Introduction
Breast prosthetic removal surgery is a significant decision that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons, such as health concerns, dissatisfaction with the appearance, or lifestyle changes. Choosing a regular and well - known hospital is crucial to ensure the safety and success of the procedure. In this article, we will explore five such hospitals in New York City that offer breast prosthetic removal services.
1. Practices of Dr. Darrick Antell
Overview of the Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as one of 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. With a career spanning over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest and safest medical technologies, and the eye of an artist.
Services Offered
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove 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 is also equipped to handle the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Patient Eligibility
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include women experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement implant, 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 experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
Consultation Process
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. It is important for patients to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing if the removal is due to medical complications. Patients should bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's expectations, Dr. Antell may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Surgery Location and Preparation
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. Before the surgery, based on factors like age and implant condition, patients may be sent for imaging such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. They will also receive guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and assist in the first few days of recovery.
Anesthesia and Surgical Procedure
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. If possible, Dr. Antell will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery and Results
After the surgery, patients will recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite. They can return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. Patients may feel tired or sore and should expect some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The final results may take several months to be visible, and scars will start to fade after at least six weeks. Breast implant removal can return the breasts to their pre - implant size, and a breast lift may be an option if desired.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
General Information
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal procedures. Patients considering this surgery may do so to increase their confidence about their body or because they no longer feel good about the presence of their breast implants.
What is a Breast Explant?
A breast explant is a cosmetic procedure to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. Surgeons (either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs) will also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
Reasons for the Procedure
Common reasons for a breast explant in NYC include removing leaking or ruptured implants, addressing pain or other complications caused by the implants, replacing damaged implants, improving the aesthetics and feel of the breasts, and removing capsular contracture.
Pre - procedure Preparations
Patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They should also avoid blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks. Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure and stay with them for at least 24 hours. An examination is required to determine if the breasts are healthy enough for the explant.
Surgical Process
Surgeons may administer either local or general anesthesia. Once under anesthesia, the surgical area is prepared, and incisions can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. Implants are removed using various methods, and any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is also removed. The area is cauterized, and then the incisions are sealed. The surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of work.
Recovery
After the procedure, patients will be awakened from anesthesia and taken to a recovery room. They may experience some discomfort and will be provided with pain relief medication. Post - procedure instructions will cover wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, and applying a cold compress. Most patients can return to most routine activities within a few days, with light activities resumable within one week and more vigorous activity possible in about six weeks.
3. New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital
Overview of the Hospital
New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital has skilled surgeons in oncologic breast surgery. All of its physicians are on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College, providing patients with a level of care found in a leading academic medical center.
Breast Surgery Services
The hospital offers advanced surgical techniques for breast surgery, including sentinel lymph node biopsy, partial mastectomy, and mastectomy. For women undergoing surgery for benign disease, the cosmetic outcome is also considered. It can also provide consultative second - opinion services. Surgeons work closely with reconstructive surgeons to achieve optimal cosmetic results without compromising the excellence of cancer surgery through breast conservation surgery, nipple sparing mastectomy, or skin sparing mastectomy.
Benefits for Patients
Patients can expect high - quality care in a community - hospital setting. The integration of oncologic and reconstructive surgery ensures that patients have comprehensive options for their breast - related issues. This is especially important for patients considering breast prosthetic removal in cases related to breast cancer treatment or prevention.
4. Millennial Plastic Surgery (Dr. David Shokrian)
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery is experienced in breast implant removal. He works with patients to create the perfect balance of surgical and natural remedies so that patients feel comfortable in their bodies.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Reasons may include changes in breast shape due to weight, hormone fluctuations, or pregnancy; unhappiness with the initial procedure results; and medical reasons such as infection, ruptured or displaced implants, neck/back/shoulder problems caused by large implants, autoimmune diseases aggravated by the implants, and implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Also, breast implants are not intended to be permanent and may need to be exchanged or removed periodically.
Breast Explant Surgery Process
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. On the day of surgery, patients can expect anesthesia (general or intravenous sedation), an incision under the breast or around/below the areola, removal of the implants and any present scar tissue, and closing of the incisions with stitches or skin adhesions. After the incision is closed, patients are moved to a recovery room, and they will need someone to stay with them for the first 24 hours.
Post - surgery Appearance and Recovery
After breast explant surgery, the appearance of the breasts depends on factors such as the pre - augmentation breast size, implant size, and any body changes. Some women may experience misshapen, sagging, or drooping breasts, especially those with large implants or significant hormonal/weight changes. A breast implant removal and lift may be an option. Recovery involves wearing dressings or gauze bandages, a compression garment or support bra, and following instructions such as changing bandages, walking daily, avoiding certain activities, and not driving for the first week. Drains may be placed under the skin and usually come out within 10 days. Most women can return to work within a few days.
Cost and Financing
The cost of breast explant surgery may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. In most cases, it is not covered. At Millennial Plastic Surgery, options like a payment plan or third - party financing are available. The cost usually starts around $3,000, and additional costs such as anesthesia fees, medical tests, facility fees, medication, and post - surgery bras should be considered.
5. Mount Sinai - New York
General Role in Breast - related Care
Mount Sinai is involved in breast - related care, especially in the context of breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone or are planning a mastectomy. Although not strictly focused on breast prosthetic removal, its expertise in breast surgery is relevant as some patients may need prosthetic removal in the process of breast reconstruction or due to breast - related health issues.
Breast Reconstruction Considerations
The hospital helps patients think through important decisions such as whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type to have. Patients may choose reconstruction to look balanced in clothing, feel comfortable with their body shape, or avoid wearing a prosthesis. The timing of reconstruction can be immediate after a mastectomy (if medically possible) or delayed. There are pros and cons to using implants or the body's own tissue for reconstruction, and factors such as overall health, tumor size and location, breast size, and other medical treatments need to be considered.
Comparison of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty Focus | Patient - centered Services | Cost and Insurance Coverage | Recovery Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practices of Dr. Darrick Antell | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, handling recalled implants | Discreet private operating room, personalized care from trained staff | Cost depends on individual case, may be covered if medically necessary | State - of - the - art recovery suite, individualized recovery plan |
| New York Group for Plastic Surgery | Comprehensive breast explant procedures, addressing various reasons for removal | Thorough pre - procedure information, assistance with logistics like transportation | Cost varies based on factors, insurance coverage determined by medical need | Detailed post - procedure instructions, similar recovery to initial breast augmentation |
| New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital | Oncologic breast surgery with emphasis on cosmetic results, consultative services | Faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College, coordinated care with reconstructive surgeons | Cost not specified, likely to be based on standard hospital rates and insurance policies | Support throughout the surgical process from diagnosis to recovery |
| Millennial Plastic Surgery (Dr. David Shokrian) | Balanced approach to breast implant removal, addressing both medical and aesthetic concerns | Comprehensive consultations, virtual and in - person options | Starts around $3,000, financing options available | Clear instructions on post - surgery care, follow - up visits |
| Mount Sinai - New York | Breast reconstruction guidance, helping patients make decisions | Expert surgeons guiding patients through complex decision - making process | Cost related to breast reconstruction procedures, insurance coverage based on specific circumstances | Support in choosing the right reconstruction option for long - term recovery |
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five hospitals in New York City - Practices of Dr. Darrick Antell, New York Group for Plastic Surgery, New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, Millennial Plastic Surgery, and Mount Sinai - New York - are well - known and reputable institutions for breast prosthetic removal surgery. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's the expertise of the surgeons, the range of services offered, patient - centered care, or support during the recovery process. Patients considering breast prosthetic removal should carefully evaluate these factors based on their own needs and preferences.
If you or someone you know is contemplating breast prosthetic removal surgery, we encourage you to explore these hospitals further. Reach out to schedule consultations, gather more information, and make an informed decision about your healthcare. Share this article with others who may benefit from this valuable information.
