Top Doctors for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in New York City
Breast implant removal surgery has become increasingly common for various reasons, such as implant replacement, dissatisfaction with current implants, or medical issues. In New York City, there are several highly skilled doctors specializing in this field. In this article, we will unveil the top five doctors renowned for their advanced breast implant removal surgery technology.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Overview
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest and safest medical technologies, and the distinct eye of an artist.
Services Offered
- Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery: He removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body, catering to patients’ lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons for removal.
- En bloc capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also specializes in removing 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).
Consultation and Patient Experience
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient’s general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He encourages open and honest communication to create a personalized surgical plan. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, speaking volumes about his exceptional surgical results and the satisfaction of his patients. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons, maintaining total discretion.
Surgical Facility
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 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.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. He provides an individualized recovery plan and is available to answer any questions throughout the recovery process. 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.
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Overview
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. He has a unique blend of medical science and artwork, performing surgeries with meticulous attention to detail. He believes in the values of humility and respect towards patients and bases his practice on strong core values learned during his medical studies at Cornell.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal and replacement: He performs these procedures to change the size, location, or type of implants. He also addresses concerns related to breast implant illness (BII) and capsular contracture. In some cases, he may replace lost volume with autologous fat or perform a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal and replacement.
Consultation and Approach
When patients come for a consultation, Dr. Weintraub emphasizes the importance of open communication. He listens to the patient’s specific needs and desires and helps them understand their own issues. He checks for board certification, hospital privileges, and reputation among other medical professionals, as he believes these are crucial factors in choosing a surgeon.
Surgical Process
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
Facility and Patient Care
He performs breast implant - revision surgery in his quad a - accredited NYC surgical facility attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. His team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff provide high - quality medical and plastic - surgical care. He also offers post - operative care suggestions, such as recommending a two - night post - operative stay at selected hotels for patients living far from the city.
3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Overview
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal: She addresses various reasons for implant removal, including aesthetic issues such as palpable or visible implants, rupture, leakage, or medical issues like severe capsular contracture, BIA - ALCL, and breast implant illness (BII). In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure like a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Patient Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Dr. Hutchinson carefully evaluates each patient’s condition and discusses the various surgical options available. She helps patients make informed decisions about the best course of action to achieve their goals. She is known for her patient - centered approach, making patients feel comfortable throughout the process.
Addressing Medical Concerns
She is well - versed in handling complex medical issues related to breast implants. For example, she is aware of the rare cancer BIA - ALCL associated with certain textured implants and provides guidance on the appropriate treatment, which usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant.
Patient Feedback
Patients have praised her and her staff for their exceptional service. The atmosphere in her office is calming, and everything is super clean. Patients have reported amazing results and high levels of satisfaction with their breast implant removal procedures.
4. Doctors at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Overview
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC in Manhattan are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. They are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal procedures: They offer en bloc breast implant removal, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. The ultimate surgical method is determined based on the patient’s desired post - op result and unique anatomy.
Patient Consultation and Customization
During the initial breast implant removal consultation, the plastic surgeons explain each variation of the breast implant removal procedure. They work closely with patients to customize a treatment plan that reflects the patient’s desired post - operative goals.
Surgical Facility
The breast implant removal surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. The facility is equipped with the necessary resources to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
Recovery and Follow - up
The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks. The center provides appropriate follow - up care to monitor the patient’s recovery.
5. Dr. Joshua Levine
Overview
According to Healthgrades, Dr. Joshua Levine is a highly rated doctor in New York City, with a perfect 5.00 out of 5 - star rating. He has a proven track record of providing excellent breast surgical procedures.
Services and Reputation
While specific details about his breast implant removal techniques may require further exploration, his high rating indicates that he has the skills and experience to perform quality breast - related surgeries. Patients can be confident in his ability to handle breast implant removal procedures based on his reputation in the medical community.
Comparing the Top Five Doctors
Doctor | Years of Experience | Specialties | Facility | Patient - Centered Approach |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Over twenty years | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital | Open communication, individualized recovery plans, high patient satisfaction |
Dr. Barry Weintraub | Based on extensive medical training and practice | Breast implant removal and replacement, addressing BII and capsular contracture | Quad a - accredited surgical facility attached to his office | Listening to patient needs, providing post - operative guidance |
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Over 20 years | Breast implant removal for aesthetic and medical issues, potential secondary procedures | Office - based facility on the upper east side | Patient - centered evaluation, calm atmosphere, high patient praise |
Doctors at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | Highly trained | En bloc, partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy | State - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite | Customized treatment plans, appropriate follow - up |
Dr. Joshua Levine | Not explicitly stated but with a 5 - star rating | General breast surgical procedures | Not specified | Implied quality based on high rating |
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed. These reasons can be classified into medical and aesthetic categories.
Medical Reasons
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare cancer associated with certain textured breast implants. The FDA has recalled some of these implants due to the increased risk. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Also known as “Autoimmune / Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA),” BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms reported by some patients after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and more.
- Severe Capsular Contracture: When the tissue around the implant hardens, it can cause pain, discomfort, and affect the appearance of the breasts.
- Infection and Bleeding: Complications such as infection or bleeding related to the implants may necessitate their removal.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Unsatisfactory Results: Patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. For example, the implants may be too large, too small, or have moved from their original position.
- Visible or Palpable Implants: If the implants become palpable or visible under the skin, causing a less - natural appearance, patients may choose to have them removed.
- Scarring: Unsightly or widened scars can be a reason for breast implant removal.
- Nipple or Areola Issues: Enlargement, distortion, or asymmetry of the nipple or areola may lead patients to seek implant removal.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures
En Bloc Removal
During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and the capsule in a single procedure. This is often recommended when there are concerns about BIA - ALCL or other issues related to the capsule.
Partial Capsulectomy
A partial capsulectomy consists of solely removing the breast implant material and trimming or shaping some of the capsule material to create the patient’s desired chest contour.
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy involves removing the implant, the capsule, and the remaining scar tissue. The procedure begins with the removal of the breast implants, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Consultation
It is crucial to have an in - depth consultation with the chosen doctor. During this consultation, the patient should discuss their medical history, current health condition, and the reasons for implant removal. The doctor will also explain the different surgical options, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Medical Clearance
Patients may need to obtain medical clearance from their family physician or other relevant specialists. This helps ensure that the patient is in good health to undergo the surgery.
Pre - operative Tests
Depending on the patient’s age and implant condition, the doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications before the surgery. They should also arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and have assistance during the initial recovery period.
Recovery after Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, patients will recover in a monitored setting. They may experience swelling, tenderness, and some pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Most breast implant removal surgeries are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Initial Recovery Phase
Patients should expect some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which usually fades over time. They may also notice fluid drainage from the incision site. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions, including wearing any prescribed compression garments and refraining from strenuous activities.
Long - term Recovery
Swelling and bruising typically fade in the first few weeks, but it may take several months before the final results are visible. Scars will initially be firm and pink but will gradually fade. Patients should attend all follow - up appointments with their doctor to monitor their recovery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right doctor for breast implant removal surgery is a crucial decision. The top five doctors in New York City, including Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Barry Weintraub, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, the doctors at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, and Dr. Joshua Levine, offer a wide range of expertise, advanced techniques, and patient - centered care. Whether it’s due to medical or aesthetic reasons, these doctors can provide the necessary guidance and perform high - quality breast implant removal procedures. It is important for patients to do their research, have thorough consultations, and make informed decisions about their surgery.
If you are considering breast implant removal surgery in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top doctors for a consultation. Take the first step towards achieving your desired outcome and improving your quality of life. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and continue exploring related topics to learn more about breast implant removal.