Introduction

Allergan breast augmentation has been a popular choice for many women seeking to enhance their appearance. In Albany, several hospitals stand out for providing this procedure. This article will review five hospitals on the ranking list for Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, taking into account factors such as the expertise of doctors, patient reviews, and the overall quality of care. We'll also explore some key aspects of Allergan breast implants and the augmentation process.

Allergan Breast Implants: An Overview

Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers globally. The company started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, Abbvie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and it has a range of products, including saline and silicone devices used in breast augmentation and reconstruction.

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). Now, they no longer sell textured implants. The implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer, which can be filled with silicone gel or sterile saline. Women can choose between anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants or round implants, and the choice is influenced by both the surgeon and the patient's preferences.

Top Hospitals for Allergan Breast Augmentation in Albany

1. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany

St. Peter's Hospital is ranked #1 in Albany according to US News Best Hospitals. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. This hospital has a team of experienced doctors who perform breast augmentation procedures, including those using Allergan implants.

One of the advantages of choosing St. Peter's Hospital is its reputation for high - quality care. Many doctors associated with the hospital have a significant amount of experience in plastic surgery. For example, in the broader search for breast augmentation doctors in Albany, there are doctors like Dr. Susan Gannon (rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades), who has hospital privileges at St. Peter's. Dr. Gannon is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 19 years of experience. She specializes in breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and full mommy makeovers. Patient reviews of Dr. Gannon highlight her kind and attentive nature, as well as her ability to provide natural - looking results.

However, like any large hospital, there could be potential drawbacks. The high demand for services might lead to longer wait times for consultations and surgeries. Additionally, the cost of procedures at a well - ranked hospital like St. Peter's might be relatively higher compared to some other facilities.

2. Albany Medical Center

Albany Medical Center is ranked #2 in Albany. It is high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a comprehensive plastic surgery department that offers Allergan breast augmentation services.

The doctors at Albany Medical Center are well - trained and keep up with the latest advancements in the field. For instance, there are surgeons who are part of the broader list of 155 breast augmentation doctors in Albany found on Healthgrades. Dr. Todd Beyer (rated 4.8 out of 5 stars) is one such doctor. He has a strong reputation for his surgical skills and patient care. The hospital also provides a range of support services, including pre - operative counseling and post - operative follow - up, which are crucial for a successful breast augmentation outcome.

On the flip side, the large size of the medical center can sometimes lead to a less personalized experience for patients. There may be a complex administrative process for scheduling surgeries and getting all the necessary approvals.

3. Ellis Hospital

Ellis Hospital, located in Schenectady (part of the Albany metropolitan area), is high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions. It offers Allergan breast augmentation as part of its plastic surgery services.

The hospital has a team of plastic surgeons who are dedicated to providing excellent results. They work closely with patients to understand their aesthetic goals and ensure that the Allergan implants used are the right fit for each individual. The hospital's focus on patient satisfaction is evident in the efforts they make to provide a comfortable and supportive environment throughout the breast augmentation process.

One possible limitation of Ellis Hospital could be its relatively smaller scale compared to some of the larger hospitals in the area. This might mean that they have a more limited range of additional services or resources. However, this can also be an advantage in terms of getting more individualized attention from the medical staff.

4. Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center

The Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides Allergan breast augmentation services for eligible veterans. This hospital is committed to serving those who have served the country.

The doctors at the VA Medical Center have experience in treating patients with a wide range of medical needs. In the context of breast augmentation, they are well - versed in the unique considerations and challenges that veterans may face. They also offer specialized support and counseling services to veterans throughout the process.

The main constraint of this hospital is that its services are limited to veterans. Non - veterans are not eligible to receive breast augmentation procedures at this facility. Additionally, the VA system can sometimes face administrative and funding challenges, which might impact the timeliness of services.

5. Capital District Psychiatric Center (for Comprehensive Support)

While the Capital District Psychiatric Center may not directly perform Allergan breast augmentation surgeries, it plays an important role in the overall process. Many patients undergoing breast augmentation may experience psychological stress and anxiety before, during, and after the procedure. This center offers counseling and mental health support services to help patients cope with these emotions.

Psychological well - being is an important aspect of a successful breast augmentation outcome. The center's mental health professionals work in collaboration with plastic surgeons at other hospitals in Albany to ensure that patients are in the right mental state for the procedure and are provided with the necessary support during the recovery phase.

One potential issue is that some patients may not be aware of the availability of these psychological support services. There may also be a stigma associated with seeking mental health help, which could prevent some patients from taking advantage of these resources.

Comparing the Hospitals

Allergan Breast Augmentation Process

Allergan breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia. The operation can take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and the implant.

Before the surgery, patients need to have a consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's aesthetic goals, examine the patient's breasts, and recommend the appropriate type and size of Allergan implant. There are different placement options for the implants, including submuscular (under the chest muscle) and subglandular (under breast glands). Each placement option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Submuscular placement can reduce the risk of capsular contracture and make breast tissue easier to see in mammograms, but the surgery and recovery are longer and more painful. Subglandular placement may have a greater likelihood of capsular contracture but can result in a shorter and less painful surgery and recovery.

There are also different incision locations for the implants, such as periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the breast fold), and axillary or transaxillary (under the arm). Each incision location has its own pros and cons in terms of scarring, access to the implant pocket, and potential impact on breastfeeding.

After the surgery, patients generally feel tired and sore for several days. Swelling can cause discomfort and tightness, and it may decrease feeling in the nipple and breast. Recovery time varies, but most women can return to work a few days after the surgery, although they should avoid strenuous activities. Recovery may involve using a special bra or other support to help with healing, and some women may need pain medication infusion devices.

Complications and Safety Precautions

Like any surgery, Allergan 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.

Key complications can include reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants) or deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture, asymmetry, nipple, breast, or skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling. Allergan conducted a 10 - year core study with 715 patients, which 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.

To reduce the risks, Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before the breast implant surgery. Women should also inform all their healthcare providers about their implants to reduce the risk of damaging the implant. Some conditions may increase the risks associated with breast implant surgery, such as having an autoimmune disease, a weakened immune system, planned chemotherapy or radiation, conditions or medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or mental health disorders.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several excellent hospitals in Albany for Allergan breast augmentation. St. Peter's Hospital and Albany Medical Center are highly ranked and offer comprehensive services, while Ellis Hospital provides a more personalized experience. The Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center serves a specific population, and the Capital District Psychiatric Center offers important psychological support. Each hospital has its own advantages and disadvantages, and patients should carefully consider their options based on their specific needs and circumstances. It's also crucial for patients to be aware of the Allergan breast augmentation process, the potential complications, and the necessary safety precautions.

If you're considering Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule consultations with doctors at these hospitals. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, and explore our other related content for more in - depth information on plastic surgery procedures.