Introduction

Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in recent years, allowing women to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. Allergan, one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world, offers a range of high - quality breast implants. In Albany, there are several hospitals known for their expertise in breast augmentation surgery using Allergan prosthetics. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the strength of the top three hospitals in this regard.

Understanding Allergan Breast Implants

History and Acquisition

Allergan Inc. started selling breast implants in 2006. In May 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The company claims to have the no. 1 plastic surgery portfolio.

Types of Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan offers a variety of breast implant brands and models, including:

• Biocell textured saline and silicone - filled implants and tissue expanders
• Natrelle Inspira smooth round gel implants
• Natrelle Inspira textured round gel implants
• Natrelle 410 anatomical gel implants
• Natrelle saline - filled smooth round implants
• Natrelle saline - filled textured implants
• Natrelle 133 tissue expanders
• Natrelle 133 plus tissue expanders
• Various McGhan breast implants and tissue expanders
• Various Inamed breast implants and tissue expanders

However, in July 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration linked the devices to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma.

Implant Materials

Allergan breast implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer, a type of silicone with elastic properties similar to rubber. These shells can be filled with silicone gel or sterile saline, a saltwater solution. The choice between saline - and silicone - filled implants can lead to different clinical outcomes, and it is influenced by the preferences of both the surgeon and the patient.

Implant Shape

Women can choose between Allergan’s anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast or round implants with a full, round look.

Top Three Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation with Allergan Prosthetics

1. Capek Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Lucie Capek is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in breast augmentation surgery. She is an expert in guiding patients through the selection of breast implant sizes, shapes, and materials. According to capekplasticsurgery.com, she uses breast implant sizers to help patients visualize their desired breast size and how it will look on their body type. This personalized approach ensures that patients are informed participants in the planning of their procedure and are ultimately comfortable and satisfied with their results.

Procedure Details

The breast augmentation procedure at Capek Plastic Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in their Quada - accredited office - based operating suite or a hospital operating room. Dr. Capek makes a small incision either under the breast or around the areola to place the implant. Recent studies suggest that the inframammary fold incision (under the breast) has a lower risk of associated complications like capsular contracture, and this is the most commonly recommended approach by Dr. Capek. She creates the pocket for the implants using a harmonic scalpel, which helps to minimize bleeding and muscle twitching during the surgery. She will insert and position the implants in either a sub - muscular (below the pectoralis muscle) or sub - glandular position, depending on the patient's particular shape, natural anatomy, and lifestyle.

Patient Experience and Aftercare

Patients can expect to shower within 48 hours after surgery and wear a sports bra around the clock for the first 2 - 3 weeks. Dr. Capek rarely uses drains for breast enhancement. Plan to rest quietly for 24 to 48 hours. Patients with sedentary jobs may return to work within a week, while strenuous or high - impact activities like running may be restricted for 6 - 8 weeks. Follow - up appointments will be scheduled to oversee the recovery process, and patients throughout the capital district areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust Dr. Capek for her skilled and compassionate care.

2. Rockmore Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore has extensive experience in breast procedures, having performed more than 4,000 breast surgeries. He uses a 3 - dimensional approach for consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He takes the time to understand each patient's unique desires and motivations during the consultation process. According to rockmoreplasticsurgery.com, he offers a different approach to implant selection, matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient's chest and breasts, preventing excess space between the breasts for full and natural - looking results.

Procedure Details

At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation can use silicone or saline breast implants. Dr. Rockmore begins the surgery by making an incision, with common incision locations including inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary. He then creates a pocket for the implant, with options of subglandular, submuscular, or biplanar placement. For most women, he recommends a submuscular pocket, which provides a natural slope of the breast and additional coverage of the implant. If there is some slight sagging of the breast, a biplanar approach may avoid the need for a lift.

Patient Experience and Aftercare

Patients can expect some discomfort and grogginess immediately after surgery but will be able to return home after a brief period of observation. The initial recovery timeline is well - defined. By day 1, most patients can shower carefully. By days 2 & 3, if comfortable and no longer on prescription medication, they can resume driving. Swelling, tightness, and soreness peak between days 3 - 5 but can be managed with over - the - counter medicine. By day 7, most patients can return to work, school, and other light activities. Restrictions on strenuous activities are gradually lifted over the next few weeks. Dr. Rockmore provides a comfortable surgical bra to wear continuously after surgery for the first couple of weeks to support the healing process.

3. Deluca Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. William Deluca, Dr. David Tauber, and Dr. Alan Yan at Deluca Plastic Surgery are highly skilled in breast augmentation. They start the planning process by having a detailed discussion with patients about their goals from the surgery and analyzing the current shape and position of their breasts. According to delucaplasticsurgery.com, they use the scientifically - designed Mentor breast implant sizing system, allowing patients to “try on” different implants and get a feel for how they look and feel. They also utilize 3 - D computer simulations based on breast photos and advance AI algorithms to simulate the breasts in their new size and shape, crafting a bespoke breast augmentation experience.

Procedure Details

The breast enlargement procedure at Deluca Plastic Surgery is an outpatient procedure that lasts between one and two hours on average. After the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes a small incision on each breast, typically in the breast fold or at the border of the nipple, carefully placed to minimize visible scarring. A pocket is developed for the implant, usually partially behind the muscle. The implant is inserted using a minimal - touch technique to avoid contamination, and the pocket is adjusted to allow the implant to fit properly. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures, and the breasts are supported in a post - operative bra.

Patient Experience and Aftercare

Patients are given a post - operative bra and possibly a superior strap to support the implants while they heal. Follow - up visits are scheduled after surgery to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Although patients can go home right after surgery, they are advised to avoid physical activity for a few weeks. The surgeons also offer financing plans for patients who need help funding their procedure.

Comparing the Three Hospitals

Table 1: Comparison of the Three Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation

Surgeon's Experience and Reputation

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Surgeons like Dr. Lucie Capek, Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, and the team at Deluca Plastic Surgery have a proven track record in breast augmentation surgery. Check their board certifications, years of experience, and patient reviews. A surgeon with a good reputation is more likely to achieve satisfactory results and handle any complications that may arise.

Technology and Techniques

Advanced technology and techniques can improve the safety and outcomes of the surgery. For example, the use of 3 - D computer simulations at Deluca Plastic Surgery and Rockmore Plastic Surgery allows patients to visualize their results before the surgery. The harmonic scalpel used at Capek Plastic Surgery helps to minimize bleeding during the procedure.

Patient Experience and Aftercare

A hospital that provides excellent patient experience and aftercare is essential. This includes clear communication during the consultation process, a well - defined recovery plan, and regular follow - up visits. All three hospitals mentioned above have comprehensive aftercare programs to ensure patients' smooth recovery and long - term satisfaction.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and the hospital's location. It is important to get a detailed price quote during the consultation and understand what is included in the cost. Some hospitals, like Deluca Plastic Surgery, offer financing plans to help patients manage the cost.

Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation with Allergan Prosthetics

Allergan - Specific Risks

Allergan's textured implants were recalled in 2019 due to their association with BIA - ALCL. Although the company no longer sells textured implants, it is important for patients to be aware of this history. Also, in September 2022, the FDA issued a safety communication warning consumers about reports of cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, in the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around breast implants, which can occur with both smooth and textured implants.

General Risks

Like any surgery, breast augmentation has its risks. These include:

• Reoperation
• Implant removal with or without replacement
• Implant rupture (more common with silicone - filled implants) or deflation (more common with saline - filled implants)
• Severe capsular contracture (scar tissue squeezing the implant)
• Asymmetry
• Nipple, breast, or skin sensation changes
• Scarring
• Wrinkling/rippling (folds of the implant are visible through the skin)

Patients need to have a thorough discussion with their surgeon about these risks and how to minimize them.

Conclusion

Albany has several top - notch hospitals for breast augmentation surgery with Allergan prosthetics. Capek Plastic Surgery, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, and Deluca Plastic Surgery each have their own strengths in terms of surgeon expertise, procedure approach, patient experience, and technology. When considering breast augmentation, patients should carefully evaluate these factors along with the potential risks and complications. It is also important to have an in - depth consultation with the surgeon to ensure that the procedure is right for them. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the desired results and enhance their quality of life.

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation with Allergan prosthetics in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals mentioned in this article. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in this topic.