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

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

Deciding to undergo breast implant removal surgery is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and the expertise of a skilled plastic surgeon. New York City is home to numerous top - notch medical facilities and renowned surgeons who specialize in breast implant removal. In this article, we will explore some of the best options for breast implant removal surgery in the city, along with details about the procedures, surgeons, and what to expect.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are several reasons why a woman might choose to have her breast implants removed. These reasons can be categorized into medical and cosmetic factors:

Medical Reasons

• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Some textured breast implants, especially those recalled by the FDA, have been associated with a higher risk of BIA - ALCL. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or a mass around the breast. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): A collection of symptoms that some patients report after breast augmentation. These symptoms can include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and depression. Although the exact cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and contracts, causing pain, discomfort, and a distorted appearance of the breasts. Severe cases may require implant removal.
• Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants can leak, causing the breast to deflate, while silicone implants may have a more subtle leakage that can be detected through an MRI. Ruptured or leaking implants may need to be removed.

Cosmetic Reasons

• Unsatisfactory Results: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of their breast implants and wish to return to their natural breast size or have a different implant type or position.
• Lifestyle Changes: A change in lifestyle, such as a more active lifestyle, may make the presence of breast implants uncomfortable or undesirable.

Top Surgeons and Facilities for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures, Dr. Antell is known for his meticulous surgical skills, use of the latest medical technologies, and artistic eye.

Services Offered

• Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including the removal of silicone or saline implants.
• En bloc capsulectomy, which involves removing the implant and the tissue that has grown around it simultaneously.
• Removal of recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL.

Procedure Details

• Most surgeries are performed in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology.
• The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, although en bloc resection may take longer.
• Dr. Antell may use local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used.

Recovery

Patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. However, they need an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after anesthesia. Most patients can return to daily activities within days, but should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his unique blend of medical science and artistry in plastic surgery. He studied medicine at Cornell and has a strong aesthetic sense, with attention to detail in every aspect of his practice, from pre - op to post - op care.

Services Offered

• Breast implant removal and replacement, which can be used to change the size, location, or type of implants.
• Replacing lost volume with autologous fat or performing a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal to improve the appearance of the breasts.

Procedure Details

• Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
• The surgery can take between half an hour and multiple hours, depending on the specific modality and aesthetic needs.
• Most surgeries are performed in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.

Recovery

There may be a short period of minimal swelling and bruising after surgery. Patients should follow all of Dr. Weintraub’s instructions carefully. Most patients can return to work three days after surgery and require little downtime to fully recover. Swelling and bruising should resolve within a week.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is considered one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.

Services Offered

• Addressing both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, and BIA - ALCL.
• Advising patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals.
• Performing secondary procedures like breast lifts when necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Procedure Details

Dr. Hutchinson will assess the patient's specific situation and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach. She takes into account factors such as the type of implant, the condition of the breast tissue, and the patient's desired outcome.

Recovery

Each patient's recovery will vary based on the complexity of the procedure. However, Dr. Hutchinson and her staff will provide personalized post - operative care and support to ensure a smooth recovery process.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs)

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal procedures. Patients can choose between Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs for their surgery.

Services Offered

• Removing breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules.
• Cleaning the breast pocket and removing silicone from the implant shell.

Procedure Details

• The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's needs and preferences. The surgical team will continuously monitor the patient's vital signs.
• Incisions can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The surgeon will drain any accumulated fluid and remove the implants using various methods.
• The excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples will be removed, and the area will be cauterized and reconstructed for a more natural appearance.
• The incisions will be sealed, and dressings will be applied to prevent infection.

Recovery

Patients will spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. They will be provided with post - procedure instructions, including how to wear a compression bra, take antibiotics, and apply cold compresses. Recovery is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation surgery, with three days of downtime and the ability to resume light activities within a week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

Dr. Darren Smith

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

Services Offered

• Removing silicone or saline breast implants and, in some cases, the breast capsule and scar tissue.
• Offering options for breast implant replacement, including choosing new implants of the same size, larger, or smaller.

Procedure Details

• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and a thin incision is usually made along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola. Dr. Smith often uses the original incision from breast augmentation to minimize scarring.
• After removing the implants, he will close the incisions and provide appropriate support garments.

Recovery

Patients will spend some time in the recovery room for monitoring. Mild discomfort and swelling are expected, and patients should avoid strenuous movements for two weeks. Most patients can resume normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery (Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani)

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures for breast implant removal in their Manhattan office.

Services Offered

• Removing implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them.
• Providing personalized consultation to create an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's concerns and goals.

Procedure Details

• The surgery takes place in their in - office operating room. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani will follow the treatment plan, either performing a capsulectomy or capsulotomy.
• The surgery process takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity and Baker grade of the breast condition.

Recovery

The downtime after the procedure is 1 week, and patients cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as they heal. A follow - up appointment will be scheduled to assess the recovery and results.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach performs breast implant removal surgery and has extensive experience in this field. He is known for achieving natural - looking results.

Services Offered

• Removing breast implants through the previous surgical approach, such as along the breast fold, periareola region, or transaxillary incision.
• Removing implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
• Offering options for breast implant replacement or exploring other breast enhancement options like a breast lift during the consultation.

Procedure Details

• The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Wallach will make a predetermined incision, remove the implant, and may remove the scar capsule surrounding it.
• If the patient wishes to replace the implants, he will insert new ones according to the agreed - upon surgical plan and then close the incisions.

Recovery

Patients will experience swelling and bruising around the breasts and may be in mild pain. They will need a caregiver for about a day. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, and avoid 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 is passionate about patient - centered service and offers breast implant removal procedures.

Services Offered

• Removing breast implants to correct problems or improve the aesthetics of augmented breasts.
• Addressing issues such as implant rupture, complications, and a change in implant type, size, shape, or position.

Procedure Details

• The procedure is performed at a fully accredited NYC, NJ, or Miami hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia.
• It takes approximately two hours, and in many cases, the implant is removed through the original surgical scar, with a focus on limiting the appearance of scars.

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 may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. Swelling should subside within a few weeks.

What to Expect During the Consultation

Regardless of which surgeon you choose, the consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant removal process. Here's what you can expect:

• Health Evaluation: The surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history. If you are experiencing medical complications related to the implants, it is important to discuss your symptoms in detail.
• Breast Assessment: The surgeon will assess the current condition of your breasts, including the type of implants, their position, and the condition of the surrounding tissue.
• Desired Outcome Discussion: Have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about your desired outcome. This will help the surgeon create a proper surgical plan. You may discuss options such as breast lift or replacement of implants.
• Procedure Explanation: The surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including the type of anesthesia that will be used, the location of incisions, the length of the surgery, and the expected recovery process.
• Risk Discussion: The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery, such as bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.
• Pre - operative Instructions: You will be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including any necessary tests, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI. You will also be advised on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications and vitamins.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal

The cost of breast implant removal in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the procedure, such as whether en bloc capsulectomy is required or if additional procedures like a breast lift are performed.
• The surgeon's experience and reputation.
• The location of the surgical facility.
• The cost of anesthesia, post - care essentials, tests, and prescription medications.

In most cases, breast implant removal procedures are not covered by health insurance, unless there is a medical necessity. For example, if the removal is required due to a medical condition like BIA - ALCL or severe capsular contracture, insurance may cover some or all of the costs. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon for your breast implant removal surgery is of utmost importance. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Surgeons who have performed