Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Removal

Introduction

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a significant decision that many women in New York City may consider for various reasons. Whether it's due to medical complications, changing aesthetic preferences, or other personal factors, finding a reliable and experienced hospital or surgeon is crucial. In this article, we will explore several top - rated options in New York City for breast implant removal, along with detailed information about the procedure, candidacy, recovery, and more.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Before delving into the hospitals, it's essential to understand the common reasons why individuals opt for breast implant removal:

Medical Complications: Implant rupture, either in saline or silicone implants, can be a cause for concern. For example, a saline implant may deflate rapidly if it ruptures, while a silicone implant rupture may require an MRI to detect. Capsular contracture, which is the hardening of scar tissue around the implant, can also cause pain, discomfort, and a distorted appearance of the breasts. Additionally, the rare breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) has been linked to certain textured breast implants, leading to their recall by the FDA and subsequent removal of affected implants.
Aesthetic Preferences: Over time, a person's body image and aesthetic goals may change. Some may no longer feel satisfied with the look or size of their breast implants and wish to return to their natural breast size or make other aesthetic adjustments.
Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle alterations can also play a role. For instance, activities that were previously enjoyed may become more difficult or uncomfortable with breast implants, prompting their removal.

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

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as one of 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.

Expertise: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. In cases where indicated, he also conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He is also experienced in removing the allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL.
Patient Experience: Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the satisfaction of his patients. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond, with an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results, performed with total discretion.
Consultation and Procedure: 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 patient's symptoms and desired outcome to create a proper surgical plan. The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed 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.

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

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal services. Their plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, are experienced in performing explant procedures.

Reasons for Explant: Common reasons for a patient to have an explant surgery at this practice include the removal of leaking or ruptured breast implants, removal of implants causing pain or other complications, replacement of damaged implants, improving the aesthetics and feel of the breasts, and removing capsular contracture.
Procedure Steps: The surgeons may administer either local or general anesthesia depending on the patient's condition and preference. The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. After making the incisions and draining any accumulated fluid, the implants are removed, and excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is also taken out. The area is then reconstructed for a more natural appearance, and the incisions are sealed.
Recovery: Patients are provided with post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. Recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation surgery, with patients expected to have about three days of downtime. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City who performs breast implant removal procedures.

Candidates: Good candidates for the procedure are generally healthy individuals who desire to have their implants removed. Those with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking prior to the procedure and stop taking blood - thinning medications are also preferred candidates.
Benefits: The procedure can be medically necessary in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture. It can also be done for non - medical reasons, such as when a person's aesthetic preferences change. Patients may also choose to replace the old implants with new ones at the same time if desired.
Consultation and Procedure: During the consultation, Dr. Wallach will evaluate the patient's situation. If there are complications like capsular contracture, he may perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the explantation surgery. The surgery is performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After making an incision, he removes the implant and may remove the scar capsule. In case of leakage or rupture, he takes extra care to remove any silicone gel that has seeped out.

Dr. Darren Smith

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

Ideal Candidates: Ideal candidates include those whose breast implants have been in place for about 10 years or more, which is when issues like rupture or capsular contracture may occur. Patients whose breast shape has changed due to age, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or breastfeeding are also good candidates. In some cases, breast explant surgery or replacement is medically necessary, such as when there is capsular contracture or a diagnosis of BIA - ALCL.
Procedure: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A thin incision is generally made either along the inframammary fold or beneath the areola, often using the original incision from the breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring. Dr. Smith removes the breast implants from the breast capsule and also removes scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks if necessary. Patients have the option to replace the implants with new ones of the same size, a bigger size, or a smaller size, or they can choose to be implant - free.
Recovery: Mild discomfort and swelling are expected after the procedure. Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous movements for two weeks and limit activities like exercise and heavy lifting during recovery. Most patients can resume normal activities of daily living shortly after the procedure.

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures at his practice in New York City.

Reasons for Removal/Exchange: Patients may choose to have their breast implants removed due to health concerns like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness (BII). Cosmetic preferences can also play a role, such as a desire for a different size or type of implant. As breast implants age, they may degrade or shift, necessitating replacement or removal.
Procedure and Recovery: The breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in using techniques to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. Post - operative care includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Patients typically return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.

Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stafford Broumand, a board - certified plastic surgeon, provides breast implant removal services in New York City.

Procedure Details: Breast implant removal is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Broumand carefully removes the breast implants through well - concealed incisions, typically in the inframammary fold or around the areola, while considering the patient's desired aesthetic outcomes. In cases of capsular contracture, an en bloc capsulectomy may be performed to remove the entire capsule along with the implant.
Recovery and Results: After the procedure, patients are given post - operative care instructions to ensure a comfortable recovery. Over time, the breasts will heal and settle into a more natural state, with improvements in appearance and feel.

Dr. Casian Monaco

Dr. Casian Monaco's practice in New York City's upper east side offers services in breast implant removal and exchange.

Personalized Approach: He understands that the decision to remove or exchange breast implants is deeply personal. He conducts a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history and aesthetic goals during the initial consultation and creates a detailed surgical plan. The plan may involve replacement with new implants, breast lifts, or other procedures.
Post - Procedure Care: His practice emphasizes comprehensive post - procedure care to ensure a smooth and swift recovery. The state - of - the - art facility on the upper east side provides a comfortable and safe environment for the procedure, and the compassionate team supports patients throughout the entire experience.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the breast implant removal process is a consultation with the surgeon. During this meeting, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. The patient should bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. They should also discuss their symptoms, if any, and their desired outcome. The surgeon will then work with the patient to create a surgical plan, which may include additional procedures like a breast lift if necessary.

Preparation

Preparation for breast implant removal may involve several steps:

Medical Tests: The surgeon may send the patient for imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue.
Medication Adjustment: Patients are usually advised to avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anti - inflammatory medications, and blood - thinning medications for a specific period before the procedure. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Arrangements: Patients need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to assist them in the first few days of recovery. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery.

Anesthesia

Breast implant removal can be performed under different types of anesthesia:

Local Anesthesia with Intravenous Sedation: This is a common option where the patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the breast area and an intravenous sedative to make them relaxed and sleepy during the procedure.
General Anesthesia: In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially if the procedure is more complex or if the patient prefers to be completely unconscious during the surgery.

Surgical Process

If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. However, if there are complications like capsular contracture or a silicone implant rupture, it may be necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and scar tissue are removed simultaneously, it is called en - bloc resection. After the removal, the incisions are closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and an external layer of sutures if needed.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

Recovery from breast implant removal varies from person to person, but there are some general guidelines:

Immediate Post - Operative: After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. They may be given a specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. Since it is usually an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day, but they must have an escort as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
First Few Days: Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery as their body uses energy to heal. They are advised to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks and to follow all post - operative instructions carefully. It is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which typically fades over time. There may also be some fluid drainage from the incision site.
Long - Term Recovery: Most patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure. Swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, but it may take several months before the final results are visible. Scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally.

Risks and Considerations

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal has some risks:

Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
Infection: The surgical site can become infected, and patients may need antibiotics to treat the infection.
Numbness: Numbness at the incision site or in the breast area may occur and may be temporary or permanent.
Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure.
Scarring: There will be scars from the incisions, although the surgeon will try to minimize their visibility. The appearance of the scars may change over time.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified surgeon. In New York City, there are several excellent options, including highly experienced surgeons like Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Andrew Salzberg, Dr. Jordan Jacobs, Dr. Steven Wallach, Dr. Darren Smith, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, Dr. Stafford Broumand, and Dr. Casian Monaco. Each surgeon offers unique expertise and a personalized approach to meet the needs of their patients. It's important to understand the procedure, the recovery process, and the potential risks before making a decision. If you're considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these professionals to learn more about your options and make an informed choice.

Call - to - Action: If you have any questions or are ready to take the next step in your breast implant removal journey, contact one of the surgeons mentioned above. They can provide you with more detailed information and guide you through the process.