Introduction
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that has gained increased attention in recent years. There can be various reasons for women to opt for this, including medical complications, aesthetic dissatisfaction, or simply a change in lifestyle preferences. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals renowned for their expertise in breast implant removal. This article will explore three of the most powerful hospitals in this field, highlighting their key features, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive services.
Dr. Darrick Antell and His Practice
Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - tier New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and globally. He has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. His work has led him to be repeatedly featured on the best doctors lists for prestigious magazines such as Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine.
Breast Implant Removal Procedures
- Customized Approach: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He takes into account each patient's unique situation, whether it's a silicone or saline implant, and removes them accordingly. For instance, when indicated, he conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Handling of Recalled Implants: He also deals with the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Candidate Evaluation
Any woman in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include those experiencing medical complications related to the implants without wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wishing to return to their natural breast size, and those with textured implants recalled by the FDA and showing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
Consultation Process
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. It's important for patients to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing, especially if the removal is due to medical complications. Patients are advised to bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. An open conversation about the desired outcome helps in creating a proper surgical plan, which may involve pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift for a more aesthetic result.
Surgical Location and Setup
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. However, most patients prefer the procedure to take place 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, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. It has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion, and the staff is well - trained to offer personalized care.
Preparation for Surgery
Based on factors such as age and implant condition, Dr. Antell may send patients for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery. Patients are given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may receive prescriptions to be filled before the surgery. Some patients may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is performed under “twilight” sedation, patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery and have assistance during the initial days of recovery.
Risks and Anesthesia
Like any surgery, breast implant removal has risks, including bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Dr. Antell provides a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation. The surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient throughout the procedure. In rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used.
Surgical Procedure
If possible, Dr. Antell removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely with inframammary fold or areolar incisions but may not be feasible with an armpit incision. In cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant in an en - bloc resection. The incisions are closed using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures and, if needed, a layer of external sutures. A layer of gauze or a bandage is placed over the breasts to aid healing, and the surgery usually takes one to two hours, with en - bloc resection potentially taking longer.
Recovery Process
After surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite under the supervision of a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. It's an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day but need an escort. The breasts may be covered with gauze or a bandage, and patients may feel tired or sore. Most can return to daily activities within days but should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan. Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, and it typically fades over time. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as the breasts usually return to their pre - operative shape. External sutures, if used, are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure, and it may take several months for the final results to be visible.
Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai
Hospital Reputation
The Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai is part of one of the nation’s top - ranked hospitals. It offers integrated and compassionate care for every phase of breast health, all in one location.
Comprehensive Services
| Service Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Breast Imaging | Utilizes the latest techniques to detect any breast abnormalities. |
| Breast Pathology | Analysis of breast tissue to determine the nature of any disease. |
| Breast Surgery | Includes various surgical procedures for breast conditions, such as implant removal. |
| Breast Reconstruction | Offers different methods of reconstructing the breast after implant removal or other surgeries, including implant - based and autologous tissue reconstruction. |
| Medical Oncology | Provision of medical treatments for breast cancer and related conditions. |
| Radiation Oncology | Use of radiation to treat breast cancer. |
| High - Risk Program | Screening and management for women at high risk of breast cancer. |
| Survivorship Program | Support for breast cancer survivors after treatment. |
| Cold Cap Therapy | Used to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. |
| Support Services | Emotional and psychological support for patients. |
Patient - Centered Approach
The center aims to support patients both medically and emotionally. All services are housed in a serene, state - of - the - art facility, and the staff organizes all appointments, referrals, and other details. If appropriate, patients may have the opportunity to participate in emerging therapies through clinical trials.
Steven Wallach MD, FACS Practice
About the Surgeon
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures. His practice is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York.
Implant Removal Procedure
Dr. Wallach 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. This can be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
Candidate Selection
Good candidates are healthy individuals who desire to have their implants removed. Candidates with medical issues may need medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking before the procedure and patients who stop taking blood - thinning medications are also preferred candidates.
Benefits of the Procedure
- Medical Necessity: It can be necessary when an implant ruptures or when a capsular contracture occurs. Capsular contracture is the hardening of scar tissue around the implant, which can be painful and distort the breast's appearance.
- Cosmetic Reasons: Some patients may want to remove their implants due to a change in personal preferences and desired appearance.
Consultation Process
During the consultation, if a patient is experiencing complications such as capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach may perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. For cosmetic issues, he may discuss other options like switching to a different type or size of implant or a breast lift. He walks patients through the available options and techniques for the procedure, aiming to provide the best results with the least amount of scarring.
Preparation
Patients are advised to be familiar with terms related to breast implants, such as ptosis (sagging of the breasts), deflation (in case of saline implants), capsulectomy (removal of the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue), and explantation (removal of previously implanted material). This knowledge helps in better understanding the procedure.
Surgical Details
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Wallach makes an incision to access the breast pocket and implant, removes the implant, and may also remove the scar capsule. In case of leakage or rupture, he takes extra care to remove any seeped - out silicone gel. If the patient has elected to replace the implants, new ones are inserted according to the agreed - upon surgical plan, and the incisions are closed and bandaged.
Recovery and Risks
Immediately after the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around the breasts and may be in mild pain. They need a caregiver to drive them home and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days. Dr. Wallach instructs patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks. The main risks of the surgery include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these three hospitals and their respective surgeons offer top - notch services for breast implant removal in New York City. Dr. Darrick Antell's expertise, the comprehensive services at the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai, and Dr. Steven Wallach's proficiency in the field make them powerful choices for patients seeking breast implant removal. Whether it's for medical or cosmetic reasons, these institutions are well - equipped to handle various cases with care and precision.
If you're considering breast implant removal, it's highly recommended to reach out to these medical professionals. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and concerns, and take the first step towards achieving your desired outcome. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal in New York City.
