The top ten hospitals for breast implant removal surgery in New York City in 2025 are revealed!

Introduction

Breast implant removal surgery is becoming increasingly common for a variety of reasons, such as medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or the recall of certain implants. In New York City, there are numerous top - notch hospitals and surgeons specializing in this procedure. This article aims to reveal the top ten hospitals for breast implant removal surgery in NYC in 2025 and provide detailed information about the surgery, including candidates, procedures, recovery, and more.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure to remove silicone or saline breast implants from the body. It can be done on its own or combined with other procedures like breast lift or replacement. Some patients choose this surgery due to health concerns such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, breast implant illness (BII), or breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Others may have cosmetic reasons, like being unhappy with the original breast augmentation results or wanting to change the size or type of implants.

10. Breast Reconstruction Center NYC

• Address: 590 5th ave, ste 1124, New York, NY 10036
• Contact: Consultations: (646) 350 - 1675
• Specialties: The center offers a full spectrum of breast - related surgeries, including breast implant removal and replacement. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in working with autologous tissue for reconstruction as well as using breast implants. They also provide immediate and delayed breast reconstruction options.
• Approach: All breast surgeries are individually tailored to the patient's needs, and they work closely with patients' doctors or cancer specialists for breast cancer reconstruction or post - mastectomy surgery. Insurance is accepted when applicable.

9. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice

• Facility Location: 800a fifth avenue
• Surgeon Qualifications: Dr. Barry Weintraub is a highly experienced plastic surgeon. He has a strong aesthetic sense and a unique blend of medical science and artwork. He studied medicine at Cornell and bases his practice on core values of humility and respect for patients.
• Procedure and Philosophy: He prefers performing breast implant removal and replacement in a comfortable state of twilight sleep. He insists on the highest sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. He is known for his meticulous approach and attention to detail, and over 60% of his practice involves complex redo surgeries.

8. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

• Surgeon: Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman
• Services: Offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. The decision to undergo these procedures is considered personal, and the team guides patients through every step. They perform the procedures under general anesthesia and use techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery.
• Recovery and Patient Support: Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities. Patients typically return to work within one to two weeks and should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.

7. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

• Surgeons: Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs
• Procedure Details: Their breast explant procedure involves removing breast implants and some or all surrounding scar capsules, as well as cleaning the breast pocket. They can administer either local or general anesthesia. The incisions for implant removal can be made in different locations, and the surgery takes about one to three hours depending on the extent of work.
• Recovery: Patients should expect some discomfort and swelling, and post - procedure instructions include wearing a compression bra, taking antibiotics, and applying cold compresses. Most patients can return to routine activities within a few days and resume light activities within a week.

6. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

• Location: Upper East Side, NYC
• Expertise: 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. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and BIA - ALCL.
• Patient Experience: Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. She makes patients feel comfortable and provides amazing results.

5. Dr. Darren Smith's Practice

• Facility: State - of - the - art medical facility in NYC
• Procedure: Performs breast implant removal surgery under general anesthesia. A thin incision is made either along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from breast augmentation to minimize scarring. He removes the implants, capsule, and scar tissue as needed. Patients have options for implant replacement or not having implants at all.
• Recovery and Aftercare: After surgery, patients spend time in the recovery room, are given support garments, and receive aftercare instructions and pain medications if needed. They should have someone drive them home and have a companion for at least 24 hours post - op. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

4. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

• Surgeon Reputation: Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who repeatedly appears on best doctors lists. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies.
• Procedure Features: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He also removes recalled allergan textured breast implants due to the risk of BIA - ALCL. Most surgeries are performed in his private operating room across from Lenox Hill Hospital.
• Patient Journey: During the consultation, he thoroughly evaluates patients' health and history, and discusses the procedure, risks, and recovery. He provides personalized care throughout the process, and many patients are referred by former patients.

3. WebMD - Rated Doctors in New York City

WebMD lists numerous doctors in New York City who perform breast implant removal. Patients can find these doctors based on insurance acceptance, virtual visit options, and patient ratings. The listed doctors have varying levels of experience and specialties, providing a wide range of choices for patients seeking breast implant removal surgery.

2. Factors to Consider in Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal

Surgeon Qualifications

The experience, board - certification, and reputation of the surgeon are crucial. Surgeons with extensive experience in breast implant removal are more likely to handle complex cases and achieve better results. Board - certification by recognized organizations like the American Board of Plastic Surgery indicates that the surgeon has met certain standards of training and expertise.

Facility Accreditation

A hospital or surgical facility should be accredited by relevant organizations. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards, including the use of proper equipment, sterilization procedures, and emergency preparedness.

Patient Reviews

Reading patient reviews can provide insights into the patient experience at a particular hospital or with a specific surgeon. Reviews can cover aspects such as the quality of care, communication with the medical team, and the final surgical results.

Range of Services

Some patients may require additional procedures along with breast implant removal, such as breast lift or replacement. A hospital that offers a comprehensive range of breast - related services can provide a more seamless experience for patients.

1. Candidate Selection for Breast Implant Removal

Not everyone who has breast implants is a suitable candidate for removal. Ideal candidates may include:

• Those experiencing medical complications related to the implants, such as rupture, capsular contracture, or BIA - ALCL.
• Patients who are unhappy with the aesthetic results of their original breast augmentation and want to return to their natural breast size or change the appearance of their breasts.
• Individuals with recalled textured implants and are experiencing symptoms associated with BIA - ALCL.

It is important for candidates to have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon to assess their overall health, medical history, and specific goals for the surgery.

Pre - operative Preparation for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Evaluation

Before the surgery, patients will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. These tests help the surgeon assess the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissues, and identify any potential health issues.

Medication Management

Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications before the surgery. For example, blood - thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory drugs should be avoided for a period of time prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. Patients should also inform their prescribing physicians about their upcoming surgery so that they can adjust their medication regimens accordingly.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Smoking can interfere with the healing process, so patients are usually recommended to quit smoking before the surgery. They may also be advised to avoid alcohol and maintain a healthy diet to prepare their bodies for the surgical stress.

Arrangements for Recovery

Since breast implant removal is often an outpatient procedure, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them in the first few days of recovery. They may also need to prepare a comfortable recovery space at home with necessary supplies such as extra pillows, pain medications, and support garments.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on various factors, including the patient's preference, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's recommendation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be involved to ensure the patient's safety during the procedure.

Incision Placement

The surgeon will make an incision to access the breast implants. Common incision locations include the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit. The surgeon may try to use the original incision from the breast augmentation surgery to minimize scarring.

Implant and Scar Tissue Removal

The surgeon will carefully remove the breast implants from the breast pocket. If there is scar tissue around the implants, it may also be removed. In some cases, an en bloc resection is performed, which involves removing the implant and the surrounding capsule as a single unit, especially when there are concerns about BIA - ALCL or other medical issues.

Closure of Incisions

After the implants and scar tissue are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures. In some cases, dissolvable sutures are used, while in others, external sutures may be placed and removed after a certain period, usually 7 - 10 days after the surgery.

Post - operative Recovery from Breast Implant Removal

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, patients will be transferred to a recovery room where they will be monitored by the medical staff. They may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. Pain medication will be provided to manage the pain, and a specialized support bra or bandage may be applied to support the breasts and reduce swelling.

Initial Days at Home

Patients are usually discharged on the same day as the surgery. They should rest at home and avoid strenuous activities. They need to follow the post - operative instructions carefully, which may include taking antibiotics to prevent infection, changing dressings, and keeping the incision area clean. Most patients will experience some numbness in the breast area, which usually fades over time.

Return to Normal Activities

Many patients can return to most daily activities within a few days after the surgery. However, they should refrain from vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for about two weeks. The full recovery period can vary from patient to patient, but in general, it may take several months for the swelling and bruising to completely subside and for the final results to be visible.

Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Removal

Bleeding

There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. This can be minimized by following the pre - operative instructions and by the surgeon's careful technique during the procedure. In rare cases, additional treatment may be required to control the bleeding.

Infection

Infection is a potential complication. To reduce the risk, patients are usually given antibiotics before and after the surgery, and the surgical area is carefully cleaned. If an infection occurs, it may require treatment with antibiotics and, in severe cases, further surgical intervention.

Numbness and Changes in Sensation

Patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the breast area or around the incisions. This is a common side effect of the surgery, and in most cases, the sensation gradually returns over time. However, in some cases, the numbness may persist.

Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia

Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery. The anesthesiologist will closely monitor the patient during the procedure to detect and manage any potential problems.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. New York City offers a plethora of top - quality hospitals and surgeons for this procedure. The top ten hospitals mentioned in this article, each with its own unique features and advantages, provide patients with a wide range of options to choose from. When considering breast implant removal