Introduction
In the bustling world of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation has always been a highly sought - after procedure. Among the numerous breast implant brands available, Allergan stands out as one of the largest and most well - known manufacturers. In New York City, Huamei and Weilin have made a significant mark by ranking among the top 4 for Allergan breast augmentation prostheses, and their explosive word - of - mouth is a testament to their success. This article will take an in - depth look at Allergan breast implants, the role of Huamei and Weilin in the New York City market, and everything you need to know before considering breast augmentation.
Allergan: A Leading Breast Implant Manufacturer
Company Overview
Allergan Inc. has a long - standing history in the breast implant industry. The company started selling breast implants in 2006 and is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. In May 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its biggest markets include the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, but it also previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan.
Product Offerings
Allergan offers a wide range of breast implant brands and models:
- Biocell Textured Implants: These include saline and silicone - filled implants and tissue expanders. However, in July 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the devices to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Natrelle Inspira Implants: There are smooth round gel implants and textured round gel implants. The Natrelle Inspira collection comes in three distinct gel consistencies, providing different levels of cohesivity.
- Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: These feature a highly cohesive gel for optimal shape maintenance over time and a Biocell® textured surface, offering an extensive option of implant preferences to achieve the desired aesthetic goals.
- Natrelle Saline - Filled Implants: Available in smooth and textured versions. The saline - filled implants use a sterile saltwater solution and are an option for women who prefer this type of filler.
- Tissue Expanders: Such as the Natrelle 133 and Natrelle 133 Plus tissue expanders. These are used in reconstruction surgery, where doctors or nurses slowly fill them with saline over several weeks or months to stretch skin and muscle to make a pocket for a more permanent implant.
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 either silicone gel or sterile saline (a saltwater solution). There are cost differences between the two types of fillers, and they may also lead to different clinical outcomes. The choice of implant for breast augmentation or reconstruction is influenced by both the surgeon's and the patient's preferences.
Comparison of Smooth and Textured Implants
Implant shells can be either smooth or textured:
Implant Type | Characteristics | Benefits | Drawbacks |
---|---|---|---|
Smooth Implants | Allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue. Most implants are smooth. | More natural movement | May have a slightly higher risk of shifting position |
Textured Implants | Allow tissue to grow into the surface of the implant and keep it in place. However, Allergan's Biocell textured implants were recalled due to a higher risk of BIA - ALCL. | Better position stability | Link to a rare type of cancer; require larger incisions |
Huamei and Weilin: Standing Out in New York City
Why They Rank Among the Top 4
In the competitive New York City market, Huamei and Weilin have managed to rank among the top 4 for Allergan breast augmentation prostheses. This could be due to several factors:
- Expertise and Skill: Their surgeons are likely to be highly skilled and experienced in performing Allergan breast augmentation procedures. They have mastered the techniques required to place the implants accurately, whether submuscular or subglandular, and to achieve the desired aesthetic results.
- Patient - Centered Approach: They may prioritize patient care, from the initial consultation to the post - operative follow - up. Understanding the patient's unique goals and body type is crucial in providing personalized treatment plans.
- Quality of Service: This includes a clean and comfortable surgical environment, professional and friendly staff, and comprehensive after - care. Ensuring that patients feel well - taken care of throughout the process contributes to positive word - of - mouth.
- Reputation: Over time, they have built a good reputation in the industry. Satisfied patients are more likely to recommend them to others, which further boosts their ranking.
Patient Testimonials and Word - of - Mouth
The explosive word - of - mouth about Huamei and Weilin indicates that they have a high level of patient satisfaction. Patients may be sharing their positive experiences on various platforms, such as online review sites, social media, or through personal referrals. These testimonials can cover aspects like the surgical results, the level of pain during recovery, and the overall support they received from the staff. For example, a patient might say, "I had my breast augmentation at Huamei, and the results are amazing! The surgeon was so professional, and the after - care team was always there to answer my questions. I'm extremely happy with my decision."
Breast Augmentation Surgery with Allergan Implants
Pre - Surgery Considerations
Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery with Allergan implants, there are several important factors to consider:
- Medical History: Women should disclose their full medical history to their surgeon, including any autoimmune diseases, weakened immune systems, planned chemotherapy or radiation, conditions or medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, and mental health disorders. Certain medical conditions may increase the risks associated with breast implant surgery.
- Implant Size and Shape: Determining the right implant size and shape is crucial. The cup size is not directly determined by the implant size but is influenced by the woman's chest size and shape. Allergan measures its implants by height, width, projection, and the amount of filler (in cubic centimeters or cc). Larger implants may cause more complications, such as premature sagging and visible edges if there isn't enough skin to cover them.
- Surgeon Selection: As mentioned earlier, choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon like those at Huamei and Weilin is essential. Researching the surgeon's credentials, looking at before - and - after photos of previous patients, and reading patient reviews can help in making an informed decision.
The Surgical Procedure
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia. The operation may take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and the implant. There are two common ways to place the Natrelle implant:
- Submuscular Placement: The surgeon places the implant under the chest muscle (pectoralis). This technique 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 in women with weakened or thin breast tissue. However, surgery and recovery are longer and may be more painful, and reoperation may be more difficult.
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed on top of the muscle and under the breast glands. This method has a greater likelihood of capsular contracture and makes it more difficult to see breast tissue in mammograms. Women with thin or weakened breast tissue might not do well with this surgery, but in general, the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and it is easier to perform revision surgery.
There are also three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants:
- Periareolar: Located around the nipple. It is more concealed but has a higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, a higher risk of change in sensation in the nipple, and a higher risk of infection.
- Inframammary: In the breast fold. It has fewer breastfeeding difficulties, provides the best access and control of the implant pocket, and is the most commonly used by surgeons, but it is less concealed.
- Transaxillary: Under the arm. It has fewer breastfeeding problems but is less concealed, more difficult to perform, and may increase the risk of damage to and unexpected location of the implant.
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, and swelling can decrease feeling in the nipple and breast. In most cases, 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.
Reconstruction Surgery with Allergan Breast Implants
Women who have lost breast tissue due to mastectomy or trauma may use Allergan's Natrelle implants for immediate reconstruction surgery or delayed reconstruction surgery. In immediate reconstruction, the surgeon performs the mastectomy and places the breast implant at the same time. Delayed reconstruction requires another operation but gives the woman time to evaluate the cancer risk and to heal before the next surgery.
Surgeons typically perform reconstruction surgery in two stages. First, they place a tissue expander in the chest to stretch the skin and muscle and create a breast pocket, which usually takes four to six months. Then, the surgeon removes the expander and places the implant in the pocket created by the expander.
Complications and Safety Precautions
Complications
Like any surgery, breast augmentation has its risks. The FDA classifies breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Key complications that may occur include:
- Reoperation: Some patients may need additional surgeries, either to remove or replace the implant.
- Implant Rupture or Deflation: Silicone - filled implants may rupture, and saline - filled implants may deflate.
- Severe Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue that forms around the implant and squeezes it, causing pain and hard, misshapen breasts, and putting women at risk for implant rupture.
- Asymmetry: The breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical after the surgery.
- Nipple, Breast, and Skin Sensation Changes: There may be a loss or change in sensation in the nipple, breast, or surrounding skin.
- Scarring: Incisions will leave scars, and the appearance of these scars can vary.
- Wrinkling/Rippling: Folds of the implant may be visible through the skin.
Allergan conducted a 10 - year study (the Allergan Core Study) consisting of 715 patients. It 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.
Safety Precautions
To reduce the risks, women with breast implants will require monitoring and care for the rest of their lives. This includes getting an MRI every two years the implant remains in the body to detect possible implant ruptures. Women should also tell all health care providers who treat them about their implants to reduce the risk of damaging the implant. Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an "Acceptance of Risk and Consent to Surgery" form before breast implant surgery and recommends that women wait one or two weeks and think about whether breast augmentation is something they truly wish to do.
Choosing the Right Surgeon in New York City
Criteria for Evaluation
When choosing a surgeon for Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, consider the following criteria:
- Medical Credentials: Look for a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates their specialized skill set and commitment to ongoing education in the field. The surgeon should have a medical degree, residency training, and any relevant fellowships.
- Surgical Skills: Review before - and - after photos of past patients to assess the surgeon's aesthetic sensibilities and technical proficiency. Some surgeons may specialize in a particular type of breast augmentation surgery, which may be an important consideration depending on your needs and goals.
- Experience: A surgeon with many years of experience performing breast augmentations is likely to have encountered a wide range of patient cases and be better equipped to handle any potential complications or challenges that may arise during surgery.
- Knowledge of Advancements: The field of plastic surgery is constantly evolving. A top surgeon should be knowledgeable about the latest advancements in breast augmentation, such as new implant materials and surgical techniques, to offer the most up - to - date and effective treatment options.
- Patient Reviews and Feedback: Read patient reviews and feedback on online platforms and social media. These can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall quality of care provided. However, approach these reviews with a critical eye and look for consistent feedback across multiple reviews.
Conclusion
Allergan breast implants are a popular choice for breast augmentation and reconstruction, and in New York City, Huamei and Weilin have earned their place among the top 4 providers, thanks to their expertise, patient - centered approach, and excellent reputation. However, it's important to remember that breast augmentation is a major decision with potential risks and complications. Before undergoing the procedure, thoroughly research your options, choose a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations.
If you're considering breast augmentation with Allergan implants in New York City, take the time to consult with the experts at Huamei and Weilin. Learn more about their services, meet with their surgeons, and make an informed decision that's right for you. Don't hesitate to reach out and start your journey towards achieving the breasts you've always wanted.