Introduction

Deciding to have breast implants removed is a significant personal choice. Whether it's due to medical reasons, a change in aesthetic preferences, or other concerns, finding the right hospital and surgeon in New York City is crucial for a successful procedure and smooth recovery. In this article, we'll explore some of the top options in New York City for breast implant removal and discuss the factors you should consider when making your decision.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Breast Implant Removal in New York City

Dr. Darrick E. Antell - Antell MD

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as one of 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 being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

• Services Offered: 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 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 recently recalled by the FDA due to their association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
• Consultation Process: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. You should bring any information you have about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. He will have an open and honest conversation with you about your desired outcome and work with you to create the proper surgical plan. Based on your expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift (mastopexy).
• Surgery Location: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center is fully accredited, designed for your comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
• Recovery: After surgery, you will recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by one of his registered nurses until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia will be used to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, and you can return home the same day. He will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the intricacies of your customized procedure and your rate of healing.

Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani - Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides breast enhancement tailored to each patient’s individual goals to deliver the most optimal results.

• Services Offered: They provide capsulectomy and capsulotomy procedures to remove implants and/or scar tissue surrounding them. This can address issues such as capsular contracture, mal - placed implants, hard or sore implants.
• Consultation Process: You’ll meet with Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani at their New York City office for a confidential consultation. He will listen to your individual concerns and goals for breast explant surgery. Based on these factors and an examination, an individualized treatment plan will be created, which will include whether he will partially or fully remove the scar tissue and replace the breast implants.
• Surgery Location: The surgery will take place at their in - office operating room in Manhattan. The surgery process takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the severity and Baker grade of the breast condition.
• Recovery: The downtime after the procedure will be 1 week. You cannot work out for 1 to 2 months as you heal. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani, the patient care coordinator, and the rest of the team will be there for support and guidance through your post - surgery care. A follow - up appointment will be scheduled to assess your recovery and results.

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman - Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman is a highly skilled plastic surgeon at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City.

• Services Offered: He offers breast implant removal and exchange procedures to meet the changing needs and preferences of his patients. Reasons for removal can include health concerns (such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness), cosmetic preferences, or aging implants. For those looking to alter the size or type of their implants rather than removing them entirely, implant exchange is also an option.
• Procedure Details: Breast implant removal and exchange procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The complexity and duration of the procedure will vary depending on whether a simple removal, removal with a lift, or exchange is being done. Dr. Zuckerman is meticulous in employing techniques that aim to minimize scarring and optimize recovery.
• Recovery and Care: Post - operative care is crucial for healing and includes managing discomfort with prescribed medication, wearing a support bra, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. Patients typically return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for up to six weeks.

Dr. Andrew Salzberg or Dr. Jordan Jacobs - New York Group for Plastic Surgery

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides effective solutions for breast - related concerns, including breast implant removal.

• Services Offered: A breast explant is a type of cosmetic procedure that is performed to remove breast implants and some, or all, surrounding scar capsules. During the procedure, the surgeon will also remove silicone from the shell of the implant and clean within the breast pocket.
• Pre - Procedure Preparation: You should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. You should also avoid taking blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks prior. You need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and remain with you for at least 24 hours. An examination is required to determine if your breasts are healthy enough for the procedure.
• Procedure Details: The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia. Incisions can be made in the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically placed in the armpit. The implants are removed using various methods, and any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is also removed. The area is then reconstructed for a more natural appearance, and the incisions are sealed.
• Recovery: Expect about an hour in the recovery room before going home. Post - procedure instructions will be provided on how to care for yourself and the incision sites. You should expect three solid days of downtime, and you'll deal with some swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities within one week and more vigorous activity in about six weeks.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in NYC, with over 20 years of experience evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns.

• Reasons for Removal: She addresses both aesthetic and medical issues related to breast implants. Aesthetic issues can include a palpable or visible implant, rupture, leakage, deflation, movement from the original position, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, unsightly scars, nipple or areola problems, and implant malposition. Medical issues include severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness, infection, and bleeding.
• Consultation and Treatment: Dr. Hutchinson will advise you on the various surgical options available and the best course of action to help you achieve your goals. In some cases, a secondary procedure such as a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Dr. John Mesa - Dr. Mesa Plastic Surgery

Dr. John Mesa is a plastic surgeon based in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami, specializing in various procedures including breast implant removal.

• Procedure Details: Dr. Mesa performs breast implant removal at a fully accredited NYC, NJ, or Miami hospital or surgery center. The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two hours. In many cases, the implant is removed through the original surgical scar, but incisions may be placed discreetly in other locations. After the implant is removed or replaced, the incision is closed with a focus on limiting the appearance of scars.
• Recovery: You can expect to be up and moving around the day of the surgery and return to work in approximately seven to fourteen days. You will need to wear a special supportive bra to aid your recovery. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort which can be managed with medication, and swelling should subside within a few weeks.

Dr. Stafford Broumand - 740 Park Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stafford Broumand and his team at 740 Park Plastic Surgery are dedicated to providing compassionate care and exceptional results for breast implant removal.

• Services Offered: Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is aimed at removing breast implants due to personal choice or for medical reasons. Dr. Broumand can tailor the procedure to meet your specific needs, such as restoring a natural breast appearance, alleviating discomfort, addressing implant - related complications, or allowing for resizing or replacing with new implants if desired.
• Procedure Details: It is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Broumand will carefully remove the breast implants through well - concealed incisions, typically in the inframammary fold or around the areola. In cases of capsular contracture, an en bloc capsulectomy may be performed to remove the entire capsule along with the implant.
• Recovery and Results: Post - operative care instructions will be given to facilitate a comfortable recovery. Over time, you will notice improvements in the appearance and feel of your breasts as they heal and settle into their natural state.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital and Surgeon

Surgeon's Experience and Reputation

Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Check their credentials, such as board certification, and read patient reviews and testimonials. A surgeon who has been recommended by former patients and is well - respected in the medical community is more likely to provide high - quality care. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell has a long - standing reputation as a top breast surgeon and has been recognized in multiple magazines.

Range of Services

Ensure that the hospital or surgeon offers the specific services you need. Some may specialize in en bloc capsulectomy, while others may be more experienced in dealing with implant - related medical conditions like BIA - ALCL. If you may also want a breast lift or other complementary procedures, make sure the surgeon can perform them.

Facility Quality

The quality of the surgical facility is crucial. It should be fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology to ensure a safe and comfortable surgical experience. Facilities like Dr. Antell’s private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital and the in - office operating rooms of some practices are designed with patient comfort and safety in mind.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Understand the cost of the breast implant removal procedure and whether insurance will cover it. In most cases, cosmetic removal is not covered, but if there are medical reasons such as complications or implant rupture, insurance may apply. Discuss the cost details and payment options with the surgeon's office during the consultation.

Patient - Surgeon Communication

A good surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan. During the consultation, assess how well the surgeon communicates with you and whether you feel comfortable discussing your goals and expectations.

Common Questions About Breast Implant Removal

Am I a candidate for breast implant removal?

Anyone in good health who wishes to have her existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. This includes women experiencing medical complications related to the implants (such as rupture, capsular contracture, or BIA - ALCL), those unhappy with the result of their original breast augmentation and wishing to return to their natural breast size, or those with recalled textured implants.

What anesthesia is used in breast implant removal?

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 you throughout the procedure.

How long does the surgery take?

The duration of the surgery varies depending on individual circumstances and any additional procedures performed. It generally takes between one to three hours. En bloc resection, which involves removing the implant and scar tissue simultaneously, can take longer.

What is the recovery like?

After surgery, you will recover in a monitored setting until you are well enough to be discharged. You may feel tired or sore, and there may be some swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breast area. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days but should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. It may take several months for the final results to be visible, and scars will gradually fade.

Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?

It depends on factors such as the size of your implants and the amount of natural breast tissue. Some patients may require a breast lift to achieve optimal results, while others find that their breasts return to their pre - operative shape naturally. Your surgeon will make a recommendation based on a physical examination and your cosmetic goals during the consultation.

Can I have new implants inserted after removal?

Yes, some patients choose to replace their old implants with new ones during the same procedure or at a later date. Discuss your preferences and goals with your surgeon during the consultation.

Conclusion

When it comes to breast implant removal and recovery in New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and surgeons to choose from. By considering factors such as the surgeon's experience, the range of services offered, facility quality, cost, and patient - surgeon communication, you can make an informed decision that is right for you. Each of the surgeons and practices mentioned in this article has its own unique strengths and can provide high - quality care for your breast implant removal needs.

If you're considering breast implant removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one or more of these top surgeons in New York City. They can answer your specific questions, evaluate your individual situation, and help you determine the best course of action for your health and aesthetic goals. Take the first step towards achieving the results you desire and feel confident in your decision.