Introduction
Prosthetic breast implant removal surgery has become a significant option for many women in New York City. Whether due to medical reasons like implant - related complications or cosmetic preferences, the demand for high - quality removal surgeries is on the rise. In this article, we will explore the top five hospitals or surgeons' practices that offer excellent prosthetic breast implant removal services in the city.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has an extensive career spanning over twenty years and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He repeatedly appears on the best doctors lists for Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has 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 also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.
Services Offered
- Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, where he removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body.
- En bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant when indicated.
- 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).
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 advises patients to bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. He may recommend imaging tests like an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery. Patients are also given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may need to get pre - operative clearance from another doctor depending on their history.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. Dr. Antell tries to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. After the surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure. Patients are given thorough discharge instructions, and Dr. Antell and his staff are available to answer any questions during the recovery process. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but they should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
2. Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal surgery. His practice is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY. He has experience in handling various breast - related surgeries and addresses the needs of patients who want their breast implants removed.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal surgery, where he 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.
- Removal of implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
- Exploration of options for breast implant replacement, such as switching to a different type or size of implant, or exploring other breast enhancement options like a breast lift.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, if a patient is experiencing complications like capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach may perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and then schedule the explantation surgery. If it is a cosmetic issue, he discusses other options for breast implant replacement. In preparation for the implant removal consultation, patients are advised to be familiar with terms like ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation. They should be non - smokers or stop smoking prior to the procedure and stop taking blood - thinning medications.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Wallach makes a predetermined incision to access the breast pocket and implant, removes the implant and may remove the scar capsule surrounding it. He takes extra care to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out from the implant in case of leakage or rupture. After the surgery, patients will have swelling and bruising around their breasts and may be in mild pain. They need a caregiver to drive them home and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days and should avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
3. Dr. Darren Smith's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darren Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal surgery in a state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC. He helps patients make decisions about breast implant removal based on their individual needs and body goals.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal surgery to remove silicone or saline breast implants.
- Options for breast implant replacement with new implants of the same size, larger, or smaller, or leaving the breasts without implants.
- Removal of scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks if necessary.
Consultation and Preparation
Patients who want to learn more about breast explant surgery can schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith. He evaluates the patient's situation to determine if breast implant removal is the right choice. Patients are informed about the entire process, including risks and recovery. Preparation for the surgery may involve following certain pre - operative guidelines.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is generally made either along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring. After the surgery, patients spend some time in the recovery room. They are given appropriate support garments and aftercare instructions. They need someone to drive them home and should have a trusted friend or family member stay with them for at least 24 hours post - op. Mild discomfort and swelling are expected after the surgery. Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous movements for two weeks and can resume normal activities of daily living shortly after the procedure.
4. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a plastic surgeon with a unique blend of medical science and artistry. He believes in performing surgeries with precision and care and has a sophisticated aesthetic. He has privileges at multiple hospitals in NYC but prefers to perform breast implant removal and replacement in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.
Services Offered
- Breast implant removal (explant) surgery to change the size, location, and/or type of implants.
- Breast implant replacement with better - positioned, more appropriately sized, or more natural - looking and - feeling implants.
- Using autologous fat to replace lost volume or performing a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal and replacement.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub listens to the patient's concerns and desires. He helps patients understand the available options and the expected results. Patients are advised to check for his board certification, his standing with local hospitals, and his reputation among other medical professionals. Preparation for the surgery includes getting medical clearance from a family physician, following pre - operative instructions, and ordering a custom - made post - surgical garment. Patients living beyond a 50 - mile radius of New York City may be advised to have a two - night post - operative stay at a recommended hotel.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery is performed with the patient in a comfortable state of twilight sleep. Dr. Weintraub insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room. The surgery can take between half an hour and multiple hours depending on the specific modality and aesthetic needs. After the surgery, there may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising. Patients must follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub. He is a firm believer in early showering and will advise patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
5. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Profiles
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has plastic surgeons like Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs who perform breast implant removal procedures. They are committed to providing patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their bodies.
Services Offered
- Breast explant procedure to remove breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules.
- Removal of silicone from the shell of the implant and cleaning within the breast pocket.
- Options to address post - removal issues like deflated breasts through other cosmetic procedures.
Consultation and Preparation
Patients are provided with solid information during the consultation to help them make an educated choice. Before the procedure, patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week and blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks. They need to arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours after the surgery. An examination is also done to determine if the breasts are healthy enough for the procedure.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgeon administers either local or general anesthesia depending on the patient's condition and preference. The surgical area is prepared, incisions are made in one of three locations (crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit), implants are removed using various methods, scar tissue is removed, and the incisions are sealed. The surgery usually takes one to three hours. After the surgery, patients are awakened in the recovery room and provided with pain relief medication. They are given post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. Recovery involves about three days of downtime, with swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
Comparison of the Five Practices
| Practice | Surgeon Expertise | Services | Consultation and Preparation | Surgery and Anesthesia | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Over twenty - year career, many awards, high - profile patients | Custom explant, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Thorough evaluation, imaging tests, pre - op guidelines | Local or “twilight” anesthesia, tries to use existing incisions | Resume daily activities in days, avoid vigorous exercise for two weeks |
| Dr. Steven Wallach | Experienced in breast - related surgeries | Implant removal, replacement options, removal of ruptured filler | Examination for complications, familiarize with terms, stop smoking and blood - thinners | IV sedation or general anesthesia | Light activity in 3 - 5 days, avoid aerobic for 3 - 4 weeks, heavy lifting for 6 - 8 weeks |
| Dr. Darren Smith | Board - certified plastic surgeon | Implant removal, replacement options, removal of scar tissue and silicone leaks | Individualized evaluation, pre - op guidelines | General anesthesia, use original incision for minimal scarring | Avoid strenuous for two weeks, resume normal activities shortly |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | Unique blend of medicine and art, many hospital privileges | Explant, replacement, autologous fat use, breast lift | Check surgeon credentials, medical clearance, post - surgical garment | Twilight sleep anesthesia, sterile conditions | Short swelling and bruising, follow post - op instructions |
| New York Group for Plastic Surgery | Experienced plastic surgeons | Breast explant, remove silicone, address post - removal issues | Avoid certain medications, arrange for support, pre - op examination | Local or general anesthesia | Three days downtime, light activity in one week, vigorous in six weeks |
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital or surgeon for prosthetic breast implant removal surgery in New York City is a crucial decision. The five practices mentioned above - Dr. Darrick E. Antell's, Dr. Steven Wallach's, Dr. Darren Smith's, Dr. Barry Weintraub's, and the New York Group for Plastic Surgery - offer a wide range of services, have experienced surgeons, and provide comprehensive care throughout the process. Each practice has its own unique features in terms of surgeon expertise, services offered, consultation and preparation processes, surgical techniques, and recovery support.
If you are considering prosthetic breast implant removal surgery, take the time to research these options further, schedule consultations, and ask all the necessary questions. Make an informed decision based on your specific needs, preferences, and the advice of the medical professionals. You can contact these practices directly to learn more and take the first step towards achieving your desired results.
