Introduction
When it comes to breast implant removal and breast augmentation procedures in New York City, finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial. Patients seek out high - quality medical care, experienced surgeons, and positive outcomes. In this article, we will explore the top 3 hospitals for these procedures in New York City in 2025, along with details about the surgeons, procedures, and what patients can expect.
Criteria for Selection
Several factors were considered when selecting the top 3 hospitals. These include the experience and reputation of the surgeons, the quality of the facilities, patient reviews and satisfaction rates, success rates of the procedures, and the range of services offered. We also looked at the hospitals' adherence to safety standards and their use of the latest medical technologies.
Top 3 Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal and Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Practices Associated with Dr. Darrick Antell
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - notch plastic surgeon widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and globally. He has a long - standing career spanning over twenty years and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is repeatedly listed on the best doctors lists for 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, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also performs en bloc capsulectomy when indicated, which involves removing the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has experience removing recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Breast Implant Revision: For patients unhappy with their current implants, he offers breast implant revision surgery. This may involve replacing old implants with new ones, changing the size or type of implants, and addressing issues like capsular contracture.
Patient Experience
Many of Dr. Antell's patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the quality of his work and patient satisfaction. He performs surgeries with total discretion, especially on celebrities and well - known persons. His facility is located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. It has a private back entrance, and his staff is thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
Consultation and Preparation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. Patients are advised to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's desires, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift. He will discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail. Before surgery, patients may need to undergo imaging such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. They will also receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding medications and vitamins. Patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery and have assistance during the initial recovery period.
Risks and Recovery
While breast implant removal and revision surgeries are typically safe when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Antell, there are still risks involved, such as bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. After surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. They may experience tiredness, soreness, and some fluid drainage. Most patients can return to daily activities within days but should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. It may take several months for the final results to be visible, and scars will take at least six weeks to start fading.
2. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal in NYC. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: She addresses a variety of reasons for breast implant removal, including both aesthetic and medical issues. Aesthetic issues may include palpable or visible implants, implant rupture, leakage, deflation, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, and unsightly scars. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
- Secondary Procedures: In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results after breast implant removal.
Patient Experience
Patients have reported excellent experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere of her practice is calming, and everything is super clean. Her patients feel comfortable during the consultation and are satisfied with the results of their surgeries.
Consultation and Procedure Information
Dr. Hutchinson will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. She will discuss the risks and benefits of each option. Regarding BIA - ALCL, although it is a rare condition, she is well - informed about the recall of Allergan textured implants and can guide patients on whether removal is necessary. For breast implant illness, which is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems, she can provide advice and treatment options.
Recovery
After breast implant removal, patients will need to follow post - operative instructions carefully. This may include managing pain, wearing a support garment, and avoiding strenuous activities. The recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure, but patients should expect some swelling and bruising in the initial weeks.
3. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a plastic surgeon known for his strong aesthetic sense and unique blend of medical science and art. He studied medicine at Cornell and bases his practice on core values of humility and respect for patients. He has extensive experience in breast implant removal and replacement surgeries, and over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices. He is sought after by patients from all over the world to correct aesthetic problems.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: The procedure can be done to change the size, location, and/or type of implants. Patients concerned with breast implant illness (BII) may choose to have the implants removed, and some may opt to replace lost volume with autologous fat or new implants. He also performs breast lifts in conjunction with removal and replacement for patients with drooping breasts.
Patient Experience
Dr. Weintraub prefers to perform breast implant removal and replacement 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 attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff, providing patients with the utmost in medical and plastic - surgical care.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub will help patients understand their own issues and develop a surgical plan. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural look. Patients should be in a good state of general health and have realistic expectations. Before surgery, patients need to provide medical clearance from their family physician, follow instructions on preparation, and have prescriptions filled in advance. A custom - made post - surgical garment will be ordered for them.
Risks and Recovery
As with any surgery, there are risks such as swelling, bruising, infection, and changes in breast sensation. After surgery, patients need to follow Dr. Weintraub's instructions carefully. He believes in early showering for better wound healing. Patients can usually return to work three days after surgery, and swelling and bruising should resolve within a week. Full recovery may take a few weeks, and Dr. Weintraub will advise on when patients can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
Comparative Analysis of the Three Hospitals
| Aspect | Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice | Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Reputation | Internationally recognized, multiple awards and listings in top magazines | Highly experienced on the Upper East Side, board - certified and well - regarded | Well - known for complex redos, sought after globally |
| Services | Breast implant removal, revision with en bloc capsulectomy | Breast implant removal for various aesthetic and medical reasons, possible secondary procedures | Breast implant removal and replacement, fat transfer, breast lift |
| Facility | State - of - the - art outpatient center near Lenox Hill Hospital | Calming and clean practice environment | Hospital - grade surgical center attached to the office |
| Patient Experience | Many referrals from former patients, high - end personalized care | Positive patient reviews, calming atmosphere | Focus on patient - centered care, personalized attention |
| Recovery | Detailed individualized recovery plan | Standard post - operative instructions and follow - up | Early showering advice, relatively quick return to work |
Common Concerns in Breast Implant Removal and Breast Augmentation
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
BIA - ALCL is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is a rare condition, but a link has been found between certain types of textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and a change in the size or shape of the breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary. All three surgeons mentioned above are experienced in handling cases related to BIA - ALCL.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. The exact cause of BII is uncertain, but it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. Surgeons can guide patients on whether implant removal may help alleviate these symptoms.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a common complication after breast implant surgery. It occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, causing the breast to become firm, misshapen, and sometimes painful. All three surgeons have experience in treating capsular contracture, which may involve removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. They may also use techniques such as placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to resist capsular contracture.
How to Choose the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Research and Reputation
Do thorough research on the hospitals and surgeons. Look for their experience, reputation, and patient reviews. Check if they are board - certified and if they have any awards or recognitions in the field. The internet can be a great resource, but also consider asking for referrals from friends, family, or other medical professionals.
Consultation
Schedule consultations with the surgeons you are considering. During the consultation, ask questions about the procedure, risks, recovery, and expected results. Pay attention to how well the surgeon listens to your concerns and how clearly they explain the process. A good surgeon should make you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
Facility and Safety
Consider the quality of the facilities where the surgery will be performed. Make sure the facility is accredited and has the latest technology. Ask about the safety measures in place during the surgery and the post - operative care.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the procedure and whether your insurance will cover any part of it. Some procedures may be considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance, while others related to medical issues may have some coverage. Make sure to discuss the financial aspects with the surgeon's office before making a decision.
Conclusion
In New York City in 2025, Dr. Darrick Antell's practice, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's practice, and Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice stand out as top choices for breast implant removal and breast augmentation procedures. Each surgeon brings unique skills, experience, and a patient - centered approach to the table. Whether you are looking to remove your breast implants due to medical or aesthetic reasons or are considering breast augmentation, these hospitals and surgeons can provide high - quality care and achieve the results you desire.
If you are considering a breast implant removal or breast augmentation procedure, we encourage you to do your research, schedule consultations with these surgeons, and take the time to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in these procedures, and feel free to explore more resources on breast surgeries to gain a deeper understanding of the process.
