These 5 Regular and Well - known Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City!

Deciding to have breast implants removed is a significant decision. Whether it's due to medical reasons, changes in personal preference, or other concerns, finding a reliable and experienced hospital or surgeon in New York City is crucial. Here are five well - known places that offer breast implant removal services.

1. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

General Overview

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive breast implant removal services, also known as breast explant. They understand that having breast implants removed is a major decision, and they strive to provide patients with all the necessary information to make an informed choice about their bodies.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

• Leaking or Ruptured Implants: Silicone gel - filled implants can leak, and saline implants may rupture, which can be a cause for concern.
• Pain or Complications: Some patients experience pain or other complications related to the implants, such as capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around an implant).
• Replacement of Damaged Implants: In some cases, implants may become damaged over time and need to be replaced.
• Aesthetic Improvements: Patients may want to improve the aesthetics and feel of their breasts by removing the implants.

Procedure Process

1. Pre - procedure Preparation:
   • Avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure as they can interfere with it.
   • Avoid blood - thinning medications such as coumadin and heparin for up to six weeks prior. Consult with the prescribing physician about when to stop taking these medications.
   • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
   • Undergo a breast examination to ensure your breasts are healthy enough for the explant.
2. Anesthesia: The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's situation and preferences discussed during the consultation. The surgical team will continuously monitor vital signs to ensure safety.
3. Skin Preparation: Once under anesthesia, the surgical area around the breasts is cleaned with antibacterial soap to prevent infection.
4. Placement of Incisions: Incisions can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. Any accumulated fluid in the area is drained.
5. Removal of Implants: The surgeon may use various methods to remove the implants, such as prying them out from beneath breast tissue, cutting through the shell if it's sticking to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the implant for slow removal.
6. Scar Tissue Removal: Excess skin and scar tissue around the nipples are removed, and the area is cauterized. The area is then reconstructed for a more natural appearance.
7. Sealing of Incisions: The skin is re - attached, stitched, and dressings are applied to prevent infection during the healing process. The procedure usually takes one to three hours, depending on the amount of work needed.

Recovery

After the procedure, patients are awakened from anesthesia and taken to a recovery room. They may experience some discomfort as sensation returns, and pain relief medication is provided. Most patients spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. Post - procedure instructions include information on wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, and applying a cold compress to the surgical site. The recovery is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation, with about three days of significant downtime. Swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity may last for a few weeks. Patients can usually resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

2. Manhattan Implant Removal by Dr. Darrick Antell

Surgeon's Reputation

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City and is 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 one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. 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 individuals.

Candidates for Breast Implant Removal

• Women experiencing medical complications related to the implants and do not want a replacement implant placed.
• Those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wish to return to their natural breast size.
• Patients with textured implants recalled by the FDA and experiencing symptoms of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

Consultation

During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history and assesses the current condition of the breasts. If the patient has medical complications, it's important to discuss the symptoms. Patients are advised to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Antell and the patient work together to create a surgical plan based on the patient's desired outcome. In some cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be recommended to be performed in conjunction with the explant surgery for a more plump, rounded appearance.

Procedure Details

• Anesthesia: Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure.
• Implant Removal: If possible, Dr. Antell removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. In cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant, which is called 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 may be placed over the breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes one to two hours, and en - bloc resection can take longer.

Recovery

Patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. It is an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day but need an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, patients are provided with detailed discharge instructions. After surgery, the breasts may be covered with a gauze or bandage. Patients may feel tired or sore but can usually return to most daily activities within days. It's best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. Follow - up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process, and any external sutures are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure.

3. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

Services Offered

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery on Park Avenue in New York City provides capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or the scar tissue surrounding them. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani offers breast enhancement tailored to each patient’s individual goals for optimal results.

Treatable Conditions

• Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue forms around the implant, encapsulating it. Although it's a relatively rare occurrence, it can cause issues.
• Scar Tissue: Excess scar tissue around the implants can be removed during the procedure.
• Mal - placed Implants: If the implants are not in the desired position, they can be addressed.
• Hard or Sore Implants: Some patients may experience discomfort due to the nature of the implants.

Procedure Process

1. Consultation: Patients meet with Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani for a confidential consultation. He listens to the patient's concerns and goals for breast explant surgery and conducts an examination. An individualized treatment plan is created, which includes whether partial or full removal of scar tissue is needed and if the implants will be replaced. Patients are encouraged to ask questions during this consultation, and the team walks them through each step of the surgery and recovery process.
2. Surgery: The surgery takes place at the in - office operating room in Manhattan. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani follows the treatment plan, performing either a capsulectomy or capsulotomy. The surgery usually takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity and Baker grade of the breast condition.
3. Recovery: The downtime after the procedure is about 1 week. Patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani and the team provide support and guidance during post - surgery care, and a follow - up appointment is scheduled to assess the recovery and results.

4. Darren Smith MD

Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in his state - of - the - art medical facility in New York City. Breast implant removal is the surgery to remove silicone or saline breast implants. Implants usually need to be exchanged or removed after about 10 years, but this can vary.

Candidates for Surgery

• Patients who no longer want implants, have complications with their implants, or want to revise their breast implants for a different size.
• Those whose breast shape has changed due to age, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or breastfeeding.
• Patients with capsular contracture, calcium buildup around the implant, implant leaking or breakage, or implant movement or shift.
• Some patients diagnosed with BIA - ALCL, a rare cancer that occurs in the scar tissue around an implant.

Procedure Details

• Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient is asleep throughout the procedure.
• Incision and Implant Removal: A thin incision is generally made either along the inframammary fold (under the breast) or beneath the areola. Dr. Smith often uses the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring. He removes the breast implants from the breast capsule and, in some cases, the capsule itself. Scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks is also removed if necessary.
• Post - surgery Options: Patients have a few options regarding the appearance of their breasts after surgery. They can choose to replace the breast implants with new ones of the same size, larger, or smaller. Or they can decide to no longer have implants at all. After the implant removal (and replacement if applicable), the incisions are closed and covered as needed.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients spend some time in the recovery room under the monitoring of the doctor and medical staff. Appropriate support garments are provided. Once approved for discharge, the doctor goes over aftercare instructions and prescribes pain medications as needed. Patients need an escort to drive them home and should have someone stay with them for at least 24 hours post - op. Mild discomfort and swelling are expected after the surgery. Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous movements for two weeks. If having additional procedures like breast augmentation or mastopexy, more soreness may be experienced. Most patients can resume normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.

5. Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal when a patient wants their implants taken out. He 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 may be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. If necessary, he also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants.

Candidates for the Procedure

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 prior to the procedure and stop taking blood - thinning medications are also suitable.

Benefits of the Procedure

• Medical Necessity: When an implant ruptures or a capsular contracture occurs, the procedure may be necessary. Capsular contracture can cause pain, discomfort, and distort the appearance of the breasts.
• Cosmetic Reasons: As people's preferences and desired appearance change, they may choose to have the implants removed for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, patients can have the implants replaced with new ones at the same time as removal.

Consultation and Preparation

• Consultation: If experiencing complications like capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach performs an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedules the explantation surgery. If the issue is cosmetic, he discusses options for breast implant replacement or other breast enhancement options like a breast lift. He walks the patient through the available options and techniques for the procedure and which will provide the best results with the least scarring.
• Preparation: Patients should be familiar with terms related to breast implants such as ptosis (sagging of the breasts), deflation (for saline implants), capsulectomy (removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue), and explantation (removal of previously implanted material). They should eat healthily, exercise regularly, and avoid taking medications or supplements that may cause bleeding.

Procedure and Recovery

• Procedure: The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Wallach makes a predetermined incision, removes the implant, and may remove the scar capsule. In case of leakage or rupture, he takes extra care to remove any leaked silicone gel. If the patient elects to replace the implants, he inserts the new ones according to the surgical plan, then closes the incisions and bandages the sites.
• Recovery: Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain. They need a caregiver to drive them from the surgery center and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days. They are instructed to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.

Conclusion

When considering breast implant removal in New York City, these five well - known hospitals and surgeons offer a range of services and expertise. Each institution has experienced professionals who can guide patients through the process, from the initial consultation to the recovery period. Whether it's for medical or cosmetic reasons, the key is to find a provider who understands your concerns and can provide personalized care. It's important to thoroughly research each option, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your breast implant removal procedure.

If you're interested in learning more about breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these providers. Share your story with friends or family who may also be considering this procedure, and explore related topics such as breast implant aftercare and other breast - related cosmetic procedures.