The Top Five Selected Institutions for Breast Prosthetic Removal in New York City

New York City offers a plethora of institutions for breast prosthetic removal. Here are the top five selected institutions that stand out due to their experienced surgeons, advanced facilities, and high - quality patient care.

1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice

Surgeon Reputation

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His surgical skills, combined with his artistic eye, allow him to produce beautiful results. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons, which speaks volumes about his reputation and the trust people place in him.

Services Offered

• Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery: He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body based on the patient's needs, whether it is for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons.
• En bloc capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. This is especially important in cases where there are concerns about breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or other complications.
• Removal of recalled implants: Dr. Antell also performs the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.

Patient Experience

Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients. His facility has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and all members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.

Pre - and Post - operative Care

During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He provides detailed information about the procedure, risks, and recovery. Before surgery, patients may be sent for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, and will be given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. After surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite and are provided with thorough discharge instructions. His staff is available to answer any questions throughout the recovery process.

2. NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital (Breast Centers at Columbia and Weill Cornell)

Accreditation

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). This accreditation recognizes centers that offer patients state - of - the - art treatment options, including clinical research trials, and demonstrate a firm commitment to providing the best care in the battle against breast disease.

Advancements in Treatment

Over the past 25 years, there have been many significant advances in the treatment of breast cancer pioneered by physician - scientists at NewYork - Presbyterian and its academic affiliates, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medical College. Surgeons at the breast centers are among the first to perform total skin - sparing, nipple - sparing mastectomy, which helps improve the aesthetic outcome of reconstructive surgery. They were also among the first to use sentinel node biopsy, which limits the number of lymph nodes that need to be removed to determine if a tumor has spread. In addition, they are among only a few worldwide to perform bone marrow examination at the time of surgery to rule out micro - metastatic disease and are among the first to offer intraoperative radiofrequency ablation to reduce the possibility of patients requiring additional surgery.

Ongoing Research

Physician - scientists at NewYork - Presbyterian and its affiliated medical schools are working to advance new treatment and prevention strategies. This includes an intraductal approach that employs a miniature endoscope to access the milk ducts through the nipple and studying biomarkers in nipple fluid for their potential to be the basis of a screening test. New radiotherapy techniques like balloon partial breast radiation are also under development, which reduces treatment time and limits radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Breast center physicians are also leading a national cancer institute (NCI) – funded multicenter clinical trial studying cryoablation, or freezing, as an alternative to mastectomy or lumpectomy.

3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC. With over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns, she has the knowledge and skill to address a wide range of issues. As a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, she is committed to ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients.

Reasons for Implant Removal

She understands that patients may wish to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, including both functional and cosmetic issues. Functional issues may include problems such as severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, or breast implant illness (BII). Cosmetic issues can range from a breast implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, or deflation, to problems like implant malposition or breast asymmetry.

Special Attention to Concerns

Dr. Hutchinson is well - versed in dealing with concerns related to BIA - ALCL, especially in the context of the recalled Allergan textured implants. She also provides guidance on BII, which is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.

4. Weill Cornell Medicine

Team of Surgeons

The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in their field. They are highly skilled and work closely with patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options for them. The care team is equipped to promote comfort throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post - operative recovery.

Comprehensive Cosmetic Breast Services

Weill Cornell Medicine provides the full range of cosmetic breast surgery options. This includes breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery. The surgeons are able to help patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities achieve the natural look they desire, enhancing their self - image and confidence.

Patient - Centered Approach

The team at Weill Cornell Medicine prioritizes patient comfort. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask their doctors questions to feel comfortable with the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the surgeons use the latest anesthetics and medications that help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After the surgery, the care team manages the patient's pain with medication and teaches them how to care for themselves during the healing and recovery process.

5. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

Skilled Plastic Surgeons

The top - rated breast surgery team at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC is highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. The board - certified plastic surgeons are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques. They understand the importance of feeling one's best and offer breast implants removal surgery and replacement for patients seeking to achieve their desired chest aesthetic.

Range of Implant Removal Procedures

The center offers a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc removal, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. The ultimate surgical method is determined upon the first incision, as each patient possesses unique anatomy. During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. A partial capsulectomy involves solely removing the breast implant material and trimming/shaping some of the capsule material, while a total capsulectomy consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.

State - of - the - art Facility

The breast implant removal surgery is performed at the center's state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks. The center's surgeons customize each procedure to fit the unique needs of each patient and work with them to actualize a treatment plan that reflects their desired post - operative goals.

Comparative Analysis of the Institutions

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution

Surgeon Experience

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons who have a proven track record in breast prosthetic removal. Check their board certifications, the number of procedures they have performed, and patient testimonials. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Darrick E. Antell, who has been in practice for over twenty years and has performed thousands of procedures, may be more reliable in handling complex cases.

Range of Services

Consider the range of services offered by the institution. If you may require additional procedures along with breast prosthetic removal, such as a breast lift or capsulectomy, choose an institution that can provide these services. Institutions like the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC offer multiple types of implant removal procedures, which gives patients more options.

Facility and Technology

The quality of the facility and the technology used are important for a successful procedure and a comfortable patient experience. State - of - the - art facilities with the latest equipment can ensure better outcomes. For instance, Dr. Antell's outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.

Patient - Centered Care

Patient - centered care includes personalized attention, pre - and post - operative support, and clear communication. An institution that values patient comfort and provides thorough education about the procedure, risks, and recovery is more likely to result in a positive patient experience. For example, Weill Cornell Medicine focuses on patient comfort at every step of the process.

Cost and Insurance

Cost is an important factor. Check if the institution accepts your insurance and if they offer financing options. Some institutions may offer more competitive pricing or work with patients on a payment plan. For example, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC has specific policies regarding insurance coverage and offers financing options through CareCredit.

Common Concerns and Answers Regarding Breast Prosthetic Removal

Am I a candidate for breast implant removal?

Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. This includes women who are experiencing medical complications related to the implants, are unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation, or have textured implants recalled by the FDA and are experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.

What is BIA - ALCL and how is it associated with breast implants?

Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. When left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue. In more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary. A link between certain types of textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL has been found, leading to the FDA's recall of these specific texture breast implants.

What can I expect during my consultation?

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. It is helpful to bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. By having an open and honest conversation about your desired outcome, you and the surgeon can work together to create the proper surgical plan. The surgeon will also go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery in detail.

What are the risks of breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal surgery is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. The surgeon will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation, and you can reduce your risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.

How should I prepare for my breast implant removal surgery?

Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. You will be given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to your surgery. Depending on your history, you may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery.

What will my recovery be like?

After surgery, you will recover in a monitored environment until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. You may feel tired or sore, and it is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, as well as some fluid drainage from the incision site. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and the surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan. In most cases, dissolvable sutures are used, and 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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top five institutions for breast prosthetic removal in New York City - Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice, NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice, Weill Cornell Medicine, and the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC - each offer unique advantages. These institutions have experienced surgeons, advanced facilities, and a commitment to patient - centered care. When considering breast prosthetic removal, it is essential to carefully evaluate the factors mentioned above, such as surgeon experience, range of services, facility quality, patient - centered care, and cost. By doing so, you can make an