Introduction
Silicone breast implant removal is a procedure that has gained significant attention in recent years. Women may opt for this surgery for various reasons, including medical complications, dissatisfaction with the results of their initial breast augmentation, or concerns about potential health risks associated with the implants. In New York City, a hub for advanced medical and cosmetic procedures, there are several top - rated surgeons offering this service, each with their own unique techniques. This article aims to present the top 5 surgeons for silicone breast implant removal in New York City in 2025, exploring their specialties, procedures, and what makes them stand out.
Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon for Silicone Breast Implant Removal
Selecting a skilled and experienced surgeon for silicone breast implant removal is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the safety of the patient during the procedure. A qualified surgeon will have a deep understanding of the anatomy of the breast and the potential complications that may arise during implant removal. Secondly, the right surgeon can provide the best possible aesthetic results. Whether a patient wishes to return to their natural breast size or pair the implant removal with another procedure like a breast lift, an experienced surgeon can create a customized treatment plan to meet the patient's goals. Finally, a reputable surgeon can offer comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, guiding the patient through every step of the process and ensuring a smooth recovery.
The Top 5 Surgeons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
- Experience: With a career spanning over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures, Dr. Antell has extensive knowledge and expertise in breast implant removal. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the quality of his work and the satisfaction of his patients.
- Unique Techniques: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has the skill to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, when possible, which is often the case with inframammary fold or areolar incisions.
- Patient Consultation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He encourages an open and honest conversation to understand the patient's desired outcome and creates a personalized surgical plan accordingly. He may also recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to achieve a more plump and rounded appearance.
- Facility: Most patients prefer to have the procedure 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, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
2. Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach is well - known for his expertise in breast implant removal procedures in New York City.
- Experience: As breast augmentation has become more popular in the United States, the demand for implant removal has also increased, and Dr. Wallach has been at the forefront of providing this service. He has a wealth of experience in handling different cases and helping patients achieve their desired results.
- Unique Techniques: Dr. Wallach usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. During the procedure, he can perform a capsulectomy, which involves removing the breast implant and the scar tissue that has formed around it.
- Patient Consultation: The consultation with Dr. Wallach is tailored to the patient's needs. If the patient is experiencing complications such as capsular contracture, he will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he will discuss other options for breast implant replacement or explore other breast enhancement options like a breast lift.
- Recovery: Dr. Wallach provides detailed instructions for recovery. Immediately after the procedure, patients may have swelling, bruising, and mild pain. He advises patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.
3. The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The top - rated breast surgery team at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC is highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and is world - renowned for their advanced techniques.
- Experience: The board - certified plastic surgeons at the center routinely perform breast implant removal surgery. They understand the importance of ensuring optimal results for patients who wish to remove or replace their breast implants.
- Unique Techniques: They offer a variety of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. During an en bloc breast implant removal surgery, the plastic surgeon removes the implants and capsule in a single procedure. A partial capsulectomy involves solely removing the breast implant material and trimming/ shaping some of the capsule material, while a total capsulectomy consists of removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
- Patient Consultation: In the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each variation of the breast implant removal procedure. They work closely with the patient to actualize a treatment plan that reflects the patient's desired post - operative goals.
- Facility: The surgery is performed at the center's 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.
4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.
- Experience: Her long - standing experience in dealing with a wide range of breast implant - related issues gives her the expertise to handle complex cases. She has helped many patients address both functional and cosmetic problems associated with their breast implants.
- Unique Techniques: Dr. Hutchinson has the skill to address any implant - related concern and will advise the patient on the various surgical options available. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
- Understanding of Complications: She is well - versed in identifying and treating issues such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII). She educates patients about these conditions and the appropriate treatment options.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Dr. Hutchinson takes the time to make her patients feel comfortable and understand their concerns. Patients have reported that every detail of their experience with her and her staff was exceptional, and they were very happy with the results of their surgery.
5. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City, specializing in breast implant removal and replacement procedures.
- Experience: With a strong background in plastic surgery, Dr. Weintraub has a deep understanding of the nuances of breast implant removal and replacement. He has performed numerous procedures and has a high success rate in achieving the desired aesthetic results for his patients.
- Unique Techniques: Dr. Weintraub always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. He also offers the option of replacing lost volume with autologous fat, which can be liposuctioned from various areas of the body. His approach to breast implant removal and replacement is meticulous, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of his patients.
- Patient Consultation: During the consultation, he takes the time to listen to the patient's concerns and goals. He provides a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, the risks involved, and the expected results. He emphasizes the importance of the patient being a good candidate for the surgery, considering factors such as general health, motivation, and financial wherewithal.
- Facility: He prefers to perform the breast implant removal and replacement in the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff.
Comparing the Top 5 Surgeons
Surgeon | Experience | Unique Techniques | Patient Consultation | Facility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures | En bloc capsulectomy, using existing incisions when possible | Thorough evaluation, personalized surgical plan | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital, fully accredited |
Dr. Steven Wallach | Experienced in handling increasing demand for implant removal | Using previous surgical approach, capsulectomy | Tailored to patient's needs, discuss replacement and enhancement options | Standard surgical facility |
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | Routinely performs breast implant removal | En bloc, partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy | Explain procedure variations, work with patient on post - operative goals | State - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite |
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Over 20 years of evaluating breast implant - related concerns | Addressing various implant - related issues, may recommend secondary procedures | Make patients comfortable, understand concerns | Well - equipped facility |
Dr. Barry Weintraub | Strong background in plastic surgery for implant removal and replacement | Placing implants under pectoralis - major muscle, autologous fat replacement | Comprehensive understanding, emphasize patient candidacy | Hospital - grade surgical center attached to office |
Reasons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant after it is placed in the body. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distort the appearance of the breasts. In severe cases, it may require implant removal. The rate of capsular contracture is about 3 - 4% and increases gradually over the years.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is primarily associated with certain types of textured breast implants. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or a difference in the size or shape of the breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. If a saline implant ruptures, the breast will deflate as the sterile saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the body. In the case of a silicone implant rupture, it may look different than normal, and an MRI may be required to determine if it has ruptured.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and more. Although the exact cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Cosmetic Reasons
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: Patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their breast implants. For example, the implant may have moved from its original position, causing asymmetry, or the patient may have a “double bubble” appearance where the implant is not centered under the breast.
- Desire for a More Natural Look: Some patients may want to return to their natural breast size or achieve a more natural - looking result after getting tired of the artificial appearance of the implants.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, patients will typically have a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the condition of the breasts. The patient may be asked to provide information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Depending on the patient's age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. Patients will also be given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions to be filled before the surgery, and in some cases, pre - operative clearance from another doctor may be required.
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In this state, the patient is asleep and comfortable throughout the entire operation, and a board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring the patient's vital signs. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia.
Surgical Procedure
If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision. If the patient has experienced capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or has textured breast implants and is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it 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 surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Post - operative Recovery
After the surgery, patients will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day. However, they should have an escort to drive them home as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery, and their breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's procedure and healing rate. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Conclusion
Silicone breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and the expertise of a qualified surgeon. In New York City, the top 5 surgeons presented in this article - Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, the surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, and Dr. Barry Weintraub - offer a range of unique techniques and personalized care to meet the diverse needs of patients. Whether the reason for implant removal is medical or cosmetic, these surgeons have the experience and skills to provide safe and effective procedures.
If you are considering silicone breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Research