Introduction

New York City stands as a global hub for advanced medical treatments, especially when it comes to plastic surgery. Among the various plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation surgery removal has gained significant attention in recent years. This can be due to various reasons such as medical complications, changes in personal preferences, or advancements in medical knowledge. In this article, we will explore the well - reputed hospitals and surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation surgery removal, along with important details about the procedure, risks, and recovery.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Breast Augmentation Surgery Removal

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both 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. His accomplishments include performing custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, in which he removes the existing silicone or saline implants from the body.

When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has also removed the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). His patients often refer new patients to him, which speaks volumes about his surgical skills and the satisfaction of his patients. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, and he has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond.

New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

This hospital has an outstanding reputation. It has been named a top hospital in New York and has made the honor roll in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals rankings. It ranked no. 4 in 2025 in the nation, ranking nationally in 15 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties. Its surgical excellence is evident in its nationally - ranked surgical specialties such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery in adults, and pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery in children.

For breast - related surgical oncology expertise, including breast surgery, it also provides high - quality care. US News & World Report procedure and conditions ratings, which analyze data under many categories like patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies, have recognized the hospital’s high - performing surgical and medical interventions. High - performing surgical and medical interventions from the surgeons at Columbia include colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, and more.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC. As 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.

She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include a palpable or visible breast implant, implant rupture, leakage, or deflation, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Medical issues can range from severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding. She advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals, and in some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be recommended to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Reasons for Breast Augmentation Surgery Removal

Medical Complications

• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. When left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and a difference in the size or shape of the breasts. Treatment typically involves surgically removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue, and in more serious cases, chemotherapy or radiation may also be necessary. There has been a link found between certain types of textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL, leading to the FDA recalling specific textured breast implants.
• Severe Capsular Contracture: This occurs when significant scar tissue forms around the implants, causing pain and discomfort in addition to affecting cosmetic results. The hardening of the soft tissue envelope around the implants can lead to distortion and an abnormal appearance of the breasts.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): It refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may occasionally report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints. It is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems and is also referred to as “autoimmune / inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA).”
• Infection and Bleeding: These are potential complications that can occur during or after breast augmentation surgery. Infections may require antibiotic treatment, and in some cases, the removal of the implants may be necessary to fully resolve the issue. Bleeding can also pose risks and may require medical intervention.

Aesthetic Concerns

• Unsatisfactory Results: Some patients may be unhappy with the appearance of their breasts after augmentation. This could be due to issues such as the size, shape, or position of the implants. For example, the implant may have moved from its original position, causing a “double bubble” appearance or symmastia where the implants appear to touch in the middle.
• Visible or Palpable Implants: In some cases, the breast implant may become palpable or visible, with symptoms like folding, rippling, or wrinkling. This can be a source of distress for the patient and may lead to the decision to have the implants removed.
• Breast Asymmetry: Unequal appearance of the breasts, whether due to the implants themselves or changes in the natural breast tissue over time, can be a reason for patients to seek breast implant removal. It can affect the patient's self - confidence and body image.

The Breast Augmentation Surgery Removal Procedure

Consultation

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. If the patient desires to have the implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing. It is also helpful for the patient to bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery.

By having an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about the desired outcome, the surgeon can work with the patient to create the proper surgical plan. Based on the patient's expectations, it may be recommended to pair the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy) to produce a more plump, rounded appearance. The surgeon will also go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery in detail so that the patient can feel confident and fully informed.

Pre - operative Preparation

Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the breast implant removal procedure. Ahead of the surgery day, the patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is often performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have someone to assist them in the first few days of recovery.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. The patient will be asleep and comfortable throughout the entire operation, and a board - certified anesthesiologist will be monitoring them throughout the procedure. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia.

Surgical Process

If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This method is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, but may not be possible with an armpit incision. If the patient experienced capsular contracture, had a silicone implant rupture, or had textured breast implants and are experiencing BIA - ALCL, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant.

When the implant and scar tissue are all removed simultaneously, this is called en - bloc resection. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will typically be used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.

Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery Removal

Although breast implant removal surgery is typically a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are always risks involved, as with any surgery. These risks include:

• Bleeding: There is a possibility of excessive bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional medical intervention.
• Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue. This may require antibiotic treatment and, in severe cases, further surgical procedures.
• Numbness at the Incision Site: Some patients may experience numbness or a loss of sensation in the breast area and around the incisions. This numbness typically fades over time, but in some cases, it may be permanent.
• Adverse Reaction to the Anesthesia: Although rare, patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery. This can range from mild allergic reactions to more severe complications.

Surgeons will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation, and patients can reduce their risks by closely following the surgeon's directions before and after surgery.

Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery Removal

After undergoing the surgery, the patient will recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home the same day as the procedure. However, when performed with “twilight” sedation, the patient should be prepared to have an escort to bring them home, as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.

Upon leaving the facility, the patient will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide them through the initial post - operative period. After surgery, the breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. The patient may feel tired or sore following surgery, as their body is using its energy to heal. However, many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, but the surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of the customized procedure and the patient's rate of healing.

It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions; this numbness typically fades over time. The patient may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. Importantly, the majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will typically return to the office the day after their surgery so that the surgeon can monitor their healing process. In most cases, the surgeon will use dissolvable sutures or dermabond to avoid external sutures. If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible. The scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.

Expected Results

Breast implant removal can return the breasts to their pre - implant size. If the patient desires to have a breast lift, it may or may not be performed at the same time. They may also choose to have a breast lift at a future date. As much as the patient may have desired these changes, they'll need time to adjust to their new image. Being patient with the healing process is important, and most patients are likely to be very pleased with the results.

Conclusion

In New York City, patients have access to some of the best hospitals and surgeons for breast augmentation surgery removal. The high - level of expertise and advanced medical facilities available make it a prime location for this procedure. However, it is crucial for patients to understand the reasons for the surgery, the procedure itself, the associated risks, and the recovery process. By choosing a well - reputed hospital and experienced surgeon, patients can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery removal in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and ask all the necessary questions. Take the time to make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation surgery removal in New York City, and explore related topics such as post - operative care tips and real patient experiences.