Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure, but there are various reasons why women may choose to have their breast prostheses removed. Whether it's due to medical complications, dissatisfaction with the results, or lifestyle changes, selecting the right hospital for breast prosthesis removal is crucial. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals that offer high - quality services in this field. This article will introduce the top 5 hospitals for breast prosthesis removal after prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City.
Understanding Breast Prosthesis Removal
Reasons for Breast Prosthesis Removal
- Medical Complications:
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and breathing difficulties after breast augmentation. Although the exact cause is uncertain, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems. For example, some patients may develop a general sense of malaise that affects their daily life, prompting them to consider implant removal.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare cancer that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. Some textured implants, especially those made by Allergan, have been associated with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to this risk. Symptoms include pain or swelling around the breasts and changes in breast size or shape.
- Capsular Contracture: The tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast's appearance. This can range from mild firmness to a severe, painful condition that affects the quality of life of the patient.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants may deflate rapidly if they rupture, while silicone implants may have a more subtle leak. An MRI may be required to detect a silicone implant rupture. In either case, the presence of a ruptured or leaking implant can be a significant reason for removal.
- Cosmetic Reasons:
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance: The implants may not have achieved the desired aesthetic result. For instance, they may be too large or too small, have an unnatural shape, or be positioned incorrectly, leading to an unbalanced or unattractive appearance of the breasts.
- Change in Preferences: Over time, a patient's aesthetic preferences may change. What was appealing at the time of augmentation may no longer be in line with their current style or self - image.
- Lifestyle Changes: Some women may find that the breast implants are no longer compatible with their lifestyle. For example, active individuals may find that large implants interfere with their physical activities such as sports or exercise.
Procedure Overview
Breast prosthesis removal, also known as explant surgery, involves removing the existing silicone or saline implants from the body. In some cases, an en bloc capsulectomy may be performed to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient throughout the procedure. The surgeon will usually try to remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, but this may not always be possible depending on the location of the original incisions.
Top 5 Hospitals in New York City for Breast Prosthesis Removal
1. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Surgeon Reputation
Dr. Darrick Antell 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. He has a long - standing reputation for his exceptional surgical results and is known for his meticulous surgical skills and the ability to produce beautiful results. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which speaks volumes about the satisfaction of his patients with their new look. He has also performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs personalized explant surgery, taking into account the patient's specific needs and circumstances. He carefully evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts before formulating a surgical plan.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. This is particularly important in cases of BIA - ALCL or severe capsular contracture, as it helps to ensure the complete removal of potentially problematic tissue.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: He also specializes in the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL.
Facility Details
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 the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. His facility has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for the patient's comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. All members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care.
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Surgeon Reputation
Dr. Barry Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artistic ability. He studied medicine at Cornell, where core values were emphasized, and bases his practice on these values. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, from pre - op to post - op care and beyond. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, which shows his expertise in dealing with challenging cases. He is highly respected in the medical community and is committed to providing the best possible results for his patients.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: Dr. Weintraub offers the option of removing the existing implants and replacing them with better - positioned, more appropriately sized, or more natural - looking and - feeling implants. He always places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create the most natural - looking result. In some cases, he may also perform a breast lift in conjunction with the removal and replacement of implants.
- Use of Autologous Fat: Another option he provides is to replace the lost volume with autologous fat, which can be liposuctioned from various areas of the body such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. This can help to achieve a more natural - looking and - feeling breast.
Facility Details
Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, and the Center for Specialty Care (outpatient limb of Weill - Cornell Hospital), he prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. This facility is attended by his team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff. It has a private entrance and offers the highest quality of medical and plastic - surgical care.
3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Surgeon Reputation
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. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal. Her patients often leave positive reviews, highlighting her professionalism, compassion, and the excellent results she achieves.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Hutchinson thoroughly evaluates patients with breast implant - related concerns, whether they are aesthetic or medical. She will advise patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help them achieve their goals.
- Addressing Aesthetic and Medical Issues: She can address a wide range of aesthetic issues such as palpable or visible implants, implant rupture, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. She also has experience dealing with medical issues like BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness.
- Secondary Procedures: In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure such as a breast lift to achieve the best aesthetic results after implant removal.
Facility Details
Patients visiting Dr. Hutchinson can expect a calm and clean environment. Her office staff is highly professional and friendly, ensuring that patients feel comfortable throughout the process. The facility is equipped with the necessary resources to provide high - quality care during the consultation, surgery, and post - operative periods.
4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Reputation
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has a team of experienced plastic surgeons, including Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs. They are well - known in the field for providing effective solutions to address the varied concerns commonly experienced by women regarding their breasts. Their patients benefit from their expertise and personalized approach to plastic surgery.
Services Offered
- Breast Explant Procedure: The surgeons at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery perform breast explant surgery to remove 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 during the procedure.
- Pre - operative Preparation Guidance: They provide detailed guidance on pre - operative preparation, including instructions on avoiding certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood - thinning medications. They also help patients arrange for a caregiver after the surgery.
- Post - operative Care: After the surgery, patients receive comprehensive post - operative care instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. This includes information on wearing a compression bra, taking prescribed antibiotics, and applying cold compresses.
Facility Details
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery serves patients in all of New York and communities in the Hudson River Valley, northern New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and western Connecticut. Their facility is equipped with modern surgical equipment and provides a comfortable environment for patients during the surgical process.
5. Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice
Surgeon Reputation
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has extensive experience in breast implant removal surgery. He is known for his ability to provide personalized solutions for his patients, taking into account their specific needs and goals. He also offers detailed consultations to help patients understand their options and make informed decisions about their breast implant removal.
Services Offered
- Implant Removal and Replacement: Dr. Wallach can perform breast implant removal and, if desired by the patient, replacement with new implants. He carefully assesses the patient's condition and discusses the best options for achieving the desired aesthetic results.
- Complications Management: He is experienced in dealing with complications such as capsular contracture and implant rupture. He provides appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the complication.
Facility Details
Dr. Wallach's practice provides a convenient location to serve the areas of New York, NY. His surgery center is equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure the safety and comfort of patients during the breast implant removal procedure. The staff is well - trained to provide support throughout the process.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
Hospital/Practice | Surgeon Reputation | Services Offered | Facility Details |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | World - renowned, listed in top magazines, many celebrity clients | Custom removal, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Private, accredited outpatient center near Lenox Hill Hospital |
Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice | Highly respected, specializes in complex redos | Removal and replacement, use of autologous fat | Private surgical center at 800a Fifth Avenue |
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice | Board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated, experienced in breast issues | Comprehensive evaluation, address aesthetic and medical issues, secondary procedures | Calm and clean office environment |
New York Group for Plastic Surgery | Experienced team, effective solutions for breast concerns | Breast explant, pre - operative guidance, post - operative care | Serves multiple regions, modern surgical equipment |
Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice | Board - certified, personalized solutions | Implant removal and replacement, complications management | Convenient location, well - equipped surgery center |
Preparing for Breast Prosthesis Removal
Medical Evaluation
Before the breast prosthesis removal procedure, patients will need to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. This includes a detailed assessment of their general health, medical history, and any current medications they are taking. The surgeon will also examine the breasts to determine the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI may be ordered to obtain more information about the implants and to check for any potential complications.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients may need to make certain lifestyle changes before the surgery. They should avoid smoking for a certain period before and after the procedure, as smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. They may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood - thinning medications, aspirin, and anti - inflammatory medications, for a specified time before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Pre - operative Instructions
Patients will receive pre - operative instructions from their surgeon. These instructions may include guidelines on eating and drinking before the surgery, as well as information on when to stop taking certain vitamins and supplements. They will also be advised to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to have someone available to assist them during the initial days of recovery.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the breast prosthesis removal surgery, patients will recover in a dedicated recovery suite. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. They will be monitored by a registered nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. Since the surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, patients can return home on the same day. However, they should be prepared to have an escort as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
Short - term Recovery
In the first few days after the surgery, patients may experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site. They will be provided with pain relief medication to manage any discomfort. It is important for patients to rest and allow their bodies to heal during this time. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first four to six weeks to prevent complications and promote proper healing.
Long - term Recovery
Over time, the swelling and bruising will gradually fade. It may take several months before the final results are visible. Patients may experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, but this numbness typically fades over time. If external sut