Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses has become a common cosmetic procedure in recent years. However, there are times when women may need to have their breast prostheses removed. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and clinics that offer this service. This article aims to provide a comprehensive top - 10 ranking list of hospitals for removing breast prostheses in breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City in 2025, along with detailed information about the procedure, associated factors, and how to choose the right hospital.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure where the breast implants inserted during a previous breast augmentation are taken out. There are various reasons why a woman might opt for this procedure. These include mechanical problems with the implants like rupture, leakage, or deflation. Capsular contracture, which causes distortion and abnormal appearance of the breasts due to hardening of the soft tissue envelope around the implants, can also be a reason. Medical issues such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or breast implant illness (BII) have also led many women to consider implant removal.
For example, the recall of certain textured breast implants in 2019 due to their association with BIA - ALCL has prompted many women with these implants to have them removed. BII, on the other hand, refers to a wide variety of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and more that patients may experience after breast augmentation with implants.
Factors to Consider When Ranking Hospitals
Surgeon Experience
The experience of the plastic surgeons in the hospital is of utmost importance. Surgeons with extensive experience in breast implant removal are more likely to handle complex cases and provide better outcomes. They are familiar with different techniques and can deal with any complications that may arise during the surgery. For instance, top surgeons can determine the most appropriate method of removal, whether it's an en bloc capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy, based on the patient's unique anatomy and condition.
Hospital Reputation
A hospital's reputation can be judged by factors such as patient reviews, awards, and recognition in the medical community. Hospitals with a long - standing reputation for excellence in plastic surgery are more likely to offer high - quality services. Positive patient reviews indicate that the hospital has satisfied its patients in terms of surgical results, post - operative care, and overall patient experience. Awards and recognition from professional medical organizations also reflect the hospital's commitment to providing top - notch care.
Technological Advancements
Modern hospitals are equipped with state - of - the - art technology for breast implant removal. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI, ultrasound, and mammogram can help surgeons accurately assess the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissues before the surgery. Newer surgical tools and equipment can also make the procedure safer and more precise, reducing the risk of complications and improving the patient's recovery time.
Range of Services
A good hospital should offer a comprehensive range of services related to breast implant removal. This includes pre - operative consultations, where the surgeon thoroughly evaluates the patient's medical history, current condition, and expectations. Post - operative care is also crucial, which may involve pain management, follow - up appointments, and support for any complications or issues that may arise during the recovery process. Some hospitals may also offer additional services such as breast lift procedures in conjunction with implant removal to achieve better aesthetic results.
The Top 10 Ranking List of Hospitals in New York City
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Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
This center in Manhattan is known for its top - rated breast surgery team. The plastic surgeons here are highly trained in breast implant removal surgery and are world - renowned for their advanced techniques. They offer various breast implant removal procedures, including en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy. The state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite ensures a high - quality surgical environment. The procedure usually takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks. Their expertise in customizing the treatment plan according to the patient's unique needs makes them a top choice.
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Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Clinic
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC. With over 20 years of experience, she has a deep understanding of breast implant - related concerns. She evaluates patients thoroughly and advises them on the best surgical options. In some cases, she may recommend a secondary procedure like a breast lift to achieve better aesthetic results. Her patient - centric approach and the high - quality care provided by her and her staff have earned her a great reputation.
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Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is a widely regarded plastic surgeon in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery and also specializes in en bloc capsulectomy when necessary. He has an impeccable reputation, having been listed in many top magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His patients often include celebrities and well - known persons, which speaks volumes about his skills and discretion. His state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center across from Lenox Hill Hospital provides a comfortable and private surgical experience.
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Forest Hills Plastic Surgery
Although primarily known for breast augmentation, Forest Hills Plastic Surgery also has experience in breast implant removal. Patients have reported high satisfaction with the doctors' detailed explanations of the procedure and the quick and pain - free surgeries. The team here can provide personalized care and support throughout the implant removal process.
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Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics
This clinic has a great reputation for providing a smooth surgical journey for patients. Dr. Kevin and his team ensure that patients feel comfortable from the pre - operative consultation to the post - operative recovery. Their experience in various plastic surgery procedures, including breast implant removal, makes them a reliable choice for those seeking this service in New York City.
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RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center
Located in Brooklyn, this center offers breast implant removal among its 31 available procedures. The lead specialist at the clinic is experienced and performs all procedures and treatments. While pricing information for breast implant removal is available on request, the national average price for such procedures is approximately $5,352. The center's accreditation by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery assures patients of the quality of care.
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Leonard Grossman, M.D.
Based in Brooklyn, Dr. Leonard Grossman offers breast implant removal as part of his 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. His experience in dealing with breast - related surgeries gives patients confidence in his ability to perform successful implant removal. Although not accredited by recognized institutes, his track record and patient reviews can be considered when evaluating this option.
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New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
While specializing in facial plastic and laser surgery, this center also has the expertise to perform breast implant removal. With 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties, they have a diverse range of skills. The lead specialist here can provide patients with a detailed consultation and a well - planned surgical approach for implant removal.
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NYU Langone Hospitals
As a well - known and highly ranked hospital system in New York City, NYU Langone Hospitals offers comprehensive plastic surgery services, including breast implant removal. Their access to advanced technology, a team of experienced surgeons, and a reputation for high - quality patient care make them a top - tier choice. They are also involved in research and education, which keeps their surgical techniques up - to - date.
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New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is among the best in the country, with a long - standing reputation for medical excellence. Their plastic surgery department has experienced surgeons who can handle breast implant removal cases with precision. The hospital's vast resources, state - of - the - art facilities, and commitment to patient safety make it a reliable option for those considering breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Removal Procedure Details
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the breast implant removal surgery, patients need to have detailed conversations with their surgeon. They should disclose their medical history, allergies, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. Surgeons may ask patients to stop certain medications and habits weeks before the procedure, as they can affect the healing process. Practical preparations like arranging for someone to accompany the patient on the day of surgery, taking time off work for recovery, and setting up a comfortable space at home are also essential. Some patients may be required to undergo imaging tests such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the surgery.
Surgical Process
The surgery typically involves removing the breast implants through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery, if possible. If the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, this method is more likely to be used. However, if there are complications like capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or the presence of BIA - ALCL, the surgeon may need to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant, which is known as en - bloc resection. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. The incisions are closed using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed.
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is usually performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, implants can be removed with only local anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
After the surgery, patients recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. They can usually return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. However, they will need an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Patients may feel tired and sore, and it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and loss of feeling in the breast area. They should follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully, which may include wearing a compression garment, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding vigorous activities for a few weeks. Most patients can return to their daily activities within days, but it may take several months for the final results to be visible.
Benefits and Risks of Breast Implant Removal
Benefits
- Relief from physical discomfort: Many women who have breast implant - related problems like pain, discomfort, or capsular contracture experience relief after implant removal.
- Improved health: In cases where there are medical issues such as BIA - ALCL or BII, removing the implants can improve the patient's health.
- Aesthetic improvements: For those who are unhappy with the cosmetic results of their breast augmentation, implant removal can be the first step towards achieving a more natural and desired breast appearance. Some patients may also opt for a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal for better aesthetic outcomes.
Risks
- Bleeding and infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection at the incision site. Surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks, but patients should still be aware of the symptoms and report any concerns to their doctor immediately.
- Numbness: Patients may experience numbness in the breast area and around the incisions. This numbness usually fades over time, but in some cases, it may be permanent.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia: There is a small risk of an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery. However, this risk is minimized by the presence of a board - certified anesthesiologist who monitors the patient throughout the procedure.
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic results: Even after implant removal, the breasts may not return to their pre - implant state exactly. There may be some changes in shape, size, or texture, and patients may need to undergo additional procedures to achieve their desired aesthetic.
How to Choose the Right Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Research and Compare
Patients should research different hospitals and clinics in New York City that offer breast implant removal. They can look at hospital websites, patient reviews, and rankings to get an idea of the quality of care provided. Comparing the services, surgeon experience, and pricing of different hospitals can help patients make an informed decision.
Consultation
It is essential to schedule a consultation with the surgeon at the hospital. During the consultation, patients can discuss their concerns, expectations, and medical history with the surgeon. They can also ask questions about the surgical procedure, risks, recovery time, and post - operative care. The surgeon's communication skills and ability to address the patient's concerns are important factors to consider.
Cost
Cost is an important consideration for many patients. While the national average price for breast implant removal is approximately $5,352, the actual cost can vary depending on factors such as the surgeon's fees, facility costs, and the complexity of the procedure. Patients should ask for a detailed cost breakdown during the consultation and check if their insurance covers any part of the procedure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for breast implant removal in New York City is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the patient's physical and emotional well - being. The top 10 hospitals listed in this article offer a combination of experienced surgeons, advanced technology, and high - quality patient care. Whether a patient is seeking relief from implant - related problems or looking for aesthetic improvements, these hospitals can provide the necessary services. However, it is important for patients to do their own research, have consultations with the surgeons, and carefully consider all the factors before making a decision.
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, take the time to explore the options presented in this article. Contact the hospitals or clinics, schedule consultations, and make an informed choice that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast implant removal, and continue to explore related topics in plastic surgery to stay informed.