The updated top 5 hospitals for breast implant removal in New York City!

Introduction

Breast implant removal is a procedure that has gained significant attention in recent years. Whether due to medical concerns, such as implant rupture or the development of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), or cosmetic preferences, many women in New York City are seeking reliable and experienced medical professionals for this surgery. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals and surgeons for breast implant removal in New York City, providing you with comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision.

1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Surgeon's Background

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons in the New York area and worldwide. He is a premier breast surgeon in NYC, with a career spanning over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. 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, such as the fellow of the Jacques W. Maliniac Circle of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Services Offered

• Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant): He performs custom explant surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. Women may choose this surgery for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons.
• En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. This is particularly important in cases of capsular contracture or when dealing with textured implants associated with BIA - ALCL.
• Removal of Recalled Allergan Textured Breast Implants: He also specializes in the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.

Patient Consultation and Experience

During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assesses the current condition of the breasts. He encourages patients to be open and honest about their desired outcome, and together, they create a proper surgical plan. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, speaking volumes about his exceptional surgical results and patient satisfaction. His private operating room is located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital, ensuring total discretion and personalized care.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. He provides a detailed post - operative care plan, and most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days. However, it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The final results may take several months to become visible, and scars typically begin to fade after about six weeks.

2. Dr. Steven Wallach

Surgeon's Background

Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY. As breast augmentation has become increasingly popular in the United States, the demand for implant removal has also grown, and Dr. Wallach is well - equipped to handle such procedures.

Services Offered

• Breast Implant Removal: He performs implant removal using the previous breast implant surgical approach, such as an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
• Breast Implant Replacement: Patients have the option to replace their old implants with new ones during the same procedure if they desire. Dr. Wallach will guide patients through the options and techniques available for implant replacement.

Patient Consultation and Experience

The consultation with Dr. Wallach varies depending on the patient's desire for surgery. If there are complications such as capsular contracture, he will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. For cosmetic concerns, he will discuss options for breast implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures. He walks patients through the available options and techniques, ensuring they understand which will provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.

Recovery and Results

Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around their breasts and may experience mild pain. They need a caregiver to drive them home and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days. Dr. Wallach instructs patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and avoid exertion of heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.

3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Surgeon's Background

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon, and her main focus is cosmetic breast surgery.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive Breast Implant Removal: She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include implant visibility, rupture, movement, capsular contracture, and asymmetry. Medical issues may involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
• Secondary Procedures: In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results after implant removal.

Patient Consultation and Experience

Dr. Hutchinson advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. Patients who have had experiences with her and her staff report exceptional care, with a calming atmosphere and professional service. She makes patients feel comfortable and ensures they are well - informed about the procedure.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery, patients can expect to be guided through the recovery process by Dr. Hutchinson and her team. The final results of the breast implant removal, along with any secondary procedures, aim to improve the overall appearance and health of the breasts, and patients are provided with the support they need during the healing process.

4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs)

Surgeon's Background

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services through experienced plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs. They are dedicated to providing patients with the information they need to make an educated choice about their bodies.

Services Offered

• Breast Explant Procedure: This procedure involves removing breast implants and some, or all, surrounding scar capsules. They also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
• Multiple Reasons for the Procedure: Common reasons for the explant surgery include removing leaking or ruptured implants, addressing pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving breast aesthetics, and removing capsular contracture.

Patient Consultation and Experience

Before the procedure, patients are given solid information to help them make an informed decision. They are also required to take certain steps, such as avoiding specific medications and arranging for transportation after the surgery. The surgical team ensures patient safety throughout the procedure by continuously monitoring vital signs.

Recovery and Results

Once the procedure is complete, patients are awakened from anesthesia and taken to the recovery room. They may experience some discomfort, but pain relief medication is provided. Most patients can return to their routine activities within a few weeks, with full recovery taking about six weeks. The removal of implants may result in a reduced volume of the breasts, but cosmetic procedures are available to address these post - procedure issues.

5. Dr. Barry Weintraub

Surgeon's Background

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. He is known for his strong aesthetic sense and unique blend of medical science and artwork. He studied medicine at Cornell and has a deep - seated respect for the surgical profession, believing that the operating room is a sacred place.

Services Offered

• Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: This procedure is often done to change the size, location, and/or type of implants. Patients may also choose to replace lost volume with autologous fat or have a breast lift in conjunction with the removal and replacement of implants.
• Addressing Specific Concerns: He helps patients with concerns such as breast implant illness (BII), capsular contracture, and the unnatural appearance of implants placed over the pectoralis - major muscle.

Patient Consultation and Experience

During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub listens carefully to the patient's needs and desires. He ensures that patients are well - informed about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery and insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery, patients may experience minimal swelling and sometimes bruising, which usually resolves within a week. Dr. Weintraub provides detailed post - operative instructions and advises patients on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine. Patients can expect significant, long - lasting aesthetic improvements to their breasts following the implant removal and replacement.

Comparative Analysis of the Top 5 Surgeons

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon for Breast Implant Removal

1. Experience and Reputation: Look for surgeons with a significant number of years of experience in breast implant removal and a good reputation in the medical community. Patient testimonials and referrals can be valuable resources.
2. Specialties: Consider if the surgeon has expertise in the specific aspects of breast implant removal that are relevant to your situation, such as en bloc capsulectomy or removal of recalled implants.
3. Patient - Surgeon Communication: A good surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and create a personalized surgical plan based on your needs and goals.
4. Facility and Staff: The quality of the surgical facility and the training of the staff can greatly impact your surgical experience and recovery. Look for a fully - accredited facility with experienced and caring staff.
5. Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of the procedure and whether it may be covered by insurance. Some medical reasons for implant removal may be eligible for insurance coverage, so it's important to check with your provider.

Common Concerns and FAQs about Breast Implant Removal

Medical Concerns

• BIA - ALCL: Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue. If you have textured implants, especially those made by Allergan, it's important to be aware of the associated risks.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, and migraines. While the cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I feel better after breast implant removal? Many patients find that their symptoms are reduced after the procedure, but it is very much an individual matter. Your surgeon can provide more personalized information based on your situation.
2. How painful is breast explant surgery? Your surgeon will administer anesthesia so that you are pain - free during the procedure. You may be given local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on various factors.
3. Will the original incision sites be reused? Surgeons will try to reuse the old incisions from your previous breast augmentation surgery to minimize scarring, but in some cases, new incisions may be necessary.
4. How long is the recovery period? Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to light activities within a few days to a week and resume normal activities within a few weeks. Full recovery may take several months.
5. What is the cost of breast implant removal? The cost varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, and the post - operative care required. It's best to have a consultation with your surgeon to get an accurate quote.

Conclusion

Choosing the right surgeon for breast implant removal in New York City is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your health, appearance, and overall well - being. The top 5 surgeons and their associated facilities mentioned in this article - Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, the New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs), and Dr. Barry Weintraub - offer a range of services, extensive experience, and a commitment to patient care. By considering factors such as experience, specialties, patient - surgeon communication, facility quality, and cost, you can make an informed choice that meets your specific needs and goals.

If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one or more of these top surgeons. Take the time to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and understand the details of the procedure and recovery process. This will help you feel confident and prepared as you embark on this journey to a new chapter in your life. Share this article with others who may