Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, and Allergan breast augmentation prostheses are well - known in the market. In Albany, there has been growing interest in finding the best hospitals for Allergan breast augmentation. The recently released ranking list provides valuable information for those considering this procedure. In this article, we will explore various aspects related to Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, including the ranking of hospitals, Allergan products, and important considerations for the procedure.
Understanding Allergan Breast Implants
Company Background
Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006. In May 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 (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
Product Range
Allergan offers a diverse range of breast implants:
- Biocell Textured Implants: These include saline and silicone - filled implants and tissue expanders. However, in July 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration linked the devices to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
- Natrelle Inspira Implants: There are smooth round gel implants and textured round gel implants. The Natrelle Inspira® collection offers the largest selection of smooth breast implants and is the #1 selected breast implant by leading U.S. physicians according to certain surveys (Allergan Aesthetics, "Natrelle® | Breast Implants").
- Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: Designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast with an anatomical, tear - drop shape.
- Saline - Filled Implants: Such as Natrelle saline - filled smooth round implants and Natrelle saline - filled textured implants.
- Tissue Expanders: Like Natrelle 133 tissue expanders and Natrelle 133 plus tissue expanders, which 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.
Implant Materials
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. The choice between saline - and silicone - filled implants can lead to different clinical outcomes, and it is also influenced by the preferences of both the surgeon and the patient (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
The New Ranking List of Allergan Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Hospitals in Albany
Methodology of Ranking
Although the exact methodology for the new ranking list in Albany is not always publicly disclosed, in general, factors such as doctor's experience, patient satisfaction, success rates of procedures, and the quality of after - care services are likely to be considered. For example, the ranking in the broader context of "America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024" by Newsweek involved an elaborate process. Thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April 2024. A score was calculated for each surgeon based on the number of recommendations, a quality assessment, and relevant certification. In - state and out - of - state recommendations accounted for 45 percent of the overall score, the quality score was 15 percent, and certification (such as American Board of Plastic Surgery accreditation) contributed 5% (Newsweek, "America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 - Breast Augmentation").
Top Doctors in Albany for Breast Augmentation
According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Here are some of the highly - rated doctors:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Francis Cullen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 5 Palisades Dr Ste 110, Albany, NY 12205 |
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Edward Lee, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 7 Southwoods Blvd Ste 2, Albany, NY 12211 |
| Dr. Eugene Hoffert, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
These doctors likely have experience with Allergan breast augmentation prostheses. High ratings often indicate their proficiency in performing the procedure and providing satisfactory results to patients.
Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery
Types of Surgeries
Primary Augmentation: This refers to the first surgery someone undergoes to increase breast size. It 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 (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
Reconstruction Surgery: 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 immediate reconstruction, surgeons 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 and heal (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
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. 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 (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
- Subglandular Placement: 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 in general, the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and it is easier to perform revision surgery on these implants (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
Incision Location
There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants:
| Incision Site | 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 |
| Transaxillary | Under the arm | Fewer breastfeeding problems | Less concealed, more difficult, may increase risk of damage to and unexpected location of implant |
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 include:
- Reoperation: May be required due to various reasons such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or unsatisfactory cosmetic results.
- Implant Rupture or Deflation: Silicone - filled implants may rupture, while saline - filled implants may deflate.
- Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue around the implant can tighten, causing pain and hard, misshapen breasts.
- Asymmetry: Differences in breast size or shape after the procedure.
- Nipple, Breast, Skin Sensation Changes: Loss or alteration of sensation in the nipples or breasts.
- Scarring: Visible scars at the incision sites.
- Wrinkling/Rippling: Folds of the implant may be visible through the skin.
- BIA - ALCL: A rare type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma that has been linked to Allergan's textured implants (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
Safety Precautions
Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an "Acceptance of Risk and Consent to Surgery" form before breast implant surgery. 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. Women should also tell all health care providers who treat them about their implants to reduce the risk of damaging the implant. Allergan also recommends women wait one or two weeks and think about whether breast augmentation is something they truly wish to do (Drugwatch, "Allergan Breast Implants | Textured vs Smooth, Surgery & Risks").
Choosing the Right Hospital in Albany
Researching the Hospital
When considering a hospital for Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, it is essential to research the hospital's reputation. Look for patient reviews, testimonials, and success rates of the breast augmentation procedures. Check if the hospital has experienced plastic surgeons who are well - versed in using Allergan products. You can also inquire about the hospital's facilities, including the surgical equipment and the post - operative care services.
Consulting with Surgeons
Schedule consultations with the surgeons at different hospitals. During these consultations, ask about their experience with Allergan breast implants, the specific procedures they recommend, and the potential risks and benefits. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals and concerns and provide detailed information about the procedure.
Considering Certification and Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital and the surgeons are properly certified and accredited. Certification by recognized organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery indicates that the surgeon has met certain standards of education, training, and experience. Accreditation of the hospital ensures that it meets certain quality and safety standards.
Conclusion
The new ranking list of Allergan breast augmentation prosthesis hospitals in Albany is a valuable resource for those considering breast augmentation. Allergan offers a wide range of breast implants, but it is crucial to be aware of the associated risks, especially after the recall of its textured implants due to the link with BIA - ALCL. When choosing a hospital in Albany, patients should conduct thorough research, consult with experienced surgeons, and consider factors such as certification and patient reviews.
If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation, take the time to make an informed decision. Consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options, understand the potential risks and benefits, and determine the best approach for your specific needs. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation, and explore more about the topic to stay informed.
