Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, and among the various options available, Allergan Inspira breast implants have gained significant attention in New York City. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Allergan Inspira breast augmentation, including information about Allergan as a company, the features of Inspira implants, the surgical process, pricing, and top surgeons in the city.
Allergan: A Leading Breast Implant Manufacturer
Allergan is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. The company's biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and it previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan.
Allergan Breast Implant Brands and Models
Allergan offers a wide range 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
However, in July 2019, the FDA requested Allergan to voluntarily recall its textured breast implants after data linked the devices to hundreds of cancer cases and a dozen deaths. After the acquisition by AbbVie, the company was rebranded as Allergan Aesthetics, and it no longer sells textured implants.
What Are Implants 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, which is a saltwater solution. As Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, a physician and public health professional, stated, “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 Allergan's anatomical, tear - drop shaped implants designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast or round implants with a full, round look. In addition to implants, Allergan also makes tissue expanders used in reconstruction surgery. Doctors or nurses slowly fill expanders with saline over several weeks or months to stretch skin and muscle to make a pocket for a more permanent implant. Allergan's 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, and 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). On July 24, 2019, Allergan announced a worldwide recall of its textured implants and advised surgeons not to use them. Some patients who used Allergan's textured implants and developed BIA - ALCL filed lawsuits against the company.
In September 2022, the FDA issued a safety communication warning consumers that it received reports of cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, in the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around breast implants. These are cancers unrelated to BIA - ALCL and can form around smooth or textured implants.
Allergan Inspira Breast Implants
Introduction and Features
Allergan has received FDA approval for different models of Natrelle Inspira breast implants. In January 2017, it announced the approval of Natrelle Inspira® SoftTouch breast implants, adding a new medium - firmness gel, or cohesive, implant option. With this addition, the Natrelle® line of breast implants became the only implant line with three levels of cohesive gel.
The Inspira implants are designed to fill a void between the ultra - soft feel of the Natrelle implant line and the firmer feel of the teardrop - shaped style 410 line. The fill ratio of the Inspira implants is higher than the standard Natrelle devices but not as form - stable as the 410s, thereby giving the Inspira's the middle spot in terms of cohesiveness and firmness.
Compared to other implants on the market, Inspira implants have several advantages:
- Less wrinkling: The higher fill ratio means that the chances of being able to see or feel any wrinkles under the skin, especially in very thin women, will be reduced.
- More natural feel: It offers an additional feel choice between the softer Natrelle round implants and the firmer teardrop 410 implants, making the procedure more customizable.
- Good choice for breast implant revision surgery: Since the Inspira implant resists wrinkling better than the softer Natrelle implants, it may be an ideal choice for patients with thinning skin and breast tissue in revisional breast implant surgery.
Indications and Safety Information
Natrelle Inspira breast implants are indicated for women for the following:
- Breast augmentation for women at least 22 years old for silicone - filled implants and at least 18 years old for saline - filled implants. This includes primary breast augmentation to increase the breast size, as well as revision surgery to correct or improve the result of a primary breast augmentation surgery.
- Breast reconstruction. This includes primary reconstruction to replace breast tissue that has been removed due to cancer or trauma or that has failed to develop properly due to a severe breast abnormality. Breast reconstruction also includes revision surgery to correct or improve the result of a primary breast reconstruction surgery.
However, breast implant surgery should not be performed in women with active infection anywhere in their body, with existing cancer or precancer of their breast who have not received adequate treatment for those conditions, and women who are currently pregnant or nursing.
There are also several warnings and precautions. Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and the longer patients have them, the greater the chance they will develop complications, some of which will require more surgery. Breast implants have been associated with the development of BIA - ALCL, and patients receiving breast implants have reported a variety of systemic symptoms.
Patients should also tell their doctors if they have autoimmune diseases, a weakened immune system, planned radiation therapy to the breast or planned chemotherapy following breast implant placement, conditions/medications that interfere with wound healing and blood clotting, reduced blood supply to breast tissue, or a clinical diagnosis of depression, other mental health disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, or eating disorders.
Allergan Inspira Breast Augmentation Surgery
Pre - surgery Considerations
Before undergoing Allergan Inspira breast augmentation surgery, patients need to consider several factors:
- Health conditions: As mentioned above, certain health conditions may increase the risks associated with breast implant surgery. Women should be open and honest with their doctors about their medical history.
- Realistic expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. Reputable surgeons will discuss the patient's goals frankly and be honest about the size and shape that can be achieved for a natural aesthetic.
- Surgeon selection: Choosing a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation is crucial. Patients should ask to see previous results and check patient reviews. For example, Dr. Darren M. Smith in New York City is a well - known surgeon with a proven track record in delivering superb outcomes in a safe, comfortable, and luxurious environment. Dr. Adam R. Kolker, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, is also highly respected. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, and he has been featured in numerous top doctor lists.
Surgical Process
Primary augmentation refers to the first surgery someone undergoes to increase breast size. Breast augmentation 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. For example, 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.
Implant Placement
There are two ways a doctor may place the Natrelle implant: submuscular and subglandular.
- Submuscular implant 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. Capsular contracture causes pain and hard, 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: 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. Some women may need pain medication infusion devices.
Pricing of Allergan Inspira Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of Allergan Inspira breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely, and several factors influence the price:
Factors Affecting Pricing
- Implant type: There are silicone and saline implants, and silicone implants tend to be more expensive. Gummy bear implants, which are a type of silicone implant with a firmer gel, are the most expensive option due to the advanced technology used to develop them.
- Surgeon's fee: The experience and credentials of the plastic surgeon greatly impact their fee. Surgeons with fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery tend to charge higher rates, but they also offer more expertise and a higher likelihood of successful outcomes.
- Anesthesia fee: The anesthesia fee depends on the anesthesia provider, type provided, length of surgery, and location. Anesthesia for breast implant surgery performed in a private surgical center tends to be less expensive than anesthesia in a hospital setting.
- Facility fee: The location of the cosmetic procedure, whether a hospital or a private surgical facility, greatly influences the quoted facility fee. Hospitals tend to be more expensive than private clinics.
- Geographical location: New York City is a metropolitan area with high living costs, which feed into all procedure components. Quotes can vary widely from around $12,000 for those just launching their practice to $22,000 for highly experienced, sought - after surgeons.
- Other procedures: Many clients choose to combine their breast implant procedure with other cosmetic surgeries, which can reduce recovery time and may save money in some cases.
For example, the pricing list in Manhattan, New York City shows that breast augmentation (implants, room charge, and anesthesia not included) costs between $4,500 - $8,500. However, these are just base prices, and the final cost will be higher when all factors are considered.
Top Surgeons for Allergan Inspira Breast Augmentation in New York City
Dr. Darren M. Smith
Dr. Darren M. Smith is a well - respected board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has years of proven experience in breast augmentation surgery and can show prospective clients before and after photos of previous procedures. He offers a range of payment options, making breast implants more attainable. His private clinic in New York City's iconic Ritz Tower provides a safe, comfortable, and luxurious environment for patients.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. His education and training span prestigious medical institutions such as 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 and remains on the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery. Dr. Kolker has been featured in numerous top doctor lists, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors.
Complications and Safety Precautions
Like any surgery, Allergan Inspira breast augmentation has its risks. The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices.
Common Complications
- Reoperation: Some patients may need additional surgeries due to various reasons, such as implant malposition or capsular contracture.
- Implant removal with or without replacement: This may be necessary if there are complications like implant rupture or infection.
- Implant rupture with silicone - filled implants: Although modern silicone implants are designed to be durable, they can still rupture. When silicone implants rupture, it may not be visible as the gel stays in place.
- Implant deflation with saline - filled implants: If a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate immediately, making the issue more obvious.
- Severe capsular contracture: Scar tissue forming around implants can shrink and harden over time, causing pain and misshapen breasts.
- Asymmetry: The breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical after surgery.
- Nipple, breast, skin sensation changes: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Scarring: Incisions will leave scars, and the appearance of scars can vary from person to person.
- Wrinkling/rippling: Folds of the implant may be visible through the skin, especially with saline implants or in thin women.
Safety Precautions
Women with breast implants will require monitoring and