Introduction
Breast augmentation has long been a popular cosmetic procedure, but in some cases, women may choose to have their breast implants removed. This could be due to various reasons such as medical complications, lifestyle changes, or personal aesthetic preferences. In New York City, there are several hospitals known for their expertise in breast augmentation surgery and prosthesis removal. In this article, we will explore the top 5 reputable hospitals in this regard, along with the key surgeons, procedures, and considerations involved.
Why Consider Breast Implant Removal?
There are multiple factors that may lead a woman to opt for breast implant removal. Some of the common reasons are as follows:
- Medical Complications: Issues like breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant, can be a major concern. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Also, capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant hardens, and silicone implant rupture are other medical issues that may prompt removal.
- Lifestyle Changes: As women's lives evolve, their aesthetic preferences may change. They may no longer desire the enhanced breast size and wish to return to their natural breast size.
- Personal Aesthetic Dissatisfaction: Some women may be unhappy with the results of their original breast augmentation, such as the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts.
The Top 5 Reputable Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties and is high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions. Their plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast augmentation and, by extension, prosthesis removal.
Key Surgeons: The hospital has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons. For breast implant removal, these surgeons take a comprehensive approach. They first assess the patient's medical history, current health condition, and the reason for implant removal. During the consultation, they use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the potential results after the procedure.
Procedure and Approach: When it comes to the actual surgery, the surgeons at Mount Sinai may perform an en - bloc capsulectomy if necessary, which involves removing the implant along with the surrounding scar tissue. They also have expertise in handling cases related to BIA - ALCL, following the latest medical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.
Patient Experience: Patients at Mount Sinai appreciate the personalized care they receive. The hospital staff ensures that patients are well - informed about the procedure, risks, and recovery process. Post - operative care is also comprehensive, with regular follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process.
2. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties and is high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions. It is known for its cutting - edge medical research and advanced surgical techniques.
Key Surgeons: The plastic surgeons here are not only experts in breast augmentation but also have a wealth of experience in prosthesis removal. They are well - versed in the latest medical literature and use the most up - to - date techniques for surgery.
Procedure and Approach: Before the surgery, the surgeons conduct a detailed physical examination and may order additional tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to assess the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue. During the implant removal, they aim to minimize scarring and ensure a smooth recovery. They also offer the option of combining the removal with a breast lift if the patient desires a more contoured look.
Patient Experience: Patients at New York - Presbyterian Hospital report high levels of satisfaction. The hospital has a reputation for providing a comfortable and reassuring environment. The support staff is friendly and helpful, and the surgeons take the time to address all of the patient's concerns.
3. North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health
Nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties and high - performing in 15 procedures/conditions, North Shore University Hospital has a strong plastic surgery department dedicated to breast - related procedures.
Key Surgeons: The surgeons at this hospital are trained to handle a wide range of breast implant removal cases. They have a patient - centered approach, taking the time to understand each patient's unique needs and goals.
Procedure and Approach: For breast implant removal, the surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce the risk of complications and shorten the recovery time. They also provide detailed pre - operative instructions to ensure that patients are well - prepared for the surgery. In cases where BIA - ALCL is suspected, they follow a strict protocol for diagnosis and treatment.
Patient Experience: Patients praise the hospital for its efficient and caring staff. The post - operative follow - up is meticulous, and the surgeons are available to answer any questions or concerns that patients may have during the recovery process.
4. NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties and are high - performing in 1 specialty and 21 procedures/conditions. Their plastic surgery department is renowned for its innovation and quality of care.
Key Surgeons: The surgeons at NYU Langone are leaders in the field of breast surgery. They are involved in research to improve the outcomes of breast implant removal procedures. They have a deep understanding of the different types of breast implants and the potential complications associated with them.
Procedure and Approach: During the consultation, the surgeons at NYU Langone discuss all the available options for implant removal with the patient. They explain the benefits and risks of each approach and help the patient make an informed decision. The surgical team uses state - of - the - art equipment and techniques to ensure the best possible results.
Patient Experience: Patients appreciate the hospital's emphasis on education and communication. The hospital provides comprehensive resources to help patients understand the procedure and what to expect during recovery. The support staff is also very attentive, making the patient's experience as comfortable as possible.
5. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and high - performing in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions, Lenox Hill Hospital offers high - quality breast implant removal services.
Key Surgeons: The plastic surgeons at Lenox Hill have a long - standing reputation for their skills in breast surgery. They are committed to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible results for their patients.
Procedure and Approach: When performing breast implant removal, the surgeons at Lenox Hill pay close attention to the details. They use advanced imaging techniques to accurately assess the position and condition of the implants. They also offer a range of post - operative care options to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Patient Experience: Patients at Lenox Hill Hospital report positive experiences, citing the hospital's friendly and professional staff. The surgeons take the time to build a relationship with the patient, which helps to alleviate any fears or concerns about the procedure.
Key Surgeons in New York City for Breast Implant Removal
While the hospitals are important, the expertise of the surgeons also plays a crucial role in the success of breast implant removal. Here are some well - known surgeons in New York City:
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon, widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and, when indicated, an en bloc capsulectomy. He also deals with the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience in breast augmentation and related procedures, including implant removal. He is featured in New York magazine's best doctors issues, Newsweek's America's best plastic surgeons list, and Castle Connolly's top doctors list. His approach combines scientific expertise with artistic creativity to achieve natural - looking results.
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Afridi is a popular surgeon in NYC for breast augmentation procedures. She is known for her quality of work and patient - centered approach. She offers a variety of breast - related procedures, including breast implant removal for patients who are not satisfied with their previous augmentation results or are experiencing complications.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The breast implant removal procedure typically involves the following steps:
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. The patient should bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will also discuss the patient's desired outcome and may recommend additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve the best results. The patient should be open and honest about any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if they are related to potential medical complications.
Pre - operative Preparation
Based on the patient's age, implant condition, and other factors, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and assist them during the initial days of recovery.
Surgery
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. The surgeon will try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, if possible. However, in some cases, such as when there is capsular contracture or if the patient has 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. The incisions are then closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and an external layer of sutures may be used if needed. 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 is used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so the patient can return home the same day. They will be provided with thorough discharge instructions. In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience fatigue, soreness, swelling, and bruising. The patient should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks and follow all post - operative instructions carefully. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but it may take several months before the final results are visible. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.
Risks and Complications
While breast implant removal is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some potential risks and complications:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site, and antibiotics may be required to treat them.
- Numbness: Patients may experience numbness at the incision site or in the breast area, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery, although this is rare.
The surgeon will discuss all of these risks in detail during the initial consultation, and patients can reduce their risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast implant removal is crucial for a successful outcome. The top 5 hospitals in New York City mentioned in this article - Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, NYU Langone Hospitals, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health - all offer high - quality care and have experienced surgeons. Additionally, surgeons like Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, and Dr. Nadia Afridi are well - known for their expertise in breast implant removal.
If you are considering breast implant removal, it is important to do your research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and ask plenty of questions. By making an informed decision, you can ensure a safe and satisfying experience. Take the first step towards the change you desire by reaching out to one of these reputable hospitals or surgeons today.
