Introduction
Breast augmentation with Allergan breast implants is a popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedure in New York City. However, choosing the right hospital for this surgery is crucial as it can significantly impact the outcome and safety of the patient. This article aims to provide an in - depth look at the factors to consider when choosing a hospital for Allergan breast implants surgery in New York City and present some of the top - rated hospitals in the area.
Understanding Allergan Breast Implants
Overview of Allergan Breast Implants
Allergan Inc., now known as Allergan Aesthetics after being acquired by AbbVie in 2020, is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers globally. It started selling breast implants in 2006. Their flagship brand is Natrelle, and they also previously sold implants under subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan. Allergan offers a variety of breast implant brands and models, including:
- 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
These implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer, and can be filled with silicone gel or sterile saline. Patients can choose between anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants to mimic the natural breast curve or round implants for a full, round look. Allergan also produces tissue expanders used in reconstruction surgery, such as the Natrelle 133 tissue expanders with a silicone shell and textured surface to prevent movement.
History and Controversies
In July 2019, Allergan issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the devices to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), a type of non - Hodgkin lymphoma. The recall was in response to data that linked the devices to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. After the acquisition by AbbVie, the company no longer sells textured implants. In September 2022, the FDA also issued a safety communication warning consumers about reports of cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, in the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around breast implants, which can occur with both smooth and textured implants.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Allergan Breast Implants Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). They must have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. In the Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 - Breast Augmentation ranking, several New York - based surgeons like David Hidalgo, MD, FACS, Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS, and Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS were recognized. These surgeons have received multiple recommendations from medical experts, indicating their high - level skills in breast augmentation procedures.
Hospital Reputation
A hospital's reputation can be judged by its rankings and accreditations. For example, the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals 2024–2025” list includes all NYC Health + Hospitals’ hospitals. These hospitals are recognized for excellence in treating various conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, hip fracture, kidney failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The hospitals on this list are selected out of nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions, and they excel at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience.
Patient Safety and Care
Patient safety should be a top priority. A hospital should have proper infection control measures, modern surgical equipment, and a well - trained support staff. Breast implants are classified as class III, high - risk devices by the FDA. Patients need to be monitored for the rest of their lives to detect possible implant ruptures, which requires an MRI every two years the implant remains in the body. The hospital should provide comprehensive post - operative care and support to ensure patients recover well and minimize complications.
Range of Services
Choose a hospital that offers a wide range of services related to Allergan breast implants. This includes breast augmentation, breast reconstruction after mastectomy or trauma, and breast revision surgeries. For example, Columbia University's plastic surgery department offers both cosmetic care (including breast augmentation) and reconstructive care (such as breast reconstruction after breast cancer). They also have programs for cleft palate/cleft lip care and orthoplastic surgery care, which shows their comprehensive approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Patient Satisfaction
Patient satisfaction can be gauged from patient reviews and testimonials. Happy patients are more likely to recommend a hospital and its surgeons. For instance, at Cangello Plastic Surgery, patient M.S. reported an amazing experience with Dr. David L. Cangello. She mentioned that the doctor took his time to answer all her questions, and she was very satisfied with the size and results of her breast augmentation. She also complimented the value of the procedure and the nice facility.
Top Hospitals for Allergan Breast Implants Surgery in New York City
Columbia University
Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Its plastic surgery division is staffed with highly proficient surgeons. These surgeons are experts in multiple areas, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery and is a recognized national and international leader in the field.
Services Offered:
- Cosmetic care: This includes breast augmentation, ear and eyelid lifts, tummy tucks, etc.
- Reconstructive care: Such as breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears.
- Cleft palate / cleft lip care: Through their craniofacial surgery program.
- Orthoplastic surgery care: A cutting - edge approach that combines orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction in recovery.
Surgeon Team: The division has a team of board - certified surgeons. For example, Christine Rohde, MD, is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher who specializes in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This allows patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts and make more informed decisions.
Services Offered:
- Breast implants: They offer silicone and saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder.
- Naturalfill: A fat transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. It involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction and immediately inserting it into the breasts to enlarge them.
Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David L. Cangello, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Cangello Plastic Surgery, is known for his highly skilled and artistic approach to breast surgery. He offers personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's aesthetic goals. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from some of the world's top agencies.
Services Offered:
- Full range of cosmetic breast surgery: Including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer.
- Expert guidance on implant choices: He helps patients decide on the size, shape, and type (silicone or saline) of implants, as well as the implant placement and incision location.
Facility and Care: Dr. Cangello has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAAASF) operating room at his NYC office. He and his staff work with board - certified anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety and comfort. For patients who prefer a hospital - type setting, he has operating privileges at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital.
New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (affiliated with Dr. Joshua Levine)
This hospital has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006. It has also achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services. Dr. Joshua Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City at this hospital in 2006.
Services Offered: Specializes in state - of - the - art natural breast reconstruction. Dr. Levine works with expert breast surgeons and has personally directed the advanced training of his surgical teams in the latest procedures.
Comparison of the Top Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Range of Services | Patient - Centered Care | Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Highly proficient surgeons with multiple specializations and research experience | Comprehensive, including cosmetic, reconstructive, cleft palate/lip, and orthoplastic surgeries | Focus on using resources for high - quality care, patient education through various guides | One of New York’s best and a world - class medical center, recognized in plastic surgery research |
| Mount Sinai | Experienced plastic surgeons, using advanced 3D imaging for patient visualization | Breast augmentation with implant options and a unique fat transfer technique | Helping patients make informed size and type choices, personalized consultations | Well - known medical institution with a reputation for quality care |
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Board - certified Dr. David L. Cangello with an artistic approach and a track record of satisfied patients (including models) | Full range of cosmetic breast surgeries, personalized treatment plans | Patient - centered consultations, accredited in - office operating room, or hospital - based options | Good patient reviews, trusted in the cosmetic surgery community |
| New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (affiliated with Dr. Joshua Levine) | Expert surgical teams trained by Dr. Joshua Levine in state - of - the - art breast reconstruction | Specialized in natural breast reconstruction | Using a team approach for safety and efficiency in complex surgeries | Ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for years, with Magnet® status for nursing |
Preparing for Allergan Breast Implants Surgery
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, patients should be prepared to discuss their medical history, current health, and aesthetic goals. Surgeons at reputable hospitals like Cangello Plastic Surgery and Columbia University will perform a physical exam and ask a series of health - related questions to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the surgery. They will also explain the procedure in detail, including the type of anesthesia, the expected recovery time, and potential risks and complications.
Decision - Making on Implant Choices
Patients need to make decisions regarding the size, shape, and type of Allergan breast implants. For example, round implants have volume all around and are softer, while contoured (teardrop) implants are designed to match the natural breast curve and require a textured surface. Silicone implants feel more natural but may require MRI monitoring, while saline implants are approved for younger patients and do not require long - term monitoring. Surgeons will guide patients through this process based on their body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
Pre - operative Planning
Before the surgery, patients will receive a pre - operative plan from the surgeon. This may include dietary changes, stopping certain medications that can interfere with blood clotting, and arranging for a responsible adult to accompany them to and from the hospital. For instance, at Cangello Plastic Surgery, patients are advised to plan for someone to assist them in the 24 hours after the surgery, as they will be under general anesthesia and unable to drive.
Recovery and After - Care
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the Allergan breast implants surgery, patients will wake up with a surgical dressing over the incisions and wearing a post - surgical bra. They may experience achiness, tightness, and swelling in the breasts, which is normal. Surgeons will prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort. Most patients can return home the same day as the procedure, but they should rest and avoid strenuous activities in the first few days.
Long - term Recovery
The recovery process usually takes approximately four to six weeks. In the first week, patients can typically resume non - strenuous activities, but they should avoid contact sports and heavy lifting. Follow - up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process. For example, at Cangello Plastic Surgery, the standard follow - up schedule includes appointments at one week, four weeks, and 12 weeks after the surgery to ensure optimal healing and address any concerns or complications.
Conclusion
When it comes to Allergan breast implants surgery in New York City, choosing the right hospital is a significant decision that can impact a patient's physical and emotional well - being. Factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital reputation, patient safety, range of services, and patient satisfaction should all be carefully considered. Hospitals like Columbia University, Mount Sinai, Cangello Plastic Surgery, and the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (affiliated with Dr. Joshua Levine) stand out for their excellence in providing high - quality care in breast implant surgery. By doing thorough research and consultations, patients can make an informed choice that best suits their needs and goals.
Call - to - Action: If you are considering Allergan breast implants surgery in New York City, take the time to contact the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article. Schedule consultations to discuss your options and gain a better understanding of the procedures. Share this article with friends or family who may be interested in learning more about breast implant surgery in New York City.
