Introduction
New York City is a hub for medical excellence, especially when it comes to breast implant removal and injection procedures. There are numerous factors that contribute to a hospital being recognized as one of the best for these procedures, such as the expertise of the surgeons, the quality of the facilities, and the overall patient experience. In this article, we will present an updated list of the top ten hospitals in New York City for breast implant removal and injection, along with detailed information about each institution.
Factors to Consider in Evaluating Hospitals for Breast Implant Procedures
Before diving into the list of top hospitals, it's important to understand the key factors that should be considered when evaluating a hospital for breast implant removal and injection. These factors can significantly impact the outcome of the procedure and the patient's overall satisfaction.
- Surgeon Expertise: The skill and experience of the plastic surgeons performing the procedures are crucial. Surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in breast implant surgeries are more likely to deliver optimal results. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell, a top New York plastic surgeon, has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures.
- Facility Quality: State - of - the - art facilities with advanced technology and proper accreditation ensure the safety and comfort of the patients. Accredited outpatient surgery centers are equipped with the latest equipment and follow strict safety protocols.
- Patient Reviews: Real - life experiences of patients can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, communication with the medical staff, and the overall outcome of the procedure. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good indication of a hospital's reliability.
- Range of Services: Hospitals that offer a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant procedures, such as breast lift, en bloc capsulectomy, and implant replacement, are more convenient for patients. This allows them to address multiple concerns in one place.
- Research and Innovation: Hospitals that are involved in research and offer the latest techniques and treatments can provide patients with access to cutting - edge options. For instance, some hospitals are at the forefront of developing new approaches to reduce complications and improve aesthetic results.
The Top Ten Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal and Injection
1. Office of Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
- Surgeon Expertise: With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt, Dr. Antell has exceptional surgical skills. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
- Facility Quality: His private operating room is located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and designed for patient comfort.
- Patient Reviews: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the satisfaction level of his patients.
2. Office of 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 NYC.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Hutchinson specializes in cosmetic breast surgery and is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC. She can address a wide range of implant - related issues, both functional and cosmetic.
- Facility Quality: The clinic offers a calming and clean environment, with a team of professional and friendly staff.
- Patient Reviews: Patients have reported exceptional experiences, with Dr. Hutchinson making them feel comfortable and delivering amazing results.
3. Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is a leading academic medical center that provides a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and develop personalized treatment plans.
- Surgeon Expertise: The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are highly skilled and able to help patients achieve natural - looking results.
- Facility Quality: The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. The state - of - the - art surgical suites are equipped with the latest anesthetics and medications to ensure a quick recovery.
- Range of Services: Services include breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery.
4. Mount Sinai - Dubin Breast Center
The Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai offers expert breast reconstruction services. Their plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to provide seamless and advanced care.
- Surgeon Expertise: The plastic surgeons at the center have extensive experience in breast reconstruction procedures, including implant - based and autologous tissue reconstruction.
- Collaborative Care: The center's multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, taking into account both medical and aesthetic outcomes.
- Range of Reconstruction Options: They offer implant reconstruction, autologous tissue reconstruction (such as DIEP flap and latissimus dorsi flap), and nipple reconstruction.
5. Office of Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub performs breast implant removal and replacement procedures. He has a unique blend of medical science and artwork, with a focus on achieving natural - looking results.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Weintraub is a well - respected plastic surgeon who has a strong aesthetic sense. He is known for his attention to detail and precision in surgery.
- Facility Quality: He prefers to perform procedures in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists and fully licensed operating - room staff.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Dr. Weintraub takes the time to understand each patient's needs and desires, and he is committed to providing the best possible outcome.
6. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC offers a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction, breast implant removal, and other breast - related procedures. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience.
- Surgeon Expertise: The surgeons at the center are diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have memberships in multiple professional societies. They are experienced in using both autologous tissue and breast implants for reconstruction.
- Insurance Coverage: The center accepts insurance (when applicable) and works closely with patients and their insurance companies to ensure they receive the full benefits.
- Range of Services: Services include immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, revisions of breast reconstructions, areola reshaping, and nipple correction.
7. NYU Langone Health - Breast Cancer Center
While primarily focused on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, NYU Langone's Breast Cancer Center also offers breast reconstruction services for patients who have undergone breast - conserving or breast removal surgery.
- Multidisciplinary Team: The center has a team of breast surgeons, oncologists, geneticists, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons who collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
- Research and Innovation: The experts at the center are at the forefront of breast cancer research and offer many clinical trials. They also use the latest techniques and technology for diagnosis and treatment.
- Reconstructive Options: Their experienced plastic surgeons offer the latest reconstructive techniques, including implant - based and autologous tissue reconstruction.
8. Spiro Plastic Surgery
Spiro Plastic Surgery offers a variety of cosmetic surgery services, including breast augmentation. Dr. Spiro and his large, professional, and experienced staff strive to meet all patient needs.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Spiro received his medical doctor degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School in 1988. He has extensive experience in cosmetic surgery procedures.
- Service Focus: While they offer multiple services, 13% of their service focus is on breast augmentation.
- Patient - Centered Care: The staff is available 24/7 to meet patient needs and exceed their expectations.
9. Nadia Afridi, MD
Dr. Nadia S. Afridi is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada, an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She has a specific interest in women's health issues related to plastic surgery.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Afridi has the necessary qualifications and experience to perform breast implant procedures. Her 36% service focus is on breast augmentation.
- Patient - Oriented Approach: She understands the unique concerns of female patients and provides personalized care.
10. Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center
Dr. David Shafer is a double - board certified plastic surgeon specializing in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. He is known for combining non - invasive and surgical procedures to achieve natural - looking results.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Shafer was trained at the Mayo Clinic and completed a world - class aesthetic fellowship for face, breast, and body. He is a national peer trainer for Botox and dermal fillers.
- Comprehensive Approach: The center offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures, with 16% of their service focus on breast augmentation.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why patients may choose to have their breast implants removed. Understanding these reasons can help in evaluating the need for the procedure and choosing the right hospital.
Medical Reasons
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that can occur in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation, such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and breathing difficulties. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
- Capsular Contracture: Occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast shape. Severe capsular contracture may require implant removal.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants are more prone to leakage due to their valve, while silicone implants can also rupture. A ruptured or leaking implant may cause pain, changes in breast size or shape, and other complications.
Cosmetic Reasons
- Dissatisfaction with Results: Some patients may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their implants. They may wish to return to their natural breast size or have the implants replaced with a different type or size.
- Changes in Lifestyle: As patients' lifestyles change, they may find that the implants are no longer suitable. For example, they may have difficulty with certain physical activities or prefer a more natural look.
The Breast Implant Removal and Injection Procedure
Breast Implant Removal
The breast implant removal procedure, also known as explant surgery, can be performed in different ways depending on the patient's situation.
- Simple Implant Removal: In some cases, the surgeon can remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, the surgeon may perform an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the implant along with the surrounding scar tissue. This is often necessary in cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL.
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. The patient will be asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure, and a board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor their vital signs.
Breast Implant Injection (Augmentation)
Breast implant injection or augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and shape of the breasts. There are two main types of implants: saline and silicone.
- Saline Implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline solution. They have a valve that allows for easy filling during the surgery. Saline implants tend to feel firmer than silicone implants and may be more prone to rippling.
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, these implants feel more natural and are less likely to ripple. However, they are factory - sealed, and if a rupture occurs, it may be more difficult to detect.
The surgeon will make an incision in the breast and place the implant either under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle. The choice of incision location and implant placement depends on several factors, including the patient's anatomy and preferences.
Recovery and Aftercare
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
After breast implant removal, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. The following are some common aspects of the recovery process:
- Discomfort Management: A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Pain medication may also be prescribed to manage any pain or soreness.
- Activity 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, such as heavy lifting.
- Follow - up Appointments: Patients will typically return to the office the day after surgery for a follow - up visit. The surgeon will monitor the healing process and remove any external sutures if necessary.
- Swelling and Bruising: Some swelling and bruising are normal after the surgery. These usually fade within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible.
Breast Implant Injection Recovery
The recovery process after breast implant injection or augmentation also requires careful aftercare:
- Recovery Bra: Patients will be required to wear a recovery bra to support the breasts and aid in the healing process.
- Pain and Discomfort: Mild pain and discomfort are common after the surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage these symptoms.
- Activity Restrictions: Similar to breast implant removal, patients should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. They may also need to sleep on their back to prevent putting pressure on the breasts.
- Follow - up Care: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing and ensure the proper positioning of the implants.