Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the world of cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving. Among the various procedures available, Allergan breast augmentation surgery has garnered significant attention, and interestingly, it ranks second on a certain list. This article will delve deep into the intricacies of Allergan breast augmentation surgery in New York City, explore relevant plastic surgeons, and also touch upon hair transplant aspects as per the overall topic. Let's embark on this comprehensive journey to understand what makes these procedures so popular and what potential patients need to know.
Allergan Breast Implants: An Overview
Allergan is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. The company 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. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, but 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, the FDA requested Allergan to voluntarily recall its textured breast implants after data linked the devices to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. The company issued a worldwide recall, and now, after rebranding as Allergan Aesthetics, it no longer sells textured implants. |
| Natrelle Inspira smooth round gel implants | They are smooth - shelled implants filled with silicone gel, allowing for natural movement under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue. |
| Natrelle Inspira textured round gel implants | Textured to allow tissue to grow into the surface and keep the implant in place, though as mentioned, textured implants have had safety concerns. |
| Natrelle 410 anatomical gel implants | These are anatomically shaped to mimic the curve of a natural breast, providing a more natural look. |
| Natrelle saline - filled smooth round implants | Round implants filled with sterile saline (a salt - water solution). They can be filled during the surgery to the desired volume. |
| Natrelle saline - filled textured implants | Textured saline - filled implants that were also part of the recalled textured implant range. |
| Natrelle 133 tissue expanders and Natrelle 133 Plus tissue expanders | Used in reconstruction surgery. 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. They are made of a silicone shell and have a textured surface to keep them from moving. |
| Various McGhan breast implants and tissue expanders | These are implants and expanders from the McGhan subsidiary with different characteristics and uses. |
| Various Inamed breast implants and tissue expanders | From the Inamed subsidiary, offering different options for breast augmentation and reconstruction. |
What Implants Are 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. Samuel Sarmiento, MD, MPH, MBA, a physician and public health professional, notes that “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.”
Determining Cup Size
Women who want a larger cup size will generally require a larger implant. However, breast implant sizes don’t correspond to bra cup sizes because the size and shape of the woman’s chest determine the actual cup size. Instead, 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). Larger implants may cause more problems such as premature sagging and visible edges if there isn’t enough skin to cover them. Allergan's studies showed some complications were more likely to occur in women with larger implant sizes, according to their breast augmentation brochures.
Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery in New York City
Procedure Details
Primary augmentation refers to the first surgery someone undergoes to increase breast size. 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 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 rougher surfaces may make it difficult to slide the implant into the breast pocket. Silicone implants may also require larger incisions than saline implants.
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, 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 as it provides more soft - tissue coverage for a more natural look and feel. However, surgery and recovery are longer and may be more painful, and reoperation may also be more difficult.
- Subglandular placement: 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
| Incision Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Periareolar (around the nipple) | More concealed | Higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, higher risk of change in sensation in nipple, higher risk of infection |
| Inframammary (in the breast fold) | Fewer breastfeeding difficulties, best access and control of implant pocket, most commonly used by surgeons | Less concealed |
| Axillary or transaxillary (under the arm) | Fewer breastfeeding problems | Less concealed, more difficult, may increase risk of damage to and unexpected location of 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. Surgeons typically perform reconstruction surgery in two stages. First, they place a tissue expander in the chest to stretch 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
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, such as dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling. Women who wish to nurse should know that breast implants can affect a woman’s 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 Allergan’s “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before breast implant surgery and recommends women wait one or two weeks to 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, asymmetry, nipple, breast, skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling.
Top Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. His education and training in plastic surgery span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he remains on the cutting edge of advancements in the science and art of plastic surgery in New York City. He is featured as one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Newsweek and is one of a few surgeons to be listed in all of the featured categories: breast augmentation, facelift, eye lift, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. He has also been featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2013 - 2024.
Dr. Kolker's breast augmentation approach focuses on true artistry, where "beautiful" is more important than "size". He establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. He offers a number of breast procedures aside from breast augmentation, such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, fat transfer breast augmentation, tuberous breast correction, and inverted nipple correction.
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia S. Afridi 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. As one of a limited number of plastic surgeons in New York City, she is specifically interested in women's health issues as they relate to plastic surgery. She has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients. When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, she has four considerations: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are usually made in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants and can also perform breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with previous breast augmentation procedures, correcting issues such as wrinkling, bottoming out, and capsular contracture.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to enhance natural beauty. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care, and is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction. Before breast augmentation, he recommends that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the procedure, shower and wash with antimicrobial soap the night before, and not apply any lotions, creams, or moisturizers on the area to be treated. After the surgery, patients' breasts will be swollen and tender, and they need to wait a couple of days before returning to work within a week. They should wear a surgical bra when the bandages are removed and refrain from bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous exercise until approved by Dr. Swift.
Hair Transplant in New York City
While the focus has been on Allergan breast augmentation surgery, hair transplant is also a significant aspect in the world of cosmetic procedures in New York City. Hair transplant is a surgical technique that moves hair follicles from a part of the body called the 'donor site' to a bald or balding part of the body known as the'recipient site'. In New York City, there are many clinics and surgeons offering hair transplant services. These procedures can help individuals regain confidence by addressing hair loss issues.
The techniques used in hair transplant have evolved over the years. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area and dissecting it into individual follicular units, which are then transplanted to the recipient area. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is another popular method where individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area using a small punch tool. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on factors such as the patient's hair loss pattern, donor hair availability, and personal preferences.
Recovery from a hair transplant can vary from patient to patient. Generally, there may be some swelling, redness, and scabbing in the recipient area for a few days to a week. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a certain period and follow specific after - care instructions provided by the surgeon, such as using special shampoos and taking medications to prevent infection and promote hair growth.
Choosing the Right Procedure and Surgeon
Whether considering Allergan breast augmentation surgery or a hair transplant in New York City, choosing the right procedure and surgeon is crucial. For breast augmentation, patients should consider factors such as their overall health, desired outcomes, the type of implants, and the potential risks and complications. They should have an in - depth consultation with the surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and any concerns they may have.
When selecting a surgeon, it is important to look at their qualifications, experience, and reputation. Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skills and patient care. Board - certification is also an important factor, as it indicates that the surgeon has met certain standards of education, training, and ethical practice. Additionally, patients should visit the surgical facility to ensure it is clean, well - equipped, and staffed by experienced medical professionals.
For hair transplant, patients should research the different techniques available and understand which one is most suitable for their hair loss condition. They should also consider the surgeon's experience in hair transplant procedures, as well as the success rate of the clinic. Just like with breast augmentation, a face - to - face consultation with the hair transplant surgeon can help patients make an informed decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a wide range of options for Allergan breast augmentation surgery and hair transplant procedures. Allergan breast augmentation provides women with the opportunity to enhance their breast size and shape, but it also comes with certain risks and considerations. The choice of implants, surgical techniques, and surgeons can greatly impact the outcome of the surgery. On the other hand, hair transplant can be a life - changing solution for those dealing with hair loss, and understanding the different methods and recovery processes is essential.
If you are considering either of these procedures, take the time to thoroughly research, consult with qualified professionals, and make an informed decision based on your personal goals and circumstances. Don't hesitate to reach out to multiple surgeons to get different perspectives and find the best fit for you. If you found this article informative, share it with others who may be interested in these topics, and explore related resources to continue learning about cosmetic procedures in New York City.
