Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, and Allergan is a well - known brand in the breast implant market. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, patients have numerous options when it comes to Allergan breast augmentation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide, including information about Allergan breast implants, a ranking of high - popularity hospitals for Allergan breast augmentation, and essential pre - surgery considerations.
Understanding Allergan Breast Implants
Company Background
Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers globally. It started selling breast implants in 2006. In 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. The company's biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Its flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and it previously sold implants under subsidiaries like Inamed and McGhan.
Types of Allergan Breast Implants
- Biocell Textured Implants: These included saline and silicone - filled implants and tissue expanders. However, in July 2019, the FDA requested Allergan to voluntarily recall its textured breast implants after linking them to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. After the recall, Allergan no longer sells textured implants.
- Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Implants: These implants have a smooth shell and are filled with silicone gel. Smooth shells allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue.
- Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants: Before the recall, these were an option. The textured surface allowed tissue to grow into it, keeping the implant in place.
- Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: Designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast, these anatomical implants come in a tear - drop shape.
- Natrelle Saline - Filled Implants: Available in smooth round and textured versions, these implants are filled with sterile saline, a saltwater solution.
- Natrelle Tissue Expanders: Such as the Natrelle 133 and Natrelle 133 Plus tissue expanders, which are used in reconstruction surgery. They are made of a silicone shell and have a textured surface to prevent movement.
Implant Materials
Allergan breast implants have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer, a type of silicone with elastic properties similar to rubber. The shells can be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline. According to Samuel Sarmiento, MD, MPH, MBA, “In addition to cost differences, saline - and silicone - filled implants may lead to different clinical outcomes. Ultimately, the choice of implant for breast augmentation or reconstruction is also influenced by the preferences of both the surgeon and the patient.”
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital for Allergan Breast Augmentation
Selecting the right hospital for Allergan breast augmentation is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures access to experienced surgeons who are well - versed in the latest techniques and safety protocols. Second, high - quality hospitals provide better pre - and post - operative care, which can significantly impact the recovery process and the final results. Third, a reputable hospital is more likely to have access to the latest Allergan implant models and can offer comprehensive consultations to help patients make informed decisions.
High - Popularity Hospitals for Allergan Breast Augmentation in New York City
Based on Reputation and Expertise
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New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
This hospital is ranked highly in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It has a team of expert surgeons with experience in breast augmentation procedures. Their surgical excellence extends to adult specialties like heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, as well as pediatric specialties such as pediatric heart surgery. For breast augmentation, the hospital's resources and expertise can ensure a safe and successful procedure. The hospital also emphasizes patient - centered care, providing comprehensive pre - and post - operative support.
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NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone is well - known for its high - quality medical care. It ranks among the top hospitals in several specialties, including cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, and neurology & neurosurgery. In the context of Allergan breast augmentation, the hospital's plastic surgery department has skilled surgeons who can perform the procedure with precision. They use advanced techniques and stay updated with the latest trends in breast augmentation to provide natural - looking results.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Although primarily known for cancer treatment, it also has expertise in breast reconstruction using Allergan implants. In cases where breast augmentation is part of the reconstruction process after cancer treatment, the hospital's oncological and plastic surgery teams work together. They can provide a high level of care, ensuring the safety and well - being of patients throughout the procedure and recovery.
Based on Patient Satisfaction and Reviews
| Hospital Name | Patient Satisfaction Factors | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Lenox Hill Hospital | Positive patient reviews often mention the caring staff, personalized attention, and good communication during the entire process. Patients feel involved in their treatment decisions. | It offers a range of breast augmentation options using Allergan implants. Their plastic surgery department provides pre - operative consultations, in - house financing options in some cases, and comprehensive post - operative follow - up care. |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Patients appreciate the hospital's reputation for high - quality medical care and the expertise of its surgeons. The hospital's emphasis on research and innovation in plastic surgery also adds to patient confidence. | Mount Sinai offers state - of - the - art facilities for Allergan breast augmentation. They provide detailed information about implant options, surgical techniques, and potential risks, helping patients make well - informed choices. |
| Cornell Medicine - NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital | Reviews highlight the hospital's patient - centric approach, including long - term follow - up care. Patients feel supported even after leaving the hospital, which is crucial for a successful recovery. | The hospital offers a variety of Allergan breast implant models. Their surgeons are experienced in different surgical approaches, such as submuscular and subglandular implant placement, and can customize the procedure based on the patient's needs. |
Pre - Surgery Considerations for Allergan Breast Augmentation
Medical Evaluation
Before undergoing Allergan breast augmentation, patients should have a thorough medical evaluation. This includes a physical examination, blood tests, and a review of medical history. The surgeon will assess the patient's overall health, any pre - existing medical conditions (such as autoimmune diseases, weakened immune system, or conditions that affect blood clotting), and whether they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Women should inform their doctors if they have any chemotherapy or radiation planned, as these can increase the risks associated with breast implant surgery.
Implant Selection
There are several factors to consider when selecting an Allergan breast implant. Cup size is an important consideration, but breast implant sizes do not directly correspond to bra cup sizes. Allergan measures its implants by height, width, projection, and the amount of silicone or saline they contain in cubic centimeters (cc). Larger implants may cause more complications, such as premature sagging and visibility of the implant edges if there is not enough skin coverage. Patients should also choose between smooth and textured implants (though textured implants are no longer sold by Allergan). Smooth implants allow for more natural movement, while textured implants were designed to stay in place but were associated with a higher risk of BIA - ALCL.
Financing Options
The cost of Allergan breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the surgeon's fees, and the hospital's location. In general, the cost usually ranges from $3,900 to $6,000, but this may not include the cost of the implants themselves. Many hospitals offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure. These can include in - house financing plans, third - party medical loans, or discounts for multiple procedures. Insurance coverage for breast augmentation is typically limited, but it may be available in cases where the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy.
Surgical Procedure and Recovery
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Allergan breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia. The operation can take anywhere from one hour to several hours, depending on the patient and the implant. Primary augmentation refers to the first surgery to increase breast size. If a patient has a lot of excess skin, the surgeon may also perform a breast lift at the same time as placing the implant. Textured implants (before the recall) and silicone implants may require larger incisions than smooth and saline implants, respectively.
There are two main ways to place the Natrelle implant: submuscular (under the chest muscle) and subglandular (under the breast glands). Submuscular placement can reduce the risk of capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue squeezes the implant. It also makes breast tissue easier to see in mammograms and is preferred for women with weakened or thin breast tissue. However, surgery and recovery are longer and may be more painful. Subglandular placement has a greater likelihood of capsular contracture and makes it more difficult to see breast tissue in mammograms, but the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and revision surgery is easier.
There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants: periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the breast fold), and axillary or transaxillary (under the arm). Each incision site has its own pros and cons in terms of concealment, breastfeeding problems, and risk of infection.
Recovery
After the surgery, women generally feel tired and sore for several days. As the skin adjusts to the implant, there may be discomfort and tightness. Swelling can decrease feeling in the nipple and breast. Most women can return to work a few days after breast augmentation, but they should avoid strenuous activities. Recovery may involve using a special bra or other support to help speed up healing, and some women may need pain medication infusion devices. Tightness after the procedure usually takes about six weeks or longer to go away, and breast massages can help soften the tissue around the implants.
Complications and Safety Precautions
Potential Complications
Like any surgery, Allergan breast augmentation has its risks. The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Key complications include reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants) or deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture, asymmetry, nipple, breast, and skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling. Allergan's 10 - year core study found that 49 percent of primary augmentation patients and 64 percent of revision - augmentation patients will have at least one complication within 10 years of surgery, including reoperation.
There are also long - term risks, such as the need for regular monitoring with an MRI every two years to detect possible implant ruptures. If an implant is removed and not replaced, undesirable changes to the breast may be permanent, including dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling. Breast implants can also affect a woman's ability to breastfeed.
Safety Precautions
Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before breast implant surgery. The company also recommends that women wait one or two weeks and carefully consider whether breast augmentation is something they truly wish to do. Women should tell all health care providers who treat them about their implants to reduce the risk of damaging the implant.
Conclusion
Allergan breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. However, it is essential to choose the right hospital and surgeon, understand the different types of Allergan implants, and be aware of the potential risks and complications. By considering all these factors and following the pre - and post - operative guidelines, patients can increase the chances of a successful and satisfying outcome.
If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, take the time to research the high - popularity hospitals on our ranking list. Schedule consultations with the surgeons at these hospitals to discuss your goals, concerns, and options. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek second opinions. By being well - informed and prepared, you can make the best decision for your health and well - being.
