Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery, and Allergan prostheses are well - known in the field. In New York City, patients often seek cost - effective options without compromising on quality. In this article, we will explore five hospitals that rank among the top for cost - effective Allergan breast augmentation with prostheses. Before delving into the hospitals, let's understand more about breast augmentation, Allergan products, and the factors influencing cost - effectiveness.
Overview of Breast Augmentation
Definition and Popularity
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the volume and shape of the breasts. It is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. In 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This procedure has given many women the opportunity to achieve their ideal breast profile.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: It allows women to feel more confident about their appearance and body image.
- Improved Body Proportion: Helps in achieving a more balanced and proportionate body shape.
- Restoration after Pregnancy or Weight Loss: Can restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, nursing, or significant weight loss.
- Alleviation of Pectus Excavatum Appearance: Can help lessen the appearance of a sunken chest condition known as pectus excavatum.
Procedures Involved
Incisions
There are several types of incisions used in breast augmentation:
| Incision Type | Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inframammary | Under the breast | Fewer breastfeeding difficulties, best access and control of implant pocket, most commonly used by surgeons | Less concealed |
| Periareolar | Around the areola (the area around the nipple) | More concealed | Higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, higher risk of change in sensation in nipple, higher risk of infection |
| Transaxillary | Under the armpit | Fewer breastfeeding problems | Less concealed, more difficult, may increase risk of damage to and unexpected location of implant |
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed in two main ways:
| Placement Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submuscular | Under the pectoral muscles | Reduces the risk of capsular contracture, makes breast tissue easier to see in mammograms, preferred in women with weakened or thin breast tissue, provides a more natural look and feel | Longer surgery and recovery, may be more painful, reoperation may be more difficult |
| Subglandular | Above the pectoral muscles and under the breast glands | Shorter surgery and recovery, less painful, easier to perform revision surgery | Greater likelihood of capsular contracture, more difficult to see breast tissue in mammograms, may not be suitable for women with thin or weakened breast tissue |
Allergan Breast Implants
Company Background
Allergan Inc. is one of the largest breast implant manufacturers in the world. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in May 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its flagship breast implant brand is Natrelle, but it also previously sold implants under its subsidiaries Inamed and McGhan.
Product Range
- Biocell Textured Saline and Silicone - filled Implants and Tissue Expanders: These implants were recalled in July 2019 after the FDA linked them to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
- Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Implants: Known for their smooth surface and natural - looking results.
- Natrelle Inspira Textured Round Gel Implants: Textured surface helps keep the implant in place, but due to the risk of BIA - ALCL, their use is now more restricted.
- Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: Anatomically shaped to mimic the curve of a woman's breast, popular for augmentation and breast reconstruction.
- Natrelle Saline - filled Smooth Round Implants: Filled with sterile saline solution, a more affordable option with a firmer feel.
- Natrelle Saline - filled Textured Implants: Similar to the smooth saline implants but with a textured surface, also affected by the BIA - ALCL concerns.
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expanders and Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expanders: Used in reconstruction surgery to stretch the skin and muscle to create a pocket for a more permanent implant.
Material and Types
Allergan breast implants have an outer shell of silicone elastomer. The shells can be filled with either silicone gel or sterile saline. Silicone implants are pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted, while saline implants are placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural, but they are generally more expensive. Saline implants are less expensive and the deflation is immediately obvious if a rupture occurs.
Factors Affecting Cost - Effectiveness of Breast Augmentation
Implant - related Factors
Implant Type
Silicone implants, especially gummy bear implants (a type of cohesive silicone gel implant), are more expensive due to their advanced technology and natural look and feel. Saline implants are a more cost - effective option but may not provide the same level of naturalness.
Implant Brand
Reputable brands like Allergan may charge more for their implants to ensure safety and quality. However, they also offer more reliable products and may have better long - term support.
Surgeon - related Factors
Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
Surgeons with extensive experience and high - level credentials, such as fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, may charge higher fees. However, choosing an experienced surgeon can reduce the risk of complications and ensure better results, which in the long run can be more cost - effective.
Surgeon's Reputation
A surgeon with a good reputation for natural - looking results and patient satisfaction may also command a higher fee. But again, it can be worth the investment to avoid costly revisions or complications.
Hospital - related Factors
Hospital Location
Metropolitan areas like New York City generally have higher living costs, which can drive up the cost of the procedure. However, some hospitals may be able to offer more competitive pricing due to their scale or efficiency.
Hospital Facilities
Hospitals with state - of - the - art facilities and advanced technology may charge more. But these facilities can also contribute to better surgical outcomes and a more comfortable patient experience.
Additional Costs
Anesthesia Fee
The type of anesthesia (general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia), the anesthesia provider, and the length of the surgery all affect the anesthesia fee. Anesthesia in a hospital setting may be more expensive than in a private surgical center.
Facility Fee
This fee covers the use of the operating room, recovery area, and necessary supplies and equipment. Longer surgeries may result in higher facility fees. Hospitals usually have higher facility fees compared to private clinics.
Post - operative Care
Costs associated with follow - up appointments, medications, special post - op garments, and potential breast revision surgery should also be considered. Some hospitals may include post - operative care in the overall package, while others may charge separately.
Top 5 Cost - Effective Hospitals for Allergan Breast Augmentation in New York City
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
Hospital Overview
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell is a top - ranked hospital. It is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, according to U.S. News. The hospital has a long - standing reputation for excellence in healthcare, with a team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons. The medical staff at this hospital is well - versed in the latest techniques in breast augmentation and has access to state - of - the - art facilities.
Cost - Effectiveness Analysis
Although it is a prestigious hospital, it may offer cost - effective options for Allergan breast augmentation. It has the advantage of scale, which can lead to better pricing on implants and supplies. Additionally, the hospital's high - quality care can reduce the risk of complications, which can save patients money in the long run. The hospital may also offer financing options for patients to manage the cost of the procedure.
Patient Experience
Patients at New York - Presbyterian can expect comprehensive care from the initial consultation through post - operative recovery. The surgeons take the time to understand each patient's goals and provide personalized treatment plans. The hospital's reputation for patient safety and satisfaction makes it a popular choice for breast augmentation.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Hospital Overview
Mount Sinai Hospital is another leading hospital in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look, ensuring that patients are happy with the results.
Cost - Effectiveness Analysis
Mount Sinai may offer cost - effective Allergan breast augmentation due to its competitive pricing on implants and surgical services. The hospital also provides various options for breast augmentation, including the use of Allergan implants and a non - implant option called NaturalFill® (a fat transfer technique). This variety of options allows patients to choose the most cost - effective solution for their needs.
Patient Experience
Patients appreciate the personalized care at Mount Sinai. The surgeons listen carefully to patients' desires for enhancing their breast size and help them decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body. The hospital also provides comprehensive post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
NYU Langone Hospitals
Hospital Overview
NYU Langone Hospitals is ranked highly in multiple specialties. It is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The hospital has a dedicated team of plastic surgeons who are experts in breast augmentation. They stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and use cutting - edge techniques to achieve natural - looking results.
Cost - Effectiveness Analysis
NYU Langone may be cost - effective for Allergan breast augmentation as it has a large patient volume, which can lead to better negotiation power with implant manufacturers. The hospital also invests in research and development, which can translate into more efficient and cost - effective surgical techniques. Additionally, they may offer different pricing packages based on the patient's specific needs.
Patient Experience
Patients at NYU Langone receive individualized attention from the start. The surgeons explain the procedure in detail, answer all questions, and ensure that patients are well - informed before making a decision. The hospital's modern facilities and experienced nursing staff contribute to a comfortable and positive patient experience.
North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health
Hospital Overview
North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. The hospital has a reputation for providing high - quality healthcare services. The plastic surgery department at North Shore offers a range of breast augmentation options, including the use of Allergan implants. The surgeons have the necessary skills and expertise to perform safe and successful breast augmentation surgeries.
Cost - Effectiveness Analysis
North Shore University Hospital may offer cost - effective Allergan breast augmentation. It has a well - established network of suppliers, which can help in obtaining implants at a reasonable cost. The hospital also focuses on patient - centered care, which can lead to better long - term outcomes and potentially lower overall costs for patients.
Patient Experience
Patients at North Shore are treated with care and respect throughout the entire process. The hospital provides pre - operative counseling, post - operative follow - up, and support services to ensure a positive patient experience. The staff is trained to address any concerns that patients may have during the recovery period.
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Hospital Overview
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. The hospital has a team of experienced plastic surgeons who are committed to providing excellent results in breast augmentation. They are knowledgeable about Allergan implants and can help patients choose the right implant based on their body type and aesthetic goals.
Cost - Effectiveness Analysis
Lenox Hill Hospital may be cost - effective for Allergan breast augmentation. It offers competitive pricing on implants and surgical services, and may also have cost - saving measures in place. The hospital's focus on efficiency and quality can result in a more cost - effective overall experience for patients.
Patient Experience
Patients at Lenox Hill receive personalized care from the consultation to the post - operative period. The surgeons take the time to build a relationship with patients and ensure that they are comfortable with the procedure. The hospital's friendly and professional staff contribute to a positive patient experience.
Conclusion
When considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, it is crucial to look for cost - effective options without sacrificing quality. The five hospitals mentioned above - New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health - offer a combination of experienced surgeons, advanced facilities, and potentially cost - effective pricing. Each hospital has its own unique strengths and approaches to breast augmentation, providing patients with a range of choices to meet their individual needs. If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the surgeons at these hospitals, and ask detailed questions about the procedure, costs, and post - operative care. This will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results. Remember, your health and satisfaction are of the utmost importance, so take the time to choose the hospital and surgeon that are right for you.
