Review the Ranking of Breast Augmentation Prostheses: Allergan in New York City! 2025
Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, and choosing the right prosthesis is crucial for achieving the desired results. In New York City, Allergan is a well - known brand in the field of breast augmentation prostheses. This article will provide a comprehensive review of Allergan's breast augmentation prostheses and also touch on their ranking compared to other brands in the New York City market.
Understanding Allergan's Breast Implants
Company Overview
Allergan 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. The company claims to have the no. 1 plastic surgery portfolio, and its 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 wide range of breast implant options:
- Biocell Textured Saline and Silicone - Filled Implants and Tissue Expanders: However, in July 2019, the FDA requested Allergan to voluntarily recall its textured breast implants after data linked them to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. The company issued a worldwide recall, and it no longer sells textured implants.
- Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Implants: These implants have a smooth shell, allowing them to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue.
- Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants: Before the recall, these implants had a textured surface that allowed tissue to grow into the surface and keep the implant in place.
- Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: They feature a highly cohesive gel aiming at optimal shape maintenance over time and a biocell - textured surface. They offer an extensive option of implant preferences to achieve the desired aesthetic goals.
- Natrelle Saline - Filled Smooth Round Implants: Filled with sterile saline, these implants can be adjusted in volume during the procedure.
- Natrelle Saline - Filled Textured Implants: Similar to other textured implants, they are no longer on the market due to safety concerns.
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expanders and Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expanders: These are used in reconstruction surgery. Doctors or nurses slowly fill expanders with saline over several weeks or months to stretch skin and muscle to make a pocket for a more permanent implant. The Natrelle 133 tissue expanders are made of a silicone shell and have a textured surface to keep them from moving.
Implant Composition
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, which is 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.”
Shape Options
Women can choose between anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast or round implants with a full, round look. Round implants are the most common, ranging from low to high projection and offering more fullness at the top of the breasts. Teardrop implants offer a more natural look, as they give an appearance of a fuller bottom.
Allergan Breast Implants vs. Other Brands
Comparison with Mentor and Sientra
When comparing Allergan with other popular breast implant brands like Mentor and Sientra:
Brand | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Allergan |
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Mentor |
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Sientra |
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Choosing the Right Implant in New York City
Surgeon's Role
Surgeons in New York City play a crucial role in helping patients choose the right breast implants. A qualified surgeon will consider the patient's body type, existing breast tissue, aesthetic goals, and medical history. For example, if a patient has thin or weakened breast tissue, the surgeon may recommend submuscular implant placement for Allergan's Natrelle implants, as this technique can reduce the risk of capsular contracture and provide a more natural look and feel. Surgeons also take into account the patient's preferences for implant shape, size, and texture (when it comes to non - recalled smooth implants).
Popular Surgeons in New York City
There are many top - rated plastic surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation:
- Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS: He is ranked among America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 for breast augmentation. His experience and expertise can guide patients in choosing Allergan or other appropriate implants based on their individual needs.
- Dr. Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS: Specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. He offers a number of breast procedures, including using Allergan implants. He can help patients understand the different features of Allergan implants and how they fit into the patient's overall aesthetic goals.
- Dr. Nadia Afridi, MD, FRCSC: Is very popular for breast augmentation procedures in NYC. She has four considerations for breast augmentation surgery: 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. She is experienced with Allergan's implants and can provide personalized advice to patients.
Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery in New York City
Procedure Details
Primary augmentation, the first surgery to increase breast size, 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.
Implant Placement
There are two main ways to place the Natrelle implant:
- 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 and hard, 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 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
There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants:
- Periareolar: Located around the nipple. Pros include being more concealed. Cons are a higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, a higher risk of change in sensation in the nipple, and a higher risk of infection.
- Inframammary: In the breast fold. Advantages are fewer breastfeeding difficulties, best access and control of the implant pocket, and it is the most commonly used by surgeons. The disadvantage is that it is less concealed.
- Transaxillary: Under the arm. Benefits are fewer breastfeeding problems. Drawbacks are that it is less concealed, more difficult, and 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.
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 Allergan's studies included:
- Reoperation: To address issues such as implant malposition, rupture, or capsular contracture.
- Implant Removal with or without Replacement: This may be necessary due to complications or changes in the patient's preferences.
- Implant Rupture with Silicone - Filled Implants: Although cohesive silicone gel implants (like Allergan's Natrelle 410) are designed to minimize the risk of leakage, rupture can still occur.
- Implant Deflation with Saline - Filled Implants: Saline implants may deflate if there is a leak in the shell.
- Severe Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue squeezes the implant, causing pain and changes in breast shape.
- Asymmetry: Differences in the size or shape of the breasts.
- Nipple, Breast, Skin Sensation Changes: Some women may experience loss of sensation or altered sensation in the nipple or breast area.
- Scarring: Depending on the incision location, scarring can vary in appearance.
- Wrinkling/Rippling: Folds of the implant may be 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. This 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 the “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.
Conclusion
In New York City, Allergan's breast augmentation prostheses have a long - standing reputation in the market. Despite the recall of its textured implants due to safety concerns, the brand still offers a variety of high - quality smooth implants, such as the Natrelle Inspira and Natrelle 410, which are popular choices for breast augmentation and reconstruction. When considering Allergan implants or any breast augmentation procedure, it is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon in New York City. Surgeons can help patients understand the pros and cons of different implant options, assess their suitability for the surgery, and guide them through the entire process from pre - operation to recovery.
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation with Allergan prostheses in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Share your aesthetic goals and concerns, and they will be able to provide you with personalized advice and a detailed treatment plan. You can also share this article with friends or family who may be considering breast augmentation to help them make an informed decision.