The top three hospitals for breast implant removal after prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City!

Introduction

After prosthetic breast augmentation, some women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, such as medical complications, dissatisfaction with the results, or lifestyle changes. In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and plastic surgeons who specialize in breast implant removal. This article will introduce the top three hospitals or surgeons for breast implant removal in NYC, based on their experience, reputation, and patient satisfaction.

1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Background and Expertise

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons 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. With a career spanning over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures, Dr. Antell combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest and safest medical technologies, and the eye of an artist. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.

Services Offered

• Custom Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, in which he removes the existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He can also perform an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant when indicated.
• Removal of Recalled Implants: He also performs the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Patient Consultation and Experience

During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. He will have an open and honest conversation with the patient about their desired outcome and work together to create the proper surgical plan. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about his patients' satisfaction with their new look. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, and is known for his exceptional surgical results and total discretion.

Surgical Facility

Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for the patient's comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. It has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and all members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the surgery, patients will recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by one of his registered nurses until they feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. The breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. Dr. Antell and his staff will provide thorough discharge instructions and will be available to answer any questions during the recovery process. Most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate.

2. Dr. Barry Weintraub

Background and Expertise

Dr. Barry Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artwork. He studied medicine at Cornell during a time when core values were emphasized, and bases his practice on those values. He believes that physicians should be humble and respectful, and always put the patient first. He has vast experience in breast implant - related procedures and is known for his attention to detail and his ability to achieve excellent aesthetic results. A significant portion (over 60%) of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, which showcases his high - level skills in dealing with challenging cases.

Services Offered

• Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: Breast implant removal can be performed on its own, or combined with breast implant replacement. He can help patients change the size, location, and/or type of implants. For example, he can replace saline implants with more natural - feeling silicone gel implants, or reposition implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create a more natural - looking result. He also offers the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume and can perform a breast lift in conjunction with the removal and replacement of implants.

Patient Consultation and Experience

During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub believes in having open communication with the patient. He encourages patients to bring a list of questions and takes the time to listen to their specific needs and desires. His office environment is comforting, personable, and inviting, and his New York staff truly cares about each patient. He will provide detailed information about the procedure, risks, and expected outcome, so that the patient can make an educated decision.

Surgical Facility

Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, and the Center for Specialty Care (outpatient limb of Weill - Cornell Hospital), he prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. This facility is attended by his team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff, offering the highest level of medical and plastic - surgical care.

Recovery and Aftercare

After breast implant removal and replacement, there may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising. Dr. Weintraub is a firm believer in early showering, stating that “clean wounds make for narrower incisions.” He will advise the patient on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine. Patients often return to work three days after surgery and require little downtime to fully recover. If swelling and bruising occur, it should resolve within a week.

3. New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs)

Background and Expertise

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive breast implant removal services. Their surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are experienced in performing breast explant procedures. They understand the various reasons why patients may want to have their breast implants removed and are committed to providing high - quality care.

Services Offered

• Breast Explant Procedure: A breast explant is a type of cosmetic procedure that is performed to remove breast implants and some, or all, surrounding scar capsules. The surgeons will also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket during the procedure.

Patient Consultation and Experience

Before undergoing the procedure, patients will receive solid information so that they can make an educated choice about their own bodies. The surgeons will explain the procedure in detail, including the different options for anesthesia, the location of incisions, and the expected recovery process. They will also answer any questions the patient may have, addressing their concerns and ensuring they feel comfortable and confident about the decision.

Surgical Facility

The group provides a professional and safe surgical environment for breast implant removal procedures. The surgical team is well - trained and experienced in handling such procedures, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort throughout the surgery.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the procedure, patients will spend about an hour in the recovery room before being allowed to return home. They will be provided with post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. The recovery process is quite similar to that which patients experienced after their initial breast augmentation surgery. Expect three solid days of downtime, with swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks. Most patients are able to resume light activities within one week, and more vigorous activity is possible in about six weeks.

Comparing the Three Options

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are several reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed:

Medical Reasons

• Breast Implant Illness (BII): A rare condition where the body reacts adversely to breast implants, often leading to various symptoms such as swelling, infection, discomfort, and breast skin texture changes. Some common symptoms reported by patients include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints.
• Capsular Contracture: Excessive scar tissue formation around the implant causes firmness, irregular shape, or discomfort. In severe cases, it can also affect the cosmetic appearance of the breasts.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants can leak due to a valve problem, and silicone implants can rupture. In the case of silicone implants, a rupture may not be immediately obvious, but it can cause local symptoms or concerns for the patient's health.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Although it is a rare condition, the FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to an association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL.

Cosmetic Reasons

• Dissatisfaction with the Results: The patient may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of the implants, or the overall appearance of their breasts after augmentation.
• Changes in Personal Taste: Over time, the patient's aesthetic preferences may change, leading them to want a different look for their breasts.

Lifestyle Reasons

• Discomfort or Heaviness: Larger breasts may cause discomfort or limit the patient's physical activities, especially for athletes or very active individuals.
• Desire for a Natural Look: Some patients may decide they prefer their natural breast size and shape and want to return to that.

Preparing for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Clearance

Before the procedure, patients usually need to obtain medical clearance from their family physician. This helps to ensure that the patient is in good enough health to undergo the surgery.

Medication Management

• Patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure, as these can interfere with blood clotting.
• Blood - thinning medications such as coumadin and heparin should be stopped for up to six weeks prior to the surgery, after consulting with the prescribing physician.

Arranging Transportation and Support

Since the surgery is often performed under anesthesia, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and to stay with them for at least 24 hours. This is important for the patient's safety and well - being during the initial recovery period.

Imaging Tests

Depending on the patient's age and implant condition, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI prior to the procedure. These tests can help the surgeon better understand the current state of the implants and surrounding tissues.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal can be performed using different types of anesthesia:

• Local Anesthesia with Intravenous Sedation: Also known as “twilight” anesthesia, the patient is in a relaxed and sleepy state but can still respond to simple commands. This is commonly used for less complex cases.
• General Anesthesia: The patient is completely unconscious during the surgery. This is often used for more extensive procedures or when the patient prefers to be completely unaware during the operation.

Incision Placement

The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in different locations:

• Inframammary Fold: An incision is made in the crease under the breast. This is a common location and can provide good access to the implants.
• Areolar Incision: The incision is made around the areola. This option can result in less visible scarring, especially for certain types of breast implants.
• Transaxillary Incision: The incision is placed in the armpit. This approach can leave a less noticeable scar on the breast, but it may be more challenging to perform the surgery through this incision in some cases.

Implant and Scar Tissue Removal

If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. In some cases, especially when there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or the patient 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.

Closure of Incisions

Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are typically used to close the incisions, and a layer of external sutures may be added if needed. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to aid in healing.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After the surgery, patients will wake up in the recovery room. They may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. The medical staff will monitor the patient's vital signs and ensure their comfort. Patients are usually discharged on the same day as the surgery (outpatient procedure), but they need to have someone drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours.

Short - Term Recovery

Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the breast area for a few weeks. They should follow the post - operative instructions carefully, which may include wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, and applying a cold compress to the surgical site. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks.