident in plastic & reconstructive surgery and later pursued an additional year of cosmetic surgery fellowship training at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, focusing on cosmetic procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast, and body.
Qualifications
- He is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- He has authored many internationally published journal articles and book chapters on topics such as eyebrow and eyelid rejuvenation and breast augmentation and serves as a manuscript reviewer for the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He also has a special interest in wound healing and has been a presenter at the annual Wound Healing Society meeting.
Approach to Surgery
Dr. Cohen takes an individualized approach to patient treatment, considering both the physical and emotional aspects. He has a wealth of knowledge about breast surgeries and is well - versed in the latest techniques in the field. For breast prosthesis removal, he uses his extensive training and experience to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results.
3. Dr. Francesco Gargano
Training and Background
Dr. Francesco Gargano has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He received his medical degree from the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, graduating magna cum laude. He continued his education at Sapienza University, earning his Ph.D. in plastic surgery, human anatomy, and dermatology, and completing his first residency in plastic & reconstructive surgery. He also had residencies at Brown University in general surgery and plastic surgery, and fellowships at New York University's Mount Sinai Hospital in hand surgery and at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in craniofacial surgery.
Patient - Centered Care
Dr. Gargano is committed to healing through individualized care. He has developed strong principles centered around building trust, and providing unsurpassed patient care, safety, and satisfaction. His patients often report improved self - image and enhanced quality of life after surgery. He believes that a positive self - image can lead to greater engagement in daily activities related to work, parenting, and relationships. For breast prosthesis removal, he will carefully consider the patient's unique circumstances and goals to provide the best possible treatment.
Facility and Support
His facility is well - equipped, with every piece of equipment being the same as those found in a hospital. He has a professional anesthesia team and board - certified nursing staff, ensuring a high - quality surgical experience for his patients.
4. Dr. Keith Blechman
Patient Reviews and Reputation
Dr. Keith Blechman has an outstanding reputation among patients. Many patients have shared their positive experiences on platforms like RealSelf, Google, and Yelp. They praise his excellent bedside manner, which makes patients feel extremely comfortable going into surgery. He is also known for his confidence and realism, clearly explaining the pros and possible cons of the procedure to his patients. His patients have reported life - changing results, such as significant breast reduction and improved self - confidence.
Experience in Breast Surgeries
Although mainly known for breast reduction, his expertise also extends to breast - related procedures like breast prosthesis removal. He is well - educated and stays updated with the latest techniques in the field. He takes the time to ensure that his patients are fully informed and involved in the decision - making process.
Insurance and Staff Support
Dr. Blechman's staff is highly regarded for their assistance in handling insurance matters. They fight to ensure that insurance is fair and covers the breast - related procedures, providing a stress - free experience for the patients. This level of support is invaluable for patients considering breast prosthesis removal surgery.
5. Dr. Marc Everett
Expertise as a Breast Specialist
Dr. Marc Everett is a fellowship - trained plastic surgeon and is known as a renowned breast specialist. Patients travel to New York to seek his consultation for everything from primary breast reduction to complex breast revision surgery, including breast prosthesis removal. He brings compassion, attention to detail, an artistic eye, and endless intellectual curiosity to his work, creating beautifully - crafted, individualized exquisite results for his patients while maintaining the utmost emphasis on patient safety.
Qualifications
- He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- He attended the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University for his medical degree, had a residency in general surgery at Nassau University Medical Center, a residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Temple University Hospital, and a fellowship in aesthetic surgery at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery.
Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Everett understands that each patient has unique needs and concerns. He takes the time to listen to his patients and develops personalized treatment plans. His focus on patient safety and natural - looking results has earned him a loyal patient following.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Experience and Expertise
Look for doctors with extensive experience in breast surgeries, especially breast prosthesis removal. A doctor who has performed a large number of these surgeries is more likely to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure. For example, Dr. Darrick E. Antell's over twenty - year career and more than ten thousand procedures demonstrate his high - level expertise.
Qualifications and Certifications
Ensure that the doctor is board - certified by relevant organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met the rigorous standards of education, training, and professional conduct in the field of plastic surgery. All the doctors mentioned in this article are board - certified, which is a good sign of their competence.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
Read patient reviews on reliable platforms to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, surgical results, and overall patient satisfaction. Dr. Keith Blechman, for instance, has numerous positive reviews highlighting his excellent care and successful surgeries.
Facility and Support Staff
A well - equipped facility with a professional support staff is essential for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. The facility should be clean, modern, and have the necessary equipment for the procedure. Dr. Francesco Gargano's facility, with its hospital - grade equipment and professional staff, provides a high - quality environment for surgery.
Communication and Personalized Care
Choose a doctor who takes the time to listen to your concerns, explains the procedure clearly, and develops a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs. Dr. Marc Everett is known for his patient - centered approach, ensuring that each patient's unique situation is considered.
The Breast Prosthesis Removal Procedure
Consultation
During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate your general health, medical history, and the current condition of your breasts. You should bring any information about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Be open and honest about your desired outcome, and the doctor will work with you to create a surgical plan. For example, if you have concerns about BIA - ALCL, the doctor may recommend additional tests such as an MRI to check for fluid around the implant or a mass in the capsule.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on your age, implant condition, and other factors, the doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. You will also receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may need to get pre - operative clearance from another doctor, and it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you in the first few days of recovery.
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.
Surgery
If possible, the doctor will remove the implant through the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery. If there are issues such as capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to perform an en - bloc resection to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. After removing the implant and scar tissue, the incisions will be closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures and a layer of external sutures if needed.
Recovery
After surgery, you will recover in the doctor's recovery suite under the monitoring of a nurse. You may feel tired or sore, and it is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, as well as some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most patients can return home the same day but should avoid driving for 24 hours after anesthesia. You will receive discharge instructions and an individualized recovery plan. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions, refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and attend follow - up appointments to monitor your healing process.
Conclusion
Selecting the right doctor for breast prosthesis removal surgery in New York City is a decision that should not be taken lightly. The top 5 doctors in the ranking list - Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Brian D. Cohen, Dr. Francesco Gargano, Dr. Keith Blechman, and Dr. Marc Everett - have demonstrated their expertise, experience, and commitment to patient care. Each doctor has unique qualities and strengths that make them excellent choices for this procedure. When making your decision, consider factors such as experience, qualifications, patient reviews, facility, and personalized care.
If you are considering breast prosthesis removal surgery, we encourage you to reach out to these doctors for a consultation. Take the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations. With the right doctor by your side, you can achieve a successful surgery and a positive outcome. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who may be interested in learning about the best doctors for breast prosthesis removal surgery in New York City.
