Introduction
Breast implant removal and re - augmentation are complex procedures that require the expertise of highly skilled surgeons. In New York City, there are several hospitals renowned for their proficiency in these areas. This article will explore the top five hospitals in New York City for breast implant removal and re - augmentation, highlighting their unique specialties and services.
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction Services
Mount Sinai offers extensive breast reconstruction services. For patients who have had a mastectomy, the hospital provides two main types of breast reconstruction: implant - based and autologous tissue reconstruction. In implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is initially placed at the time of mastectomy. The expander, a temporary inflatable implant, is inflated in the plastic surgeon's office after the surgery. The patient usually stays in the hospital for one or two days and may return to work in two to three weeks. Approximately three months later, a second ambulatory surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant, which can be filled with silicone or saline.
Autologous reconstruction at Mount Sinai uses the patient's own body tissue. Techniques such as the DIEP flap (using skin and fat from the lower abdomen) and the latissimus dorsi flap (using skin and muscle from the back) are available. The initial surgery for autologous reconstruction is generally longer than with an implant, but more can be accomplished in the first procedure. Patients typically have a five - day hospital stay and may return to work in four to six weeks.
Implant Revision and Innovation
Mount Sinai is at the forefront of breast implant innovation. Surgeons here offer a new approach called direct - to - implant breast reconstruction for eligible patients. This method avoids the use of a tissue expander, with the surgeon inserting the implant immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle and using innovative techniques to provide additional soft tissue support. In cases where patients are not satisfied with the results of a previous breast augmentation or reconstruction, the hospital's breast implant revision specialists can correct problems such as incorrect implant positioning, wrinkled or rippled implants, capsular contracture, stretched tissues, sagging implants, and implant rupture.
These specialists may recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area around the breast implant and enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts. Fat transfer from areas like the abdomen, hips, and thighs may also be suggested. C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, pioneered the direct - to - implant approach, ensuring that patients receive the latest and most advanced treatment options.
2. Antell Plastic Surgery (Dr. Darrick Antell)
Expertise in Custom Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and globally. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, tailored to each patient's specific needs. Women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, including lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical concerns. When indicated, Dr. Antell also performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has extensive experience 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).
During the consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. He discusses the patient's desired outcome and works with them to create a personalized surgical plan. If needed, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to achieve the best possible results.
Accredited and Discreet Facility
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer to have their procedures performed in his discreet, private operating room located across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology, ensuring the highest level of safety and comfort for patients. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center has a private back entrance to maintain patient confidentiality, and the staff is highly trained to provide personalized care.
Patients can expect a comprehensive pre - operative evaluation, including possible imaging tests like an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. Dr. Antell provides detailed guidelines on preparation, such as eating, drinking, smoking, and medication management. After the surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite under the supervision of registered nurses. Dr. Antell and his staff are available to answer any questions throughout the recovery process.
3. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Diverse Breast Implant Removal Procedures
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC offers a variety of breast implant removal procedures. When a breast implant is initially introduced, the body creates a capsule around it. The center's surgeons can perform different types of capsulectomy based on the patient's desired post - op result. En bloc breast implant removal involves removing the implants and capsule in a single procedure. Partial capsulectomy consists of removing the breast implant material and trimming or shaping some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour. Total capsulectomy removes the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each procedure variation in detail and customizes the treatment plan to fit the unique needs of each patient. The ultimate surgical method is determined upon the first incision, as each patient has unique anatomy.
State - of - the - Art Surgical Suite
The breast implant removal surgery at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC is performed in a state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia. Patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks. The center's board - certified plastic surgeons are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques. They understand the importance of helping patients achieve their desired chest aesthetic and are committed to providing high - quality care.
4. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Comprehensive Breast Implant Revision and Replacement
Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and replacement services to address a variety of patient concerns. Breast implant removal (explant) may be done to change the size, location, or type of implants. Some patients are concerned about breast implant illness (BII) and wish to remove their implants to assess the impact on their health. Others may want to replace saline implants with more natural - feeling silicone gel implants, as saline implants can have issues such as leakage, firmness, and rippling.
Dr. Weintraub also re - positions implants under the pectoralis major muscle to create a more natural - looking result. For patients with drooping breasts, a lift may be performed in conjunction with implant removal and replacement. The goal is to achieve elegantly sized breasts that are proportionate to the patient's physical type, with a natural silhouette, gentle slope, upturned nipples, and fullness in the lower part.
Patient - Centered Care and Safety
Dr. Weintraub prioritizes patient safety and comfort. He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure, thanks to advancements in anesthesia and new medications with a shorter half - life. This means patients do not have to deal with nausea, vomiting, or grogginess after the surgery. The operating room is maintained at the highest sterile standards, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
He takes the time to understand each patient's specific needs and desires during the consultation process. Patients are encouraged to bring a list of questions and actively participate in the decision - making process. After the surgery, Dr. Weintraub provides detailed aftercare instructions and advises patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
5. Columbia University Plastic Surgery
Multidisciplinary Breast Reconstructive Care
Columbia University's plastic surgery department offers comprehensive breast reconstructive care. The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction. The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations.
For breast implant removal and re - augmentation, the surgeons take a multidisciplinary approach, considering the patient's overall health, cancer history (if applicable), and aesthetic goals. They use the latest research and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Cutting - Edge Research and Education
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is conducting numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on the application of gene therapy to wound healing, which could potentially benefit patients undergoing breast implant removal and re - augmentation by improving the healing process. As part of a major academic medical center and Ivy League university, Columbia also has a responsibility to educate the next generation of plastic surgeons and keep peers up - to - date on the latest best practices.
Comparing the Top Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialties | Unique Services | Facility Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai - New York | Comprehensive breast reconstruction (implant and autologous), implant revision | Direct - to - implant breast reconstruction, expert in BIA - ALCL cases | Renowned medical center with state - of - the - art facilities |
| Antell Plastic Surgery (Dr. Darrick Antell) | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy | Personalized surgical plans, discreet private operating room | Fully accredited outpatient surgery center |
| Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | Diverse breast implant removal procedures (en bloc, partial, total capsulectomy) | Customized treatment based on patient's anatomy | State - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice | Breast implant removal and replacement, re - positioning implants | Twilight sleep anesthesia for patient comfort, focus on natural - looking results | Private hospital - grade surgical center |
| Columbia University Plastic Surgery | Multidisciplinary breast reconstructive care, cutting - edge research | Combined cancer and plastic surgery expertise, research in wound healing | Academic medical center with extensive resources |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon's Expertise
The skill and experience of the surgeon are crucial factors. Look for surgeons who are board - certified, have a long - standing reputation in breast implant removal and re - augmentation, and have performed a significant number of procedures. Consider their expertise in handling specific complications, such as BIA - ALCL or capsular contracture.
Hospital Facilities
State - of - the - art facilities ensure the highest level of safety and comfort during the procedure. Check if the hospital or surgical center is accredited and equipped with the latest technology, such as advanced monitoring equipment and modern surgical tools. The quality of the recovery suite and the availability of personalized care also play an important role.
Range of Services
Choose a hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant removal and re - augmentation. This includes different types of implant removal procedures, options for breast reconstruction (implant or autologous), and the ability to perform additional procedures like breast lifts or fat transfers if needed.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at a particular hospital. Look for feedback on the surgeon's communication skills, the quality of care provided, and the overall satisfaction with the results.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the procedure and whether your insurance will cover any part of it. Some hospitals may offer payment plans or financing options to help manage the cost. It's important to have a clear understanding of all the fees involved before making a decision.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the top hospitals for breast implant removal and re - augmentation. Mount Sinai, Antell Plastic Surgery, the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice, and Columbia University Plastic Surgery each have their own unique specialties and services. When considering a hospital for these procedures, it's essential to carefully evaluate factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital facilities, range of services, patient reviews, and cost. By doing so, patients can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results for their breast implant removal and re - augmentation journey.
If you're considering breast implant removal and re - augmentation, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the surgeons at these top hospitals. Discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations to find the best fit for your needs. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about these procedures in New York City.
