Top hospitals for silicone breast implant removal in New York City!
Silicone breast implant removal is a procedure that some women may consider for various reasons, such as health concerns, cosmetic preferences, or implant - related complications. New York City, known for its world - class medical facilities and top - notch plastic surgeons, offers a range of options for those seeking this procedure. In this article, we will explore some of the top places where you can get silicone breast implant removal in NYC.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Surgeon's Background
Dr. Darrick Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has been practicing for over twenty years and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He repeatedly appears on the best doctors lists for Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is also an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies.
Services Offered
- Custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery: He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also performs en bloc capsulectomy when indicated, which is the removal of the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of recalled implants: He is experienced in removing 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).
Consultation and Procedure Details
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate your general health, medical history, and the current condition of your breasts. He will discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, especially if you have medical complications related to the implants. Based on your expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift. The surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia, and it typically takes between one to two hours, with en - bloc resection taking longer.
Facility
Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite. You can return home the same day as the procedure, but you will need an escort as you cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. You may feel tired or sore initially, and it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The final results may take several months to be visible, and the scars will start to fade after at least six weeks.
2. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Surgeon's Background
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. Cosmetic breast surgery is one of her main areas of focus, and she is considered to be one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC.
Services Offered
She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal. She can address both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, breast implant illness (BII), and BIA - ALCL. She will advise you on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help you achieve your goals, and in some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be recommended.
Common Reasons for Implant Removal
Aesthetic issues: Include when the breast implant becomes palpable or visible (folded, rippled, or wrinkled), there is rupture, leakage or deflation, the implant has moved from its original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly or widened scars, nipple or areola enlargement/distortion/asymmetry, and implant malposition. Medical issues: Such as severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, BII, infection, and/or bleeding.
Procedure
The exact details of the procedure will depend on your specific situation. Dr. Hutchinson will tailor the approach to your needs, whether it involves a simple explant or a more complex procedure with additional steps to address any complications.
Patient Experience
Patients have reported exceptional experiences with Dr. Hutchinson and her staff. The atmosphere in her office is calming, and the team is professional and nice. Dr. Hutchinson makes patients feel comfortable, and the results are often highly satisfactory.
3. Dr. Steven Wallach
Surgeon's Background
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in NYC who performs breast implant removal procedures. As breast augmentation has become more popular, the demand for implant removal has also increased, and he is experienced in dealing with this trend.
Services Offered
He performs breast implant removal through the previous breast implant surgical approach, such as an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. He will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. In some cases, if desired, he can replace the old implants with new ones at the same time as the removal.
Candidates
Good candidates are generally healthy individuals who desire to have their implants removed. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician prior to the procedure. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking before the surgery, and those who stop taking blood - thinning medications, are also better candidates.
Procedure Details
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Wallach will make an incision to access the breast pocket and implant, remove the implant and the scar capsule if needed, and take extra care to remove any leaked silicone gel in case of rupture. If implant replacement is elected, he will insert the new implants according to the surgical plan and then close the incisions.
Recovery and Risks
Immediately after the procedure, there will be swelling and bruising around the breasts, and you may be in mild pain. You will need a caregiver to drive you home and stay with you for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days. The main risks of the surgery include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, skin loss, fat necrosis, fluid collections, dysesthesias, and the need for revision surgery.
4. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Surgeon's Background
Dr. Barry Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artwork in his practice. He studied medicine at Cornell and bases his practice on strong core values. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, and patients seek him from all over the world to correct their aesthetic problems.
Services Offered
He performs breast implant removal and replacement. Breast implant removal can be done to change the size, location, and/or type of implants. Some patients may choose to remove implants due to concerns about breast implant illness, while others may want to switch from saline to silicone implants. In addition, he can replace the lost volume with autologous fat or perform a breast lift in conjunction with the removal and replacement.
Consultation and Selection
When choosing a surgeon for breast implant removal and replacement, it is important to check for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensure the physician has hospital privileges and a good reputation, and speak to the surgeon's patients who have undergone similar procedures. Dr. Weintraub believes in listening to his patients' needs and desires during the consultation process.
Procedure Process
He 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 is performed with precision, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
Facility
Although he has privileges at several hospitals, he prefers to perform the procedures in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility offers the utmost in medical and plastic - surgical care with a private entrance.
Recovery
There may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising after the surgery. You must carefully follow Dr. Weintraub's instructions for the best results. He advises early showering and will let you know when you can return to your normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
5. New York Group for Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs)
Surgeon's Background
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has two experienced surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, who perform breast implant removal procedures.
Services Offered
They offer breast explant procedures, which involve removing breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. They also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean the breast pocket during the procedure.
Pre - procedure Preparations
Before the procedure, you should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week, and blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks. You need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and remain with you for at least 24 hours. An examination will be done to determine if your breasts are healthy enough for the explant.
Procedure Steps
The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia. Once under anesthesia, the surgical area will be prepared, and incisions will be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The implants will be removed using various methods, followed by the removal of excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples. Finally, the incisions will be sealed, and dressings will be applied.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. You may experience some discomfort as sensation returns, but pain relief medication will be provided. You will likely spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. The recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation, with most patients able to return to routine activities within a few days and resume light activities within one week, and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
6. Dr. William Samson
Surgeon's Background
Dr. William Samson is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience. He specializes in breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and his plastic surgery training at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, focusing on microsurgery and breast reconstruction.
Services Offered
He performs breast implant removal surgery, which includes removing the breast implants, the leaked silicone material, and the breast capsule (if necessary). He aims to provide the best, most natural - looking results for his patients.
Benefits of Implant Removal
Patients who choose breast implant removal with Dr. Samson may enjoy benefits such as boosted confidence, decreased neck or back pain, elimination of the risk of potential rare cancers like BIA - ALCL, easier mammograms, no more implant rupture risks, and reduction or removal of pain from capsular contracture.
Procedure Day
On the day of surgery, you will receive either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Dr. Samson will make incisions either underneath the lower fold of your breast or around or below the areola, remove the breast capsules and implants using appropriate techniques, and then close the incisions.
Recovery
After being discharged, you will need a family member or friend to drive you home. Your breasts will be covered with dressings, and drainage tubes may be temporarily in place. A compression garment is worn to minimize swelling. The swelling and pain will dissipate over several weeks, and the breast profile may change after the surgery.
7. Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Surgeon's Background
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman is a highly skilled plastic surgeon at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City. He offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients.
Reasons for Implant Removal
Patients may choose implant removal due to health concerns such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness, cosmetic preferences such as changes in personal taste or body image, or aging implants that may degrade or shift over time.
Implant Exchange Options
For those who do not want to remove the implants entirely, implant exchange allows them to adjust the breast size or switch between silicone and saline implants based on their current needs and aesthetic goals.
Procedure Details
The breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration of the procedure depend on whether it is a simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange. Dr. Zuckerman uses techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery.
Recovery and Care
Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.
Comparing the Top Surgeons
| Surgeon | Specialty | Unique Services | Facility | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Premier breast surgeon, custom explant and en bloc capsulectomy | Removal of recalled Allergan implants, breast lift pairing | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital | Final results in several months, 2 - week exercise restriction |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Breast implant removal, addressing aesthetic and medical issues | Experience with BIA - ALCL and BII, breast lift recommendation | Office on Upper East Side | Results vary based on individual procedure |
| Dr. Steven Wallach | Breast implant removal and replacement | Removal through previous surgical approach, implant replacement option | Surgery center | Return to light activity in 3 - 5 days, full recovery in 6 - 8 weeks |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub | Breast implant removal, replacement, and lift | Autologous fat replacement, twilight sleep anesthesia | Private surgical center at 800a Fifth Avenue | Minimal swelling and bruising, return to normal routine as advised |
| Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs | Breast explant | Silicone removal and breast pocket cleaning | New York Group for Plastic Surgery facility | Similar to initial breast augmentation recovery, 6 - week full recovery |
| Dr. William Samson | Breast implant removal and reconstruction | Focus on natural - looking results | Office in New York City | Swelling and pain dissipate in weeks, breast profile change |
