Introduction
Breast implant removal has become a sought - after procedure in New York City for various reasons, such as medical complications, changes in aesthetic preferences, or the need to address concerns related to recalled implants. In this article, we will explore the top three public hospitals that are renowned for their expertise in removing breast augmentation prostheses. By looking at each hospital's facilities, surgeons, procedures, and patient experiences, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of these institutions.
Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Overview
Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - leading medical center. Its plastic & reconstructive surgery department has extensive experience in delivering high - quality care for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast implant removal.
Surgeons
The clinical staff at Columbia consists of highly proficient plastic surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde, the chief of the division of plastic surgery, is a skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher. She is trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, with a focus on microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Another notable surgeon is Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included multiple times in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors.
Procedures and Services
Columbia offers a variety of procedures related to breast implant removal. They provide both surgical and non - surgical options for cosmetic care. When it comes to breast implant removal, they can perform en bloc capsulectomy (removing the implant and the surrounding capsule in one piece) when indicated. The hospital also offers breast lift (mastopexy) procedures in conjunction with explant surgery to help patients achieve a more plump and rounded appearance.
Moreover, the department is actively involved in clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. Their research includes studies on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy applications to wound healing, which indirectly contributes to better surgical outcomes for breast implant removal patients.
Patient Experience
Patients at Columbia benefit from the hospital's status as a major academic medical center. They have access to state - of - the - art facilities and a team of dedicated professionals. The hospital emphasizes personalized care, ensuring that patients' concerns and desired outcomes are thoroughly discussed before any procedure. For instance, they provide educational guides to help patients make informed decisions about their cosmetic or reconstructive care.
Manhattan - based Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Overview
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC is highly recognized for its advanced breast implant removal techniques. Their top - rated board - certified plastic surgeons understand the importance of patient satisfaction and offer customized solutions for breast implant removal and replacement.
Surgeons
The plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are well - trained in breast implant removal surgery. They routinely perform procedures at their state - of - the - art boutique surgical suite. The team takes the time to explain each variation of the breast implant removal procedure, such as en bloc, partial capsulectomy, and total capsulectomy, to patients during the initial consultation.
Procedures and Services
The center offers different types of breast implant removal procedures tailored to each patient's needs. An en bloc breast implant removal involves removing the implants and capsule in a single procedure. A partial capsulectomy consists of removing the breast implant material and trimming some of the capsule material to create the desired chest contour. A total capsulectomy includes removing the implant, capsule, and remaining scar tissue.
The surgical suite is fully accredited, and the procedure takes about 1 - 3 hours under general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients can expect swelling and tenderness to subside within six to eight weeks.
Patient Experience
Patients at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC can look forward to a comfortable and professional environment. The surgeons work closely with patients to actualize a treatment plan that reflects their desired post - operative goals. The center also offers a complimentary consultation to address any questions or concerns patients may have about the breast implant removal process.
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Overview
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. His practice is known for its high - quality breast implant removal procedures.
Surgeons
Dr. Antell himself is the driving force behind the breast implant removal procedures at his practice. He has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has over twenty years of experience and has performed more than ten thousand procedures.
Procedures and Services
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body. When indicated, he also performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also takes on the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants that were recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
During the consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. He then works with the patient to create a proper surgical plan, which may include pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift.
Patient Experience
Many of Dr. Antell's breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his excellent surgical results and patient - centric approach. His private operating room, located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital, offers total discretion. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology, ensuring a comfortable and safe surgical experience for patients.
Comparative Analysis of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Procedures Offered | Patient Experience | Facility Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Highly skilled and experienced surgeons with multiple areas of specialization and strong research backgrounds | Comprehensive range including various breast implant removal methods and complementary procedures | Personalized care with educational resources, part of a major academic medical center | Top - notch facilities with access to advanced research and technology |
| Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC | Board - certified plastic surgeons with specific expertise in breast implant removal and replacement | Tailored breast implant removal procedures such as en bloc, partial, and total capsulectomy | Complimentary consultations and customized treatment plans | State - of - the - art boutique surgical suite |
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Renowned plastic surgeon with extensive experience and a great reputation in the industry | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, and removal of recalled implants | High patient satisfaction and referrals, private and discreet operating facility | Fully accredited outpatient surgery center with the latest technology |
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Medical Reasons
- Capsular contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant. It can cause pain, discomfort, and distort the appearance of the breasts. According to some studies, the rate of capsular contracture is about 3 - 4%, and it gradually increases over the years.
- Implant rupture or leakage: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture or leak. Saline implants may deflate rapidly if they leak, while silicone implants may require an MRI to determine if there is a rupture.
- Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare form of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. It is primarily associated with certain types of textured breast implants, and treatment usually involves surgical removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast implant illness (BII): A collection of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, and breathing difficulties that some patients may experience after breast augmentation. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems.
Aesthetic Reasons
- Desire for a natural look: Some patients may feel that their breast implants no longer suit their aesthetic preferences and wish to return to a more natural breast size and shape.
- Unsatisfactory results: Issues such as visible or palpable implants, asymmetry, malposition, or unsightly scars can lead patients to seek breast implant removal.
Pre - operative Considerations
Consultation
Before undergoing breast implant removal surgery, patients should schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. The patient should also discuss their desired outcome and any concerns they may have. For example, if a patient is experiencing medical complications related to the implants, they should inform the surgeon of any symptoms they are having. It is also helpful for patients to bring any information they have about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery to the appointment.
Medical Clearance
Patients may need to obtain medical clearance from their primary care physician or other specialists, especially if they have any underlying health conditions. The surgeon may also send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure to assess the implant and surrounding tissue.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Patients are usually advised to make certain lifestyle adjustments before the surgery. They should stop smoking for a period of time before and after the procedure, as smoking can interfere with the healing process. They may also need to stop taking certain medications, vitamins, or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood - thinning medications.
Intra - operative Procedures
Anesthesia
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with 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 to ensure their safety and comfort.
Incision Placement
If possible, the surgeon will reuse the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision, but may not be possible with an armpit incision. The surgeon will make the necessary incisions and drain any accumulated fluid in the area.
Implant and Capsule Removal
The surgeon will remove the implants from each breast. In cases where there is capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or the presence of BIA - ALCL, it is often 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. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures (if needed) will be used to close the incisions.
Post - operative Recovery
Immediate Aftermath
After the surgery, patients will recover in a dedicated recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse. They may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the breasts. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day, but they will need someone to drive them home and assist them in the first few days of recovery.
Initial Recovery Period
Patients are usually advised to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully. These instructions may include how to wear a compression bra, take prescribed antibiotics, and apply a cold compress to the surgical site.
Long - term Recovery
Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, but this numbness typically fades over time. Patients may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. It may take several months before the final results are visible, and the scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
Conclusion
In summary, Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the Manhattan - based Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, and Dr. Darrick Antell's practice are among the top choices for breast implant removal in New York City. Each of these institutions offers high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a patient - centered approach. Whether it is for medical or aesthetic reasons, patients considering breast implant removal should thoroughly research their options and have a detailed consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
If you are considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top - rated facilities to schedule a consultation. Take the first step towards achieving your desired outcome and regain your confidence. You can contact them via phone or online to learn more about their services and how they can help you with your breast implant removal needs.
