Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal Surgery in New York City in 2025

Introduction

Breast implant removal surgery is becoming an increasingly sought - after procedure for a variety of reasons, including medical complications, changes in personal preferences, or concerns about breast implant - associated health issues. In New York City, one of the global capitals of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, there are numerous options available for women seeking breast implant removal. This article will explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons in the city, as well as important information about the procedure itself.

Top Surgeons and Their Practices for Breast Implant Removal in NYC

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He is listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

• Services Offered: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including the removal of existing silicone or saline implants. When indicated, he also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He is also involved in the removal of 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).
• Patient Experience: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his excellent surgical results. He has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons, maintaining total discretion.
• Consultation and Preparation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He discusses the symptoms if the patient has medical complications. Patients are advised to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift. Before the surgery, patients may need imaging tests like ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, and they will receive guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking medications.
• Surgery and Recovery: The surgery is often performed in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. It usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take longer. After the surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite. The majority of patients can return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artistry. He has a strong aesthetic sense and is meticulous in his practice from pre - op to post - op care.

• Services Offered: He offers breast implant removal (explant) and breast implant replacement. Reasons for removal include concerns about breast implant illness (BII), dissatisfaction with the size, location, or type of implants, and the occurrence of capsular contracture. He can reposition implants under the pectoralis - major muscle for a more natural - looking result. He also provides the option of using autologous fat to replace lost volume and may perform a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal and replacement.
• Patient Consultation: When consulting with patients, Dr. Weintraub emphasizes the importance of the patient's goals. He listens carefully to understand the patient's needs and provides a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during surgery and insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room.
• Procedure and Aftercare: The breast implant removal and replacement surgery can take between half an hour and multiple hours. Patients often return to work three days after surgery. Dr. Weintraub provides detailed aftercare instructions, including when patients can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine. He believes in early showering for cleaner wounds and narrower incisions.

Dr. Darren Smith

Dr. Darren Smith performs breast implant removal surgery in a state - of - the - art medical facility in NYC.

• Procedure Details: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is generally made either along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, and he often uses the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring. He removes the breast implants from the breast capsule and may also remove scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks if necessary.
• Patient Options: Patients have options regarding their post - surgery appearance. They can choose to replace their breast implants with new ones of the same or different size, or they may opt to have no implants at all.
• Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients spend some time in the recovery room. They are given appropriate support garments and pain medications as needed. Patients must have someone drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours post - op. Mild discomfort and swelling are expected, and patients are instructed to avoid strenuous movements for two weeks.

Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery on Park Avenue provides capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures for breast implant removal.

• Consultation and Treatment Plan: During the consultation, Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani listens to the patient's concerns and goals. Based on an examination, an individualized treatment plan is created, which includes whether to partially or fully remove the scar tissue and whether to replace the breast implants.
• Surgery and Downtime: The surgery takes place in the in - office operating room in Manhattan and lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity and Baker grade of the breast condition. The downtime after the procedure is 1 week, and patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal.
• Follow - up: A follow - up appointment is scheduled to assess the recovery and results.

Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques.

• Procedures Offered: They offer different types of breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. The ultimate surgical method is determined based on the patient's unique anatomy and desired post - op result.
• Consultation and Surgery: During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each variation of the breast implant removal procedure and works with the patient to create a treatment plan. The surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite and takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia.
• Recovery: Patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, especially on the Upper East Side.

• Patient Evaluation: She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, such as capsular contracture, breast implant rupture, and breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
• Treatment Options: Dr. Hutchinson advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be necessary for the best aesthetic results.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery, usually making 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.

• Candidate Consideration: Good candidates for the procedure are generally healthy, non - smokers, and those who desire to have their implants removed. Candidates with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician.
• Procedure and Recovery: The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will have swelling and bruising around their 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 go back to light activity within three to five days, but should avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks.

Dr. John Mesa

Dr. John Mesa is a plastic surgeon based in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami. He specializes in various procedures, including breast implant removal.

• Procedure Location and Details: He performs breast implant removal at a fully accredited NYC, NJ, or Miami hospital or surgery center. The procedure takes approximately two hours under general anesthesia. In many cases, the implant is removed through the original surgical scar, and efforts are made to limit the appearance of scars when closing the incision.
• Recovery: Patients can expect to be up and moving around on the day of surgery and return to work in approximately seven to fourteen days. They need to wear a special supportive bra, and someone should drive them home and stay with them for the first few days. Swelling should subside within a few weeks.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are multiple reasons why a woman may choose to have breast implant removal surgery. These can be broadly classified into medical and aesthetic reasons.

Medical Reasons

• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and a distortion in the appearance of the breasts. In severe cases, the condition can make the breasts look and feel unnatural.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak over time. Saline implants will cause the breast to deflate, while silicone implants may require an MRI to determine if they have ruptured. A ruptured implant can cause pain, swelling, and changes in the shape of the breast.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although rare, this is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to their association with a higher rate of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts, and a difference in the size or shape of the breasts.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms after breast augmentation, such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and depression. While the exact cause of BII is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.

Aesthetic Reasons

• Change in Preferences: Over time, a woman's aesthetic preferences may change. She may no longer desire the look of breast implants or may want a different size or shape.
• Unsatisfactory Results: Some women may be unhappy with the results of their original breast augmentation, such as asymmetry, visible or palpable implants, or an unnatural appearance.

Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful breast implant removal surgery. The following steps are generally recommended:

• Choose a Qualified Surgeon: Select a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Check their credentials, patient reviews, and before - and - after photos.
• Consultation: During the consultation, be open and honest with the surgeon about your medical history, current medications, allergies, and your expectations for the surgery. The surgeon will evaluate your general health and the condition of your breasts.
• Medical Tests: The surgeon may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stop smoking at least several weeks before the surgery, as smoking can impede the healing process. Follow the surgeon's instructions regarding diet, exercise, and the use of medications, vitamins, and supplements. You may need to stop taking blood - thinning medications.
• Arrange for Support: Since the surgery is usually performed under anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for the first few days of recovery.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The process of breast implant removal typically involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, also known as “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.
2. Incision: The surgeon will make an incision, often using the original incision from the breast augmentation surgery if possible. Incision sites can include the inframammary fold, beneath the areola, or in the armpit.
3. Implant Removal: The surgeon will carefully remove the breast implants from the breast capsule. In some cases, the scar tissue around the implant may also be removed, depending on the patient's condition and the surgical plan.
4. Closure: After the implants are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures may be used, and an external layer of sutures may be added if necessary.

Recovery from Breast Implant Removal Surgery

The recovery process after breast implant removal varies from patient to patient, but the following are general guidelines:

• Immediate Post - Op: After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by medical staff. You may have a layer of gauze or a bandage over your breasts, and a specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort.
• Discharge: Since breast implant removal is usually an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day. Make sure you have someone to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. The medical staff will provide you with thorough discharge instructions, including information on pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions.
• Early Recovery: You may feel tired or sore following surgery, and it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breast area. 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. Follow the surgeon's instructions on wearing a supportive bra.
• Long - Term Recovery: It may take several months for the swelling and bruising to fully subside, and the final results of the surgery may not be visible for some time. Scars will gradually fade, but they may remain firm and pink for at least six weeks. Most patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.

Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Removal Surgery

While breast implant removal surgery is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are some potential risks and complications, including:

• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
• Infection: An infection can occur at the incision site or in the breast tissue. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
• Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the breast area or around the incisions.
• Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery.
• Scarring: All surgeries result in some scarring. The