Introduction
When it comes to breast implant removal and re - augmentation in New York City, finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial. This decision can have a significant impact on your physical appearance, health, and overall well - being. In this article, we will explore the top four popular hospitals in New York City for these procedures, highlighting their features, experienced surgeons, and available services.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice
Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a top - notch New York plastic surgeon. He has been in the field for over twenty years and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely recognized and repeatedly appears on the best doctors lists for prestigious magazines such as Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is also an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies.
Services Offered
Dr. Antell specializes in custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. Women may choose this procedure for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons. When indicated, he performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also deals with the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Patient Consideration
Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which is a strong testament to his surgical skills and the results he achieves. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known individuals, maintaining total discretion. For those interested in this procedure, they can contact his office at (212) - 988 - 4040 to schedule a consultation.
Pre - operative 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 discusses the patient's desired outcome and may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift. Before the surgery, patients may be sent for imaging such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite and are provided with detailed discharge instructions. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but are advised to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
2. Mount Sinai - Dubin Breast Center
Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction
At the Dubin Breast Center of Mount Sinai, they offer expert breast reconstruction services. Their plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to ensure seamless and advanced procedures, paying close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes.
Reconstruction Types
- Implant Reconstruction: This usually starts with placing a tissue expander in the breast at the time of the mastectomy. The tissue expander is a temporary inflatable implant that is inflated in the plastic surgeon's office soon after surgery. After about three months, a second ambulatory surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant (either silicone or saline). Patients typically stay in the hospital for a day or two and may be able to return to work in two to three weeks.
- Autologous Reconstruction: There are different types of autologous reconstruction using the patient's own body tissue. For example, the DIEP flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to a “tummy - tuck,” while the latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back. The initial surgery is generally longer than with an implant, and the hospital stay is typically five days. Patients may be able to return to work four to six weeks later.
Advancement in Techniques
Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital, pioneered the direct - to - implant approach. This innovative technique avoids the use of a tissue expander in eligible patients, inserting the implant immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle and providing additional soft tissue support.
3. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Highly Trained 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 at this center are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques.
Removal Procedures
They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including:
| Procedure Type | Description |
|---|---|
| En Bloc | The plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. |
| Partial Capsulectomy | It involves solely removing the breast implant material and trimming/ shaping some of the capsule material to create the patient's desired chest contour. |
| Total Capsulectomy | This consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue. First, the breast implants are removed, followed by a complete removal of the capsule and associated scar tissue. |
Patient - Centered Approach
During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each variation of the breast implant removal procedure and works with the patient to actualize a treatment plan that reflects the patient's desired post - operative goals. The breast implant removal surgery is performed at their 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. Patients can contact their NYC office at (212) 481 - 0110 for a complimentary consultation.
4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Expert in Implant - related Concerns
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
Indications for Implant Removal
Women may seek breast implant removal for various reasons, including aesthetic issues such as the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, or capsular contracture. Medical issues can also prompt removal, such as severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, or breast implant illness (BII). Dr. Hutchinson can advise on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help patients achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be necessary for the best aesthetic results.
Patient Experience
Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere in her practice is calming, and the team is professional and nice. Dr. Hutchinson makes patients feel comfortable, and the results of the procedures are highly satisfactory. To book a consultation, patients can call her office at (212) 452 - 1400.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon's Expertise
The experience and expertise of the surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified, have a good reputation, and extensive experience in breast implant removal and re - augmentation procedures. Check their track record, patient reviews, and any awards or recognitions they have received.
Range of Services
Choose a hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant removal and re - augmentation. This includes different types of removal procedures, options for breast reconstruction, and the ability to address various medical and aesthetic concerns.
Facility Quality
The quality of the medical facility is crucial for a safe and comfortable surgical experience. Ensure that the hospital or surgical suite is accredited, well - equipped with the latest technology, and provides personalized care to patients.
Patient Support
Good patient support before, during, and after the procedure is essential. This includes clear communication from the medical staff, detailed pre - operative and post - operative instructions, and availability to answer any questions or concerns that patients may have.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the procedures and whether your insurance will cover them. Some hospitals may offer financing options or work with insurance companies to ensure that patients receive the full benefits they are entitled to. For example, the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance companies covering a mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction.
Potential Risks and Complications
It's important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with breast implant removal and re - augmentation procedures. These may include:
- Infection: There is a risk of developing an infection at the surgical site, which may require antibiotic treatment.
- Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery, and in some cases, additional procedures may be needed to control it.
- Numbness: Patients may experience numbness at the incision site or in the breast area, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery, which can range from mild to severe.
- Implant - related Issues: In re - augmentation procedures, there is a risk of implant rupture, leakage, malposition, or capsular contracture.
- Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Results: Despite the best efforts of the surgeon, there is a possibility that the patient may not be fully satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of the procedure.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast implant removal and re - augmentation varies depending on the individual and the specific procedures performed. In general:
- After the surgery, patients will spend some time in the recovery room under the monitoring of medical staff.
- Patients are usually given support garments to wear to aid in the healing process.
- Mild discomfort and swelling are common and can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the doctor.
- Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for a certain period, usually a few weeks.
- Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within a few days to a couple of weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to be fully visible.
- Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are necessary to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
Conclusion
New York City offers a variety of excellent hospitals and surgeons for breast implant removal and re - augmentation procedures. Dr. Darrick E. Antell's practice, Mount Sinai - Dubin Breast Center, Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's practice are among the top choices. Each of these institutions has its own unique features, experienced surgeons, and a range of services to meet the diverse needs of patients. When considering these procedures, it is essential to thoroughly research and choose the option that best suits your individual circumstances, goals, and concerns.
If you are interested in breast implant removal and re - augmentation, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals or surgeons for a consultation. Take the time to discuss your expectations, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your health and appearance. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about these procedures in New York City.
