Introduction

Silicone breast implant removal has become a procedure of increasing demand in New York City. Whether it's due to medical complications, changing aesthetic preferences, or other concerns, many women are seeking the expertise of top - notch hospitals for this surgery. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 hospitals in New York City for silicone breast implant removal, along with detailed information about the procedure, risks, and more.

Understanding Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is the inverse of breast augmentation. When patients decide to have their implants taken out, the surgeon usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the pocket created for the implants and removes them before sealing the incision site with sutures. This may be through an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. During this procedure, the surgeon may also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary (source: stevenwallachmd.com).

Candidates for Implant Removal

• A good candidate is someone who is healthy and desires that their implants be removed. Generally, they are in good health and can heal without major complications.
• Patients with medical issues may require medical clearance from their primary care physician prior to the procedure.
• Non - smokers or those who stop smoking before the procedure are better candidates. They also need to stop taking blood - thinning medications prior to surgery (source: stevenwallachmd.com).

Reasons for Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Medical Reasons

• Implant Rupture: A silicone implant rupture can cause a change in the shape of the breast. For silicone implants, it may look different than normal and an MRI may be required to determine if it has ruptured. In the case of leakage, the surgeon will take extra care to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out from the implant (source: stevenwallachmd.com).
• Capsular Contracture: This is the hardening of scar tissue that forms around an implant after it is placed in the body. Normally, this tissue is soft and unnoticeable, but it can become hard and painful, while also distorting the appearance of the breasts. The rate of capsular contracture is about 3 - 4% and increases gradually over the years (source: stevenwallachmd.com).
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare cancer specifically related to breast implants. Some women with textured implants made by Allergan may wish to have their implants removed or replaced due to the recall of these implants in 2019 because of the incidence of BIA - ALCL. It often presents as a mass or fluid accumulation that manifests late (usually several years after the initial breast surgery) and is mostly treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant (source: droliviahutchinson.com).
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Refers to a wide variety of symptoms that patients may report after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal complaints, migraines, breathing difficulties, depression or anxiety, rashes, pain and discomfort, brain fog, and other non - specific complaints. While it's uncertain what causes BII, it is believed to be associated with pre - existing autoimmune problems (source: droliviahutchinson.com).

Non - Medical Reasons

• Changing Aesthetic Preferences: As people's preferences and desired appearance change, they may choose to remove their implants for cosmetic reasons. For example, they may want to return to their natural breast size or switch to a different type or size of implant (source: stevenwallachmd.com).

Top 10 Hospitals in New York City for Silicone Breast Implant Removal

1. Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Wallach offers breast implant removal services conveniently located to serve New York, NY. He usually makes an incision using the previous surgical approach to access the implants. Dr. Wallach will also remove implant filler material from ruptured silicone implants if necessary. He walks patients through all aspects of the procedure, from consultation to recovery. During the consultation, he will discuss options for implant replacement if desired, and address any concerns regarding complications or aesthetic goals (source: stevenwallachmd.com).

2. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Recognized as the top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson has over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns. She can address both functional and cosmetic issues related to breast implants. For aesthetic issues such as palpable or visible implants, rupture, or capsular contracture, as well as medical issues like BIA - ALCL and BII, 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 necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results (source: droliviahutchinson.com).

3. Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon widely regarded as being among the most experienced breast surgeons both in the New York area and worldwide. He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery. Many of his breast implant removal patients are referred by former patients, speaking to his excellent reputation. He also performs the removal of the Allergan textured breast implants recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of BIA - ALCL. He uses state - of - the - art facilities and takes a personalized approach to each patient's needs (source: antell - md.com).

4. Dr. Barry Weintraub

Dr. Barry Weintraub offers breast implant removal and sometimes subsequent replacement. He has a strong aesthetic sense and believes in meticulous pre - op and post - op care. He places implants under the pectoralis - major muscle to create a more natural - looking result. For patients concerned with breast implant illness, he can remove existent implants and replace the lost volume with autologous fat. His surgical center is a hospital - grade, state - of - the - art facility that provides a high level of privacy and care (source: drbarryweintraub.com).

5. Weill Cornell Medicine

At Weill Cornell Medicine, the plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field. They partner with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. Their team provides a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast implant removal. They focus on individualized breast surgery for each patient's unique body, and prioritize the patient's comfort at every step of the process, from the initial consultation to the post - operative care (source: weillcornell.org).

6. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures. He is meticulous in employing techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery. The practice understands that the decision to undergo breast implant removal or exchange is deeply personal and provides comprehensive guidance to patients. They offer implant exchange options for those who want to alter the size or type of their implants rather than removing them entirely (source: zuckermanplasticsurgery.com).

7. NYU Langone Hospitals

NYU Langone Hospitals are nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. While they have a wide - ranging medical service portfolio, they are well - equipped to handle breast implant removal procedures. Their team of experienced surgeons and advanced medical facilities ensure high - quality care for patients undergoing this surgery. The hospital also offers a multidisciplinary approach, which can be beneficial for patients with complex medical conditions or concerns (source: health.usnews.com).

8. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell

This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. It has a large team of skilled surgeons who are well - versed in breast implant removal. The hospital's state - of - the - art technology and research facilities allow for the latest and most effective surgical techniques to be used. They also provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients (source: health.usnews.com).

9. Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. Their plastic surgery department offers breast implant removal services. The hospital has a reputation for excellence in patient care, and their surgeons are experienced in dealing with various complications and aesthetic concerns related to breast implants. They also conduct research in the field of plastic surgery, which can contribute to improved treatment options (source: health.usnews.com).

10. North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health

North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. It provides high - quality breast implant removal services. The hospital's dedicated team of plastic surgeons, nurses, and support staff work together to ensure a smooth surgical experience and optimal recovery for patients. They also offer a range of after - care services to address any post - operative issues (source: health.usnews.com).

The Procedure of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Consultation

The consultation is a crucial first step. During this process, the surgeon will thoroughly evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. If the patient desires to have the implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing. It is also helpful for the patient to bring any information they have about their existing implants and their previous breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will then discuss the options available, such as implant replacement or a secondary procedure like a breast lift, and go through the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail (source: stevenwallachmd.com, antell - md.com).

Preparation

Patients need to be well - prepared for the surgery. Based on factors such as age and implant condition, the surgeon may send the patient for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to the procedure. The patient will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may also be given prescriptions that should be filled before the surgery. Depending on the patient's history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and have assistance during the first few days of recovery (source: antell - md.com).

The Surgery

For the patient's comfort and safety, the surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make a predetermined incision to access the breast pocket and implant. The implant will be removed, and the surgeon may also remove the scar capsule surrounding it. In the case of leakage or rupture, extra care will be taken to remove any sterile silicone gel that may have seeped out. If the patient has elected to get new implants, the surgeon will insert them according to the agreed - upon surgical plan. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of external sutures, if needed, will be used to close the incisions. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete, and an en - bloc resection (removing the implant and scar tissue simultaneously) can take even longer (source: stevenwallachmd.com, antell - md.com).

Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, the patient will have swelling and bruising around the breasts and may be in mild pain, which can vary depending on whether the implants were removed or replaced. They will need a caregiver to drive them from the surgery center and stay with them for about a day. Most patients can go back to light activity within three to five days. The surgeon will instruct patients to avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks and avoid exertion of heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks. The majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre - operative shape naturally. However, some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions is expected, and this numbness typically fades over time. The patient may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. The final results may take several months to become visible, and the scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade (source: stevenwallachmd.com, antell - md.com).

Risks and Complications of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Although breast implant removal is generally a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still potential risks and complications:

• Unfavorable Scarring: The incisions made during the surgery can leave scars. While the surgeon will try to minimize scarring, there is a possibility of noticeable or raised scars, especially if the patient has a history of keloid scarring.
• Asymmetry: After the removal of the implants, there may be a difference in the size or shape of the two breasts. This can be due to uneven removal of tissue or differences in the way the breasts heal.
• Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, further surgical intervention may be required.
• Bleeding: Bleeding during or after the surgery can occur. Minor bleeding may stop on its own, but in some cases, additional treatment may be needed to control the bleeding.
• Nipple Loss or Skin Loss: In rare cases, there may be damage to the nipple or skin during the surgery, resulting in nipple loss or skin loss. This can be a serious complication and may require additional treatment or reconstruction.
• Fat Necrosis: This is the death of fat cells in the breast tissue. It can cause lumps or a change in the texture of the breast. Fat necrosis may resolve on its own, but in some cases, it may require further treatment.
• Fluid Collections: Fluid may accumulate in the breast area after the surgery, causing swelling and discomfort. This can usually be drained with a needle, but in some cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the fluid.
• Dysesthesias: This refers to abnormal sensations in the breast, such as numbness, tingling, or pain. Dysesthesias may be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of the nerve damage during the surgery.
• Need for Revision Surgery: In some cases, the initial breast implant removal may not achieve the desired results, and revision surgery may be necessary. This can be due to factors such as persistent asymmetry, scarring, or complications (source: stevenwallachmd.com, antell - md.com).

Cost of Silicone Breast Implant Removal

The cost of silicone breast implant removal can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the complexity of the procedure, whether implant replacement or a secondary procedure like a breast lift is included, the reputation and experience of the surgeon, and the location of the hospital or surgical facility. For example, a simple breast implant removal may start at around $5000, but if implant replacement or more complex procedures are required, the cost will increase. It's important for patients to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to get an accurate quote based on their specific needs (source: stevenwallachmd.com).

Conclusion

Silicone breast implant removal is a procedure that can be life - changing for many women in New York City. Whether it's for medical or cosmetic reasons, choosing the right hospital and surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. The top 10 hospitals mentioned in this article have a proven track record of providing high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and advanced medical facilities. Before making a decision, patients should thoroughly research each hospital, consult with the surgeons, and weigh the risks and benefits. By doing so, they can make an informed choice and achieve the results they desire.

If you're considering silicone breast implant removal in New York City, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these top hospitals for a consultation. Take the first step towards getting the care and results you deserve.