Top Hospitals for Silicone Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Introduction

When it comes to silicone breast implant removal in New York City, there are several highly - regarded options available. Many women may choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, including lifestyle changes, cosmetic concerns, or medical complications. In this comprehensive article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons in NYC for this procedure, their approaches, and what patients can expect throughout the process.

Reasons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal

There are multiple reasons why a woman might consider having her silicone breast implants removed:

1. Medical Complications: Some of the medical issues that can prompt removal include capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and causes pain and distortion of the breast. Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma, is also a serious concern. There have been associations between certain textured breast implants and a higher rate of BIA - ALCL, leading to FDA recalls. Other medical complications may involve implant rupture or leakage, which can cause health problems and changes in the appearance of the breast.
2. Cosmetic Dissatisfaction: A woman may be unhappy with the results of her original breast augmentation. The implants may be the wrong size, shape, or position, or the breasts may not look as natural as she had hoped. Over time, the body changes, and the implants may no longer look or feel right in proportion to the rest of the body.
3. Lifestyle Changes: As women's lives evolve, they may find that the implants no longer fit with their new lifestyle. For example, more active individuals may find that the implants interfere with physical activities or cause discomfort during exercise.

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

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as being among 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 being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His reputation is built on his extraordinary experience, surgical skills, and beautiful results.

Services Offered: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He has also removed the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.

Facility: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. However, most patients prefer for the procedure to take place 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 patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.

Patient Experience: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about their satisfaction. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, always maintaining total discretion.

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

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive breast implant removal services. They understand that getting breast implants was a major decision, and having them removed is also significant. They offer solid information to patients so that they can make an educated choice about their bodies.

Services Offered: During the breast explant procedure, their plastic surgeons will remove the breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. They also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket. Some common reasons for explant surgery include removing leaking or ruptured implants, addressing pain or other complications, replacing damaged implants, improving breast aesthetics, and removing capsular contracture.

Procedure and Recovery: Surgeons at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery may administer either local or general anesthesia. They use various methods to remove the implants, such as prying them out from beneath breast tissue or cutting through the shell if it is sticking to nearby tissues. The recovery process is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation, with some swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

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

Indications for Removal: She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues may include a palpable or visible implant, rupture, leakage, deflation, implant malposition, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, and unsightly scars. Medical issues can involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.

Approach: Dr. Hutchinson will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Dr. John Mesa

Dr. John Mesa is a plastic surgeon based in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami. He is passionate about making patients look their best in the most natural and attractive way and is dedicated to patient - centered service.

Procedure Details: Dr. Mesa performs breast implant removal at a fully accredited NYC, NJ, or Miami hospital or surgery center. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two hours. In many cases, the implant is removed through the original surgical scar, but incisions may be placed discreetly in other locations. After the implant is removed or replaced, the incision is closed with a focus on limiting the appearance of scars.

Recovery: Patients can expect to be up and moving around the day of the surgery and return to work in approximately seven to fourteen days. They will need to wear a special supportive bra to aid in recovery. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort can be managed with medication, and the swelling should subside within a few weeks.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in NYC. He performs breast implant surgery removal when a patient wants their implants taken out. His procedure is the inverse of breast augmentation, usually making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and then removing them.

Candidate Selection: Good candidates for implant removal are generally healthy, desire implant removal, and are non - smokers or willing to stop smoking prior to the procedure. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician. Dr. Wallach also advises candidates to stop taking blood - thinning medications prior to surgery.

Benefits and Risks: The procedure can be medically necessary in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture. Non - medical reasons may include changes in preferences and desired appearance. However, there are risks associated with the surgery, such as unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, nipple loss, and the need for revision surgery.

Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub is an experienced plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal and replacement. He places a strong emphasis on patient safety and achieving natural - looking results.

Reasons for Removal and Replacement: Breast implant removal and replacement are often done to change the size, location, or type of implants. Some patients are concerned about breast implant illness (BII) and wish to have the implants removed. Others may want to replace saline implants with more natural - feeling silicone gel implants. Capsular contracture can also be a reason for replacement.

Procedure and Facility: 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 his New York City operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. The procedure is performed in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue.

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery (Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani)

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery provides breast explant surgery in NYC. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani offers a personalized approach to each patient's individual goals.

Services and Treatment Plan: They provide capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them. After a consultation, an individualized treatment plan is created, which includes decisions about partially or fully removing the scar tissue and whether to replace the breast implants.

Recovery: The surgery takes 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. A follow - up appointment is scheduled to assess recovery and results.

Dr. William Samson

Dr. William Samson is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who specializes in breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery. He strives to provide patients with the best, most natural - looking results from their breast implant removal.

Benefits of Removal: His patients have enjoyed several benefits from breast implant removal, including boosted confidence, decreased neck or back pain from larger implants, elimination of the risk of rare cancers like BIA - ALCL, easier and more accurate mammograms, no more risk of implant rupture, and reduced or removed pain from capsular contracture.

Procedure and Candidate Selection: On the day of surgery, patients are given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Dr. Samson makes incisions either underneath the lower fold of the breast or around or below the areola. The best candidates for breast implant removal are nonsmokers, bothered by the appearance or experiencing discomfort of the implants, and have realistic expectations.

Preparing for Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Preparing for silicone breast implant removal is an important step to ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery. Here are some general steps:

• Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history. They may also assess the current condition of your breasts. If you have any existing medical conditions or are experiencing symptoms related to the implants, it is crucial to discuss these with your surgeon. You may need to undergo imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to evaluate the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue.
• Medication and Supplements: Certain medications and supplements can interfere with the procedure or increase the risk of bleeding. You should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications such as coumadin and heparin may need to be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery. Inform your prescribing physician about your plans so that they can provide guidance on when to stop taking these medications.
• Lifestyle Changes: It is advisable to stop smoking before the surgery as smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve your overall physical condition. If you have any other lifestyle factors that may affect the surgery or recovery, such as excessive alcohol consumption, discuss these with your surgeon.
• Arrangements for Recovery: Since breast implant removal is usually an outpatient procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you in the first few days of recovery. You may also need to purchase a compression garment or other post - operative supplies as recommended by your surgeon.

The Procedure Itself

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

1. Anesthesia: Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
2. Incision Placement: The surgeon will make an incision to access the breast implants. The location of the incision can vary depending on several factors, including the original surgical approach, the position of the implants, and the surgeon's preference. Common incision sites include the crease under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola, or vertically in the armpit.
3. Implant Removal: Once the incision is made, the surgeon will carefully remove the silicone implants. If there is scar tissue around the implants, it may also be removed. In some cases, an en bloc resection may be performed, which involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue as a single unit. This is often recommended in cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL.
4. Wound Closure: After the implants and any necessary scar tissue are removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the incisions to protect them and promote healing.

Recovery Process

Recovery from silicone breast implant removal varies from patient to patient, but here are some general guidelines:

• Immediate Post - Operative Period: After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Once you are awake and stable, you will be able to go home. However, since you will have had anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you. You will be provided with thorough discharge instructions, including information on how to care for the incisions, what medications to take, and what activities to avoid.
• First Few Days: In the first few days after surgery, you may feel tired and sore. Your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage, and you may experience some swelling, bruising, and fluid drainage from the incision sites. It is important to rest and follow your surgeon's instructions carefully. You may need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your breasts.
• Weeks After Surgery: Most patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. You may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. If external sutures were used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure.
• Long - Term Recovery: Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade. It is important to attend all follow - up appointments with your surgeon so that they can monitor your healing process and address any concerns.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, silicone breast implant removal carries some risks and potential complications:

• Bleeding and Infection: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment. Infection is also a possibility, and symptoms may include fever, redness, swelling, or pain at the incision site. If an infection occurs, it will usually be treated with antibiotics.
• Scarring: Scarring is an inevitable part of surgery. While surgeons try to minimize the appearance of scars, factors such as your skin type and the location of the incisions can affect the final outcome. Some patients may develop hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are raised and may be more noticeable.
• Numbness and Changes in Sensation: You may experience temporary or permanent numbness or changes in sensation in the breast area and around the incisions. This is due to nerve damage during the surgery, and in most cases, the sensation will gradually return over time, but it may not fully return to normal.
• Asymmetry: There is a risk of breast asymmetry after implant removal. This can occur due to differences in the amount of scar tissue removed, changes in breast shape, or uneven healing. In some cases, a secondary procedure may be required to correct the asymmetry.
• Anesthesia Complications: Although rare, there are risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic