Introduction
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, has become increasingly sought - after in New York City. Women might choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, such as lifestyle changes, dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results, or medical complications. This article will introduce the top 5 hospitals (represented by their renowned plastic surgeons) for removing breast implants in breast augmentation surgery in New York City, based on their surgeons' expertise, reputation, and patient outcomes.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell - Premier Breast Surgeon in NYC
Expertise and Reputation
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also globally. He has repeatedly appeared on the best doctors lists for well - known magazines like Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. Being listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other publications as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country, he has an outstanding reputation. His patients often refer others to him, speaking volumes about their satisfaction with the results.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal, which involves removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. This is suitable for women who have various reasons for implant removal, including lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical issues.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, he conducts en bloc capsulectomy, a procedure that removes the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. This is particularly important for cases such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or capsular contracture.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: He also specializes in removing the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to the heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
Patient Consultation and 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 works together to create a proper surgical plan. Based on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift. He provides detailed information about the procedure, risks, and recovery, ensuring the patient is fully informed.
Surgical Facilities
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. However, most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, equipped with the latest technology, and designed for patient comfort. It has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and all staff members are thoroughly trained to offer personalized care.
Recovery and Results
After surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate. In most cases, patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. 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.
2. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson - Top Breast Implant Removal Surgeon on the Upper East Side
Expertise and Experience
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.
Reasons for Implant Removal
Dr. Hutchinson addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include the implant becoming palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, nipple or areola enlargement, and distortion. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
Special Considerations
Regarding BIA - ALCL, although it is a rare cancer specifically related to breast implants, especially certain textured implants like those made by Allergan, Dr. Hutchinson provides expert advice on the decision of implant removal or replacement. For breast implant illness, which refers to a wide variety of symptoms patients may report after breast augmentation or reconstruction, she helps patients understand the condition and the best course of action.
Patient - Centered Care
Dr. Hutchinson's practice is centered around ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients. She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals. She takes the time to listen to patients' concerns and provides personalized care throughout the process.
3. New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs)
Comprehensive Services
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive breast implant removal services. Their surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are experienced in performing breast explant procedures, which involve removing breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules. They also clean the breast pocket and remove silicone from the implant shell if necessary.
Reasons for Explant Surgery
Common reasons for explant surgery at this group include the removal of leaking or ruptured implants, implants causing pain or other complications, replacement of damaged implants, improvement of breast aesthetics and feel, and removal of capsular contracture.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients are required to take certain steps before the breast implant removal procedure. They should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior, and blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks prior. Patients also need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and have a pre - operative examination to determine breast health.
Surgical Procedure
The surgeons may administer either local or general anesthesia based on the patient's consultation. The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. After making the incisions, draining any accumulated fluid, the implants are removed using various methods. The excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is then removed, and the area is cauterized and reconstructed. Finally, the incisions are sealed with sutures and dressings. The explant surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of work.
Recovery
After the procedure, patients wake up in a recovery room and may experience some discomfort, which is managed with pain relief medication. They are usually allowed to return home after about an hour in the recovery room. Post - procedure instructions include information on wearing a compression bra, taking antibiotics, and applying cold compresses. The recovery is similar to that after the initial breast augmentation, with most patients able to resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
4. Dr. Steven Wallach - Conveniently Located in NYC
Experience and Procedure Details
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in NYC. He performs breast implant removal surgery by making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant pocket and then removing the implants. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. The incision can be along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit.
Candidates and Benefits
Good candidates for the procedure are healthy individuals who desire implant removal. This procedure can be medically necessary, such as when an implant ruptures or a capsular contracture occurs. Non - medical reasons include a change in aesthetic preferences. In some cases, patients may choose to replace the old implants with new ones at the same time.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Wallach examines the patient and discusses options for the procedure. If there are complications like capsular contracture, he confirms the diagnosis and schedules the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he may discuss implant replacement or other breast enhancement options. In preparation for the consultation, patients are advised to be familiar with terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis, deflation, capsulectomy, and explantation.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After removing the implants, the incisions are closed and bandaged. Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days but should avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
5. Dr. Barry Weintraub - Distinguished Plastic Surgeon in NYC
Expertise in Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Dr. Barry Weintraub is highly experienced in breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He performs these surgeries to change the size, location, or type of implants, address breast implant illness (BII), or rectify issues like capsular contracture. He also helps patients reposition implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural - looking result. Some patients choose to replace lost volume with autologous fat or have a breast lift in conjunction with the removal and replacement.
Patient Consultation
When a patient decides to have a consultation for breast implant removal and replacement, Dr. Weintraub emphasizes that patients should be at least 18 years old and have a clear understanding of their breast volume and aesthetic goals. During the consultation, he advises patients to check for board certification, ensure the physician has good standing at a major hospital, confirm the doctor's reputation among medical professionals, and speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures. He believes in listening to the patient's specific needs and desires to develop a personalized surgical plan.
Surgical Approach
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. The surgery is performed with precision and care, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
Facilities and Patient Care
Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at several hospitals, he prefers to perform the procedures 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. After surgery, he provides detailed instructions to ensure the best results, and believes in early showering for wound healing. He also advises patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
Comparative Analysis of the Five Surgeons
| Surgeon | Area of Specialization | Unique Selling Proposition | Facility Location | Recovery Time (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Renowned globally, featured in top magazines, high - patient satisfaction, personalized care | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital | Return to daily activities within days, avoid vigorous exercise for about 2 weeks, final results in several months |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Handling both aesthetic and medical breast implant issues | Harvard and Columbia educated, female surgeon, over 20 years of experience, patient - centered approach | Upper East Side, NYC | Not specifically detailed, similar general recovery as others in the field |
| Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs (New York Group for Plastic Surgery) | Comprehensive breast explant, including removal of scar tissue and cleaning breast pocket | Clear pre - operative instructions, step - by - step surgical process | NYC | Return to light activities within 1 week, more vigorous activity in about 6 weeks |
| Dr. Steven Wallach | Breast implant removal using previous surgical approach, removal of ruptured implant filler | Convenient location, experience in dealing with medical and non - medical implant removal reasons | NYC | Return to light activity within 3 - 5 days, avoid aerobic activity for 3 - 4 weeks, heavy lifting for 6 - 8 weeks |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | Breast implant removal and replacement, repositioning implants, fat transfer, breast lift | Advanced surgical techniques, focus on natural - looking results, strict sterile conditions, personalized post - operative care | 800a Fifth Avenue, NYC | Return to work in 3 days, swelling and bruising resolve within 1 week, full recovery instructions personalized |
Conclusion
New York City offers a plethora of options for breast implant removal surgery, with these five plastic surgeons standing out for their expertise, experience, and patient - centered care. Each surgeon has their own areas of specialization and unique features, whether it's dealing with specific medical conditions like BIA - ALCL, focusing on aesthetic outcomes, or providing comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. The decision of which surgeon to choose depends on individual factors such as the reason for implant removal, personal aesthetic goals, and the patient's comfort level with the surgeon and their approach.
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, it is highly recommended to schedule consultations with these surgeons. During the consultations, discuss your concerns, expectations, and medical history in detail. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful breast implant removal surgery and a smooth recovery. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards achieving your desired breast appearance and overall well - being.
