Introduction
New York City is a hub for advanced medical procedures, including the removal of injected breast augmentation. For women who wish to have their breast implants removed, whether due to medical concerns, dissatisfaction with results, or lifestyle changes, finding the right hospital and doctor is crucial. This article will explore the top five hospitals in New York City for removing injected breast augmentation, provide a list of experienced doctors, and offer price details to help you make an informed decision.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed:
- Medical Complications: These can include capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant), breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), infection, or rupture of the implant. For example, BIA - ALCL is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Cosmetic Dissatisfaction: Some women may be unhappy with the appearance of their augmented breasts, such as excessive size, asymmetry, or unnatural shape. They may wish to return to their natural breast size.
- Lifestyle Changes: Changes in personal preferences or lifestyle can also lead to the decision to remove breast implants. For instance, a woman may find that the implants are no longer suitable for her active lifestyle.
Top Five Hospitals for Removing Injected Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Lenox Hill Hospital
Lenox Hill Hospital is a well - known and respected medical institution in New York City. It has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons who are experienced in breast implant removal procedures. The hospital is equipped with state - of - the - art facilities and provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
One of the benefits of choosing Lenox Hill Hospital is its association with leading plastic surgeons in the city. These surgeons have a reputation for performing safe and effective breast implant removal surgeries. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell, a top New York plastic surgeon, has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital. He is widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated.
2. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is another excellent choice for breast implant removal. Its plastic surgery department is staffed with experts who are dedicated to providing high - quality care. The hospital uses the latest technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation and its reversal. They can offer patients various options for breast implant removal, depending on their specific needs. For example, they may use advanced imaging technology to assess the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue before the surgery.
3. NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital
NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital is a premier academic medical center. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to breast implant removal, involving plastic surgeons, oncologists (in cases related to BIA - ALCL), and other specialists as needed. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care for their individual situations.
The hospital's plastic surgeons are known for their expertise and attention to detail. They work closely with patients to understand their goals and concerns and develop personalized treatment plans. For instance, in cases where a patient has experienced complications from their breast implants, the surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian can provide comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery.
4. Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital
Although known primarily for its work in eye, ear, and throat conditions, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital also has a skilled plastic surgery department. Their plastic surgeons are experienced in breast implant removal and can offer a range of services to address different patient needs.
The hospital provides a comfortable and private environment for patients undergoing breast implant removal. The surgeons here are committed to delivering excellent results while ensuring patient comfort and safety. For example, they use the latest anesthetic techniques to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.
5. Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is affiliated with NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital and is a leading medical institution in New York City. Its plastic surgery program offers advanced breast implant removal procedures. The surgeons at Weill Cornell are at the forefront of research and innovation in the field of plastic surgery.
Patients at Weill Cornell can benefit from the latest surgical techniques and technologies. The hospital also offers a support system for patients throughout the breast implant removal process, from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - up. For example, they may provide counseling services to help patients cope with the emotional aspects of the procedure.
List of Doctors for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
Here are some of the top doctors in New York City who perform breast implant removal:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Highly regarded, listed in many top magazines | Across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital |
| Dr. Adam R. Kolker | Double - board certified, featured in many top doctor lists | 710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021 |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | Skilled in complex redo surgeries | 800a Fifth Avenue |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side | Contact office at (212) 452 - 1400 |
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He performs custom breast implant removal surgeries, including the removal of recalled Allergan textured breast implants due to their association with BIA - ALCL. He has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, and his patients often refer others to him, indicating high patient satisfaction.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which keeps him at the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artistry. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redo surgeries of procedures performed by other offices. He is meticulous about every aspect of patient care, from pre - op to post - op, and is known for turning away patients who are not good candidates for surgery.
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. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants.
Price Details for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the surgeon's experience, the facility where the surgery is performed, and any additional procedures that may be required.
According to Sidecar Health, the average cash price for breast implant removal care in New York is $3,412 at a surgery center versus $6,165 at an outpatient hospital. Here is a breakdown of the costs at a surgery center:
| Service | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| General surgeon visit provider fee (first time visit) | 1 | $144 |
| Provider fee to remove breast implant material | 1 | $953 |
| Surgery center fee to remove breast implant material | 1 | $1,613 |
| Prescriptions (hydrocodone - acetaminophen) | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure | 1 | $155 |
| Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure | 229 minutes | $528 |
| Total average cash price | $3,411.51 |
At an outpatient hospital, the costs are as follows:
| Service | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| General surgeon visit provider fee (first time visit) | 1 | $144 |
| Provider fee to remove breast implant material | 1 | $953 |
| Outpatient hospital fee to remove breast implant material | 1 | $4,367 |
| Prescriptions (hydrocodone - acetaminophen) | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure | 1 | $155 |
| Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure | 229 minutes | $528 |
| Total average cash price | $6,165.35 |
It's important to note that these are average costs and your actual price may differ based on your specific situation. Some insurance policies may cover breast implant removal if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of infection, rupture, or BIA - ALCL. However, cosmetic reasons for removal are typically not covered.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal
If you are considering breast implant removal, here are some steps you can take to prepare:
- Research and Choose a Surgeon: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast implant removal. Read patient reviews and check their credentials. You can also ask for referrals from your primary care doctor or other patients who have had the procedure.
- Schedule a Consultation: During the consultation, discuss your reasons for removal, your medical history, and your expectations. The surgeon will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, to assess the condition of your implants and the surrounding tissue.
- Follow Pre - operative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications before the surgery. You may also be given prescriptions to fill prior to the procedure.
- Arrange for Support: Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you in your first few days of recovery.
What to Expect During and After Breast Implant Removal
During the Procedure
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure. If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery. In some cases, such as when there is capsular contracture or if you are experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant (en - bloc resection). The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, you will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you are well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. However, you will need an escort to bring you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
You may feel tired or sore following surgery, and your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breast area. Most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Your surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your specific procedure and healing rate. You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that the surgeon can monitor your healing process. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. It may take several months before the final results are visible, and your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. New York City offers a wealth of options for high - quality breast implant removal procedures, with top - notch hospitals and experienced doctors. By understanding the reasons for removal, researching the best facilities and surgeons, and being aware of the costs and recovery process, you can make an informed choice that is right for you.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the doctors mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your concerns and goals, and ask any questions you may have. With the right care and support, you can achieve the results you desire and feel confident in your decision.
