Introduction
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that many women in New York City may contemplate due to various reasons, such as medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or concerns about implant - related diseases. In this article, we will explore the top 5 reputable hospitals for removing breast augmentation prostheses in New York City. These hospitals are staffed with experienced surgeons, offer advanced surgical techniques, and provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
1. The Practice of Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He repeatedly appears on the best doctors lists for Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He is an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal: Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He takes into account each patient's unique needs and circumstances.
- 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 where there are concerns about breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or other issues related to the implant capsule.
- Removal of Recalled Implants: He also handles the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with an increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
Patient Suitability
Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. Ideal candidates include women experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement implant, those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wishing to return to their natural breast size, and those with textured implants recalled by the FDA and experiencing symptoms of BIA - ALCL.
Consultation and Surgical Process
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. Patients are encouraged to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the discussion of the desired outcome, a surgical plan is created. The surgery is often performed in his private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, a fully - accredited outpatient surgery center equipped with the latest technology. Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia.
Recovery and Results
After surgery, patients recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. They are provided with discharge instructions for the post - operative period. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks. The final results may take several months to become visible, and scars will gradually fade.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Surgeons' Profile
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has two well - known plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, who specialize in breast implant removal procedures.
Services Offered
- Breast Explant: They perform breast explant procedures to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. During the procedure, they also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
- Addressing Various Concerns: They handle cases related to leaking silicone gel or ruptured implants, implants causing pain or other complications, replacement of damaged implants, improvement of breast aesthetics and feel, and removal of capsular contracture.
Patient Preparation
Patients need to avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications should be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery. An examination is required to determine breast health, and patients should arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Surgical Procedure
The surgeon administers either local or general anesthesia based on the consultation. The surgical area is prepared with antibacterial soap. Incisions are made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. Implants are removed using various methods, and excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is also removed. The incisions are then sealed, and dressings are applied. The surgery usually takes one to three hours.
Recovery
After the procedure, patients are awakened from anesthesia and taken to a recovery room. They may experience some discomfort, which is managed with pain relief medication. Patients spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. They are provided with post - procedure instructions on wearing a compression bra, taking antibiotics, and applying cold compresses. Recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation, with three days of significant downtime, and patients can gradually resume light activities within a week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.
3. The Practice of Dr. Steven Wallach
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Steven Wallach is a well - established plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience in breast implant removal and related procedures.
Services Offered
- Implant Removal: Dr. Wallach performs breast implant surgery removal, usually making an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant pocket and remove the implants. He also removes implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary.
- Combined Procedures: The procedure may be combined with other breast procedures depending on the patient's needs, such as breast implant replacement or a breast lift.
Patient Selection
Good candidates are healthy individuals who desire implant removal. Non - smokers or those who stop smoking before the procedure are preferred. Patients with medical issues may need medical clearance from their primary care physician. Blood - thinning medications should be stopped before surgery.
Consultation and Surgical Planning
During the consultation, if there are complications like capsular contracture, Dr. Wallach performs an examination to confirm the diagnosis and schedules the explantation surgery. For cosmetic issues, he discusses options for breast implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures. He walks patients through the available options and techniques to achieve the best results with minimal scarring.
Surgery and Recovery
The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Wallach makes an incision, removes the implant and possibly the scar capsule, and in case of leakage, takes extra care to remove the leaked silicone gel. If the patient wants implant replacement, new implants are inserted. After the procedure, patients have swelling, bruising, and may experience mild pain. They need a caregiver for about a day. Most patients can return to light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting for six to eight weeks.
4. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Surgeons' Expertise
The breast surgery expert plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are top - rated and highly trained in breast implant removal surgery. They are world - renowned for their advanced breast implants removal techniques.
Services Offered
- Customized Removal Procedures: They offer en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy procedures based on the patient's desired post - op result. In an en bloc procedure, the implant and capsule are removed in one piece. A partial capsulectomy involves removing the implant material and trimming the capsule to create the desired chest contour, while a total capsulectomy removes the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
- Consultation and Planning: During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon explains each variation of the breast implant removal procedure and works with the patient to create a treatment plan that reflects the patient's post - operative goals.
Surgical Environment
The breast implant removal surgery is performed at their state - of - the - art fully accredited surgical suite. The procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks. The center provides support and guidance throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.
5. The Practice of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Surgeon's Profile
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the Upper East Side in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal procedures.
Indications for Removal
She addresses both aesthetic and medical reasons for breast implant removal. Aesthetic issues include a palpable or visible implant, rupture, leakage, deflation, implant malposition, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, and nipple or areola problems. Medical issues involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
Handling Special Cases
Dr. Hutchinson is well - versed in handling cases related to BIA - ALCL, a rare cancer associated with certain textured breast implants. She also has experience dealing with breast implant illness, which is a collection of symptoms believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Consultation and Surgical Approach
During the consultation, she advises patients on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to achieve their goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be recommended. The surgery is performed with the patient's comfort and safety in mind, and she provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Removal
Surgeon's Experience and Reputation
The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons with a long - standing track record in breast implant removal procedures, positive patient reviews, and memberships in professional medical societies. Reputable surgeons are more likely to perform the surgery safely and achieve good results.
Surgical Techniques
Different hospitals and surgeons may use different surgical techniques. For example, en bloc capsulectomy is a more complex but potentially more effective technique in certain cases. Make sure the surgeon uses the most appropriate technique for your situation.
Pre - and Post - Operative Care
Comprehensive pre - operative evaluation, including a thorough assessment of your medical history and breast condition, is essential. Post - operative care, such as follow - up appointments, pain management, and guidance on recovery, can significantly affect your overall experience and the final outcome.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of breast implant removal can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the location of the hospital, and any additional procedures. It's important to understand the cost breakdown and check if your insurance covers the procedure. In some cases, such as when the removal is due to medical necessity, insurance may cover a portion of the cost.
Common Questions About Breast Implant Removal
Is breast implant removal a safe procedure?
When performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, breast implant removal is typically a safe procedure. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks such as bleeding, infection, numbness at the incision site, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Surgeons will discuss these risks with patients during the consultation.
How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, patients can expect to have some swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few weeks. Most patients can return to light activities within a week or two and resume more vigorous exercise in about six weeks. However, it may take several months for the final results to become fully visible.
Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?
Not all patients need a breast lift after implant removal. It depends on factors such as the size of the original implants, changes to the body, and how long the implants have been in place. Some patients' breasts may return to their pre - operative shape naturally, while others may benefit from a breast lift to achieve a more plump and rounded appearance.
What causes breast implant - associated problems?
Problems can be caused by various factors. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens. Rupture or leakage can happen due to wear and tear over time. Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is associated with certain types of textured breast implants, and breast implant illness (BII) is believed to be related to pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Conclusion
Removing breast augmentation prostheses is a decision that requires careful consideration. The top 5 hospitals in New York City - the Practice of Dr. Darrick E. Antell, New York Group for Plastic Surgery, the Practice of Dr. Steven Wallach, Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, and the Practice of Dr. Olivia Hutchinson - offer a range of services, experienced surgeons, and advanced surgical techniques to meet the needs of patients. When choosing a hospital, it's important to consider factors such as surgeon experience, surgical techniques, pre - and post - operative care, and cost. By making an informed decision, patients can ensure a safe and satisfactory breast implant removal experience.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these reputable hospitals or surgeons. Discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations to get the best possible outcome for your breast health and aesthetic goals.
