Introduction

Breast augmentation has been one of the most sought - after cosmetic procedures for decades. Allergan is a well - known brand in the field of breast implants, offering a range of options for women seeking breast enhancement. In New York City, a hub for cosmetic surgery, there are several hospitals and clinics that excel in Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation. This article will provide individual reviews of the top 3 hospitals for this procedure, helping you make an informed decision.

Understanding Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan, a large breast implant manufacturer, started selling breast implants in 2006. In 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its flagship brand is Natrelle, and it also sold implants under subsidiaries like Inamed and Mcghan.

Allergan's implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer and can be filled with silicone gel or sterile saline. They come in different shapes, such as anatomical (tear - drop) and round. However, in 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the FDA linked them to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).

The table below summarizes key information about Allergan breast implants:

Top 3 Hospitals for Allergan Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in New York City

1. Facility Associated with Dr. Nadia Afridi

Dr. Nadia Afridi is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada, an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Her practice has a strong focus on women's health issues related to plastic surgery, with 36% of her services dedicated to breast augmentation.

Pros

• Expertise and Qualifications: Her extensive training and memberships in prestigious medical organizations indicate a high level of skill and knowledge in the field of plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation. For example, her training as a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada has likely exposed her to a wide range of surgical techniques and patient care methods.
• Patient - Centered Care: She is known for being very professional yet caring like a friend. Her and her staff are always ready to answer patient calls post - operation, providing personalized support. This is crucial as it helps patients feel more at ease during the recovery process. One patient stated, “Dr. Afridi made me feel like I was her only patient. She took the time to answer all my questions, no matter how silly they seemed.”
• Versatile Breast Augmentation Procedures: Dr. Afridi offers several breast augmentation procedures. She has four main considerations during the surgery: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. She is also experienced in handling cases where patients are not satisfied with previous breast augmentation results, correcting issues such as wrinkling, bottoming out, and capsular contracture.
• Use of “Try on the Look”: To help patients determine the best size and shape for their bodies, she uses the “try on the look” method. This gives patients a better idea of how the implants will look on them before the surgery, increasing the likelihood of patient satisfaction.
• Payment Options: She accepts credit cards and insurance, which provides flexibility for patients when it comes to paying for the procedure.

Cons

• By Appointment Only: This can be inconvenient for some patients who need immediate consultations or have unexpected concerns. It may lead to longer wait times, especially during peak seasons.

2. Clinic of Dr. Richard Swift

Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries, including Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation. He completed his residency in general surgery at St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey and has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise.

Pros

• Double Board Certification: Being board - certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery shows that Dr. Swift has met high standards of training and competence in the field. This gives patients confidence in his surgical skills.
• Detailed Consultations: He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. For example, he recommends patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure and follow specific hygiene instructions the night before surgery. This comprehensive approach helps patients understand the entire process and reduces anxiety.
• Personalized Care: Dr. Swift is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care. His team, from the receptionist to the operating room staff, is known for being caring and helpful. A patient said, “I felt so comfortable during my entire experience at Dr. Swift's clinic. Everyone was so kind and attentive.”
• Fair Pricing: His prices are in line with other board - certified plastic surgeons in the area. The cost of the breast augmentation depends on the extent of the surgery and the number of treatments needed, but overall, it is considered reasonable for the quality of service provided.
• Long - Term Experience: With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Swift has encountered a wide range of cases and has developed effective strategies for achieving optimal results. This experience is reassuring for patients considering breast augmentation.

Cons

• By Appointment Only: Similar to Dr. Afridi's practice, being by appointment only can pose challenges for patients who need urgent consultations or have last - minute schedule changes.

3. Practice of Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon with a well - established reputation in New York City. He is an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and has received numerous accolades, including being featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons list.

Pros

• Impressive Educational Background: Dr. Kolker was accepted to medical school at age 17 and graduated with honors from an accelerated six - year biomedical education program at Union College and Albany Medical College. His training at some of the world's most prestigious medical institutions, such as Harvard Medical School and the University of Melbourne in Australia, has equipped him with in - depth knowledge and advanced surgical skills.
• Multiple Breast Procedures: In addition to Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation, he offers a wide range of breast procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, and tuberous breast correction. This allows patients to address multiple breast - related concerns in one place.
• Artistic Approach: As a highly skilled studio and visual artist, Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. This enables him to achieve beautiful, natural, and proportional results in breast augmentation, which is highly valued by patients seeking aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The staff at his practice is known for being friendly and helpful. They assist patients throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to post - operative care, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
• Nice and Clean Office: A clean and well - maintained office environment contributes to a positive patient experience. It gives the impression of professionalism and high - quality care.

Cons

• High Cost: Dr. Kolker's service is relatively expensive, mainly due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team and the use of high - quality materials. For example, silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants in his practice. This may be a deterrent for some patients on a budget.
• Staff - Answered Calls: Some patients may prefer more personal interaction with the surgeon, but Dr. Kolker often has his staff answer patient calls. This can make some patients feel that they are not getting direct access to the surgeon when they have questions or concerns.

General Considerations for Allergan Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

Pre - surgery Considerations

Before undergoing Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation, patients should have a heart - to - heart discussion with their surgeon. It is important to disclose any pre - existing medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, planned chemotherapy or radiation, and conditions or medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing. Patients should also consider their lifestyle and expectations. For example, women who are physically active may need to plan for a longer recovery period.

Surgery and Recovery

Allergan breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia. The operation may take from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and the implant. After the surgery, patients generally feel tired and sore for several days. They may experience discomfort and tightness as the skin adjusts to the implant. Swelling can also decrease feeling in the nipple and breast.

Recovery time varies, but most women can return to work a few days after the surgery, as long as their job does not require strenuous activity. They should wear a special bra or support to help speed up healing and may need pain medication. It is important to follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

Complications and Safety

Like any surgery, Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation has risks. The FDA classifies breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Key complications may 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 and breast sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling. Women with breast implants will need to have regular MRI screenings every two years to detect possible implant ruptures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, the facilities associated with Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Swift, and Dr. Adam Kolker are among the top choices. Each of these hospitals or clinics has its own strengths and weaknesses, which should be carefully weighed based on your individual needs and preferences.

Dr. Afridi offers patient - centered care and a wide range of breast augmentation procedures, while Dr. Swift provides detailed consultations and fair pricing. Dr. Kolker combines an impressive educational background with an artistic approach to achieve beautiful results, although his services are more expensive. Before making a decision, it is recommended that you schedule consultations with these surgeons to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations for the procedure.

If you are considering Allergan prosthetic breast augmentation, take the time to do your research, ask questions, and make an informed choice. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City, and don't hesitate to explore related topics such as recovery tips and alternative breast augmentation methods.