Introduction
Allergan breast implants have long been a popular choice for women seeking breast augmentation. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals that stand out for their proficiency in using Allergan breast augmentation prostheses. This article will delve into five of these well - known and reputable hospitals, exploring their services, the experience of their surgeons, and what patients can expect from their breast augmentation procedures.
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Surgeon Expertise
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are highly experienced in performing breast augmentation procedures. They have extensive knowledge of Allergan implants and understand how to select the right one for each patient's body type and desired outcome. These surgeons have been trained at top - tier institutions and are committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in breast augmentation techniques.
Range of Services
Mount Sinai offers multiple options for breast augmentation. They have both silicone and saline Allergan breast implants available. Silicone breast implants from Allergan look and feel natural in the breasts, closely mimicking the texture and appearance of natural breast tissue. Saline implants, on the other hand, are a firmer, rounder option. Additionally, they offer a unique fat - transfer technique called NaturalFill®, pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen and transferring it to the breasts.
Patient - Centered Approach
Before scheduling the surgery, Mount Sinai uses advanced 3D imaging technology. This allows patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body. Surgeons take the time to listen to patients' desires for enhancing their breast size and help them decide on the size and shape that will be most suitable for their body. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon explains the entire procedure in detail and answers any questions the patient may have. They also perform a physical exam and ask a series of health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation.
2. Weill Cornell Medicine
Surgeon Reputation
The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in their field. They are highly skilled and trained to use Allergan breast implants effectively. Weill Cornell Medicine partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S., which further enhances the quality of care provided. These surgeons are committed to helping patients achieve their desired appearance and feel their best.
Comprehensive Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Weill Cornell Medicine offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options. In addition to breast augmentation with Allergan implants, they also provide breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), and DIEP flap surgery. This comprehensive approach allows patients to address multiple breast - related concerns in one place. The surgeons are able to customize the treatment plan according to each patient's unique body and goals.
Patient Comfort and Care
Patient comfort is a top priority at Weill Cornell Medicine. From the initial consultation, the surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options. Before the surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and feel comfortable with the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After the surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the recovery process.
3. NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital
Skilled Plastic Surgeons
The plastic surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian are passionate about helping patients achieve their desired appearance through breast augmentation with Allergan prostheses. They have a wealth of experience in performing various cosmetic breast surgeries. Their expertise allows them to handle different patient needs and ensure optimal results. These surgeons keep up with the latest research and techniques in breast augmentation to provide the best possible care.
Advanced Breast Surgery Options
They offer a variety of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with Allergan implants. The surgeons are well - versed in different types of Allergan implants and can guide patients in choosing the right one. Whether it's the smooth or textured Allergan implants, they understand the pros and cons of each and can make recommendations based on the patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals. In addition to augmentation, they also perform breast reduction, breast lift, and DIEP flap surgery.
High - Quality Patient Care
NewYork - Presbyterian is committed to delivering the highest standards of care with compassion. Whether patients visit the hospital in person or through a video visit, they can be assured of quality treatment. The hospital has taken extensive steps to keep its facilities safe, especially in light of the current healthcare environment. Patients are given detailed information about the procedure, risks, and recovery, and the care team is available to support them throughout the process.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City with over ten thousand plastic surgery procedures under his belt, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He is well - known for his expertise in using Allergan breast implants. His training at Stanford and Cornell has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to perform breast augmentations with precision. He has also been honored for his groundbreaking research and is listed in multiple magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Comprehensive Breast Augmentation Services
Dr. Antell offers a comprehensive approach to breast augmentation. He helps patients understand the different types of Allergan implants, such as silicone gel and saline implants. Silicone gel implants from Allergan more closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue, while saline implants can be adjusted for asymmetry and may require smaller incisions. He also discusses implant placement options, including submuscular and subglandular placement, and explains how these choices can affect the final outcome and the risk of complications like capsular contracture.
Patient Experience and Safety
During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history. He has an open and honest conversation with patients about their expectations and guides them through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. He thoroughly discusses the risks with patients and provides detailed information to ensure they are fully informed. His private operating room, located across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, is state - of - the - art and fully accredited, providing a safe and comfortable environment for the procedure.
5. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Double - Board Certified and Artistic Surgeon
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified, Harvard - trained plastic surgeon with a focus on aesthetic breast surgery. As a lifelong studio artist, he brings an artistic eye to breast augmentation procedures using Allergan prostheses. His goal is to achieve a gorgeous, natural, and proportional outcome for each patient. He believes that beauty in breast augmentation is more important than just increasing size, and he takes into account each patient's unique goals and physique.
Personalized Breast Augmentation
Dr. Kolker offers a personalized approach to breast augmentation. He carefully considers the patient's innate anatomy, desired outcome, and personal preferences when choosing the type of Allergan implant, access incision, position, and style of the implant. For example, he offers both silicone and saline Allergan implants and advises patients on the best option based on their body type. He uses techniques like the Keller funnel to minimize incision length when inserting silicone gel implants.
Exceptional Patient Care
From the initial consultation at his office on Park Avenue in New York City, Dr. Kolker and his team provide thorough and warm care. They take the time to understand the patient's desires, examine and evaluate physical requirements, and inform the patient about the breast augmentation procedure. During the recovery process, they offer detailed instructions and support, ensuring that patients have a smooth and successful experience. They also provide long - term follow - up to monitor the patient's breast health.
Understanding Allergan Breast Implants
Allergan Implant Brands and Models
Allergan is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. Their flagship brand is Natrelle, but they also previously sold implants under subsidiaries like Inamed and McGhan. Some of their well - known models include Biocell textured saline and silicone - filled implants, Natrelle Inspira smooth and textured round gel implants, and Natrelle 410 anatomical gel implants. 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).
Implant Composition
Allergan breast implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer, which is a type of silicone with elastic properties similar to rubber. These shells can be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline (a saltwater solution). The choice between the two depends on factors such as the patient's preference, body type, and the surgeon's recommendation. Silicone gel implants generally offer a more natural look and feel, while saline implants may be more adjustable and may require a smaller incision in some cases.
Implant Placement and Incision Options
When it comes to Allergan breast augmentation, there are two main implant placement options: submuscular (under the chest muscle) and subglandular (under the breast glands). Submuscular placement can reduce the risk of capsular contracture and make breast tissue easier to see in mammograms. There are also three common incision sites: periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the breast fold), and axillary or transaxillary (under the arm). Each incision site has its own pros and cons, and the surgeon will recommend the best option based on the patient's anatomy and preferences.
Pre - surgery Considerations
Patient Eligibility
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Allergan breast augmentation. Patients should be in good health, both physically and mentally. They should have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. Women with autoimmune diseases, weakened immune systems, planned chemotherapy or radiation, conditions or medications that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or mental health disorders should inform their doctors before considering the procedure. The surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the patient is a good candidate.
Consultation Process
The consultation process is a crucial part of Allergan breast augmentation. During this stage, the patient will meet with the surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and concerns. The surgeon will perform a physical examination, including assessing the current condition of the breasts. They will also review the patient's medical history. Together, they will decide on the type of Allergan implant, the incision site, and the implant placement. The surgeon will explain the entire procedure, the potential risks, and the expected recovery time.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery. Depending on the patient's medical history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have someone to assist them for the first few days.
Post - surgery Care and Recovery
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the Allergan breast augmentation surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by nurses. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to decrease discomfort. Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day. However, they should have an escort as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. They will be provided with discharge instructions, including how to care for the incisions, manage pain, and wear any necessary support garments.
Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline varies from patient to patient. Most patients can return to work a few days after the surgery, but they should avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Swelling in the breasts may take several months to fully dissipate, and the final result is typically visible around 6 months. Scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks and will gradually fade over time, although they will never disappear completely. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the patient's specific procedure and healing rate.
Follow - up Care
Regular follow - up appointments are essential after Allergan breast augmentation. Patients will typically return to the office for the first follow - up appointment a day after the procedure. The surgeon will evaluate how the patient is healing, check the incisions, and answer any questions. They may also perform additional tests, such as mammograms, at appropriate intervals. Long - term follow - up is important to monitor the health of the implants and detect any potential complications early.
Potential Risks and Complications
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications after Allergan breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, pain, and a misshapen appearance of the breast. This condition can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Surgeons may also use techniques such as placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to help prevent capsular contracture.
Infection and Bleeding
Infection is another potential risk after breast augmentation. It typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed. Bleeding can also occur during or after the surgery, and the surgeon will take precautions to minimize this risk. However, if bleeding does occur, it may require additional treatment.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can happen due to injury or normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. With a silicone implant rupture, a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue. The FDA recommends that women with breast implants have an MRI every two years to detect potential implant ruptures.
Conclusion
In New York City, these five hospitals - Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork - Presbyterian, Dr. Darrick Antell's practice, and Dr. Adam Kolker's practice - offer top - notch Allergan breast augmentation services. Their experienced surgeons, patient - centered approaches, and comprehensive range of services make them reliable choices for women seeking breast augmentation. However, it's important for patients to carefully consider the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure and to have a thorough consultation with their chosen surgeon. By being well - informed and working closely with a skilled medical team, patients can achieve their desired aesthetic goals and enhance their self - confidence. If you're considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals or practices to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a new you.
