Introduction
Breast augmentation has long been a popular cosmetic procedure, but in some cases, patients may opt to have their breast implants removed. Whether it's due to medical concerns, dissatisfaction with the results, or lifestyle changes, the demand for breast augmentation prosthesis removal is on the rise in New York City. In this article, we'll explore the top - 10 hospitals and clinics in New York City for breast augmentation prosthesis removal, along with essential information about the procedure, including what to expect, risks, and recovery.
What is Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal?
Breast augmentation prosthesis removal, also known as explant surgery, involves taking out the existing silicone or saline implants from the body. Women may choose to have this procedure for various reasons. Some are experiencing medical complications related to the implants, such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), severe capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII). Others may be unhappy with the aesthetic results of their initial breast augmentation and wish to return to their natural breast size.
BIA - ALCL is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment usually involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary. Breast implant illness is a collection of symptoms like fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and more, believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Hospital for Prosthesis Removal
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures. They should be well - versed in handling potential complications and be able to perform en - bloc capsulectomy (removing the tissue that has grown around the breast implant) when necessary. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell, a top New York plastic surgeon, has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and other well - known persons, and many of his patients are referred by former patients, speaking to his high - quality work.
Hospital Reputation
Research the hospital's overall reputation. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to have high - quality medical facilities, experienced staff, and a focus on patient safety. Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery department is one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, and the division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can give you valuable insights into the patient experience at a particular hospital or clinic. Look for reviews that mention the quality of care, the surgeon's bedside manner, and the overall satisfaction with the results of the breast implant removal procedure. For instance, patients of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson have raved about their experiences, with comments like “every single detail of my experience with Dr. Hutchinson and her amazing staff was exceptional. The atmosphere is calming, everything is super clean, and all i encountered were super professional and nice. Dr. Hutchinson made me feel so comfortable and the results are amazing.”
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the procedure and whether your insurance will cover it. Most insurance companies consider breast implant removal a cosmetic procedure and do not cover it. However, if the removal is due to medical reasons such as BIA - ALCL or severe capsular contracture, there may be a chance of insurance coverage. It's essential to consult with your insurance provider and the hospital's billing department to get a clear picture of the costs involved.
The Top 10 Hospitals and Clinics for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Removal in New York City
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Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is a widely regarded breast surgeon both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal surgeries, including en - bloc capsulectomy when needed. His patients appreciate his extensive experience, surgical skills, and beautiful results. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, and he has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion. His private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital is state - of - the - art and fully accredited, providing a comfortable and secure environment for the procedure.
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Columbia University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center, Columbia University offers comprehensive plastic and reconstructive surgery services. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in breast implant removal and have access to the latest research and technology. The department is involved in cutting - edge research related to plastic surgery, such as stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy applications to wound healing. Their team approach ensures that patients receive high - quality, personalized care.
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Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his meticulous approach to breast implant removal and replacement. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to achieve the most natural - looking results. His aesthetic sense and attention to detail are highly regarded. Dr. Weintraub's practice has a strong patient - centered approach, with his staff providing support throughout the entire process, from consultation to post - operative care. He also takes on complex redo surgeries, and patients from all over the world seek him out to correct aesthetic problems.
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Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
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. Her patients often praise her for her compassion, professionalism, and the excellent aesthetic results she achieves. She can address a wide range of breast implant - related issues, including both aesthetic and medical problems.
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Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS
Dr. Sophie Bartsich is a top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. Although the focus of the information available is more on breast augmentation, her reputation for excellent surgical skills and meticulous care during operations indicates that she would be a reliable choice for breast implant removal as well. Patients who have worked with her have highly recommended her, highlighting her excellent hands and great bedside manners.
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Forest Hills Plastic Surgery
Forest Hills Plastic Surgery has received positive reviews from patients, with comments about the doctor explaining the procedure in detail and performing a quick and pain - free surgery. While specific information about breast implant removal is limited, their overall track record in plastic surgery procedures suggests that they may be a good option for this type of surgery. Their staff's attention to patient comfort and clear communication are assets in the patient experience.
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Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics
Patients at Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics have had excellent experiences, with comments like “the best experience ever! Dr. Kevin and his team made this journey very smooth for me. I love my results and how fast I’m healing.” While more details about their breast implant removal services could be explored, their commitment to providing a smooth patient journey and positive results bodes well for this particular procedure.
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RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center
Located in Brooklyn, RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center offers breast augmentation procedures among its 31 available procedures across 2 different specialties. They have a lead specialist performing all procedures, and are accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Although pricing information is available on request only, their accreditation and the range of procedures they offer suggest they have the infrastructure and expertise to handle breast implant removal surgeries.
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Leonard Grossman, M.D.
Dr. Leonard Grossman's practice in Brooklyn offers breast augmentation and likely breast implant removal as well. With 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties, they have a wide - ranging service portfolio. While they are not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes, the breadth of their offerings may attract patients looking for comprehensive plastic surgery services.
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New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
This Manhattan - based center offers breast augmentation among its 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties. Although they lack accreditation from recognized institutes, their experience in multiple plastic surgery procedures may be beneficial for breast implant removal. The center's staff and surgeons are likely well - versed in handling different types of breast - related surgeries.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Consultation
During your initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. If you are having the implants removed due to medical complications, it's important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. You should bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery. An open and honest conversation with the surgeon will help in creating the proper surgical plan. The surgeon may also recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, depending on your expectations.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on factors like your age and implant condition, the surgeon may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, before the procedure. You will be given guidelines on eating and 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 the surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery.
The Surgery
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from your initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, but may not be possible with an armpit incision. If you have experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or had textured breast implants and are experiencing BIA - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are all removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically 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, you will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure. However, you should have an escort to bring you home as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore following surgery, and it's best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of your customized procedure and your rate of healing. It's expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and this numbness typically fades over time. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery for the surgeon to monitor your healing process.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast implant removal has risks. These may include bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. There is also a risk of developing new scar tissue or having dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results. In cases where en - bloc capsulectomy is performed, there may be additional risks associated with the removal of the scar tissue, such as damage to surrounding tissues. It's crucial to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about all the potential risks during your initial consultation and to closely follow the surgeon's directions before and after surgery to reduce these risks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital or clinic for breast augmentation prosthesis removal in New York City is a crucial decision. Consider factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital reputation, patient reviews, and cost when making your choice. The top 10 hospitals and clinics listed in this article have shown excellence in various aspects of plastic surgery, including breast implant removal. It's important to remember that the procedure, although generally safe, comes with risks, and proper pre - operative preparation and post - operative care are essential for a successful outcome.
If you're considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top - rated surgeons or clinics in New York City. Take the time to ask questions, understand the procedure fully, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be in a similar situation and explore related topics on breast health and plastic surgery to gain more knowledge.
