The Top Five New Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
Introduction
Breast implant removal has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. Women may choose to have their breast implants removed for a variety of reasons, including complications such as capsular contracture, breast implant illness, rupture, or simply a change in personal aesthetic preferences. The city is home to numerous world - class medical facilities, but in 2025, five new hospitals stand out as leading providers for breast implant removal procedures. In this article, we will explore these hospitals in detail, including their offerings, surgical teams, and patient experiences.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Before delving into the top hospitals, it's crucial to understand the common reasons why women opt for breast implant removal:
- Medical Complications:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant, causing pain, distortion, and discomfort. As reported by some studies, the rate of capsular contracture can gradually increase over the years, reaching about 3 - 4%.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Textured implants, particularly those with a Biocell textured surface like some Allergan implants, have been associated with a higher risk of BIA - ALCL, leading to a recall of these implants by the FDA in 2019.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. Saline implants will deflate quickly as the sterile saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the body, while silicone implants may require an MRI to detect a rupture.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Women may experience a range of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and depression after breast augmentation. Although the exact cause of BII is unknown, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Aesthetic Reasons:
- Desire for a more natural look or a change in body image preferences.
- Unsatisfactory results from the initial breast augmentation, such as asymmetry, visible or palpable implants, or malposition.
Top Five New Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Breast Centers
NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's largest not - for - profit, non - sectarian hospitals, is affiliated with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medical College. The breast centers at NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell are Manhattan's first to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).
- Accreditations and Recognition: The NAPBC accreditation is a significant achievement as it recognizes centers that offer patients state - of - the - art treatment options, including clinical research trials. Accredited programs must provide a multidisciplinary team approach, offer community outreach and professional education, and undertake quality - improvement initiatives.
- Expert Surgical Team: The surgeons at these breast centers are highly experienced and among the first to perform innovative procedures. For example, they were among the first to perform total skin - sparing, nipple - sparing mastectomy, which helps improve the aesthetic outcome of reconstructive surgery. They also pioneered the use of sentinel node biopsy, which limits the number of lymph nodes that need to be removed to determine if a tumor has spread.
- Research and Development: Physician - scientists at NewYork - Presbyterian and its affiliated medical schools are actively working on advancing new treatment and prevention strategies. This includes an intraductal approach that employs a miniature endoscope to access the milk ducts through the nipple, and the study of biomarkers in nipple fluid for potential screening tests. They are also involved in developing new radiotherapy techniques like balloon partial breast radiation.
- Patient Experience: With a focus on providing comprehensive and high - quality care, patients at these breast centers can expect personalized treatment plans. The large number of inpatient and outpatient visits each year, including over 195,294 visits to its emergency departments, demonstrates the hospital's capacity to handle a diverse range of cases.
2. Facilities Associated with Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a widely regarded plastic surgeon in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery at various facilities throughout New York City.
- Surgeon Reputation: Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, having performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which speaks to the high level of satisfaction among his clientele.
- Surgical Techniques: He offers custom explant surgery, including the removal of silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also removes the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
- Patient - Centered Approach: During the consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He discusses the surgical options, risks, and recovery process in detail, allowing patients to make informed decisions. He also provides personalized recovery plans based on the intricacies of each patient's procedure and healing rate.
- Operating Facilities: 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.
3. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Surgical Facility
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a plastic surgeon with a unique blend of medical science and artistic talent. His practice focuses on breast implant removal and replacement procedures.
- Holistic Approach to Surgery: Dr. Weintraub believes that cosmetic surgery is like artwork on the human form. He takes a meticulous approach from pre - op to post - op care, ensuring the best possible results for his patients. He emphasizes patient education during the consultation process, answering all questions and addressing fears to build a trusting relationship.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: He performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries under twilight sleep, using advancements in anesthesia to minimize nausea, vomiting, and grogginess. He places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create a more natural - looking result. In addition, he offers the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume after implant removal.
- Patient - Friendly Facility: Although he has privileges at multiple hospitals, he prefers to perform surgeries in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility has a private entrance and is staffed by board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff.
- Experience with Complex Cases: Over 60% of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices. His ability to handle difficult cases and correct aesthetic problems has made him a sought - after surgeon for patients from all over the world.
4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal (explant) procedures with a focus on patient education and personalized care.
- Comprehensive Patient Information: Before any procedure, patients are provided with solid information to make educated choices about their bodies. This includes details about the reasons for breast explant, the procedure itself, preparation, and recovery.
- Surgical Options: Surgeons at the group, such as Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, administer either local or general anesthesia depending on the patient's needs and the size and location of the implants. They also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean the breast pocket during the procedure.
- Attention to Detail in Surgery: The surgical process involves careful skin preparation, placement of incisions in strategic locations (crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit), removal of implants using various methods, removal of scar tissue, and precise sealing of incisions. The goal is to achieve a natural appearance and minimize scarring.
- Recovery Support: Patients receive detailed post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. The recovery process is similar to that of breast augmentation, with most patients able to return to light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
5. Mount Sinai’s Dubin Breast Center
The Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at the Mount Sinai Health System is a leading institution for breast health and cancer treatment, which also offers breast implant removal services.
- Comprehensive Breast Care: The center offers unified and compassionate care under one roof for all patients at every phase of breast health. Services include breast imaging, breast pathology, breast reconstruction, medical oncology, radiation oncology, a survivorship program, cold - cap therapy, and support services.
- Research and Clinical Trials: The center is actively involved in conducting groundbreaking clinical trials, with 20 - 30 trials ongoing at any given time. This includes research on triple - negative breast cancer and Her - 2 - positive breast cancer, which can contribute to advancements in breast implant removal and related treatments.
- Expert Team: The team of experts at the Dubin Breast Center works together to provide consistent, personalized, and holistic care. They focus not only on the physical health of patients but also on their emotional well - being.
- Track Record of Success: The center has treated 343,000 patients and has raised significant funds through its annual gala, demonstrating its financial stability and community support.
Comparing the Top Five Hospitals
Hospital | Accreditations | Notable Surgeons | Surgical Techniques | Patient - Centered Services | Research and Development |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Breast Centers | NAPBC accreditation | Multiple experienced surgeons | Total skin - sparing, nipple - sparing mastectomy; sentinel node biopsy | Comprehensive and personalized care, large patient volume | Advancement in treatment and prevention strategies, new radiotherapy techniques |
Facilities Associated with Dr. Darrick Antell | - | Dr. Darrick Antell | Custom explant surgery, en bloc capsulectomy | Thorough consultation, personalized recovery plans | - |
Dr. Barry Weintraub's Surgical Facility | Quad A - accredited surgical facility | Dr. Barry Weintraub | Implant placement under pectoralis - major muscle, autologous fat replacement | Holistic approach, patient education | - |
New York Group for Plastic Surgery | - | Dr. Andrew Salzberg, Dr. Jordan Jacobs | Local or general anesthesia options, implant and scar tissue removal | Comprehensive patient information, post - procedure support | - |
Mount Sinai’s Dubin Breast Center | - | Multiple experts | - | Unified and compassionate care, focus on emotional well - being | Groundbreaking clinical trials |
What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
When selecting a hospital for breast implant removal, patients should consider the following factors:
- Surgeon Experience: Look for surgeons who have extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures. Check their credentials, patient reviews, and the number of procedures they have performed.
- Accreditations and Certifications: Accredited hospitals and surgical facilities often adhere to higher standards of care, safety, and quality. For example, NAPBC accreditation for breast centers indicates a commitment to providing state - of - the - art treatment.
- Surgical Techniques: Different surgeons may use different techniques for breast implant removal. Research the available techniques and discuss them with the surgeon to determine which is best for your needs.
- Patient - Centered Care: A hospital that focuses on patient education, communication, and support throughout the entire process, from consultation to recovery, is ideal. This includes providing detailed information about the procedure, risks, and recovery, as well as addressing patient concerns and questions.
- Research and Innovation: Hospitals involved in research and clinical trials may offer access to the latest treatment options and advancements in breast implant removal technology.
- Cost and Insurance: The cost of breast implant removal can vary widely. Consider the total cost, including the surgical fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and post - operative care. Check with your insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a plethora of options for breast implant removal, with the top five hospitals mentioned above standing out for their expertise, facilities, and patient - centered care. Whether you are considering breast implant removal for medical or aesthetic reasons, it is essential to carefully research and choose a hospital and surgeon that meet your specific needs. The NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Breast Centers offer state - of - the - art treatment and research; Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Barry Weintraub provide personalized surgical experiences; the New York Group for Plastic Surgery focuses on patient education; and Mount Sinai’s Dubin Breast Center offers comprehensive breast care. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision and embark on your breast implant removal journey with confidence.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon at one of these top hospitals. Take the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations, and gather all the information you need to make the best decision for your health and well - being. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal, and explore related topics on breast health and plastic surgery to further educate yourself.