Allergan Breast Augmentation: An In - Depth Look in New York City

Understanding Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan Inc. is one of the most well - known and prominent breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its main markets include the United States, Canada, and Latin America, with the flagship breast implant brand being Natrelle. Previously, Allergan also sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan.

Allergan offers a wide range of breast implant brands and models. These 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, and various McGhan and Inamed breast implants and tissue expanders.

Materials of Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan breast implants have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer, a type of silicone with elastic properties similar to rubber. The shells can be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline (a saltwater solution). The choice between saline - and silicone - filled implants is not only a matter of cost but also affects clinical outcomes, and it is influenced by both the surgeon's and the patient's preferences. Samuel Sarmiento, an MD, MPH, and MBA, emphasizes that this decision is multi - faceted.

Implant Shape Options

Women considering Allergan breast implants have a choice between anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast and round implants that give a full, round look. Additionally, Allergan manufactures tissue expanders used in reconstruction surgery. These expanders, such as the Natrelle 133 tissue expanders, are made of a silicone shell with a textured surface to prevent movement. Doctors or nurses gradually fill them with saline over weeks or months to stretch the skin and muscle, creating a pocket for a more permanent implant.

Difference between Smooth and Textured Implants

Implant shells can be either smooth or textured. Smooth shells allow the implant to move under the skin or muscle, similar to the movement of natural breast tissue, and most implants are of this type. Textured shells allow tissue to grow into the surface, keeping the implant in place. However, 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 2019, the FDA requested Allergan to voluntarily recall its textured breast implants after data linked them to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. Since then, Allergan (now Allergan Aesthetics) no longer sells textured implants.

Breast Augmentation Surgery with Allergan Implants

Primary Augmentation

Primary augmentation is the first surgery a person undergoes to increase breast size. It is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia, and the operation time can range from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and the implant. For example, if a patient has a lot of excess skin, the surgeon may perform a breast lift simultaneously with implant placement.

Textured implants may require larger incisions because their rougher surfaces can make it difficult to slide the implant into the breast pocket. Silicone implants may also need larger incisions than saline implants. Allergan's data shows that most patients who provided a satisfaction rating 10 years after their surgery were satisfied with their results. In a core study of 455 primary augmentation patients, 279 provided a satisfaction rating, and 86% reported being “definitely satisfied” with their implants.

Implant Placement

There are two main ways a doctor can place the Natrelle 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, a condition 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 for women with weakened or thin breast tissue as it provides more soft - tissue coverage for a more natural look and feel. However, the surgery and recovery are longer and may be more painful, and reoperation can be more difficult.

Subglandular implant placement means placing 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 may not be suitable candidates for this surgery. But in general, the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and it is easier to perform revision surgery on these implants.

Incision Location

There are three common incision sites for Allergan silicone implants:

• Periareolar: Located around the nipple. It has the advantage of being more concealed but has a higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, a higher risk of change in nipple sensation, and a higher risk of infection.
• Inframammary: In the breast fold. It has fewer breastfeeding difficulties, offers the best access and control of the implant pocket, and is the most commonly used by surgeons. However, it is less concealed.
• Transaxillary: Under the arm. It has fewer breastfeeding problems but is less concealed, more difficult to perform, and may increase the risk of damage to the implant and unexpected implant location.

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 the 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 speed up healing, and some women may need pain medication infusion devices.

Reconstruction Surgery with Allergan Breast Implants

Women who have lost breast tissue due to mastectomy or trauma can use Allergan's Natrelle implants for immediate reconstruction surgery or delayed reconstruction surgery. In immediate reconstruction, surgeons perform the mastectomy and insert the breast implant at the same time. Delayed reconstruction requires another operation but gives the woman time to evaluate the cancer risk and heal before the next surgery.

Surgeons typically perform reconstruction surgery in two stages. First, they place a tissue expander in the chest to stretch the 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 with Allergan implants has its risks. The FDA classifies breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Women with breast implants will need lifetime monitoring and care to detect possible implant ruptures, which requires an MRI every two years as long as the implant remains in the body.

If an implant is removed and not replaced, there may be permanent and undesirable changes to the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling. Breast implants can also affect a woman's ability to breastfeed. Women should inform all healthcare providers about their implants to reduce the risk of implant damage. Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before breast implant surgery and recommends that women take one or two weeks to think about whether breast augmentation is right for them.

Key complications in studies include reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants), implant deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture, asymmetry, nipple, breast, and skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling. Allergan's 10 - year core study of 715 patients showed 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.

Selecting a Hospital for Allergan Breast Augmentation in New York City

Criteria for Ranking

When ranking hospitals for Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, several factors should be considered. These include the experience and expertise of the plastic surgeons, the hospital's success rate in breast augmentation surgeries, patient satisfaction levels, the availability of advanced technology for pre - surgery planning and post - surgery care, and the hospital's compliance with safety and ethical standards.

Notable Hospitals in New York City

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. The hospital offers different options for breast augmentation, including silicone and saline breast implants, as well as a natural fill technique using fat transfer. Their goal is to provide patients with a natural shape and size that they will be happy with.

Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. He has trained at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Dr. Kolker is highly regarded in the field. He has been featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons list from 2021 - 2024, and Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors list from 2016 - 2024. He focuses on achieving the most beautiful, natural, and proportional results for his patients and has received numerous positive patient testimonials.

Comparing Hospitals

Before Making a Decision

Women considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City should thoroughly research different hospitals and surgeons. They should also consult with multiple surgeons to understand the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the surgery. It is important to disclose any pre - existing medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, planned chemotherapy or radiation, conditions or medications that affect blood clotting or wound healing, and mental health disorders.

Conclusion

Allergan breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women, but it comes with risks and considerations. In New York City, there are several hospitals and surgeons who are well - versed in performing Allergan breast augmentation surgeries. By understanding the nature of Allergan implants, the surgical process, potential complications, and carefully evaluating different hospitals based on relevant criteria, women can make an informed decision about their breast augmentation journey.

If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, take the time to explore your options, schedule consultations, and ask questions. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about Allergan breast augmentation, and continue your research to ensure you make the best decision for your body and your well - being.