Introduction

Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation prosthetic surgery has gained significant popularity in the field of cosmetic surgery. The unique teardrop shape of these implants aims to mimic the natural curve of a woman's breast, providing a more realistic and aesthetically pleasing result. In New York City, a bustling hub for medical advancements and high - end cosmetic procedures, knowing which hospitals offer the best services for this specific surgery is crucial for patients. This article will delve into all aspects related to Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation, including information about the implants, the surgical process, and provide insights into the hospitals in New York City that excel in this type of surgery.

Understanding Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan's Place in the Market

Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers globally. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its biggest markets include the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The flagship breast implant brand of Allergan is Natrelle, but it also previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and Mcghan.

Types of Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan offers a variety of breast implants. The teardrop - shaped implants are part of the Natrelle 410 anatomical gel implants line. These implants contain a highly cohesive silicone gel, which is form - stable, meaning they hold their shape well. Other implant types from Allergan include Biocell textured saline and silicone - filled implants, Natrelle Inspira smooth round gel implants, Natrelle Inspira textured round gel implants, Natrelle saline - filled smooth round implants, Natrelle saline - filled textured implants, and various tissue expanders like Natrelle 133 and Natrelle 133 plus tissue expanders.

Implant Composition

Allergan breast implants have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer, 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). Silicone gel implants tend to look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline implants are firmer and rounder. The choice between the two depends on the patient's body type, desired outcome, and the surgeon's recommendation.

Controversies Surrounding Allergan Implants

Health regulators have linked Allergan's textured implants to a rare type of cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma. In July 2019, the FDA requested Allergan to voluntarily recall its textured breast implants after data linked the devices to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. The company issued a worldwide recall, and as a result, AbbVie rebranded the company as Allergan Aesthetics, and it no longer sells textured implants. However, in September 2022, the FDA issued a safety communication warning consumers about reports of other cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants. These cancers are unrelated to BIA - ALCL and can form around smooth or textured implants.

Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Augmentation Surgery

Procedure Basics

Primary augmentation, the first surgery to increase breast size, 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. 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. Teardrop - shaped implants may require larger incisions because of their shape and the need to ensure proper placement and orientation within the breast pocket. Silicone implants generally require larger incisions than saline implants.

Implant Placement

There are two main ways a doctor may place the Natrelle teardrop - shaped implant: submuscular and subglandular. Submuscular implant placement involves putting the implant under the chest muscle (pectoralis). This technique can reduce the risk of capsular contracture, where scar tissue squeezes the implant, causing pain, hard and misshapen breasts, and increasing the risk of 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 be more difficult. Subglandular implant placement means 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. It is generally a quicker and less painful surgery and recovery, and revision surgery is easier, but it may not be suitable for women with thin or weakened breast tissue.

Incision Location

There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants. The 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 sensation in the nipple, and a higher risk of infection. The inframammary incision is made in the breast fold. It causes fewer breastfeeding difficulties, provides the best access and control of the implant pocket, and is the most commonly used by surgeons, but it is less concealed. The transaxillary incision is made under the arm. It causes 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 operation, women generally feel tired and sore for several days. As the skin adjusts to the implant, there may be discomfort and tightness, and swelling can decrease feeling in the nipple and breast. In most cases, women can return to work a few days after breast augmentation, but they should avoid strenuous activities. Recovery may involve using a special bra or other support to help speed up healing, and some women may need pain medication infusion devices.

Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital in New York City

New York City is home to numerous hospitals and medical facilities, each with its own level of expertise and resources. When it comes to Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation prosthetic surgery, choosing the right hospital is of utmost importance. A top - rated hospital will have experienced and skilled surgeons who are well - versed in the latest techniques and technologies related to this type of surgery. They will also have access to high - quality medical equipment and facilities, which can contribute to better surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, a good hospital will provide comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care, including detailed consultations, personalized treatment plans, and proper follow - up to ensure the patient's recovery is smooth and successful.

Hospital Ranking Criteria for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Augmentation Surgery in New York City

Surgeon Expertise

The experience and skill of the surgeons performing the surgery are crucial factors. Surgeons who have a high volume of breast augmentation surgeries under their belt, especially with Allergan teardrop - shaped implants, are more likely to have mastered the techniques and be able to handle any potential complications. Surgeons with certifications from recognized medical boards, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), are also a sign of high - quality training and expertise. For example, in Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 ranking for breast augmentation, several surgeons from New York were recognized, including David Hidalgo, MD, FACS, and Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS. These surgeons have the knowledge and experience to perform Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation surgeries with precision.

Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is an important metric for evaluating hospitals. High patient satisfaction rates indicate that the hospital provides excellent care, both during and after the surgery. Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the hospital's service quality, the surgeon's communication skills, and the overall experience of the patients. Hospitals that have a large number of positive reviews and high - star ratings on platforms like Google Reviews, Healthgrades, and RealSelf are likely to offer a better patient experience.

Technology and Facilities

Advanced technology and well - equipped facilities are essential for performing successful breast augmentation surgeries. Hospitals that invest in the latest imaging technologies, such as 3D imaging, can help patients visualize the potential results of the surgery before making a decision. State - of - the - art operating rooms with modern anesthesia equipment and infection - control measures can also contribute to a safer surgical environment. For instance, some hospitals in New York City use 3D imaging technology to show patients how the Allergan teardrop - shaped implants will look on their unique bodies, allowing them to make more informed choices.

Complication Rates

Low complication rates are a sign of a hospital's proficiency in performing Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation surgeries. Complications can include implant rupture, capsular contracture, infection, and changes in sensation. Hospitals that have a history of keeping complication rates low through proper surgical techniques, strict sterilization procedures, and careful patient selection are more reliable options for patients.

Top Hospitals in New York City for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Augmentation Surgery

Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital is one of the top - ranked hospitals in New York City. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries, including those using Allergan teardrop - shaped implants. The hospital uses advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their bodies. Before the surgery, the surgeons consult with patients to understand their desires and determine the best size and shape of the implants for their bodies. They also perform a physical exam and ask a series of health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate for the surgery. Mount Sinai offers both breast implant options (silicone and saline) and a non - implant option called NaturalFill®, which uses a fat transfer technique. This shows the hospital's commitment to providing multiple choices to patients based on their preferences and needs.

NYU Langone Hospitals

NYU Langone Hospitals is another well - respected institution in New York City. The plastic surgery department at NYU Langone is known for its expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast augmentation. The surgeons at NYU Langone are trained in the latest techniques for placing Allergan teardrop - shaped implants and can provide personalized treatment plans for each patient. The hospital also has a team of anesthesiologists and nurses who are experienced in providing care during and after the surgery. Their focus on patient safety and satisfaction, along with their access to advanced medical research and technologies, makes them a strong choice for Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation surgeries.

Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David L. Cangello, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Cangello Plastic Surgery, is highly regarded for his skills in breast augmentation. He offers personalized treatment plans to meet the aesthetic goals of his patients. Dr. Cangello takes an artistic approach to breast surgery, combining medical precision with the principles of aesthetics. He has extensive experience in working with Allergan implants, including the teardrop - shaped ones. His patients often report high satisfaction rates due to the natural - looking results he achieves. The office has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAAASF) operating room, where most of the plastic surgery procedures are performed. Dr. Cangello also has operating privileges at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, giving patients the option of having the surgery in a hospital - type setting if they prefer.

Comparing the Top Hospitals

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation has its risks. The FDA classifies 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 may require 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, including dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling. Breast implants can also affect a woman's ability to breastfeed. Other complications may include reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, severe capsular contracture (where scar tissue squeezes the implant), asymmetry, nipple, breast, or skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling (where folds of the implant are visible through the skin). Allergan's core study 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.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Care

Pre - operative Care

Before undergoing Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation surgery, patients should have a thorough consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions or concerns the patient may have, and evaluate the patient's medical history and current health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Patients may also need to undergo certain pre - operative tests, such as blood tests and mammograms. The surgeon will provide a pre - operative plan that includes dietary changes, instructions on medication usage, and advice on arranging for a responsible adult to accompany the patient to and from the hospital and assist with daily tasks during the recovery period.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients will be closely monitored in the recovery room. They will have a surgical dressing over their incisions and will be wearing a post - surgical bra. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. Patients should expect some pain and tightness in the breasts during the first few days after surgery, which usually subsides within a few days. Most patients can return to non - strenuous work within a few days, but they should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Follow - up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any potential complications. The standard follow - up schedule may include appointments one week, four weeks, and 12 weeks after the procedure.

Conclusion

Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation prosthetic surgery offers women the opportunity to enhance the size and shape of their breasts in a natural - looking way. However, it is a complex surgical procedure that requires careful consideration and the selection of a qualified hospital and surgeon. In New York City, hospitals like Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, and Cangello Plastic Surgery stand out for their expertise, patient satisfaction, technology, and low complication rates. Before making a decision, patients should thoroughly research these hospitals, consult with multiple surgeons, and weigh the potential risks and benefits. By doing so, they can increase their chances of achieving the desired results and having a positive surgical experience.

If you are considering Allergan teardrop - shaped breast augmentation surgery in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact the hospitals mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation with their experienced surgeons. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask any questions you may have, and learn more about the surgical process and after - care. Make an informed decision and take control of your aesthetic journey today.