Introduction
Albany has seen a growing demand for both femtosecond laser treatments and Allergan breast augmentation surgeries in recent years. Femtosecond lasers are revolutionizing the field of ophthalmology, offering precise and minimally - invasive procedures. On the other hand, Allergan breast implants have been a popular choice among patients seeking breast augmentation or reconstruction. This article aims to provide an in - depth look at the price lists, ranking of Allergan breast augmentation prosthesis hospitals in Albany, and details about femtosecond laser treatments.
Allergan Breast Implants: An Overview
Allergan Inc., a major player in the breast implant industry, has been manufacturing breast implants since 2006. In 2020, Abbvie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Allergan offers a wide range of breast implant products, with its flagship brand being Natrelle. Some of the well - known models include Biocell textured saline and silicone - filled implants, Natrelle Inspira smooth and textured round gel implants, and Natrelle 410 anatomical gel implants.
However, it's important to note that in 2019, the FDA linked Allergan's textured implants to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). As a result, Allergan issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants. Now, under the name Allergan Aesthetics, the company no longer sells textured implants.
What are Allergan Breast Implants Made Of?
Allergan breast implants have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer, which is a type of silicone with elastic properties similar to rubber. These shells can be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline (a saltwater solution). Samuel Sarmiento, an MD, MPH, MBA, and 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.”
Types of Allergan Breast Implants
- Anatomical Implants: These are tear - drop shaped implants designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast.
- Round Implants: They offer a full, round look.
Allergan also manufactures tissue expanders used in reconstruction surgery. The Natrelle 133 tissue expanders, for example, are made of a silicone shell with a textured surface to prevent movement.
Difference between Smooth and Textured Implants
Implant shells can be either smooth or textured. Smooth shells allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, similar to the movement of natural breast tissue. Most implants are smooth. Textured shells, on the other hand, allow tissue to grow into the surface of the implant, keeping it in place. But, due to the higher risk of BIA - ALCL associated with Allergan's Biocell textured implants, the company announced a worldwide recall in 2019.
Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation using Allergan implants is a common outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia. The operation can take from one hour to several hours, depending on the patient and 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, a condition where scar tissue squeezes the implant. It also makes breast tissue easier to see in mammograms and is preferred for women with weakened or thin breast tissue. However, surgery and recovery are longer and may be more painful, and reoperation can 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. But in general, the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and revision surgery is easier to perform.
Incision Location
- Periareolar: Incision is made around the nipple. It is more concealed but has a higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, a higher risk of change in nipple sensation, and a higher risk of infection.
- Inframammary: Incision is in the breast fold. It has fewer breastfeeding difficulties, offers the best access and control of the implant pocket, and is the most commonly used by surgeons. However, it is less concealed.
- Transaxillary: Incision is made under the arm. It has fewer breastfeeding problems but is less concealed, more difficult, and may increase the risk of damage to and unexpected location of the implant.
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. Swelling can decrease feeling in the nipple and breast. In most cases, women can return to work a few days after the surgery, but they should avoid strenuous activities. Recovery may involve using a special bra or other support to speed up healing, and some women may need pain medication infusion devices.
Reconstruction Surgery with Allergan Breast Implants
Women who have lost breast tissue due to mastectomy or trauma can use Allergan's Natrelle implants for immediate or delayed reconstruction surgery. In immediate reconstruction, the mastectomy and implant placement are done 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, a tissue expander is placed in the chest to stretch the skin and muscle and create a breast pocket, which usually takes four to six months. Then, the expander is removed, and the implant is placed in the created pocket.
Complications and Safety Precautions
The FDA classifies breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Women with breast implants will need to be monitored for the rest of their lives to detect possible implant ruptures, which requires an MRI every two years the implant remains in the body. Some of the key complications associated with breast implants include reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants), implant deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture, asymmetry, nipple and breast sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling.
Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before the breast implant surgery. The company also recommends that women take one or two weeks to consider whether breast augmentation is truly what they want.
Price of Allergan Breast Augmentation in Albany
The cost of breast augmentation can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the surgeon's experience, the type of implant used, the geographical location, and the complexity of the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast augmentation with implants is $4,875, but this does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
In Albany, different plastic surgery clinics offer various price ranges for Allergan breast augmentation:
| Clinic | Procedure | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Breast Augmentation | $8,600 to $8,800 |
| Rockmore Plastic Surgery | Breast Augmentation Revision | $8,600 to $9,500 |
| K Plastic Surgery | Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants | $9,500 |
| Dr. Andrew Lyos | Breast Augmentation | $5000 - $6000 & up (add $1200 + for silicone implants) |
Ranking of Allergan Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Hospitals in Albany
When ranking Allergan breast augmentation prosthesis hospitals in Albany, several factors are considered. These include the experience and expertise of the surgeons, patient satisfaction rates, the range of services offered, and the safety record of the hospital.
However, there is no official, unified ranking system for these hospitals. Patients often rely on online reviews, word - of - mouth recommendations, and the hospital's reputation in the medical community to make their decisions. It is also important for patients to have consultations with multiple surgeons to discuss their goals, concerns, and the cost of the procedure.
Femtosecond Laser: An Overview
Femtosecond lasers are used in various medical fields, with ophthalmology being one of the most prominent. These lasers offer extremely short and precise pulses, allowing for highly accurate and minimally - invasive procedures.
Bookimed provides information on femtosecond laser clinics around the world. The average price of femtosecond laser treatment is $1,375, with a minimum price of $625 and a maximum price of $1,750. Some of the well - known femtosecond laser clinics and their features are as follows:
| Clinic | Location | Specialties | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunya Goz Eye Hospital Istanbul Etiler | Turkey, Istanbul | Orthopedics, neurology, oncology, ocular oncology treatments | On request |
| Veni Vidi Eye Clinics | Turkey, Istanbul | Ophthalmology | On request |
| BGN Eye Hospital | Republic of Korea, Busan | Vision correction and cataract treatment (LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, SMILE Pro, ICL intraocular lens implantation) | $1,750 |
Femtosecond Laser Procedure and Recovery
The femtosecond laser procedure usually takes about 10 - 15 minutes per eye under local anesthesia. After the procedure, patients may experience some blurring of vision during the process. In the days and weeks following the treatment, patients need to follow a recovery plan:
- Day 1: Arrive in the country, check into accommodation, and rest in preparation for the next day's consultation.
- Day 2: Visit the clinic for a consultation, meet with the ophthalmologist, and undergo necessary pre - operation tests such as an eye examination.
- Day 3: Review test results with the specialist, receive final instructions for the surgery, and mentally prepare for the operation.
- Day 4: Arrive at the clinic for the femtosecond laser procedure.
- Day 5: Return to the clinic for a post - operation check - up.
- Week 1: Rest and avoid straining the eyes, use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
- Week 2: Gradually return to non - strenuous daily activities and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
- Week 4: Most patients can return to work and resume normal activities, and their vision should be significantly improved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Allergan breast augmentation and femtosecond laser treatments are significant medical procedures that offer various benefits to patients. Allergan breast implants have a long - standing history in the market, but patients need to be well - informed about the associated risks and costs. Femtosecond laser treatments in ophthalmology provide a more precise and less invasive option for vision correction.
If you are considering either Allergan breast augmentation or femtosecond laser treatment, it is crucial to do thorough research, consult with qualified professionals, and understand all aspects of the procedures, including the price, recovery process, and potential complications. Take the time to make an informed decision that is right for your health and well - being. Share this article with others who may be interested in these medical procedures and continue exploring our website for more related information.
