Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. Allergan, one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world, has a significant presence in the New York City market. In this article, we will explore the ranking of Allergan breast augmentation in New York City based on real feedback from netizens, as well as delve into various aspects of Allergan breast implants and the surgical process.
Overview of Allergan Breast Implants
Company Background
Allergan started selling breast implants in 2006. In 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The company claims it has the no. 1 plastic surgery portfolio. However, in July 2019, it issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the devices to a rare cancer.
Brands and Models
Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, but it previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan. The different types of implants and tissue expanders 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
Components and Differences of Allergan Breast Implants
What Implants are Made of
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). According to Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH, MBA, “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.”
Women can choose between anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast or round implants with a full, round look. Allergan also makes tissue expanders used in reconstruction surgery. For example, the Natrelle 133 tissue expanders are made of a silicone shell and have a textured surface to keep them from moving.
Difference between Smooth and Textured Implants
Implant shells may be smooth or textured. Smooth shells allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue. Most implants are smooth. Textured shells 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 breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (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. In September 2022, the FDA issued a safety communication warning consumers about reports of other cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, in the scar tissue around breast implants, which can occur around both smooth and textured implants.
Determining Cup Size and Considerations for Implant Size
How Cup Size is Determined
Women who want a larger cup size generally require a larger implant. However, breast implant sizes don’t directly correspond to bra cup sizes because the size and shape of the woman’s chest determine the actual cup size. Instead, 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).
Complications of Larger Implants
Implants that are too large may cause more complications and prematurely sag. For example, Natrelle silicone breast implants range from 80cc for smaller implants to 800cc for the largest size. Allergan’s studies showed that some complications were more likely to occur in women with larger implant sizes, according to their breast augmentation brochure. Large implants may cause the implant’s edges to be visible after the operation if there isn’t enough skin to cover it, and they may also pull down on the skin, causing breasts to sag earlier.
Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery
Procedure and Anesthesia
Primary augmentation 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. 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.
Patient Satisfaction
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 and subglandular.
- Submuscular implant placement means 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. Capsular contracture causes pain, hard and misshapen breasts, and puts 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 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. 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 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 |
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 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 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, including dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling. Breast implants can also 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.
Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “Acceptance of Risk and Consent to Surgery” form before breast implant surgery. The company also recommends women wait one or two weeks and think about whether breast augmentation is something they truly wish to do. 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, asymmetry, nipple, breast, skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling. 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.
Before Getting Allergan Implants
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 Allergan Breast Augmentation in New York City Based on Netizen Feedback
When it comes to Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, the choice of a surgeon can significantly impact the outcome. There are numerous plastic surgeons in the area, and some have received positive feedback from netizens.
Top Surgeons with Allergan Breast Augmentation Experience
Some of the well - regarded surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation with Allergan implants are:
- Dr. Adam R. Kolker: He is a double - board certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Dr. Kolker was featured as one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021 for breast augmentation by Newsweek, with a score of 74.2%. He has also been recognized in multiple publications, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors list from 2008 - 2024. Patients have reported high satisfaction with his work, especially for breast augmentation procedures. His patients appreciate his attention to detail and ability to achieve natural - looking results. His practice is located at 710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, and his contact number is 212 - 744 - 6500.
- Dr. Nadia Afridi: She is a popular surgeon in NYC for breast augmentation. Dr. Afridi is board - certified and has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients. She is very professional and caring, and her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia. Incisions are usually made in unnoticeable areas. She offers a range of breast augmentation procedures and uses “try on the look” to determine the best size and shape for patients. Her estimated breast augmentation cost is $8900, and her practice is located at 815 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021. Phone number: (212) 421 - 5100.
- Dr. Richard Swift: A board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC, Dr. Swift offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments. He has earned a number of prestigious awards and provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He has a great team of staff, and his price is fair. His estimated breast augmentation cost ranges from $5000 - $10000. His practice is at 110 E 87th St, New York, NY 10128, and the phone number is (212) 828 - 9906.
It's important to note that this ranking is based on a combination of factors such as patient reviews, experience, and credentials. However, individual results may vary, and it's crucial for patients to have in - depth consultations with the surgeons to understand the procedure fully.
Conclusion
Allergan breast augmentation in New York City offers women the possibility of enhancing their appearance and improving their self - confidence. However, it is a complex procedure that involves various aspects, from choosing the right implant type and size to selecting a qualified surgeon. While Allergan breast implants have a long - standing reputation in the industry, the 2019 recall of textured implants due to safety concerns is a reminder that patients need to be well - informed. The ranking of Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, based on real feedback from netizens, highlights some of the top surgeons in the area.
If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation, it is essential to have a heart - to - heart discussion with your surgeon, understand the potential risks and benefits, and make an informed decision. We encourage you to explore further resources, consult with multiple surgeons, and ask all the necessary questions before proceeding with the surgery. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about Allergan breast augmentation in New York City.