Introduction

Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, and Allergan is one of the well - known brands in the breast implant market. In New York City, understanding the expert ranking and plastic price of Allergan breast augmentation prostheses is crucial for those considering this procedure. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Allergan breast implants, including their features, expert rankings, and the associated costs in the New York City area.

Allergan: An Overview

Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in May 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. The company's biggest markets are 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.

Types of Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan offers a variety of breast implants to meet different patient needs:

• Biocell Textured 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 Smooth Round Gel Implants: These implants provide a smooth surface and a round shape, offering a natural look and feel.
• Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants: Before the recall of textured implants, these were an option. The textured surface was designed to allow tissue to grow into it, keeping the implant in place.
• Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: These are shaped to mimic the curve of a natural breast, providing a more anatomical appearance.
• Natrelle Saline - filled Smooth Round Implants: Filled with sterile saline (saltwater solution), these implants can be adjusted in size during the procedure.
• Natrelle Saline - filled Textured Implants: Similar to the above, but with a textured surface. Now these are not on the market due to the recall.
• Natrelle 133 Tissue Expanders: Made of a silicone shell and textured surface to prevent movement, used in reconstruction surgery to stretch skin and muscle to create a pocket for a more permanent implant.
• Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expanders: A more advanced version of the tissue expanders.

What Are Allergan Breast Implants Made Of?

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). According to Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH, MBA, a physician and public health professional, “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.”

Patients can choose between anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants that mimic the curve of a natural breast or round implants with a full, round look. Women who want a larger cup size will generally require a larger implant. Allergan measures its implants by the height and width of the implant, how far the implant projects from a woman’s body, and the amount of silicone or saline it contains in cubic centimeters (cc). For example, Natrelle silicone breast implants range from 80cc for smaller implants to 800cc for the largest size.

Expert Ranking of Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan's products were once very popular among surgeons due to their wide range of options and long - standing presence in the market. However, the recall of its textured implants has significantly affected its reputation.

Many experienced and board - certified plastic surgeons still consider Allergan's smooth implants, especially the Natrelle Inspira series, as reliable options. A recent survey revealed that 83% of experienced board - certified plastic surgeons used smooth round silicone gel implants in New York City. When choosing a breast implant brand, the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon are often more important than the brand itself. Surgeons typically recommend implants based on the patient's body type, medical history, and aesthetic goals.

Plastic Price of Allergan Breast Augmentation in New York City

Factors Affecting the Cost

The cost of Allergan breast augmentation in New York City is influenced by multiple factors:

1. Implant Type:
   • Silicone Implants: Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural, making them a popular choice. They are generally slightly more expensive than saline implants. Gummy bear implants, a type of silicone implant with a firmer gel, are the most expensive option due to the advanced technology used in their development.
   • Saline Implants: These implants use sterile salt water instead of silicone gel and are usually less expensive. However, they may not look or feel as natural, and rippling or scalloping is more likely.
2. Surgeon's Fee: The experience and credentials of the plastic surgeon performing the breast augmentation procedure greatly impact their fee. Surgeons with fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery tend to charge higher rates due to their extensive expertise. Focusing solely on cost could overlook the value of a board - certified surgeon who has performed hundreds of successful procedures. For example, a surgeon with a proven track record of delivering natural - looking results may charge more but can help ensure satisfying outcomes.
3. Anesthesia Fee: The anesthesia fee depends on the anesthesia provider, the type of anesthesia provided, the length of the surgery, and the location. Anesthesia for breast implant surgery performed in a private surgical center tends to be less expensive than in a hospital setting. Some surgeons, like Dr. Smith, operate only with board - certified anesthesiologists in their private surgical facility and do not use certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
4. Facility Fee: The location of the cosmetic procedure, whether it is a hospital or a private surgical facility, greatly influences the quoted facility fee. This fee covers the materials and staff involved in the procedure, excluding anesthesia. Items such as operating rooms, recovery areas, and necessary supplies and equipment are included. Longer surgeries typically result in higher facility fees. Hospitals tend to be more expensive than private clinics. Quotes often bundle this fee with other essentials like a special post - op garment and time spent prepping for and recovering from implant placements.
5. Geographical Location: Location has a significant impact on breast augmentation expenses. Metropolitan areas like New York City have higher living costs, which are reflected in all procedure components. In NYC, quotes can vary widely, from around $12,000 for those just starting their practice to $22,000 for highly experienced, sought - after surgeons.
6. Other Procedures: Many clients choose to combine their breast implant procedure with other cosmetic surgeries, such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, or lipo 360. This can reduce recovery time and may save money in some cases. For example, a mommy makeover combines numerous surgeries designed to help women regain their pre - baby bodies.

Average Cost Range

A breast augmentation procedure done with implants in New York City can cost between $12,000 and $22,000, depending on the factors mentioned above. The average cost of breast augmentation with implants is $4,875 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but this does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Before undergoing the procedure, it is recommended to schedule a private consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon to get an accurate cost estimate based on your specific needs.

Breast Augmentation Surgery with Allergan Implants

Primary Augmentation

Primary augmentation refers to the first surgery someone undergoes to increase breast size. It 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. For example, 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 may require larger incisions because their rougher surfaces may make it difficult to slide the implant into the breast pocket. Silicone implants may also require larger incisions than saline implants. In general, Allergan's data shows that most patients who provided a satisfaction rating 10 years after their surgery were satisfied with their results. Out of 455 primary augmentation patients in Allergan's core study, 279 provided a satisfaction rating, and 86% reported they were “definitely satisfied” with their implants.

Implant Placement

There are two main ways a doctor may place the Natrelle implant:

• Submuscular (Under the Chest Muscle): The surgeon places the implant under the pectoralis muscle. This technique can reduce the risk of capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue squeezes the implant, causing pain, hard and misshapen breasts, and putting women at risk for implant rupture. Placing the implant under the chest muscle 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 also be more difficult.
• Subglandular (Under Breast Glands): The surgeon places the implant 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 also easier to perform revision surgery on these implants.

Incision Location

There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants:

Recovery

Women generally feel tired and sore for several days following the operation. As the skin adjusts to the implant, there may be discomfort and tightness. Swelling can decrease feeling in the nipple and breast after surgery. In most cases, women can return to work a few days after breast augmentation, but they should not do anything strenuous. 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 tissue because of mastectomy or trauma may use Allergan's Natrelle implants for immediate reconstruction surgery or delayed reconstruction surgery. In the case of immediate reconstruction, surgeons will perform the mastectomy and put in the breast implant at the same time. Delayed reconstruction requires another operation but gives the woman time to evaluate the cancer risk. Some women may require more treatment after mastectomy. In general, it provides time to heal and get healthier for another surgery.

Surgeons typically perform reconstruction surgery in two stages. First, surgeons place a tissue expander in the chest to stretch skin and muscle and create a breast pocket. It usually takes four to six months to create a pocket. Then, the surgeon removes the expander and places the implant in the pocket created by the expander.

Complications and Safety Precautions

Like any surgery, breast augmentation has its risks. The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Women with breast implants will require monitoring and care for the rest of their lives to detect possible implant ruptures, which requires an MRI every two years the implant remains in the body.

If an implant is removed and not replaced, undesirable changes to the breast may be permanent and may include dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling. Women who wish to nurse should know that breast implants can affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign Allergan’s “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before breast implant surgery. The company also recommends women wait one or two weeks and think about whether breast augmentation is something they truly wish to do.

Key complications in studies included reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture with silicone - filled implants, implant deflation with saline - filled implants, severe capsular contracture (scar tissue squeezes implant), asymmetry, nipple, breast, skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling (folds of implant are visible through skin). Allergan found that 49% of primary augmentation patients and 64% of revision - augmentation patients will have at least one complication within 10 years of surgery, including reoperation.

Conclusion

Allergan breast implants offer a range of options for breast augmentation and reconstruction. However, due to the recall of textured implants, patients and surgeons need to be cautious. When considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, it is essential to understand the various factors that affect the cost, including implant type, surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and geographical location.

It is also crucial to be aware of the potential complications and take all necessary safety precautions. Before making a decision, patients should have in - depth consultations with board - certified plastic surgeons, discuss their aesthetic goals, medical history, and expectations. If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon to learn more about this procedure and determine if it is the right choice for you.