Introduction
Breast augmentation using teardrop - shaped breast implants, especially those from Allergan, has become a popular choice for many women in New York City. The desire for a more natural - looking breast enhancement has led to an increased demand for these implants. This article will explore the top 3 - 5 hospitals in New York City that offer high - quality services for Allergan teardrop - shaped breast implants, along with important information about the implants themselves, candidates, and the surgical process.
Understanding Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
What are Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants?
Teardrop - shaped breast implants, also known as anatomical implants, are a revolutionary advancement in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Unlike traditional round implants, these are meticulously designed to mimic the natural contours of the female breast. They have a fuller lower portion and a tapered upper portion, resembling a teardrop shape. Shaped implants offer a more natural and subtle enhancement compared to round implants, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more realistic breast appearance.
Allergan's Contribution to Teardrop - Shaped Implants
Allergan is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006 and was later acquired by AbbVie in 2020. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, which includes teardrop - shaped anatomical gel implants. However, in 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants due to a link with a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). Currently, Allergan's non - textured teardrop - shaped implants are available for breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures.
Who is a Candidate for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants?
Not every woman is an ideal candidate for teardrop - shaped breast implants. The following factors need to be considered:
Desire for a Natural Look
The primary reason for choosing teardrop - shaped implants is to achieve a more natural - looking breast augmentation. Candidates should have a preference for results that closely resemble the shape of natural breasts.
Adequate Breast Tissue
Ideal candidates typically have a sufficient amount of existing breast tissue. These implants are often recommended for women who want to enhance their breasts but do not require a significant increase in size.
Build and Lifestyle
- Thin or athletic build: Shaped implants can be an excellent choice for individuals with a slender or athletic build. They can help create a balanced and harmonious appearance without making the breasts appear overly large.
- Lifestyle and activity level: Shaped implants may offer a subtle and balanced appearance, making them suitable for active individuals who want a natural look without excessive fullness.
Willingness to Follow Post - operative Instructions
Teardrop - shaped implants may require more careful post - operative care and follow - up appointments than round implants to ensure they settle into the desired position correctly. Ideal candidates should be committed to adhering to the post - op instructions provided by their surgeon.
Realistic Expectations
It's crucial for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcome of their surgery. While shaped implants can provide a natural look, they may not be suitable for those seeking a significant increase in breast size.
Overall Health and Emotional Well - being
- Good overall health: Candidates should be in good general health and free from any medical conditions that could pose a risk during surgery or the recovery process.
- Emotional well - being: Candidates should be emotionally prepared for breast augmentation surgery and have a positive body image. It's important to understand that surgery alone cannot address underlying self - esteem or body image issues.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
Aristocrat Plastic Surgery
Aristocrat Plastic Surgery is well - known in New York City for its high - quality plastic surgery services. Dr. Kevin Tehrani, the founder and director of the clinic, is a top plastic surgeon who values high - level training, continuing education, and clinical experience. At Aristocrat, patients interested in Allergan teardrop - shaped breast implants can expect a comprehensive consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Tehrani will evaluate the patient's anatomy, tissue elasticity, and skin quality to provide personalized recommendations. He will also discuss the patient's goals, expectations, and concerns in detail.
The clinic carries Sientra’s microtextured implants, which have a less aggressive surface compared to other textured implants. Although Allergan's textured implants have been recalled, the clinic can offer valuable expertise on Allergan's non - textured teardrop - shaped implants. Aristocrat also emphasizes the importance of helping patients make an informed decision about whether shaped implants are right for them, taking into account factors such as incision preferences, rotation potential, and budget.
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery has seven convenient locations in Manhattan, New York City, as well as in other areas. Long Island plastic surgeon Stephen Greenberg is highly experienced in breast implant procedures. During the breast implant consultation, Dr. Greenberg uses Vectra XT, a complete 3D imaging solution for the body, breast, and face. This visual simulator allows patients to see a visual image of themselves with different implant options, helping them explore the exciting possibilities of the aesthetic procedure and achieve their personal goals.
Dr. Greenberg can assist patients in determining the right breast implant size, shape, and material for their desired bust line. He is well - versed in Allergan teardrop - shaped implants and can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these implants compared to other options. The clinic also offers both subglandular and submuscular implant placement options, and Dr. Greenberg will carefully consider the patient's goals and concerns to determine the best approach.
Columbia Surgery (New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center)
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a top - ranked hospital in the nation, being ranked no. 7 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. The institution is recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties, including surgical oncology expertise in breast surgery. The surgeons at Columbia have the skills and experience to perform high - quality breast augmentation procedures using Allergan teardrop - shaped implants.
The hospital's high - performing surgical and medical interventions are based on comprehensive data analysis, including patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies. Patients can expect to receive state - of - the - art surgical advances, top medical care, and personalized treatment plans when choosing Columbia Surgery for their breast implant procedure.
The Surgical Process for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
Consultation
The first step in the surgical process is a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During this meeting, the patient will discuss their goals, expectations, and concerns with the surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's anatomy, including breast size, shape, tissue elasticity, and skin quality. They will also take into account the patient's medical history and any previous surgeries. Based on this evaluation, the surgeon will provide personalized recommendations regarding implant size, shape, placement, and incision location.
Pre - operative Preparation
Once the patient and surgeon have agreed on the treatment plan, the patient will need to undergo some pre - operative preparations. This may include undergoing medical tests, such as blood tests and mammograms, to ensure the patient is in good health for surgery. The patient may also be advised to stop taking certain medications or supplements that could increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Additionally, the patient will receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure and arranging for someone to drive them home after the surgery.
Surgery
Breast augmentation with Allergan teardrop - shaped implants is an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia. The operation may take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and the implant. The surgeon will make an incision in one of three common locations: periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the breast fold), or axillary/transaxillary (under the arm). Each incision location has its own pros and cons, which will be discussed with the patient during the consultation.
The implant will then be placed either submuscular (under the chest muscle) or subglandular (under the breast glands). Submuscular placement can reduce the risk of capsular contracture and make breast tissue easier to see in mammograms, but surgery and recovery may be longer and more painful. Subglandular placement may have a greater likelihood of capsular contracture but may result in a shorter and less painful surgery and recovery.
Recovery
After the surgery, the patient will 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 breast augmentation, but they should not do anything strenuous. Recovery may involve using a special bra or other support to help speed up healing. Some women may need pain medication infusion devices.
Patients will need to attend follow - up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their healing progress and ensure the implants are settling correctly. The surgeon may also provide instructions on scar care and other post - operative care measures.
Benefits and Risks of Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
Benefits
- Natural appearance: The teardrop shape closely mimics the natural contour of the female breast, providing a more realistic and subtle enhancement.
- Customization: There are various options in terms of profiles, shapes, and sizes, allowing for a more personalized result based on the patient's body type and aesthetic goals.
- Less likely to look “over - done”: Compared to some round implants, teardrop - shaped implants are less likely to give an overly full or artificial appearance.
Risks
- Implant rotation: Teardrop - shaped implants must stay in the correct orientation to maintain their natural appearance. There is a small risk of implant rotation, which may affect the results and may require additional surgery to correct.
- Capsular contracture: This is a condition in which the scar tissue that naturally develops around the implant becomes excessively tight. It can cause pain, hardening, and distortion of the breast shape, and may require implant removal or replacement.
- Implant rupture or deflation: Saline implants can deflate if the shell leaks, while silicone implants can rupture. Regular monitoring, usually with an MRI every two years, is required to detect possible implant ruptures.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some women may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation after the surgery.
- Scarring: All surgeries leave scars, and the appearance of the scars can vary depending on the incision location and the patient's healing process.
Comparing Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Implants with Other Implant Types
Round Implants
Round implants have a full, round look. They can provide more upper pole fullness compared to teardrop - shaped implants. Round implants are less likely to be affected by rotation because they have no distinct top or bottom. However, some women may feel that round implants do not achieve as natural a look as teardrop - shaped implants. Round implants also tend to be less expensive than teardrop - shaped implants.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Allergan offers both saline and silicone teardrop - shaped implants. Saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution. If a saline implant ruptures, the solution is harmlessly absorbed into the body. However, saline implants may be more likely to ripple or wrinkle compared to silicone implants. Silicone implants have a more natural feel, but if they rupture, the silicone may stay within the breast pocket or migrate to other areas of the body. Specialized imaging is required to detect silicone implant ruptures.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone implant with a more cohesive gel. They are available in teardrop - shaped forms. Gummy bear implants have a lower risk of rupture compared to traditional silicone implants and are less likely to cause rippling. However, some women may find them to be firmer than traditional silicone implants and may not provide as natural a feel.
Cost Considerations for Allergan Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants
The cost of Allergan teardrop - shaped breast implants can vary depending on several factors, including the hospital or clinic, the surgeon's experience, the location of the surgery, the type of implant (saline or silicone), and any additional procedures that may be performed, such as a breast lift. On average, the cost of breast augmentation with Allergan teardrop - shaped implants can range from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars.
It's important to note that the cost should not be the only factor when choosing a hospital or surgeon for the procedure. Quality of care, surgeon's experience, and patient safety should also be taken into consideration. Some hospitals and clinics may offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure.
Conclusion
Allergan teardrop - shaped breast implants offer a natural - looking solution for women seeking breast augmentation. In New York City, hospitals like Aristocrat Plastic Surgery, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery, and Columbia Surgery (New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center) are known for their high - quality services in this area. Before deciding on the procedure, it's crucial for patients to carefully consider their candidacy, the surgical process, the benefits and risks, and the cost. By choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced surgeon, patients can increase the likelihood of a successful and satisfying outcome.
If you're interested in learning more about Allergan teardrop - shaped breast implants or scheduling a consultation at one of the top hospitals in New York City, don't hesitate to reach out. Share this article with friends who may also be considering breast augmentation to help them make an informed decision.
