Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a topic of significant interest in New York City. Women who have previously undergone breast augmentation or breast implant reconstruction may choose to have their implants removed due to various reasons, including complications with the implants or unsatisfactory results. In this article, we will unveil the top five hospitals on the ranking list for breast implant removal in New York City and provide comprehensive information about the procedure, associated issues, and what to expect from these leading institutions.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple factors that may lead a woman to decide on breast implant removal. These reasons can be broadly categorized into aesthetic and medical issues.
Aesthetic Breast Implant Issues
- Palpable or Visible Implants: The implant may become palpable or visible, showing signs of folding, rippling, or wrinkling.
- Implant Rupture, Leakage, or Deflation: These problems can affect the appearance and feel of the breasts.
- Implant Malposition: The implant may move from its original position, such as upward, downward, to the side, or towards the middle of the chest. Conditions like a “double bubble” appearance (where the implant is not centered under the breast) or “symmastia” (where the implants appear to touch in the middle) can occur.
- Capsular Contracture: This results in the hardening of the soft - tissue envelope around the implants, causing distortion and an abnormal appearance of the breasts.
- Breast Asymmetry: Unequal appearance of the breasts, which can be a source of dissatisfaction for the patient.
- Unsightly or Widened Scars: The scars from the initial breast augmentation surgery may not heal well, leaving a cosmetically unappealing mark.
- Nipple or Areola Issues: Enlargement, distortion, or asymmetry of the nipple or areola can also be a reason for implant removal.
Breast Implant Related Medical Issues
- Severe Capsular Contracture: In addition to the aesthetic problems, severe capsular contracture can cause pain and discomfort.
- Chronic Pain: Some women experience ongoing pain in the breasts after implant surgery.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare cancer that has been associated with certain types of breast implants, especially textured implants. The FDA recalled some textured implants in 2019 due to the increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): This refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation, including fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Infection and/or Bleeding: These are potential complications of breast implant surgery that may require implant removal.
Top Five Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is a premier medical institution in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons who are experienced in breast implant removal. They use state - of - the - art techniques and have access to the latest medical technologies. The surgeons at Mount Sinai can handle a wide range of cases, from simple explant surgeries to more complex procedures involving en bloc capsulectomy. The hospital also offers comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, ensuring the well - being of the patients throughout the process.
2. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions. The plastic surgery department at New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell has a reputation for excellence. The surgeons are not only experts in breast implant removal but also in other breast - related surgeries. They take a personalized approach to each patient, considering their unique needs and goals. The hospital's research facilities also contribute to the development of new and improved techniques for breast implant removal.
3. NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 1 specialty and 21 procedures/conditions. The hospital's plastic surgery team is well - known for its expertise in breast surgery. For breast implant removal, they offer a range of options, including the removal of allergan textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL. The hospital's commitment to patient - centered care means that patients receive individualized treatment plans and thorough support during their recovery.
4. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. The hospital has a dedicated breast surgery program, and its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast implant removal. They provide detailed consultations to understand the patient's concerns and goals, and then develop a customized surgical plan. The hospital's post - operative care is designed to ensure a smooth recovery, with follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's progress.
5. Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health is nationally ranked in 6 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 3 specialties and 19 procedures/conditions. The hospital's plastic surgery department offers high - quality breast implant removal services. The surgeons are well - trained in the latest techniques and are committed to providing excellent outcomes. They also focus on patient education, ensuring that patients are fully informed about the procedure, risks, and recovery process.
What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Process
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history. They will also assess the current condition of your breasts. If you are having the implants removed due to medical complications, it is crucial to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. You should bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will then work with you to create a proper surgical plan based on your desired outcome. They may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to achieve a more plump, rounded appearance.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on various factors like your age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, before the procedure. You will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may be given prescriptions that need to be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on your history, you may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and have assistance in the first few days of recovery.
Surgery
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 cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL associated with textured breast implants, 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, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. After the implant and scar tissue are removed, multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) will be used to close the incisions. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to speed healing.
Recovery
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 not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. You will be provided with thorough discharge instructions. In the initial days after surgery, your breasts may be covered with a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore, and it is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. You will usually return to the office the day after surgery for the surgeon to monitor your healing process. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. 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, and your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for breast implant removal is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your experience and outcome. The top five hospitals in New York City - Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Hospitals, Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, and Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health - offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive care. They are equipped to handle various cases related to breast implant removal, whether it is for aesthetic or medical reasons.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a surgeon at one of these top - ranked hospitals. Take the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations. By making an informed decision and following the guidance of the medical team, you can achieve a successful outcome and regain your confidence. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant removal and explore more related topics on our website to learn even more about this important procedure.
