Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation surgery has become a common cosmetic procedure, but in some cases, patients may choose to have the implants removed. Whether it's due to medical reasons, dissatisfaction with the results, or personal preference, finding a reliable hospital for the removal surgery is crucial. In New York City, there are several hospitals known for their expertise in this area. This article will introduce the top ten hospitals for removing prosthetic breast augmentation surgery in New York City, providing you with comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision.
1. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Overview
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers breast explant surgery on Park Avenue in NYC. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides personalized breast enhancement tailored to each patient’s individual goals. They offer capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Some women may choose to have their breast implants removed due to taste preferences, capsular contraction, or other issues with the implant itself. Capsular contraction, where scar tissue forms around the implant, is generally a rare occurrence.
Benefits
- Personalized consultation for individual concerns and goals.
- Surgery takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room in Manhattan.
Surgery Process
- Consultation: Patients meet with Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani at the New York City office for a confidential consultation. He will listen to the patient's concerns and goals and create an individualized treatment plan, including decisions about partial or full scar tissue removal and potential breast implant replacement.
- Procedure: The surgery is performed at the in - office operating room in Manhattan. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani will follow the treatment plan, performing either a capsulectomy or capsulotomy. The surgery takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity and Baker grade of the breast condition.
- Recovery: The downtime after the procedure is 1 week. Patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal. A follow - up appointment will be scheduled to assess recovery and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question | Answer |
---|---|
How do I know when my breast implants need replacing? | If you feel any significant change in your breast, consult with your surgeon. Most patients do not replace their implants unless there is a specific issue. |
How long does it take to recover from implant removal? | The initial recovery period is 1 week, and full recovery takes 1 to 2 months with limited physical activity. |
How much does it cost to get my implants removed? | The cost ranges from $6,000 - $15,000, and may require some reconstruction or a lift. |
What happens to the capsule after implant removal? | The capsule is removed along with the implant. |
2. Columbia Surgery
Overview
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery department is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations.
Plastic Surgery Programs and Services
- Cosmetic Care: Offers surgical and non - surgical options such as ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, etc.
- Reconstructive Care: World leaders in reconstructive care for issues like breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and nose and ear reconstructive surgery.
- Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip Care: Provides specialized care for newborns with cleft lip and cleft palate through their craniofacial surgery program.
- Orthoplastic Surgery Care: Combines leading experts in orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for personalized treatment options with lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction.
- Breast Reconstructive Care: Dedicated to helping individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery reclaim their physical and emotional well - being through post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
Research
The plastic surgery research laboratory conducts numerous studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, bone substitutes, and gene therapy for wound healing.
Plastic Surgery Team
The department has a team of board - certified surgeons, including Dr. Christine Rohde, Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue, Dr. Thomas A. Imahiyerobo, Dr. Catherine L. Ly, Dr. Naik Hoba Munabi, and Dr. June K. Wu, each with their own areas of expertise.
3. Dr. Darrick Antell
Overview
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon, widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery.
Candidate for Breast Implant Removal
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants, unhappy with the original breast augmentation results, or having textured implants recalled by the FDA and showing symptoms of Bia - ALCL.
Procedure Details
- Consultation: Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and current breast condition. Patients should bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open conversation about the desired outcome will help create the proper surgical plan, and it may be recommended to pair the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
- Surgery Location: Most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his private operating room across from Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
- Preparation: Dr. Antell may send patients for imaging before the surgery. Patients will receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking medications. They should arrange for a driver and assistance during the recovery period.
- Risks: Although generally safe, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Dr. Antell will discuss all risks during the initial consultation.
- Anesthesia: Typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used.
- Explant Surgery: If possible, the implant will be removed through the existing incisions. If there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or Bia - ALCL, the hardened scar tissue will also be removed. En - bloc resection may be used, and the incisions will be closed with sutures. The surgery usually takes 1 - 2 hours, and en - bloc resection may take longer.
- Recovery: Patients will recover in the state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients may feel tired or sore, and it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan.
4. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Overview
Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He is known for his expertise in creating natural - looking results and placing implants under the pectoralis - major muscle.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Patients may choose this procedure to change the size, location, or type of implants, address breast implant illness (BII), or correct issues such as capsular contracture. Some patients also opt for autologous fat to replace lost volume or a breast lift for a perkier profile.
Consultation
When choosing a surgeon for breast implant removal and replacement, patients should check for board certification, the surgeon's hospital affiliation, reputation, and speak to previous patients. During the consultation, patients should be open about their concerns and questions, and the surgeon should understand their specific needs and desires.
Procedure Details
- Anesthesia: Dr. Weintraub prefers patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep. Advancements in anesthesia have reduced side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
- Surgery Location: He prefers to perform the procedure in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.
- Candidates: The best candidates are in good general health, highly motivated, able to pause their daily responsibilities, and have the financial means for the elective cosmetic surgery.
- Preparation: Patients need to provide medical clearance from their family physician, follow pre - surgery instructions, and may be given prescriptions. A custom - made post - surgical garment will be ordered.
- Cost: An accurate quote can only be given after a consultation. For patients living overseas or outside NYC, phone consultations can be arranged with the help of photographs.
- After Surgery: There may be minimal swelling and bruising. Patients should follow all instructions from Dr. Weintraub, including early showering. He will advise on when to return to normal lifestyle and exercise.
5. Mount Sinai - New York
Overview
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons can help patients achieve their desired breast enhancement results. They offer a range of breast enhancement procedures, which may be relevant in cases related to breast implant removal and subsequent shaping.
Breast Enhancement Procedures
- Breast augmentation
- Breast implant revision
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
Consultation Process
At the consultation, the plastic surgeon will listen to the patient's goals. They can use new technology built specially for Mount Sinai by Microsoft and Touch MD to help patients visualize their desired results and develop a personal breast enhancement plan.
6. Dr. Maura Reinblatt
Overview
Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC, serving patients in NYC, Westchester, and White Plains. She offers breast implant removal surgery.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Reasons include dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of the implants, complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, desire to return to natural breast size or shape, and concerns related to breast implant illness (BII).
Medical Issues and Treatment Techniques
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: Removes both the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece, beneficial for patients with capsular contracture or BII. It aims to minimize the risk of remaining scar tissue causing complications.
- Open Capsulotomy: Addresses issues associated with capsular contracture by making small incisions to partially remove the scar tissue capsule. It is a less invasive alternative in some cases.
Procedure Details
- Surgery: Outpatient surgery lasting 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia. Steps include anesthesia administration, making incisions, removing implants, closing incisions with sutures, and applying surgical dressings. Some patients may need drainage tubes.
- Recovery: Patients generally experience minimal discomfort immediately after surgery. They should rest in the first few days, avoid strenuous activities for 4 - 6 weeks, and can resume light activities within a few days. Prescribed pain medication can manage discomfort.
- Ideal Candidates: Candidates should be in good overall health, non - smokers or willing to quit, and have various reasons such as discomfort, dissatisfaction, or medical complications related to the implants.
7. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Overview
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she can address various breast implant - related concerns.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Aesthetic Issues
- Breast implant becomes palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled)
- Breast implant rupture, leakage, or deflation
- Implant has moved from its original position
- Capsular contracture
- Breast asymmetry
- Unsightly or widened scars
- Nipple or areola enlargement, distortion, asymmetry
- Implant malposition (e.g., “double bubble” or “symmastia”)
Medical Issues
- Severe capsular contracture
- Chronic pain with breast implants
- Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (Bia - ALCL)
- Breast implant illness (BII)
- Infection and/or bleeding
Special Considerations
Regarding Bia - ALCL, although rare, the recall of some textured breast implants by the FDA in 2019 has led some patients to consider removal or replacement. Bia - ALCL is distinct from breast cancer and is mostly treatable with surgical removal. Breast implant illness (BII) is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
8. Millennial Plastic Surgery (Dr. David Shokrian)
Overview
Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery is experienced in breast implant removal. He works with patients to create a balance between surgical and natural remedies for patient comfort.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Reasons include changes in breast shape due to weight, hormone fluctuations, or pregnancy, incorrect initial procedures, medical reasons such as infection, ruptured or displaced implants, neck/back/shoulder problems caused by large implants, autoimmune diseases aggravated by the implants, and implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Also, cultural shifts in beauty standards or different cosmetic goals may lead patients to consider removal.
Procedure Details
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is used to make the patient comfortable during the procedure.
- Incision: An incision is made under the breast or around/below the areola.
- Removal: Implants are removed along with any present scar tissue.
- Closing Incisions: Incisions are closed with stitches or skin adhesions. After the procedure, patients are moved to a recovery room for monitoring.
Post - Surgery Appearance and Recovery
The appearance of breasts after implant removal depends on various factors such as pre - augmentation breast size, implant size, and changes in the body. Sagging and drooping may occur, especially in women with large implants or significant body changes. A breast implant removal and lift can be considered to address these concerns. Recovery involves wearing a compression garment or support bra, taking pain medication, following instructions for wound care and activity restrictions, and having drains removed within 10 days. Complications are rare with an experienced surgeon.
Cost
If the procedure is deemed medically necessary,