Top 5 Well Reputed Doctors in New York City for Breast

Top 5 Well - Reputed Doctors in New York City for Breast Prosthesis Removal and Repair in 2025

Introduction

Breast prosthesis removal and repair are delicate medical procedures that require the expertise of well - reputed doctors. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous highly skilled physicians available to perform these operations. This article will highlight the top 5 well - reputed doctors in New York City for breast prosthesis removal and repair, along with an in - depth look at their backgrounds, patient reviews, and the services they offer. We will also explore relevant topics such as different breast - related surgeries, the process of breast implant removal, and considerations for patients.

1. Understanding Breast Prosthesis Removal and Repair

Reasons for Removal and Repair

Women may choose to have breast prosthesis removal or repair for various reasons. Some of the common causes include medical complications, dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result, or lifestyle changes. Medical complications can arise from issues such as capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant, causing pain and distortion of the breast shape. Another concern is implant rupture, which can occur due to aging, trauma, or manufacturing defects. In addition, some textured breast implants have been associated with an increased risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), leading to the recall of these implants by the FDA. Aesthetic dissatisfaction may stem from a mismatch between the patient's expectations and the outcome of the initial breast augmentation. Lifestyle changes, such as a shift in physical activity levels or personal preferences, can also prompt a woman to consider breast prosthesis removal or repair.

Types of Procedures

There are different surgical techniques for breast prosthesis removal and repair. One common method is en - bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule are removed as a single unit. This technique is often used when there are concerns about infection, implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL. Another option is partial capsulectomy, which involves removing only a portion of the capsule while leaving the rest intact. This can be a suitable choice when the capsule is not severely thickened or when the patient has a lower risk of complications. In some cases, a total capsulectomy may be performed, where the entire capsule, implant, and any remaining scar tissue are removed. The type of procedure chosen depends on the patient's specific circumstances, including the condition of the implant, the health of the surrounding tissue, and the patient's desired outcome.

2. Criteria for Selecting the Top Doctors

Patient Reviews

Patient reviews are an important indicator of a doctor's reputation. Healthgrades provides a platform where patients can rate and review their experiences with doctors. Doctors with higher ratings and a significant number of positive reviews are more likely to have satisfied patients. For example, a doctor with a rating of 4.5 stars or above and at least 20 patient reviews is generally considered to have a good track record.

Board Certification

Board certification is a sign that a doctor has met the rigorous standards set by a recognized medical board. In the field of plastic surgery, board - certified plastic surgeons have completed the necessary training, passed comprehensive exams, and are committed to maintaining high ethical and professional standards. For breast prosthesis removal and repair, it is essential to choose a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery.

Experience

Experience matters in surgical procedures. Doctors who have performed a large number of breast - related surgeries are more likely to have the skills and knowledge to handle complex cases. A doctor with over 10 years of experience in breast surgery, especially in prosthesis removal and repair, is generally more reliable.

Hospital Affiliations

The hospital where a doctor performs surgeries can also influence the quality of care. Well - respected hospitals often have state - of - the - art facilities, a skilled support staff, and a culture of patient safety. Doctors affiliated with top - tier hospitals in New York City, such as Mount Sinai or Lenox Hill Hospital, are more likely to provide high - quality services.

3. The Top 5 Well - Reputed Doctors in New York City

Dr. Darrick E. Antell

Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons 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. Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. He can remove existing silicone or saline implants from the body and, when indicated, perform an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also handles the removal of the allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with BIA - ALCL. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his excellent surgical results and patient satisfaction. He has performed custom breast removal surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons in New York and beyond. Patient reviews on Healthgrades indicate a high level of satisfaction, with many patients praising his professionalism, surgical skills, and the beautiful results he achieves. His office is conveniently located near Lenox Hill Hospital, and he has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. He operates in a discreet, private operating room equipped with the latest technology, providing personalized care to his patients.

Dr. Alexander Swistel, MD

Dr. Alexander Swistel has a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades, based on 225 patient ratings. He is located at 425 E. 61st St., 8 - 11th floor, New York, NY 10065. Dr. Swistel is among the best doctors who perform breast reconstruction in New York. He has extensive experience in various breast - related surgeries, including mastectomy and breast reconstruction. His high patient rating suggests that he provides high - quality care and achieves excellent results. He likely has a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the breast, which is crucial for successful breast prosthesis removal and repair. Patients can expect personalized treatment plans based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Dr. Richard Reish

Dr. Richard Reish has a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars. He is listed as one of the best breast reduction doctors in New York and also performs breast surgical procedures. His address is 330 9th St., Brooklyn, NY 11215. Dr. Reish's high rating indicates his proficiency in breast - related surgeries. He has the skills to handle different aspects of breast procedures, such as reducing breast size while enhancing breast position, projection, and shape. In the context of breast prosthesis removal and repair, his experience in related surgeries gives him an edge in providing comprehensive care. Patients may benefit from his expertise in dealing with different implant types and the associated surgical challenges. His positive patient reviews also suggest that he is able to communicate effectively with his patients and address their concerns.

Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD

Dr. Kimberly Van Zee has a rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars, based on 32 patient ratings. She is located at 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065. Dr. Van Zee is involved in breast reconstruction and mastectomy procedures. Her experience in these areas makes her well - equipped to handle breast prosthesis removal and repair. She understands the intricacies of breast tissue and can make informed decisions during the surgical process. Her high patient rating reflects her ability to provide compassionate care and achieve good outcomes for her patients. Patients may find her approachable and reassuring, especially during a stressful time such as considering breast prosthesis removal or repair.

Dr. Evan Matros, MD

Dr. Evan Matros has a rating of 4.80 out of 5 stars, with 25 patient ratings. He is located at 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065. Dr. Matros has experience in breast reduction and other breast - related surgeries. His expertise in breast surgery, combined with his positive patient reviews, makes him a reliable choice for breast prosthesis removal and repair. He is likely to have a modern approach to surgical techniques and patient care. His office location in a prime area of New York City also adds to his accessibility for patients.

Doctor Name	Rating	Number of Ratings	Address
Dr. Darrick E. Antell	Highly regarded (Multiple magazine mentions)	Many referrals from past patients	Info on office location near Lenox Hill Hospital
Dr. Alexander Swistel, MD	4.90 out of 5	225	425 E. 61st St., 8 - 11th floor, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Richard Reish	4.90 out of 5	-	330 9th St., Brooklyn, NY 11215
Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD	4.80 out of 5	32	300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065
Dr. Evan Matros, MD	4.80 out of 5	25	1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065

4. The Breast Implant Removal Process

Consultation

The first step in the breast implant removal process is the consultation. During this appointment, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history. They will also assess the current condition of the breasts, including the size, shape, and placement of the implants. If the patient is experiencing medical complications, such as pain, swelling, or a change in breast appearance, it is important to discuss these symptoms with the doctor. The patient should bring any information they have about their existing implants, such as the type, size, and date of implantation, as well as details of their previous breast augmentation surgery. The doctor will explain the different surgical options available, including en - bloc capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy. They will also discuss the potential risks and complications of the procedure and answer any questions the patient may have. Based on the patient's desired outcome, the doctor may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.

Pre - operative Preparation

Based on factors such as the patient's age and implant condition, the doctor may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the surgery. These tests can help the doctor better understand the condition of the implants and the surrounding tissue. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking before the surgery. Typically, patients are advised to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia. They may also be asked to stop smoking, as smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications. The patient will need to adjust their medication regimen as instructed by the doctor. Some medications, such as blood thinners, vitamins, and iron tablets, may need to be stopped before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. The doctor may also prescribe medications that the patient should fill before the surgery. Since the breast implant removal surgery is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and have someone to assist them during the first few days of recovery.

Surgery

If possible, the doctor will remove the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. This approach is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision. However, it may not be possible with an armpit incision. If the patient has capsular contracture, a silicone implant rupture, or is experiencing BIA - ALCL, it may be 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. During the surgery, multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures will be used to close the incisions, and an external layer of sutures may be applied if needed. The doctor may place a layer of gauze or a bandage over the breasts to promote healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a registered nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, so the patient can return home the same day. However, since they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia, they should have an escort. Upon leaving the facility, the patient will be given thorough discharge instructions. Their breasts may be covered with a layer of gauze or a bandage. The patient may feel tired or sore following surgery as their body uses energy to heal. Many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days, but they should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The doctor will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully and avoid activities that could put stress on the incisions. Some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is normal and typically fades over time. The patient may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. In most cases, the majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. The patient will usually return to the office the day after surgery so that the doctor can monitor the healing process. If external sutures are used, they are usually removed around 7 - 10 days following the procedure. 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.

5. Other Related Breast Surgeries

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is an option for women who have had a mastectomy. At Mount Sinai, expert plastic surgeons can guide patients through the decision - making process. Patients need to decide whether to have reconstruction, when to have it (immediately after mastectomy or later), and what type of reconstruction to choose (using implants or the body's own tissue). Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of fewer surgical procedures, less scarring, and the ability to take advantage of the stretched breast skin. However, some patients may prefer to wait to give their body time to heal from the mastectomy. Using implants for reconstruction can provide a relatively quick and predictable result, but may require follow - up surgeries and has its own set of risks. Reconstruction using the body's own tissue, such as a flap procedure, can provide a more natural - looking result but is a more complex surgery and may have a longer recovery time.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is not just about reducing breast size. It also aims to enhance breast position, projection, and shape. The best results are achieved through a combination of surgical skills and an understanding of the patient's desired outcome. Doctors like Dr. Richard Reish, who are experienced in breast reduction, can perform the procedure in a way that maximizes the aesthetic and functional benefits for the patient. They may use techniques to minimize scarring and ensure a quick recovery. Breast reduction can relieve physical discomfort associated with large breasts, such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. It can also improve the patient's self - confidence and quality of life.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is an art form that focuses on achieving the most gorgeous and proportional outcomes. True artistry in breast augmentation means matching the individual's unique goals to her distinct body type. Dr. Kolker, for example, emphasizes that "beautiful" should always prevail over "bigger" in breast augmentation. The choice of breast implants, such as silicone or saline, and the size and shape of the implants are important considerations. The procedure requires a detailed consultation to understand the patient's desires and to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

6. Considerations for Patients

Research and Due Diligence

Patients considering breast prosthesis removal and repair should conduct thorough research. They should look at the doctor's credentials, experience, patient reviews, and hospital affiliations. Comparing different doctors and their services can help patients make an informed decision. Online resources, such as Healthgrades, can provide valuable information about doctors' ratings and patient feedback. Patients can also ask for referrals from friends, family members, or their primary care physicians.

Financial Considerations

The cost of breast prosthesis removal and repair can vary depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, and the doctor's fees. Patients should discuss the cost with their doctor during the consultation. Some insurance policies may cover the cost of breast prosthesis removal if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in the case of complications. However, cosmetic reasons for removal are usually not covered. Patients should contact their insurance provider to understand their coverage and any out - of - pocket expenses they may incur.