Introduction

Breast augmentation has emerged as a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, with many women turning to it to enhance their self - confidence and achieve their desired aesthetic goals. Allergan, a well - known brand in the field of breast implants, offers a variety of products for this purpose. In Albany, where the demand for quality breast augmentation services is significant, it's important to know about the top hospitals for Allergan breast augmentation. This article aims to explore and present a comprehensive overview of the well - reputed hospitals in Albany for Allergan breast augmentation, along with related information about Allergan implants, plastic surgeons, and more.

Allergan: A Leading Brand in Breast Implants

Overview of Allergan

Allergan is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers globally. The company entered the breast implant market in 2006. In 2020, Abbvie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its main markets include the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Allergan's flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, and it also previously sold implants under subsidiaries like Inamed and Mcghan. However, in July 2019, the company issued a worldwide recall of its textured implants after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the devices to a rare cancer, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). After the acquisition, it was rebranded as Allergan Aesthetics, and it no longer sells textured implants.

Allergan Breast Implant Brands and Models

Composition of Allergan Breast Implants

Allergan breast implants have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer, a type of silicone with rubber - like elastic properties. These shells can be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline (a saltwater solution). The choice between saline - and silicone - filled implants depends on several factors, including cost, clinical outcomes, and the preferences of both the surgeon and the patient. Women can also choose between anatomical (tear - drop shaped) implants, which mimic the curve of a natural breast, and round implants with a full, round look.

Differences 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, on the other hand, allow tissue to grow into the surface of the implant, keeping it in place. However, allergan's biocell textured implants were found to have a higher risk of BIA - ALCL, leading to the 2019 worldwide recall. In September 2022, the FDA also issued a safety communication warning about other cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, that can form in the scar tissue around breast implants, regardless of whether they are smooth or textured.

Breast Augmentation with Allergan Implants

Determining Cup Size

Women seeking a larger cup size generally require larger implants. However, breast implant sizes do not directly correspond to bra cup sizes, as the size and shape of a woman's chest play a role in determining the actual cup size. Allergan measures its implants by height, width, projection from the body, and the amount of silicone or saline in cubic centimeters (cc). Larger implants may lead to more complications, such as premature sagging and visible implant edges if there isn't enough skin to cover them. Allergan's studies showed that some complications were more likely to occur in women with larger implant sizes.

Allergan Breast Augmentation Surgery

Primary augmentation is the first surgery to increase breast size and is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The operation can take from one hour to several hours, depending on the patient and the implant. If a patient has excess skin, the surgeon may also perform a breast lift at the same time. Textured implants may require larger incisions because of their rougher surfaces, and silicone implants may also need larger incisions than saline implants. According to Allergan's data, most patients who provided a satisfaction rating 10 years after their surgery were satisfied with their results. In a core study, 86% of 279 primary augmentation patients reported being “definitely satisfied” with their implants.

Implant Placement

• Submuscular Placement: The surgeon places the implant under the chest muscle (pectoralis). This technique reduces the risk of capsular contracture, 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, surgery and recovery are longer and more painful, and reoperation may be more difficult.
• Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed on top of the muscle and under the breast glands. This method has a higher 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. But in general, the surgery and recovery are shorter and less painful, and revision surgery is easier to perform.

Incision Location

Recovery

Women typically feel tired and sore for several days after the operation. As the skin adjusts to the implant, there may be discomfort and tightness, and swelling can reduce 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 aid 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 or delayed reconstruction surgery. In immediate reconstruction, the mastectomy and implant placement are done at the same time. Delayed reconstruction requires an additional operation but gives the woman time to evaluate cancer risks and recover before the next surgery. Surgeons usually perform reconstruction surgery in two stages. First, a tissue expander is placed in the chest to stretch the skin and muscle and create a breast pocket, which takes about four to six months. Then, the expander is removed, and the implant is placed in the created pocket.

Complications and Safety Precautions

FDA Classification

The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Women with breast implants need lifelong 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 without replacement, permanent and undesirable changes to the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling, may occur. Breast implants can also affect a woman's ability to breastfeed. Women should inform all their healthcare providers about their implants to reduce the risk of implant damage.

Complications in Studies

Allergan conducted a 10 - year core study with 715 patients, including those with primary augmentation, revision - augmentation, primary reconstruction, and revision - reconstruction. The study found that 49% of primary augmentation patients and 64% of revision - augmentation patients would have at least one complication within 10 years of surgery, including reoperation. Other complications included implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants), implant deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture, asymmetry, nipple/breast/skin sensation changes, scarring, and wrinkling/rippling.

Pre - surgery Precautions

Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form before breast implant surgery. The company also recommends that women take one or two weeks to consider whether breast augmentation is truly what they want. Women should tell their doctors if they have an autoimmune disease, a weakened immune system, planned chemotherapy or radiation, conditions or medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or mental health disorders.

Top Plastic Surgeons in Albany for Allergan Breast Augmentation

Local Plastic Surgeons in Albany

Healthgrades identified 155 doctors in Albany who perform breast augmentation. Some of the top - rated ones are:

National Rankings of Plastic Surgeons

Newsweek, in partnership with Statista, has released rankings of America's best plastic surgeons. In the 2024 ranking for breast augmentation, some of the top - ranked surgeons are William P. Adams Jr., MD (University Park - Texas), Rod J. Rohrich, MD (Dallas - Texas), and Dennis Hammond, MD (Grand Rapids - Michigan). Although these may not be local to Albany, it gives an idea of the high - quality professionals in the field.

Top Hospitals in Albany for Allergan Breast Augmentation

Albany's Hospital Rankings

US News Best Hospitals provides rankings for hospitals in the Albany, New York metropolitan area. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany is ranked #1 in Albany, being high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. Albany Medical Center is ranked #2, high - performing in 13 procedures/conditions. These hospitals, along with others like Ellis Hospital (high - performing in 5 procedures/conditions), offer a range of medical services and may be well - equipped to handle Allergan breast augmentation procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Allergan breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedure, and Albany offers a range of options for those seeking this service. Allergan, despite past issues with its textured implants, still provides a variety of implant options for patients. When considering Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, it's crucial to research and choose a reputable hospital and an experienced plastic surgeon. Patients should also be well - informed about the procedure, including potential risks and complications, and take necessary precautions before making a decision. Whether it's for aesthetic reasons or reconstructive purposes, a successful breast augmentation can have a positive impact on a woman's self - image and quality of life.

If you're considering Allergan breast augmentation in Albany, take the time to visit different hospitals, consult with plastic surgeons, and gather all the necessary information. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Albany, and explore related topics such as post - operative care and long - term effects of breast implants.