Take a closer look at the following ranking for Allergan breast augmentation prosthesis surgery in New York City in 2025!
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.
Allergan's breast implants include saline and silicone devices used in breast augmentation and reconstruction. However, in July 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the devices to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma.
Types of Allergan Breast Implants
| Implant Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Biocell Textured Saline and Silicone - filled Implants and Tissue Expanders | These were recalled due to the risk of BIA - ALCL. |
| Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Implants | Offer a smooth texture and round shape. |
| Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants | Textured surface, but were also part of the recall. |
| Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants | Designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast. |
| Natrelle Saline - filled Smooth Round Implants | Filled with saline and have a smooth round shape. |
| Natrelle Saline - filled Textured Implants | Textured saline - filled implants, some recalled. |
| Natrelle 133 Tissue Expanders | Used in reconstruction surgery, made of a silicone shell with a textured surface to prevent movement. |
| Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expanders | Similar to Natrelle 133, with possible enhanced features. |
| Various McGhan Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders | Under the McGhan subsidiary brand. |
| Various Inamed Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders | Under the Inamed subsidiary brand. |
Composition of Allergan Breast Implants
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 (a salt - water solution). As Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH, MBA, a physician and public health professional, states, “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.”
Comparison of Smooth and Textured Implants
- Smooth Implants: The shells allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue. Most implants are smooth.
- Textured Implants: Allow tissue to grow into the surface of the implant and keep it in place. However, the FDA found that Allergan's Biocell textured implants had a higher risk of BIA - ALCL. In July 2019, Allergan announced a worldwide recall of its textured implants and advised surgeons not to use them. Some patients who used these textured implants and developed BIA - ALCL filed lawsuits against the company.
Determining Cup Size and Implant Size
Women who want a larger cup size 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. 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). For example, Natrelle silicone breast implants range from 80cc for smaller implants to 800cc for the largest size.
It's important to note that larger implants may cause more problems. Implants that are too large may cause more complications and premature sagging. Allergan's studies showed some complications were more likely to occur in women with larger implant sizes, according to their breast augmentation with Natrelle silicone - filled breast implants and Natrelle Inspira breast implants brochure.
Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery
Procedure and General Information
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. In general, Allergan's data shows that most patients who provided a satisfaction rating 10 years after their surgery were satisfied with their results. Out of 455 primary augmentation patients in Allergan's core study, 279 provided a satisfaction rating, and 86% reported they were “definitely satisfied” with their implants.
Implant Placement
There are two ways a doctor may 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, 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. 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:
| 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. Some women may require more treatment after mastectomy, and in general, it provides time to heal and get healthier for another surgery.
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 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. Women should tell all health care providers who treat them about their implants to reduce the risk of damaging the implant. As Allergan states, “Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and not necessarily a one - time surgery.”
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 (scar tissue squeezes implant)
- Asymmetry
- Nipple, breast, skin sensation changes
- Scarring
- Wrinkling / rippling (folds of implant are visible through skin)
Allergan found that 49% of primary augmentation patients and 64% of revision - augmentation patients will have at least one complication within 10 years of surgery, including reoperation.
Pre - surgery Considerations
Natrelle breast implants aren't for everyone. Women should tell their doctors if they:
- Have an autoimmune disease or a weakened immune system
- Have any chemotherapy or radiation planned
- Have conditions or take medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing
- Have mental health disorders
Ranking of Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Allergan Breast Augmentation
Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 Ranking
Newsweek partnered with Statista for the fourth annual ranking of America's best plastic surgeons. In the breast augmentation category, some of the top surgeons in New York City included David Hidalgo, MD, FACS; Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS; and Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS.
To compile the ranking, thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April 2024, resulting in the collection of more than 8,400 votes for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. Only surgeons from the 20 states with the most plastic surgeons were included in the ranking, and surgeons who offer only reconstructive or non - elective corrections were excluded from consideration.
The scoring model for the ranking was based on three factors:
- In - state and Out - of - state Recommendations: Participants were asked to name the leading plastic surgeons for each cosmetic procedure, both within and outside their respective states. This accounted for 45% of the overall score.
- Quality Score: For in - state recommendations, participants were asked to assess the quality of care on a scale from 1 ( "poor") to 10 ( "excellent"). This score accounted for 15% of the total score.
- Certification Score: Plastic surgeons receive 5% towards their total score if they have an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification.
Other Notable Plastic Surgeons in New York City
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures. He has extensive education and training from prestigious medical institutions such as Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also featured in multiple top doctor lists, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors.
According to Healthgrades, other notable plastic surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation include Dr. Mark Sultan, MD (rated 4.20 out of 5 stars); Dr. Evan Matros, MD (rated 4.80 out of 5 stars); and Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD (rated 4.90 out of 5 stars), among others.
Conclusion
Allergan breast augmentation prosthesis surgery in New York City offers women the opportunity to enhance their breast appearance. However, it is a complex procedure with various aspects to consider, including the type of implant, surgical techniques, potential complications, and the choice of a plastic surgeon. Allergan's history with textured implants and the associated health risks highlight the importance of thorough research and informed decision - making.
When considering Allergan breast augmentation, it is crucial to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and circumstances. Surgeons in New York City are ranked based on multiple factors, and patients should take the time to review these rankings and patient testimonials to make an informed choice.
If you're interested in learning more about Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon. You can also explore more articles on breast augmentation procedures and plastic surgery to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. Share this article with others who may be considering breast augmentation to help them make informed decisions.
