Introduction

Breast implant removal has become a notable procedure in New York City for various reasons, such as lifestyle changes, cosmetic preferences, and medical concerns. Finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for a successful and safe breast implant removal procedure. In this article, we will explore the top five selected hospitals for breast implant removal in New York City in 2025.

1. Facilities and Surgeons Offering Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Darrick E. Antell at Manhattan Implant Removal

Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has an extensive experience both in the New York area and worldwide. He is well - known for performing custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He is capable of removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body and, when indicated, performing an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue around the breast implant.

Dr. Antell has made a name for himself in the field as he has been listed in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar 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 worked on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, maintaining total discretion and achieving exceptional surgical results.

The surgery usually takes place in his discreet, private operating room located near Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.

Dr. Steven Wallach at Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery conveniently located to serve New York. He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and then removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. This may involve incisions along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. In cases of ruptured silicone implants, he also removes the implant filler material.

He evaluates candidates thoroughly, considering their health and reasons for implant removal. He provides a comprehensive consultation, discussing options and techniques to achieve the best results with the least amount of scarring. His patients can get guidance on what to expect during the procedure, recovery, and possible risks.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson at Breast Implant Removal Upper East Side

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC with over 20 years of experience. She evaluates patients with breast implant - related concerns and performs breast implant removal procedures. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants.

Aesthetic issues she deals with include a palpable or visible implant, implant rupture, movement of the implant from its original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, and unsightly scars. Medical issues involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), and breast implant illness (BII).

She provides personalized advice on surgical options and the best course of action to help patients achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be recommended for the best aesthetic results.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery (NYGPS)

At NYGPS, either Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs perform breast implant removal procedures. A breast explant at NYGPS is a cosmetic procedure to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. Surgeons also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean within the breast pocket.

They prepare patients well for the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for a week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications should be stopped up to six weeks before. An examination is conducted to ensure breast health before the explant.

The procedure involves anesthesia (either local or general), skin preparation, placement of incisions, removal of implants and scar tissue, and sealing of incisions. The recovery process is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation surgery.

Millennial Plastic Surgery with Dr. David Shokrian

Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery works with patients to create a balance of surgical and natural remedies for breast implant removal. There are various reasons why women may choose to have their breast implants removed, such as changes in breast shape due to weight, hormone fluctuations, or pregnancy; incorrect initial procedures; and medical reasons like infection, ruptured implants, neck/back/shoulder problems caused by large implants, autoimmune diseases aggravated by implants, and implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Breast implant removal at Millennial Plastic Surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. The process includes anesthesia (general or intravenous sedation), making an incision under the breast or around/ below the areola, removing the implants and any present scar tissue, and closing the incisions with stitches or skin adhesions. After the surgery, patients need to follow specific post - operative instructions for a smooth recovery.

2. Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Reasons

• Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time. In the case of saline implants, the breast may deflate as the sterile saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the body. For silicone implants, an MRI may be required to determine if a rupture has occurred as the gel may not be as easily detectable as the saline solution.
• Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant. Normally, the tissue is soft and unnoticeable, but it can become hard and painful, distorting the appearance of the breasts. The rate of capsular contracture is about 3 - 4% and increases gradually over the years.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a wide variety of symptoms reported by patients after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, and brain fog. While the cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
• Infection and Bleeding: Infections can occur in the breast area after implant placement. Bleeding may also happen during or after the initial breast augmentation surgery, and these complications may lead to the decision to remove the implants.

Non - Medical Reasons

• Changes in Cosmetic Preferences: Over time, a person's idea of beauty may change. They may no longer be satisfied with the size, shape, or feel of their breast implants and wish to return to their natural breast size or change to a different type of implant.
• Lifestyle Changes: Factors such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and changes in physical activity levels can affect how breast implants feel and look. Some women may find that the implants no longer fit their lifestyle and decide to have them removed.

3. The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Consultation

During the consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. They will assess the current condition of the breasts, including the position and type of implants. Patients should bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Open and honest communication about the desired outcome is essential. Based on the patient's expectations, the surgeon may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, to achieve a more plump and rounded appearance.

Pre - operative Preparation

• Medical Tests: Depending on factors like age and implant condition, the surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI prior to the procedure.
• Medication Management: Patients are usually advised to stop taking certain medications, including blood - thinners, aspirin, and anti - inflammatory drugs, for a specific period before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Smoking should be stopped as it can affect the healing process. Patients may also be given guidelines on eating and drinking before the surgery. They should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them during the initial recovery period.

The Surgery

• Anesthesia: 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. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure.
• Incision: The surgeon will try to use the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery if possible. Incisions can be made in the inframammary fold, around the areola, or in the armpit. However, if there are complications such as capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, a different approach may be necessary.
• Implant and Scar Tissue Removal: The implant is removed, and if needed, the scar tissue surrounding it is also taken out. In cases of en - bloc resection, the implant and the entire capsule are removed together. This can take longer than a simple implant removal.
• Closure: Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) are used to close the incisions. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in healing.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. The procedure is usually outpatient, but patients need an escort to take them home as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. They will be provided with discharge instructions that include information on changing bandages, cleaning incision sites, wearing a compression garment or support bra, and taking pain medication. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Numbness in the breast area is common and usually fades over time. Some fluid drainage from the incision site may also occur. The final results may take several months to become visible, and scars will gradually fade.

4. Risks and Complications

Although breast implant removal is generally a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks involved:

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment or a return to the operating room in severe cases.
• Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections.
• Numbness at the Incision Site: Numbness or altered sensation in the breast area and around the incisions is common after surgery. In most cases, this improves over time, but in some patients, it may be permanent.
• Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients may have an allergic reaction or other adverse effects to the anesthesia used during the procedure. The anesthesiologist monitors the patient closely to minimize this risk.
• Asymmetry: There is a possibility of breast asymmetry after implant removal. This can be due to factors such as uneven scar tissue removal or natural differences in breast tissue.
• Unfavorable Scarring: Scars from the surgery may be more noticeable than expected or may not heal well. The location and size of the incisions can also affect the appearance of the scars.

5. What to Expect After Breast Implant Removal

Physical Changes

After breast implant removal, the breasts will return to their pre - implant size. However, the skin may have stretched while the implants were in place, and there may be some sagging or drooping, especially in women with larger implants or those who have experienced significant hormonal or weight changes. In some cases, a breast lift may be recommended to address these issues. There may also be some loss of volume and fullness in the breasts.

Emotional and Psychological Changes

It may take time for patients to adjust to their new body image. Some may feel relief after having the implants removed, while others may experience feelings of anxiety or self - consciousness. It is important for patients to have a support system in place and to communicate openly with their surgeon about any emotional concerns they may have.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and the selection of a qualified surgeon and a reputable hospital. The top five selected hospitals in New York City, namely those associated with Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, New York Group for Plastic Surgery, and Millennial Plastic Surgery, offer comprehensive services for breast implant removal. Each surgeon has unique skills and experience in handling various reasons for implant removal, from medical complications to cosmetic preferences. The process involves a detailed consultation, proper pre - operative preparation, a well - executed surgery, and a crucial recovery period. Patients should be aware of the potential risks and what to expect after the procedure. By choosing the right provider and being well - informed, patients can achieve the best possible results and feel confident in their decision.

If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top hospitals or surgeons for a consultation. Take the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations to make an informed decision about your breast health and appearance.