Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery has become a sought - after procedure for various reasons such as dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results, medical complications, or a change in personal preferences. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering high - quality prosthetic breast augmentation removal surgery. In this article, we will delve into the top three hospitals for this procedure, exploring their surgeons, facilities, and the services they provide.
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is a premier breast surgeon in NYC. He has an outstanding reputation, being listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. With a career spanning over twenty years and more than ten thousand procedures, he combines meticulous surgical skills, the latest and safest medical technologies, and an artist's eye. He is 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 is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has won numerous awards.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant): Dr. Antell performs custom explant surgery, removing existing silicone or saline implants from the body. Women may choose this for lifestyle, cosmetic, or medical reasons. For example, if a patient is experiencing medical complications related to the implants and does not want a replacement implant placed, this is an ideal option.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: When indicated, he performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. This is especially important in cases where there are concerns such as breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Removal of Recalled Implants: 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.
Patient Evaluation and Consultation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health and medical history and assesses the current condition of the breasts. If the patient desires implant removal due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms. Patients are advised to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Based on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift.
Surgical Location and Facilities
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility has a private back entrance for total discretion, and all staff members are thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. It is a state - of - the - art outpatient surgery center that is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
Procedure Process
Breast implant removal is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure. If possible, Dr. Antell removes the implant through the existing incisions from the initial breast augmentation surgery. In cases of capsular contracture, silicone implant rupture, or BIA - ALCL, he may perform en - bloc resection, removing the implant and scar tissue simultaneously. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer.
Recovery
After surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a registered nurse. A specialized local anesthesia reduces discomfort. The procedure is outpatient, and patients can return home the same day but need an escort. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for around two weeks. Dr. Antell provides an individualized recovery plan, and patients are expected to experience some numbness and fluid drainage, which usually fade over time.
Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Barry Weintraub has a unique blend of medical science and artwork. He studied medicine at Cornell, where core values were emphasized, and bases his practice on these values. He believes in being humble and respectful towards patients. During his surgical residency training, he donated his time operating on deformed children and adults in Mexico. A significant portion (over 60%) of his practice involves complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices, and patients seek him from all over the world to correct their aesthetic problems.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal and Replacement: This procedure is done to change the size, location, and/or type of implants. For instance, patients concerned with breast implant illness (BII) may wish to have the implants removed to assess the effect on their health. Others may want to replace saline implants with more natural - feeling silicone gel implants due to issues like valve leakage and unnatural firmness associated with saline implants.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: An increasingly popular option, patients can choose to replace the lost volume with autologous fat, which can be liposuctioned from various areas of the body such as the abdomen, flanks, back, etc.
- Breast Lift: In patients with drooping breasts, a lift can be done in conjunction with implant removal and replacement to achieve a perkier profile.
Patient Consultation
When considering breast implant removal and replacement, patients are advised not to make the decision before the age of 18 or until they are mature enough to understand their breast volume and desires. During the consultation, patients should check for the surgeon's board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensure the physician attends a major hospital in the community and is in good standing, confirm the surgeon's fine reputation among other medical professionals, and speak to the surgeon's patients who have undergone similar procedures. A good surgeon should listen to the patient's specific needs and desires.
Surgical Location and Facilities
Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, and the Center for Specialty Care (outpatient limb of Weill - Cornell Hospital), he prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. The facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff and offers the utmost in medical and plastic - surgical care.
Procedure Process
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the surgery. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with on - staff, board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. The surgery should never be rushed, and he executes every intraoperative maneuver with precision and care, sewing all wounds in multiple layers by his own hand.
Recovery
There may be a short period of minimal swelling and sometimes bruising after the surgery. Patients must carefully follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub. He is a firm believer in early showering, as “clean wounds make for narrower incisions.” He will advise on when the patient can return to a normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Team
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has two experienced plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan Jacobs, who perform breast implant removal procedures.
Services Offered
The main service is breast explant, which is a cosmetic procedure to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. This is often considered by patients who want to return to a natural breast state or are experiencing complications with their implants, such as leaking silicone gel, ruptured implants, pain, capsular contracture, etc.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. They should also avoid blood - thinning medications for up to six weeks before the surgery and inform their prescribing physician. Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure and stay with them for at least 24 hours. An examination is necessary to determine if the breasts are healthy enough for the explant.
Procedure Process
The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia depending on the patient's situation. Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgical area is prepared, and incisions are made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically in the armpit. The implants are then removed using various methods, and any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples is removed. The area is cauterized, and the incisions are sealed with sutures and dressings. The surgery normally takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the work.
Recovery
After the procedure, patients will wake up in the recovery room and may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain relief medication. They will probably spend about an hour in the recovery room before going home. Post - procedure instructions include how to wear a compression bra, take prescribed antibiotics, and apply a cold compress to the surgical site. Recovery is similar to that after initial breast augmentation, with three days of significant downtime, 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.
Comparative Analysis of the Three Practices
| Aspect | Dr. Darrick Antell | Dr. Barry Weintraub | New York Group for Plastic Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Reputation | Highly renowned, listed in multiple magazines as one of the best in the country, with many awards and society memberships | Well - known for handling complex redo surgeries, with a unique approach based on strong medical values | Experienced surgeons performing breast explant procedures |
| Services Offered | Custom explant, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Implant removal and replacement, autologous fat transfer, breast lift | Breast explant and scar tissue removal |
| Surgical Location | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital | State - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office | Not specified in great detail other than being in NYC |
| Pre - operative Preparation | Thorough evaluation of health and history, may recommend imaging | Medical clearance from family physician, specific instructions and prescriptions | Avoid certain medications, arrange for post - op support, medical examination |
| Recovery | Individualized plan, most patients can resume daily activities soon | Follow specific instructions for swelling and return to normal life | Similar to initial breast augmentation recovery, with step - by - step post - op guidelines |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon
Surgeon Experience and Reputation
As demonstrated by the profiles of Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and the surgeons at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, a surgeon's experience is crucial. Surgeons with long - standing careers and a history of successful procedures are more likely to handle complex situations during breast implant removal surgery. Their reputation in the medical community and among patients is also a strong indicator of their skill and patient satisfaction.
Range of Services
Patients may have different needs. Some may only want to remove the implants, while others may consider replacement, fat transfer, or a breast lift. A hospital or surgeon that offers a wide range of services can provide more comprehensive solutions tailored to the patient's specific goals.
Facility and Technology
State - of - the - art facilities and the latest medical technologies contribute to the safety and success of the surgery. For example, Dr. Antell's private operating room and Dr. Weintraub's surgical center are equipped with advanced monitoring and anesthesia equipment, ensuring a high - standard surgical environment.
Cost
The cost of breast implant removal surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the hospital or clinic's location, and additional services. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of the cost and whether their insurance will cover any part of it.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading reviews and testimonials from previous patients can give insights into the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of care during and after the surgery, and the overall patient experience.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are excellent options for prosthetic breast augmentation removal surgery. Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and the New York Group for Plastic Surgery each offer unique services, high - quality care, and experienced surgeons. Patients considering this procedure should carefully evaluate their needs, preferences, and the factors mentioned above before making a decision. Whether it's for medical reasons or a change in aesthetic goals, choosing the right hospital and surgeon is essential for a successful and satisfying outcome.
Call - to - Action
If you are considering prosthetic breast augmentation removal surgery in New York City, take the time to research these top hospitals and surgeons further. You can schedule a consultation with them to discuss your specific situation and get more detailed information. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic, and explore related topics on breast health and cosmetic surgery to make an informed decision.
