Introduction
Breast augmentation using Allergan implants has been a popular choice for many women seeking to enhance their physical appearance. In Albany, there are numerous hospitals and doctors that offer this service. However, choosing the right place for such a procedure is crucial as it involves not only aesthetic concerns but also health and safety considerations. This article will provide a comprehensive inventory of the new hospital ranking list for Allergan implant breast augmentation in Albany in 2025, along with detailed information about Allergan implants, related procedures, and associated risks.
Overview of Allergan Breast Implants
Company Background
Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The company's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and it previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and Mcghan.
Types of Allergan Breast Implants
| Implant Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Biocell Textured Saline and Silicone - filled Implants and Tissue Expanders | These implants have a textured surface. However, in 2019, Allergan 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). |
| Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Implants | Feature a smooth shell and a gel - filled interior, providing a natural look and feel. |
| Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants | Textured surface to help keep the implant in place, but affected by the 2019 recall. |
| Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants | Designed to mimic the natural curve of the breast, with a more teardrop shape. |
| Natrelle Saline - filled Smooth Round Implants | Filled with saline solution, a salt - water mixture. |
| Natrelle Saline - filled Textured Implants | Textured saline - filled implants, part of the recalled products. |
| Natrelle 133 Tissue Expanders | Used in reconstruction surgery, made of a silicone shell with a textured surface to prevent movement. |
| Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expanders | Similar to the Natrelle 133 but with enhanced features for tissue expansion. |
| Various Mcghan Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders | Implants and expanders from the Mcghan subsidiary, which were later integrated into the Natrelle line. |
| Various Inamed Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders | Products from the Inamed subsidiary, now part of the Natrelle portfolio. |
Implant Composition
Allergan breast implants have an outer shell made 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 salt - water solution. “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,” says Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH, MBA, a physician and public health professional.
Texture Differences
Implant shells can be either smooth or textured. Smooth shells allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue, and most implants are smooth. Textured shells allow tissue to grow into the surface of the implant and keep it in place. However, the FDA found that Allergan's Biocell textured implants had a higher risk of BIA - ALCL. In July 2019, Allergan announced a worldwide recall of its textured implants and advised surgeons not to use them.
Allergan Breast Implant Surgery
Primary Augmentation
Primary augmentation is the first surgery a person 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.
Implant Placement
- 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 also 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 also easier to perform revision surgery on these implants.
Incision Location
| Incision Site | Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periareolar | Around the nipple | More concealed | Higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, higher risk of change in sensation in the nipple, higher risk of infection |
| Inframammary | In the breast fold | Fewer breastfeeding difficulties, best access and control of the implant pocket, most commonly used by surgeons | Less concealed |
| Axillary or Transaxillary | Under the arm | Fewer breastfeeding problems | Less concealed, more difficult, may increase the risk of damage to and unexpected location of the implant |
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 and 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 classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Key complications in studies included reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants), implant deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture (scar tissue squeezes the implant), asymmetry, nipple, breast, skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling (folds of the implant are visible through the skin). Allergan 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
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. Women who wish to nurse should know that breast implants can affect their ability to breastfeed. Women should 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 women wait one or two weeks and think about whether breast augmentation is something they truly wish to do.
Allergan Implant Recalls
Reasons for Recall
In July 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested Allergan to recall its Biocell textured breast implants because they had been linked to breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a rare cancer. The World Health Organization also expressed concerns about implants in 2016. Allergan voluntarily recalled its Biocell textured breast implants in August 2019.
Recalled Products
Most recalled Allergan implants are from its Natrelle brand. Mcghan and Inamed textured implants are also part of the recall. Allergan's smooth implants are not a part of the July 2019 recall. The recall list includes various Natrelle saline - filled breast implants, Natrelle 410 highly cohesive anatomically shaped silicone - filled breast implants, Biocell textured round gel - filled implants, Natrelle Inspira biocell textured responsive and cohesive silicone - filled breast implants, Natrelle biocell textured soft touch silicone - filled breast implants, Natrelle 133 tissue expanders with suture tabs, and Mcghan croissant shaped tissue expander.
What to Do if Implant is Recalled
If your breast implant is on the recall list but you're not experiencing adverse effects, the FDA does not recommend implant removal. However, for those who develop BIA - ALCL, the FDA recommends removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue. At the first sign of persistent swelling or pain around the implants, women should speak to their doctor. Diagnosing BIA - ALCL may involve an ultrasound to check for fluid buildup and scar tissue, an MRI, and a biopsy. BIA - ALCL is treatable, especially if diagnosed early, and treatment may involve chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some women may choose breast reconstruction using another implant or their own fat tissue.
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation in Albany
Healthgrades has identified several doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation with high ratings. Here are some of the top doctors:
| Doctor Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
Top Hospitals in Albany for Breast Augmentation
US News Best Hospitals has ranked hospitals in the Albany, New York metropolitan area. Here are some of the top hospitals:
| Hospital Name | Rank in Albany | High - performing Specialties/Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Hospital - Albany | #1 | High performing in 2 specialties & 15 procedures/conditions |
| Albany Medical Center | #2 | High performing in 13 procedures/conditions |
| Ellis Hospital | Not Ranked (But High - performing) | High performing in 5 procedures/conditions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering Allergan implant breast augmentation in Albany in 2025, it is essential to be well - informed about Allergan implants, the surgical procedures, potential complications, and the available hospitals and doctors. The recalled textured implants have raised concerns about safety, but Allergan still offers other implant options for breast augmentation and reconstruction. The top hospitals and doctors in Albany provide a range of choices, but patients should carefully evaluate their needs, preferences, and the associated risks. By doing so, they can make a more informed decision and ensure a better outcome for their breast augmentation journey.
If you're interested in learning more about Allergan implant breast augmentation, we encourage you to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon. You can also share this article with friends or family who might be considering the same procedure, and explore related topics such as post - operative care and new advancements in breast implant technology.
