Introduction

Polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implants were once used for breast augmentation, but due to various complications, many patients are now seeking their removal. In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and surgeons that specialize in this procedure. In this article, we will reveal the top three hospitals for polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal in New York City, while also delving into the details of breast implant removal, reasons for it, and the overall process.

The top three hospitals for polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal in New York City are revealed!

Why Consider Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Breast Implant Removal?

Polyacrylamide hydrogel was once regarded as a suitable soft - tissue filler for breast augmentation. However, over time, a multitude of complications have emerged:

Pain and Discomfort: Patients may experience stabbing pain, distending pain, or referred pain in the breast, axilla, chest, or back. This pain can be persistent and affect the patient's daily life (Bei et al., 2020).
Induration: Single, multiple, or diffuse indurations can form in the breast, which are often caused by incorrect injection, improper postoperative massage, and uneven distribution of the hydrogel (Bei et al., 2020).
Deformation: The breasts may atrophy, sag, or become asymmetrical. This not only affects the patient's appearance but also their self - confidence (Bei et al., 2020).
Displacement: The hydrogel can migrate along with the loose connective tissue to adjacent areas such as the axilla, forearms, thoracic - abdominal wall, or even the perineum, leading to changes in breast shape (Bei et al., 2020).
Health Risks: There are concerns that polyacrylamide hydrogel may decompose into acrylamide monomers under certain conditions, which have carcinogenic and toxic effects on the nervous and reproductive systems (Bei et al., 2020).

The Top Three Hospitals for Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Breast Implant Removal in New York City

1. Hospital associated with Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - ranked plastic surgeon in New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the area and worldwide. Although the main focus in online resources is on general breast implant removal, his high - level surgical skills and extensive experience make him a reliable choice for polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal.

Experience: Dr. Antell has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. His vast experience gives patients confidence in his ability to handle complex cases of breast implant removal.
Reputation: He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about his surgical results and patient satisfaction.
Surgical Facilities: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. 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 and equipped with the latest technology.

2. Hospital associated with Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

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 in New York City.

Specialized Experience: She is recognized as a top breast implant surgeon and has dealt with various breast implant - related issues, including those related to different types of implants. This experience is beneficial when handling polyacrylamide hydrogel implant removal cases, which can be complex.
Patient - centered Care: Dr. Hutchinson focuses on ensuring the finest surgical results for her patients. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals.
Good Reputation: Patients have left positive reviews about their experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The calming atmosphere of her office and the professional care they provide contribute to a better patient experience.

3. Hospital associated with Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach also offers breast implant removal services in New York City. His expertise and approach make him a good option for patients seeking polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal.

Procedural Expertise: He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. He is also experienced in dealing with issues such as implant rupture and capsular contracture, which may be relevant in polyacrylamide hydrogel implant removal cases.
Comprehensive Consultation: During the consultation, Dr. Wallach will walk patients through the options and techniques available for their procedure, as well as which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring. He also discusses the risks and recovery process in detail.
Patient - friendly Approach: He encourages patients to visit the before - and - after photo gallery to see the results he can achieve. He also answers patients' frequently asked questions about breast implant removal, providing them with more information to make informed decisions.

The Process of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Breast Implant Removal

Pre - operative Evaluation

Before the removal procedure, a thorough pre - operative evaluation is necessary. This includes:

Medical History: The surgeon will ask about the patient's medical history, including any previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications. It is also important to discuss any symptoms related to the breast implants, such as pain, swelling, or changes in breast shape.
Imaging Tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to disclose the general distribution of the hydrogel and its infiltration into the muscle and gland. This helps the surgeon plan the surgical approach (Bei et al., 2020).

Surgical Procedure

The surgical procedure for polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal typically involves the following steps:

Incision: A semi - annular incision to the lower edge of the areola is often preferred as it provides a better surgical vision and is easier to reach the surgical area. However, for some patients with specific implant displacements, other incisions may be considered (Bei et al., 2020).
Removal of Hydrogel: The contained hydrogel is removed by aspiration. In case there are multiple subcutaneous sinuses, a careful and thorough intraoperative exploration is necessary to ensure that the hydrogel is removed as completely as possible. The infiltrated capsule and the surrounding extensive necrotic and degenerative tissues may also be removed simultaneously (Bei et al., 2020).
Irrigation: A large amount of physiological saline is used to irrigate the breast pocket, and the breast is massaged during irrigation to make the residual injection particles easier to suck out (Bei et al., 2020).
Closure: Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. A layer of gauze or a bandage is placed over the breasts to speed healing.

Post - operative Care and Recovery

After the surgery, proper post - operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery:

Monitoring: The patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. The surgeon will also monitor the healing process during follow - up visits.
Medication: The patient may be prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
Restrictions: Patients are usually advised to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. They should also avoid activities that could put stress on the incisions. A support bra may be recommended to support the breasts during the recovery period.
Follow - up: Regular follow - up visits are necessary to check for any complications, such as infection or fluid accumulation. The surgeon will also monitor the long - term results of the removal and may provide advice on further treatment if needed.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal carries some risks and potential complications:

Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is usually required if an infection occurs.
Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In most cases, it can be controlled, but in rare cases, additional treatment may be necessary.
Numbness: Patients may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions. This numbness typically fades over time, but in some cases, it may be permanent.
Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Results: Despite the surgeon's best efforts, the breasts may not return to their pre - implant appearance. There may be some asymmetry, scarring, or changes in breast shape.
Incomplete Hydrogel Removal: It can be extremely difficult to remove the polyacrylamide hydrogel completely, which may lead to a recurrence of symptoms or other complications in the future (Bei et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In 2025, for patients in New York City seeking polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal, hospitals associated with Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, and Dr. Steven Wallach are among the top choices. These surgeons offer high - quality surgical services, based on their extensive experience, excellent reputations, and patient - centered approaches. The process of breast implant removal involves pre - operative evaluation, a carefully planned surgical procedure, and post - operative care to ensure the best possible results. However, patients should also be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. If you are considering polyacrylamide hydrogel breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top surgeons to discuss your options and make an informed decision.