Introduction
Breast implant removal has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. There are multiple reasons why individuals opt for this surgery, including dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results, medical complications, or concerns about long - term health effects. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals for breast implant removal in New York City and also take a close look at the price list associated with this procedure.
Why Breast Implant Removal?
Medical Reasons
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) around the breast implant hardens and squeezes the implant. It can cause pain, distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort. According to some medical studies, approximately 10 - 15% of breast implant patients may experience some degree of capsular contracture over time.
- Implant rupture or leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak. A saline implant rupture will cause the breast to deflate quickly as the saline is absorbed by the body. A silicone implant rupture is more difficult to detect as the silicone gel may not immediately show external signs. It can cause local inflammation and pain.
- Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although rare, it is a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that has been associated with breast implants, especially textured implants. The FDA has recalled certain textured breast implants due to the increased risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Breast implant illness (BII): Patients may experience a range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and rashes. The exact cause of BII is still unknown, but it is thought to be related to an autoimmune response.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Unsatisfactory results: Some patients may not be happy with the size, shape, or position of their implants after the initial breast augmentation surgery.
- Change in lifestyle or preference: As time passes, a patient's lifestyle or aesthetic preferences may change, leading them to decide to remove their implants.
Top Three Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
1. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick 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 one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Qualifications and Experience
- Dr. Antell has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures. He is board - certified and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- He has won numerous awards, such as being a fellow of the Jacques W. Maliniac Circle of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and being listed in "Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare," "Who's Who in the World," and "Who's Who in America."
Services Offered
- He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. When indicated, he also performs an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also handles the removal of the recalled Allergan textured breast implants associated with BIA - ALCL.
- Dr. Antell offers consultations where he thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. He discusses the patient's desired outcome and creates a personalized surgical plan. If needed, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift.
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, and he maintains total discretion.
- The surgery is usually performed in his discreet, private operating room located across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility is fully accredited, state - of - the - art, and designed for patient comfort. His staff is well - trained to offer personalized care.
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is known for his expertise in breast implant removal and replacement procedures in NYC.
Qualifications and Experience
- He studied medicine at Cornell, where core values were emphasized. He has years of experience in plastic surgery and a unique blend of medical science and artwork, as he approaches cosmetic surgery as a form of art on the human form.
- Over 60% of his practice consists of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices. He is meticulous about every aspect of his work, from pre - op to post - op care.
Services Offered
- He performs breast implant removal and replacement surgeries. Patients may choose to change the size, location, or type of implants, or they may opt to replace the implants with autologous fat. In some cases, a breast lift may be done in conjunction with the removal and replacement of implants.
- During the consultation, he takes the time to listen to the patient's concerns and desires. He helps the patient understand their options and makes recommendations based on their specific needs.
Patient Experience
- Dr. Weintraub's patients often report high satisfaction rates. He prefers to perform surgeries in his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility offers a private entrance and is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff.
- He provides detailed pre - operative instructions and helps patients prepare for the surgery, including ordering a custom - made post - surgical garment. For patients from outside a 50 - mile radius of NYC, he advises a two - night post - operative stay at select hotels with a special reduced rate, and he may visit the patient after the procedure.
3. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon on the Upper East Side in NYC.
Qualifications and Experience
- She is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal.
Services Offered
- She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. For aesthetic issues such as implant palpability, rupture, malposition, or capsular contracture, she provides appropriate surgical solutions. For medical issues like BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness, she offers expert advice and treatment options.
- She 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 recommended for better aesthetic results.
Patient Experience
- Patients have praised Dr. Hutchinson and her amazing staff for the exceptional care they provide. The atmosphere in her office is calming, and everything is super clean. She makes patients feel comfortable and the results are often reported as amazing.
- Patients can contact her office at (212) 452 - 1400 to book a consultation.
Price List for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
The cost of breast implant removal in New York can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of facility (surgery center or outpatient hospital), the complexity of the procedure, and the specific services included.
Average Cash Prices at Different Facilities
| Facility Type | Average Cash Price for Breast Implant Removal |
|---|---|
| Surgery Center | $3,412 |
| Outpatient Hospital | $6,165 |
Breakdown of Costs at a Surgery Center
| Component | Units | Average Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| General Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First - time visit) | 1 | $144 |
| Provider Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | 1 | $953 |
| Surgery Center Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | 1 | $1,613 |
| Prescriptions (Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen) | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | 1 | $155 |
| Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | 229 minutes | $528 |
Breakdown of Costs at an Outpatient Hospital
| Component | Units | Average Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| General Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First - time visit) | 1 | $144 |
| Provider Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | 1 | $953 |
| Outpatient Hospital Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | 1 | $4,367 |
| Prescriptions (Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen) | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | 1 | $155 |
| Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | 229 minutes | $528 |
Factors Affecting the Cost
- Complexity of the procedure: If there are complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, the procedure may be more complex and thus more expensive.
- Type of anesthesia: General anesthesia and more advanced forms of anesthesia may increase the cost.
- Additional procedures: If a breast lift or other associated procedures are performed along with the implant removal, the cost will be higher.
- Surgeon's experience and reputation: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons may charge more for their services.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
- Consultation: The patient meets with the surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. They may be asked to bring any information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI.
- Medical clearance: The patient may need to obtain medical clearance from their primary care physician or other specialists, especially if they have any underlying health conditions.
- Preparation instructions: The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications before the surgery. They may also be given prescriptions to fill prior to the procedure.
- Arrangements: Since the surgery is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to assist them during the first few days of recovery.
The Surgery
- Anesthesia: Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another type of “twilight” anesthesia. In some rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
- Incision: If possible, the surgeon will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely with inframammary fold or areolar incisions. If there are complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, a larger incision may be necessary.
- Implant removal: The surgeon will carefully remove the implant and any surrounding scar tissue. In some cases, an en - bloc resection may be performed, where the implant and the entire capsule are removed together.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures if needed. A layer of gauze or a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in healing.
Post - operative Recovery
- Immediate recovery: The patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. They will be provided with discharge instructions, which may include information on pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions.
- Initial days: The patient may feel tired or sore following the surgery. They may need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to reduce swelling. It is common to experience some fluid drainage from the incision site and some loss of feeling in the breast area, which usually fades over time.
- Long - term recovery: Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate. It may take several months for the final results to be visible, and the scars will gradually fade over time.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. The top three hospitals in New York City - Dr. Darrick Antell's practice, Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's practice - offer expert services and personalized care for patients seeking this procedure. The price of breast implant removal can vary depending on multiple factors, and patients should have a clear understanding of the costs involved before making a decision. By choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, patients can expect a safe and successful breast implant removal procedure with good long - term results.
If you are considering breast implant removal in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the surgeons mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and any questions you may have. Your journey towards a more comfortable and satisfying aesthetic can start today.
