Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure, and Allergan Inspira implants are well - known in the market. New York City, a hub of medical excellence, has several public hospitals that offer this procedure. In this article, we will explore the top 3 regular public hospitals for breast augmentation with Allergan Inspira implants. But before we dive into the rankings, let's first understand more about Allergan Inspira implants and the significance of choosing the right hospital for breast augmentation.
Understanding Allergan Inspira Implants
Company Background
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 flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and the Allergan Inspira implants are part of this well - recognized product line. The company claims to have the no. 1 plastic surgery portfolio, although it has faced some setbacks in the past.
Types of Allergan Inspira Implants
- Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Implants: These implants have a smooth outer shell and are filled with a gel. The smooth shell allows the implant to move under the skin or muscle, mimicking the movement of natural breast tissue.
- Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants: The textured surface of these implants allows tissue to grow into the surface, helping to keep the implant in place. However, in 2019, Allergan issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the FDA linked them to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Composition of the 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 can depend on factors such as cost, the patient's preferences, and the surgeon's advice. As Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH, MBA, a physician and public health professional, states, “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.”
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the surgeons are crucial. Surgeons should be board - certified in plastic surgery and have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. According to the “America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024” ranking by Newsweek and Statista, in the breast augmentation category, there are many top - rated surgeons. For example, David Hidalgo, M.D., FACS, and Adam R. Kolker, M.D., FACS, are from New York and are among the highly - rated plastic surgeons in the country. Choosing a hospital with access to such skilled surgeons can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery.
Hospital Reputation
A hospital's reputation is a reflection of its overall quality of care. This can be evaluated through rankings by organizations like U.S. News & World Report. For instance, New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center has been highly ranked in multiple specialties and is on the U.S. News honor roll. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to have high - quality facilities, advanced technology, and a team of well - trained medical staff.
Patient Safety and Satisfaction
Patient safety should be the top priority. This includes factors such as proper infection control, accurate pre - operative assessments, and post - operative care. Allergan's studies showed that most patients who provided a satisfaction rating 10 years after their breast augmentation 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. However, it's important to note that each hospital's patient satisfaction and safety record can vary.
Facility and Technology
Modern facilities and advanced technology can enhance the surgical experience and outcomes. Hospitals with state - of - the - art operating rooms, imaging equipment for pre - operative planning and post - operative monitoring, and other advanced medical technologies are better equipped to handle breast augmentation procedures safely and effectively.
The Ranking of 3 Regular Public Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Allergan Inspira Implants in New York City
1. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
Overall Reputation
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell is a highly - regarded medical institution. It has been ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In fact, it has made it onto the U.S. News honor roll, which recognizes hospitals that perform exceptionally well across multiple specialties and procedures. It ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation in some years, according to Columbia Surgery news reports. This hospital is ranked nationally in 15 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties, including surgical specialties such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, as well as cancer care where its breast surgery specialists contribute to the high - quality surgical oncology expertise.
Plastic Surgery Department
The hospital's plastic surgery department likely has access to experienced and highly - skilled surgeons. With its overall medical excellence, the department can provide comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care. The surgeons would be well - versed in the latest techniques for breast augmentation with Allergan Inspira implants, and they would be able to address any potential complications effectively.
Resources and Facilities
As a top - tier hospital, it has access to advanced medical resources and facilities. This includes modern operating rooms with the latest equipment for plastic surgery procedures. The hospital also likely has access to advanced imaging technologies for accurate pre - operative planning, which is essential for achieving the best results in breast augmentation.
2. NYU Langone Hospitals
Specialty Rankings
NYU Langone Hospitals have a strong presence in the U.S. News best hospitals rankings. They are ranked highly in multiple specialties. For example, in the 2023 - 2024 rankings, it was well - ranked in areas such as neurology & neurosurgery, urology, and pulmonology & lung surgery. This multi - specialty excellence indicates a high - quality medical infrastructure and a team of well - trained medical professionals across different fields.
Plastic Surgery Services
The plastic surgery department at NYU Langone is likely to offer high - quality breast augmentation services. The hospital would attract experienced plastic surgeons who are up - to - date with the latest techniques and products, including Allergan Inspira implants. The surgeons would be able to offer personalized treatment plans based on the patient's needs and expectations.
Patient - Centered Care
With a focus on patient - centered care, NYU Langone would provide comprehensive support to patients undergoing breast augmentation. This includes pre - operative counseling to help patients make informed decisions about the procedure and the type of implants, as well as post - operative follow - up to ensure a smooth recovery.
3. Mount Sinai Hospital
Geriatrics and Overall Care
Mount Sinai Hospital is well - known for its excellence in geriatrics, being ranked No. 1 in the 2023 - 2024 U.S. News rankings for geriatrics. This indicates a high level of overall patient care and a comprehensive approach to medicine. A hospital with strong geriatric care is likely to have a well - coordinated medical team that can handle various aspects of patient health during and after breast augmentation.
Plastic Surgery Expertise
The plastic surgery department at Mount Sinai would have experienced surgeons who can perform breast augmentation procedures using Allergan Inspira implants. The hospital's reputation for high - quality medical care would also attract patients seeking safe and effective breast augmentation.
Research and Innovation
As a major medical center, Mount Sinai is involved in research and innovation. This can lead to the adoption of the latest techniques and best practices in plastic surgery. Surgeons at the hospital may be involved in research studies related to breast implants, which can contribute to better outcomes for patients undergoing breast augmentation.
Comparison of the 3 Hospitals
| Hospital | Overall Rank | Specialty Strengths | Plastic Surgery Expertise | Facilities | Patient - Centered Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | High national ranking (e.g., No. 4 in some years) | 15 adult specialties, 8 pediatric specialties including heart, GI, lung surgery, and cancer care | Access to highly - skilled surgeons with multi - specialty support | State - of - the - art operating rooms and advanced imaging | Comprehensive pre - and post - operative care with a focus on overall health |
| NYU Langone Hospitals | Well - ranked in multiple specialties | Neurology & neurosurgery, urology, pulmonology & lung surgery | Experienced plastic surgeons offering personalized treatment | Advanced medical resources and facilities | Strong patient - centered care with pre - operative counseling and post - operative follow - up |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Top - ranked in geriatrics | Geriatrics and overall comprehensive patient care | Experienced plastic surgeons and research - based approach | Facilities for high - quality medical care and potential for innovative techniques | Good patient support and a holistic approach to care |
The Breast Augmentation Procedure with Allergan Inspira Implants
Pre - operative Consultation
Before the breast augmentation procedure, patients will have a pre - operative consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient's overall health, breast anatomy, and discuss the patient's goals and expectations. The surgeon will also explain the different types of Allergan Inspira implants available, including the smooth and textured options (although textured implants are now recalled). The patient and surgeon will also discuss the implant placement (submuscular or subglandular) and the incision location (periareolar, inframammary, or axillary/transaxillary).
Implant Placement
- 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.
- 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. However, the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and it is easier to perform revision surgery on these implants.
Incision Location
- Periareolar: The incision is made around the nipple. It is more concealed, but it has a higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, a higher risk of change in sensation in the nipple, and a higher risk of infection.
- Inframammary: The incision is in the breast fold. It has fewer breastfeeding difficulties, provides the best access and control of the implant pocket, and is the most commonly used by surgeons. However, it is less concealed.
- Axillary or Transaxillary: The incision is made under the arm. It has 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.
Recovery
After the breast augmentation surgery, women 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 after surgery. In most cases, women can return to work a few days after the surgery, 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.
Complications and Safety Considerations
Complications Associated with Allergan Implants
Like any surgery, breast augmentation with Allergan Inspira implants has its risks. The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Key complications in Allergan's studies included reoperation, implant removal with or without replacement, implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants), implant deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture (when scar tissue squeezes the implant), asymmetry, nipple, breast, or skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling (when folds of the implant are visible through the skin). 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.
Safety Precautions
Women with breast implants will require monitoring and care for the rest of their lives to detect possible implant ruptures. This 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 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.
Conclusion
When it comes to breast augmentation with Allergan Inspira implants in New York City, the top 3 regular public hospitals - New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Hospitals, and Mount Sinai Hospital - offer high - quality services. These hospitals have strong reputations, experienced surgeons, advanced facilities, and a focus on patient - centered care. However, it's important for patients to carefully consider the factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital reputation, and potential complications before making a decision. Patients should also have in - depth discussions with their surgeons during the pre - operative consultation to ensure that their expectations are realistic and that they understand all aspects of the procedure.
If you're considering breast augmentation with Allergan Inspira implants, we encourage you to research these hospitals further, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations with the plastic surgeons at these institutions. This will help you make an informed decision and increase your chances of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation, and explore more related topics on the world of plastic surgery and medical care in New York City.
