Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that has helped countless women achieve the desired breast size and shape. Allergan, a well - known breast implant manufacturer, offers a variety of options for breast augmentation. In Albany, there are several doctors skilled in Allergan breast augmentation with prosthetics. This article will explore the doctor rankings, technical advantages of Allergan breast augmentation, and real - life cases in Albany.

Doctor Ranking in Albany for Allergan Breast Augmentation

Finding a qualified and experienced doctor for breast augmentation is crucial. In Albany, numerous doctors perform breast augmentation surgeries using Allergan prosthetics. Healthgrades found 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany, and they have provided ratings based on patient feedback.

These doctors have at least 10 or more past patient ratings, which indicates their experience in the field. High - rated doctors are more likely to have a better understanding of Allergan breast implants and perform surgeries with higher success rates and patient satisfaction.

Technical Advantages of Allergan Breast Augmentation

Allergan's Breast Implant Portfolio

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. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and it also previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and Mcghan. The available implant brands and models include:

• 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
• 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

This wide range of options allows doctors to select the most suitable implant for each patient based on their body type, aesthetic goals, and medical history.

Implant Materials and Design

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. Each type of filling has its own advantages:

• Silicone Gel Implants: Silicone gel implants tend to feel more natural while maintaining excellent projection. They are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. The newest generation of high - strength cohesive implants allows for a more natural movement and provides a confident look throughout the day. For example, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman is currently utilizing 5th - generation silicone implants that have improved shape - maintaining ability and a soft - to - touch quality.
• Saline Implants: Saline implants are filled with a salt - water solution directly from a sterile IV bag. They are filled after being inserted into the breast pocket, which allows for a smaller incision and less visible scarring. In case of a rupture, the salt water can be safely and easily absorbed by the body until the implant is removed and replaced.

Implant Shapes and Textures

Allergan offers different shapes and textures of breast implants:

• Shapes:
  • Round Implants: Round implants can provide more upper breast fullness or “cleavage”. They are the same shape all the way around, so there is minimal concern for rotation after placement. For instance, if a patient desires a more symmetrical breast result and enhanced low - neckline appearance, round implants may be a good choice.
  • Anatomical (Teardrop - shaped) Implants: These implants mimic the appearance of a natural breast and have less fullness in the cleavage area. They are more commonly used in breast reconstruction cases, such as for women who have undergone a mastectomy. However, they need to be carefully positioned as rotation can create an unusual appearance.
• Textures:
  • Smooth Implants: Smooth implants allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue. Most implants are smooth. However, they may be associated with a higher risk of capsular contracture in some cases.
  • Textured Implants: Textured implants allow tissue to grow into the surface of the implant and keep it in place. Allergan previously manufactured textured implants, but in 2019, it issued a worldwide recall of its Biocell textured implants after the FDA linked them to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Now, some other manufacturers' textured implants with a very rare association with BIA - ALCL are still available.

Customizable Options

Allergan breast implants come with various profile types, such as low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and extra - high projections. Doctors can work with patients to select the profile that best suits their body type and desired outcome. For example, a patient with a broader chest may opt for a low - profile implant for a more subtle enhancement, while a patient seeking a more pronounced projection and enhanced cleavage may choose a high - profile implant.

Allergan Breast Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The first step in Allergan breast augmentation is a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the doctor will discuss the patient's goals, medical history, and perform a physical examination. They will also review the different types of Allergan implants, including shape, size, and texture options. For example, if a patient has a history of breastfeeding and has experienced breast sagging in addition to wanting an increase in size, the doctor may recommend combining breast augmentation with a breast lift. Some doctors, like Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, will also use medical photography and measurements to provide a more personalized recommendation.

Surgery

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that typically uses general anesthesia. The operation may take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and implant. There are several important aspects of the surgery:

• Incision Location:
  • Periareolar: The incision is made around the nipple. It has the advantage of being more concealed. However, it may have a higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, a higher risk of change in nipple sensation, and a higher risk of infection.
  • Inframammary: The incision is placed in the breast fold. This is the most commonly used method by surgeons as it provides better access and control of the implant pocket. It also has fewer breastfeeding difficulties, but the scar may be less concealed.
  • Axillary or Transaxillary: The incision is made under the arm. It can result in fewer breastfeeding problems but is less concealed, more difficult to perform, and may increase the risk of damage to and unexpected location of the implant.
• Implant Placement:
  • Submuscular: The surgeon places the implant under the chest muscle (pectoralis). This technique can reduce the risk of capsular contracture, make 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: 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 the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and it is easier to perform revision surgery.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients 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. Here is a general recovery timeline:

• First few days: Patients may need pain medication to control discomfort. A special bra or support may be provided to help with healing and hold the implants in place.
• 7 to 10 days: Gauze dressings may be removed and replaced by a surgical bra. Stitches are usually taken out during this time.
• 3 to 5 weeks: The breasts are sensitive to physical contact. Light activities can be gradually resumed.
• Next several months: Scars will gradually fade, thin, and soften. It may take several months for the final results to be fully visible as swelling subsides and the implants settle.

Real - Life Cases of Allergan Breast Augmentation in Albany

Case 1: Addressing Small Breast Size

Ms. A, a 28 - year - old woman from Albany, always felt self - conscious about her small breast size. She struggled to find clothes that fit well and often felt less feminine. After consulting with Dr. Jonathan Canete, who had a high rating for breast augmentation, she decided to undergo Allergan breast augmentation using Natrelle silicone gel implants. The doctor recommended round, moderate - profile implants to achieve a natural yet enhanced look. After the surgery, Ms. A was very satisfied with the results. She now has fuller breasts that match her body frame, and she has gained more confidence in her appearance. She can now wear a wider variety of clothing styles and feels more comfortable in her own skin.

Case 2: Correcting Breast Asymmetry

Ms. B, a 32 - year - old mother, noticed that one of her breasts was significantly smaller than the other after breastfeeding. This asymmetry made her feel self - conscious and affected her self - esteem. She visited Dr. Francis Cullen, who recommended Allergan breast augmentation to correct the imbalance. The doctor used Natrelle saline implants to increase the size of the smaller breast. During the surgery, the doctor carefully positioned the implant to ensure a symmetrical appearance. After recovery, Ms. B's breasts looked more balanced, and she was happy with the improvement in her overall appearance.

Case 3: Restoring Volume after Pregnancy

Ms. C, a 35 - year - old woman, experienced significant loss of breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Her breasts became saggy and deflated. She decided to combine Allergan breast augmentation with a breast lift with Dr. Gabriel Kaufman. The doctor used Natrelle Inspira smooth round gel implants and performed the procedures in a single operation. After the surgery and recovery period, Ms. C's breasts regained their volume and lift, giving her a more youthful and feminine appearance. She was delighted with the double - effect result and the newfound confidence it brought.

Complications and Safety Precautions

Like any surgery, Allergan breast augmentation has some risks. The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Key complications may include:

• Reoperation: Some patients may require a second surgery due to issues such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or dissatisfaction with the results.
• Implant Rupture or Deflation: Silicone gel implants may rupture, and while the gel may not leak out immediately if the scar capsule remains intact, it still requires attention. Saline implants may deflate if there is a leak in the shell.
• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue squeezes the implant, causing pain, hardening, and misshapen breasts. It may require removing the scar tissue and sometimes replacing the implant.
• Infection: There is a small chance of infection around the implant area. In severe cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection is treated.
• Nipple and Breast Sensation Changes: Some women may experience hypersensitive nipples, loss of sensitivity, or numbness around the incision area. These symptoms usually improve over time.
• Scarring and Wrinkling: Scars from the incision may be visible, although they usually fade over time. Wrinkling or rippling of the implant may also occur, especially in thinner patients.

To minimize these risks, Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before the procedure. Women should also tell all health care providers about their implants to reduce the risk of damaging the implant. Regular monitoring, such as MRI every two years, is recommended to detect possible implant ruptures.

Conclusion

In Albany, there are several highly - rated doctors capable of performing Allergan breast augmentation with prosthetics. Allergan offers a wide range of breast implants with various technical advantages, including different materials, shapes, textures, and profiles, which can be customized to meet the diverse needs of patients. Real - life cases demonstrate the effectiveness of Allergan breast augmentation in addressing issues such as small breast size, breast asymmetry, and loss of volume after pregnancy. However, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential complications and take necessary safety precautions.

If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations thoroughly to