New York City Introduction to the Expert Ranking and Plastic Price for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Prosthesis Breast Augmentation Surgery!

1. Allergan and Its Breast Implants Overview

Allergan Inc. is one of the world's largest breast implant manufacturers. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. The company claims to have the no. 1 plastic surgery portfolio, and its flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, although it previously sold implants under subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan. Allergan's biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

Allergan's breast implants include saline and silicone devices used for breast augmentation and reconstruction. The implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer, a type of silicone with elastic properties similar to rubber, and can be filled with silicone gel or sterile saline (a salt - water solution). In addition to implants, Allergan also makes tissue expanders used in reconstruction surgery. For example, the Natrelle 133 tissue expanders are made of a silicone shell and have a textured surface to prevent movement.

1.1 Allergan Breast Implant Brands and Models

There is a wide range of Allergan breast implant brands and models:

• Biocell textured saline and silicone - filled implants and tissue expanders
• Natrelle Inspira smooth round gel implants
• Natrelle Inspira textured round gel implants
• Natrelle 410 anatomical gel implants (teardrop - shaped)
• Natrelle saline - filled smooth round implants
• Natrelle saline - filled textured implants
• Natrelle 133 tissue expanders
• Natrelle 133 plus tissue expanders
• Various McGhan breast implants and tissue expanders
• Various Inamed breast implants and tissue expanders

1.2 Recall of Textured Implants

In July 2019, the FDA linked Allergan's textured implants to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma. After that, Allergan issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants. When AbbVie bought the company, it was rebranded as Allergan Aesthetics, and it no longer sells textured implants. Some patients who used the textured implants and developed BIA - ALCL filed lawsuits against the company. In September 2022, the FDA also issued a safety communication warning about cancers like squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas in the scar tissue around breast implants, which are unrelated to BIA - ALCL and can occur around both smooth and textured implants.

2. Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants

2.1 What are Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants?

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, are different from round implants. A round breast implant is the classic shape many women envision for breast augmentation, while teardrop implants are named for their natural shape. They give the breasts a more natural - looking result as they slope gently from the nipple to the breastbone, mimicking the appearance of natural breasts.

2.2 Benefits of Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants

• Appearance: They closely mimic the natural shape of breasts, creating a more natural - looking profile. This shape is suitable for women with wide - set breasts, smaller body types, or those with minimal breast tissue.
• Safety: These implants are made with a highly cohesive gel, which is less likely to leak out if a rupture occurs.
• Sagging Prevention: Teardrop implants can help address mild cases of breast ptosis (sagging). Their shape provides a subtle lift, which may prevent the need for future breast lift procedures.
• Correction of Breast Shape: For women with tuberous breasts, where the base is constricted and creates a cone - like shape, teardrop implants can give a more rounded, natural breast contour.
• Customization: They come in various sizes and projections, allowing surgeons to tailor the augmentation to each patient's unique body type and desired outcome.

2.3 Disadvantages of Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants

• Risk of Rotation: Since they have a distinct shape, teardrop implants can rotate inside the breast pocket. If this happens, it can lead to an unnatural appearance, with the breast looking oddly shaped or asymmetrical.
• Firmer Feel: The gel in teardrop implants is usually more cohesive than in round implants, making them feel firmer to the touch. Some women find this less natural compared to softer round implants or natural breast tissue.
• Higher Cost: Teardrop implants may cost more than round implants. The more complex shape and manufacturing process contribute to a higher price tag, which might put them out of reach for some patients.
• More Visible Scars: Because of their shape, teardrop implants usually require a slightly larger incision for placement, resulting in more noticeable scars than those from round implant surgeries.

2.4 Common Sizes of Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants

In breast augmentation, doctors use cubic centiliters (cc) to measure implants. The most common breast implant size ranges between 300cc and 500cc. Smaller size implants start around 125cc and can go down to 80cc, while the largest breast implant size can go up to 800cc. The appropriate size depends on the individual's current body size and weight, their current breast shape and measurement, and personal preference.

3. Breast Augmentation Surgery with Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Implants in New York City

3.1 Cost of Breast Augmentation in NYC

The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely. According to available information, prices range from $6,000 on the very low end to above $20,000 for very experienced high - quality surgeons on Park Avenue. The average cost of breast augmentation with implants, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is $4,875, but this does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.

Several factors impact the cost of breast augmentation:

• Surgeon's Expertise: A surgeon with advanced training and a well - established practice will often be more costly than a junior surgeon without the same credentials. Surgeons in large cities like New York compete to stand out by obtaining the highest level of training, and their expertise and quality of results can be reflected in a higher price.
• Geography: The larger the city, the greater the density of plastic surgeons. While there are more options in New York City, prices may be higher compared to some other areas. Warm - weather cities are known for offering inexpensive plastic surgery, but patients need to consider downtime, hotel/travel expenses, and what would happen in case of complications.
• Surgical Center and Anesthesia Fees: These are usually billed based on time in surgery. An efficient surgeon who can achieve the desired result within a certain time constraint may result in lower fees.
• Type of Practice: Some surgeons see many patients per day with less individualized attention and can charge less due to volume. In contrast, surgeons who prefer to give each patient a large amount of individualized care may charge more.

It's important to note that traditional breast augmentation surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, and most health insurance plans will not cover it. However, if it is part of reconstruction after mastectomy, it may be considered medically necessary and covered by insurance.

3.2 Procedure Details

3.2.1 Incision Location

There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants:

3.2.2 Implant Placement

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

• Submuscular (under the chest 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. 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 (under 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 on these implants.

3.3 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.

4. Choosing a Surgeon in New York City

When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation with Allergan teardrop - shaped implants in New York City, it's crucial to consider several factors:

• Board Certification: Ensure the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has met high standards of education, training, and experience.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries, especially with teardrop - shaped implants. Surgeons who have performed many such procedures are more likely to achieve good results and handle any potential complications.
• Before - and - After Photos: Request to see before - and - after photos of the surgeon's previous patients. This can give you an idea of the surgeon's style and the quality of their work.
• Patient Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Their experiences can provide insights into the surgeon's bedside manner, communication skills, and the overall patient experience.
• Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon should listen to your goals, answer your questions, and provide a detailed treatment plan. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the surgeon and their team.

Some well - known plastic surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation include Dr. John E. Sherman, an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon who worked closely with Allergan during the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. Dr. Adam R. Kolker, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon, is also highly regarded, with a long list of credentials and numerous positive patient testimonials. He has been featured in multiple media and recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in the area.

5. Complications and Safety Precautions

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

Key complications in studies include:

• 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
• Wrinkling/rippling (folds of implant are visible through 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. Before getting implants, women should tell their doctors if they have an autoimmune disease or a weakened immune system, any chemotherapy or radiation planned, conditions or medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or mental health disorders. Allergan also requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before breast implant surgery and recommends women take one or two weeks to consider whether breast augmentation is what they truly want.

6. Conclusion

Allergan teardrop - shaped breast implants offer a natural - looking option for breast augmentation, with unique benefits such as a more natural profile and potential sagging prevention. However, they also come with some disadvantages, including a higher cost, risk of rotation, and more visible scars. In New York City, the cost of breast augmentation with these implants can vary depending on multiple factors, and it's essential to choose an experienced and qualified surgeon. Understanding the potential complications and taking necessary safety precautions is crucial for a successful breast augmentation surgery.

If you're considering breast augmentation with Allergan teardrop - shaped implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, concerns, and get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who might be interested in learning more about breast augmentation, and explore related topics such as post - operative care and different types of breast implants to further your knowledge.