Introduction
New York City is renowned for its world - class medical facilities, especially when it comes to breast implant removal and injection procedures. Whether for medical reasons such as complications or cosmetic preferences, many individuals seek the expertise of the city's top hospitals. In this article, we will explore some of the leading institutions in New York City that are at the forefront of breast implant - related procedures.
Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice
Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - tier plastic surgeon in New York. He is widely recognized both in the New York area and globally for his extensive experience in breast surgery. His expertise in breast implant removal has earned him a place in the best doctors lists of prestigious magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine.
Dr. Antell has performed custom breast implant removal surgeries on many well - known individuals, which is a testament to his high - level skills and the quality of his work. His patients often refer others to him, indicating their satisfaction with their new look after the surgery.
Patient Eligibility
- Anyone in good health who wishes to have their existing implants removed is likely a candidate for explant surgery. For instance, women experiencing medical complications related to the implants and not wanting a replacement, those unhappy with the results of their original breast augmentation and desiring to return to their natural breast size, or individuals with FDA - recalled textured implants and symptoms of BIA - ALCL can consider this surgery.
Special Procedures
Dr. Antell performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, where he removes existing silicone or saline implants. In some cases, he conducts an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the tissue that has grown around the breast implant. He also specializes in removing the Allergan textured breast implants recalled by the FDA due to their association with an increased risk of Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Consultation and Procedure Details
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of their breasts. It is essential for patients to bring information about their existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgeries. Based on the patient's expectations, he may recommend pairing the explant surgery with another procedure like a breast lift.
The breast implant removal surgery is typically performed in his private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital. It usually takes between one to two hours, and an en - bloc resection can take even longer. The procedure is often done under “twilight” sedation, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient throughout.
Recovery and Results
After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. The breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, but patients need an escort to drive them home. Most patients can return to most daily activities within days, though they should refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. The final results may take several months to become visible, and scars will gradually fade.
Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Comprehensive Breast Implant Services
Dr. Steven Wallach provides breast implant removal services, which is the inverse of breast augmentation. He usually makes an incision using the previous breast implant surgical approach to access the implant pocket and remove the implants. This may involve an incision along the breast fold, the periareola region, or through a transaxillary incision in the armpit. In case of ruptured silicone implants, he also removes the implant filler material.
Candidate Requirements
- Good candidates for breast implant removal are healthy individuals who desire implant removal. Those with medical issues may need medical clearance from their primary care physician. Non - smokers or those willing to stop smoking prior to the procedure are preferred, and patients must stop taking blood - thinning medications.
Benefits of the Procedure
There are both medical and non - medical reasons for breast implant removal. Medically, it may be necessary when an implant ruptures or when capsular contracture occurs. Capsular contracture causes the scar tissue around the implant to harden, leading to pain and distortion of the breast's appearance. Non - medically, it can be due to changes in personal preferences and desired appearance.
Consultation and Procedure Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Wallach assesses the patient's situation. If there are complications like capsular contracture, he confirms the diagnosis and schedules the explantation surgery. For cosmetic issues, he discusses options such as implant replacement or other breast enhancement procedures.
Patients are advised to be familiar with relevant terms like ptosis (sagging of the breasts), deflation (for saline implants), capsulectomy (removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue), and explantation (removal of previously implanted material). The surgery may be performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia.
Recovery and Risks
Immediately after the procedure, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and mild pain. They need a caregiver for about a day. Most can return to light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks, and heavy lifting for about six to eight weeks. The main risks of the surgery include unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, and more.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Expert in Breast Implant - Related Concerns
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is recognized as a top breast implant removal surgeon in New York City, especially on the Upper East Side. With over 20 years of experience, she has been evaluating patients with breast implant - related concerns and performing breast implant removal surgeries.
Indications for Implant Removal
There are both aesthetic and medical reasons for breast implant removal. Aesthetic issues can include the implant becoming palpable or visible, rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Medical issues involve severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, BIA - ALCL, breast implant illness (BII), infection, and bleeding.
Addressing Specific Concerns
Dr. Hutchinson can address any implant - related concern. In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results. Regarding BIA - ALCL, she educates patients about this rare cancer associated with certain textured implants. The recall of Allergan textured implants in 2019 due to the incidence of BIA - ALCL has made many patients seek implant removal. However, the removal of all textured breast implants in NYC is not currently a standard treatment, and patients should make an informed decision after consulting with their surgeon.
Consultation and Patient Experience
Patients who choose Dr. Hutchinson for breast implant removal report an exceptional experience. The atmosphere in her office is calming, and the staff is professional and nice. Dr. Hutchinson makes patients feel comfortable and strives for the finest surgical results.
Comparing the Three Practices
| Surgeon | Specialty Focus | Consultation Process | Procedure Location | Recovery Time | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrick E. Antell | Custom breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, removal of recalled implants | Thorough evaluation of health, medical history, and breast condition; discusses pairing with other procedures | Private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital | Most daily activities within days, avoid vigorous exercise for about two weeks | Listed in top - tier magazines, performs surgeries on many well - known individuals |
| Dr. Steven Wallach MD, FACS | Breast implant removal using previous surgical approach, removal of filler from ruptured implants | Assesses complication or cosmetic issues, discusses options like replacement | Surgeon - specific surgical facility | Light activity within three to five days, avoid aerobic activity for three to four weeks | Comprehensive services for various implant - related needs |
| Dr. Olivia Hutchinson | Addressing aesthetic and medical breast implant - related concerns | Evaluates concerns and advises on surgical options and best course of action | Office - based surgical facilities | Based on individual procedure and healing rate | Over 20 years of experience, excellent patient reviews |
Other Notable New York City Hospitals and Centers for Breast Health
Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai
The Dubin Breast Center offers integrated and compassionate care for every phase of breast health. It provides services such as breast imaging, pathology, surgery, reconstruction, medical oncology, radiation oncology, high - risk programs, survivorship programs, cold cap therapy, and support services. The center is a hub for comprehensive care, with all services housed in a state - of - the - art facility. The team of breast cancer experts works together to provide personalized and holistic care.
NYU Langone Health's Breast Cancer Center
NYU Langone's Breast Cancer Center is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The center uses the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat all stages and types of breast cancer. It offers many clinical trials, including those for less - responsive breast cancer types. The experts take an integrated approach, collaborating with multiple specialists such as surgeons, oncologists, geneticists, and radiologists. They also provide preventive treatment for high - risk individuals and support services during and after treatment.
Making an Informed Decision
When considering breast implant removal or injection in New York City, it is crucial to make an informed decision. Patients should research the reputation and experience of the surgeon and the hospital. Reading patient reviews can provide insights into the quality of care. It is also important to have a detailed consultation, where patients can ask questions about the procedure, risks, recovery, and expected results. Comparing different facilities and surgeons based on their specialty, cost, and location can help patients find the best fit for their needs.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City continues to be a hub for top - notch breast implant removal and injection procedures. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick E. Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson offer specialized and high - quality services. Additionally, institutions such as the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai and NYU Langone's Breast Cancer Center provide comprehensive breast health care. Patients seeking these procedures have a wealth of options available, each with its own unique features and advantages.
If you are considering breast implant removal or injection, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons or hospitals mentioned in this article. Learn more about your options, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for your health and aesthetic goals. Share this article with others who may find it helpful in their breast health journey.
