Introduction
Breast implant removal and injection procedures are becoming increasingly common in New York City. Whether it's due to medical complications, aesthetic preferences, or lifestyle changes, many women are seeking out the best hospitals and surgeons to perform these procedures. In this article, we will explore the top 10 hospitals in New York City for breast implant removal and injection, along with important information about the procedures, candidates, and recovery.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal and Injection
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. Some of the common reasons include:
- Medical Complications: Issues such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, leakage, or breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) can prompt removal. Capsular contracture is the hardening of scar tissue around the implant, which can cause pain and distort the appearance of the breasts. BIA - ALCL is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Changes in personal preferences, such as a desire to return to a more natural breast size or correct an unsatisfactory result from the initial breast augmentation, are common reasons. For example, the implant may have become palpable, visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), or have moved from its original position.
- Lifestyle Changes: Some women may decide to have their implants removed due to lifestyle factors, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a change in physical activity levels.
Reasons for Breast Implant Injection
On the other hand, breast implant injection can be used for various purposes:
- Breast Augmentation: To increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts for cosmetic reasons. Women may choose this procedure to enhance their self - confidence and body image.
- Breast Reconstruction: After a mastectomy or other breast - related surgeries, implant injection can help restore the appearance of the breasts.
Top 10 Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal and Injection in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is a leading medical institution in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. The hospital offers high - quality care and has a team of experienced surgeons who are well - versed in breast implant removal and injection procedures. The Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai is part of the hospital, providing integrated and compassionate care for every phase of breast health, including prevention, diagnostics, surgery, medical and radiation treatment, and support after treatment.
2. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is also highly regarded, being nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. It has a reputation for excellence in surgical procedures, including breast implant removal and injection. The medical staff at New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell are known for their expertise and dedication to patient care.
3. North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health
North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services related to breast health. Their surgeons are skilled in performing breast implant removal and injection procedures with precision and care.
4. NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The hospital offers state - of - the - art facilities and advanced techniques for breast implant removal and injection. The medical team at NYU Langone is committed to providing personalized care to each patient.
5. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. It is a popular choice for breast implant procedures in New York City. The hospital has a patient - centered approach and a team of experts who can handle both breast implant removal and injection cases.
6. Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health
This hospital is nationally ranked in 6 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. It offers high - performing services in 3 specialties and 19 procedures/conditions. The medical staff at Hackensack University Medical Center are experienced in breast implant surgeries and provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
7. Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health
Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties. It has a well - established breast surgery department that offers both breast implant removal and injection services. The hospital's focus on research and innovation ensures that patients receive the latest and most effective treatments.
8. St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center
St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center is nationally ranked in 8 adult specialties. The hospital has a reputation for providing high - quality care in breast surgery. Their surgeons are trained in the latest techniques for breast implant removal and injection, and they prioritize patient safety and satisfaction.
9. Morristown Medical Center
Morristown Medical Center is nationally ranked in 6 adult specialties. It offers high - performing services in 3 specialties and 18 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a dedicated team of breast surgeons who can perform breast implant removal and injection procedures with skill and precision.
10. Montefiore Medical Center
Montefiore Medical Center is nationally ranked in 4 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. It provides high - performing services in 5 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital's breast surgery program is well - known for its comprehensive approach to breast health, including implant - related procedures.
Renowned Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Procedures
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks to his high - quality work and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach is another well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He performs breast implant surgery removal by making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach. He can also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. Dr. Wallach takes the time to discuss options with his patients and helps them achieve their desired results.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC. As 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. Dr. Hutchinson can advise patients on the various surgical options available and help them achieve their goals, whether it's breast implant removal or a secondary procedure like a breast lift.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his expertise in breast implant removal and replacement. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. Dr. Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artwork in his practice, and he is meticulous about every aspect of patient care, from pre - op to post - op.
The Breast Implant Removal Process
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. It is important for the patient to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to medical complications. The patient should also bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will assess the current condition of the breasts and work with the patient to create a proper surgical plan. Based on the patient's expectations, they may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Preparation
Depending on various factors, such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery. If the patient has a complex medical history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is often performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have someone to assist them in the first few days of recovery.
Procedure
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. The surgeon will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, if possible. However, if there are issues such as capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant, which is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will be used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in the hospital's recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Since it is an outpatient procedure, the patient can return home the same day. However, they should be prepared to have an escort to bring them home and should not drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. The patient's breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. They may feel tired or sore following surgery, but many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, and the surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan. Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, and this numbness typically fades over time. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will typically return to the office the day after the surgery for a follow - up, 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, and the scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
The Breast Implant Injection Process
Consultation
Similar to breast implant removal, the consultation for breast implant injection is crucial. The surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, expectations, and medical history. They will examine the patient's breasts to determine the best type, size, and placement of the implants. The patient should be open about their lifestyle, any previous surgeries, and their desired outcome. The surgeon will explain the procedure, risks, and recovery process in detail.
Preparation
The patient will be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may include avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin. They may also be advised to stop smoking and maintain a healthy diet. The surgeon may perform pre - operative tests to ensure the patient is in good health for the procedure.
Procedure
Breast implant injection is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in a strategic location, such as along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. The implant will be inserted into a pocket created in the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. The surgeon will carefully position the implant to achieve the desired shape and symmetry. Once the implant is in place, the incisions will be closed with sutures.
Recovery
After the surgery, the patient will wake up in the recovery room and will be monitored for a few hours. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breasts. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage the discomfort. The patient will need to wear a supportive bra for several weeks to aid in the healing process. They should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks and follow the surgeon's instructions for post - operative care. Most patients can return to work within a week or two, depending on their job requirements. The final results of the breast implant injection will become more apparent as the swelling subsides over the next few months.
Risks and Complications
Breast Implant Removal
Although breast implant removal is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks involved. These include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery. The surgeon will discuss all these risks with the patient during the initial consultation, and the patient can reduce their risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.
Breast Implant Injection
Breast implant injection also carries certain risks. These include capsular contracture, implant rupture or leakage, changes in nipple or breast sensation, infection, bleeding, hematoma, seroma, and the potential need for future surgery. In addition, there is a small risk of BIA - ALCL, especially with certain types of textured implants. Patients should be aware of these risks and discuss them thoroughly with their surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast implant removal and injection can vary widely depending on several factors. For breast implant removal, the cost may be influenced by the complexity of the procedure, whether an en - bloc resection is required, the location of the hospital or surgical facility, and the surgeon's experience. If breast implant replacement or a secondary procedure like a breast lift is desired, the cost will increase. On average, the cost of breast implant removal can start at around $5000, but it can be much higher depending on the circumstances.
For breast implant injection, the cost is affected by the type of implant (saline or silicone), the size of the implant, the surgical technique used, and the geographical location. The cost can range from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. It is important for patients to have a detailed consultation with their surgeon to get an accurate quote for the procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast implant removal and injection in New York City is crucial for a successful outcome. The top 10 hospitals mentioned in this article offer high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and state - of - the - art facilities. Patients should carefully consider their options, do their research, and have a thorough consultation with their chosen surgeon to understand the procedure, risks, and recovery process. Whether it's for medical or aesthetic reasons, breast implant removal and injection can have a significant impact on a woman's life, and with the right approach, patients can achieve the results they desire.
If you are considering breast implant removal or injection in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals. Don't hesitate to ask questions and gather as much information as possible. Your journey to a more confident and comfortable you starts with making an informed decision.
