Introduction
When it comes to Allergan breast implants in Albany, finding the right hospital and doctor is of utmost importance. Allergan is one of the well - known breast implant manufacturers globally, but their textured implants had a recall in 2019 due to cancer - related concerns. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking list of hospitals and related doctors in Albany for Allergan breast implants, along with in - depth information about Allergan breast implants, including types, surgical procedures, and risks.
Allergan Breast Implants: An Overview
Company Background
Allergan Inc. is a major player in the breast implant industry. It started selling breast implants in 2006, and in 2020, AbbVie acquired Allergan and its aesthetics portfolio. Its flagship brand is Natrelle, and it previously sold implants under subsidiaries such as Inamed and Mcghan. The company's biggest markets are the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
Types of Allergan Breast Implants
- Biocell Textured Implants: These include saline and silicone - filled implants and tissue expanders. However, in July 2019, the FDA linked these textured implants to a rare cancer called breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), leading to a worldwide recall by Allergan.
- Natrelle Inspira Implants: There are smooth round gel implants and textured round gel implants in this series.
- Natrelle 410 Anatomical Gel Implants: Designed to mimic the curve of a natural breast, they are a popular choice for many patients.
- Natrelle Saline - Filled Implants: Available in smooth and textured varieties, these implants are filled with sterile saline.
- Tissue Expanders: Such as Natrelle 133 and Natrelle 133 Plus tissue expanders, used in reconstruction surgery to stretch the skin and muscle before placing a more permanent implant.
Allergan Breast Implant Surgery
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Primary augmentation is the first surgery to increase breast size. It is an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia, which may take from one hour to several hours depending on the patient and implant. For example, if a patient has excess skin, a breast lift may be performed simultaneously with implant placement.
Implant Placement
- Submuscular Placement: The surgeon places the implant under the chest muscle (pectoralis). This technique reduces the risk of capsular contracture, makes breast tissue easier to see in mammograms, and is preferred for women with weakened or thin breast tissue. 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. It has a higher likelihood of capsular contracture and makes breast tissue harder to view in mammograms. But the surgery and recovery may be shorter and less painful, and revision surgery is easier.
Incision Location
| Incision Site | Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periareolar | Around the nipple | More concealed | Higher likelihood of breastfeeding problems, higher risk of change in nipple sensation, 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 |
Reconstruction Surgery
Women who have lost breast tissue due to mastectomy or trauma can use Allergan's Natrelle implants for immediate or delayed reconstruction. In immediate reconstruction, the mastectomy and implant placement are done at the same time. Delayed reconstruction allows the patient time to evaluate cancer risk and heal before the implant surgery. Usually, reconstruction surgery is performed in two stages: first, a tissue expander is placed to create a breast pocket, and then the expander is removed, and the implant is inserted.
Ranking of Hospitals and Doctors in Albany for Allergan Breast Implants
Top Doctors for Breast Augmentation
According to Healthgrades, there are 155 doctors who perform breast augmentation in Albany. Here are some highly - rated doctors:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Top Doctors for Capsular Contracture of Breast Implants
There are 44 doctors who treat capsular contracture of breast implants in Albany. Some of the best - rated ones are:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Sarah Pesek, MD | 4.10 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Kelly Dennin, MD | 3.90 out of 5 stars | 250 Delaware Ave Ste 207, Delmar, NY 12054 |
| Dr. Christa Abraham, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Top Doctors for Breast Surgical Procedures
Among the 21 doctors who perform breast surgical procedures in Albany, these are some well - regarded ones:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jerome Chao, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 13 Century Hill Dr, Latham, NY 12110 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Donna Pietrocola, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 25 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 |
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY is rated high - performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital. Its evaluation also includes data from Albany Medical Center South - Clinical Campus. It is regionally ranked #20 in New York, recognized in the Hudson Valley, and #2 in Albany.
Here are some of its specialties' rankings:
- Cancer: High - performing in leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, ovarian cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, and uterine cancer surgery.
- Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery: High - performing in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, and heart failure.
- Orthopedics: High - performing in hip replacement and knee replacement.
Complications and Safety Precautions of Allergan Breast Implants
Complications
Allergan conducted a 10 - year core study with 715 patients, including 455 with primary augmentation, 147 with revision - augmentation, 98 with primary reconstruction, and 15 with revision - reconstruction. Key complications found in the study included:
- Reoperation: 49 percent of primary augmentation patients and 64 percent of revision - augmentation patients had at least one complication within 10 years of surgery, including reoperation.
- Implant - related Issues: Implant rupture (for silicone - filled implants), implant deflation (for saline - filled implants), severe capsular contracture, asymmetry.
- Sensation and Scarring: Nipple, breast, and skin sensation changes, scarring, wrinkling/rippling of the implant visible through the skin.
- Other Complications: Implant malposition, nipple complications, abnormal scarring, breast pain, swelling, fluid accumulation, hematoma, and delayed wound healing.
Safety Precautions
The FDA classified breast implants as class III, high - risk devices. Women with breast implants need lifelong monitoring, which requires an MRI every two years the implant remains in the body. Before surgery, Allergan requires surgeons and patients to sign an “acceptance of risk and consent to surgery” form. Women are also advised to wait one or two weeks to consider if breast augmentation is right for them. Women should inform all healthcare providers about their implants to reduce the risk of damage.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor for Allergan Breast Implants
Considerations
- Doctor's Experience: Look for doctors with a high number of past patient ratings and a good track record in breast implant surgeries. For example, doctors like Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD and Dr. Matthew McDonald, DO with high ratings have likely performed many successful surgeries.
- Hospital Reputation: A hospital with high - performing specialties, like Albany Medical Center, may provide better overall care and support during the surgery and recovery process.
- Patient Reviews: Reading patient reviews can give insights into the doctor's bedside manner, the hospital's facilities, and the overall patient experience.
- Complication Rates: While it may be difficult to obtain exact complication rates for individual doctors, research general statistics and ask the doctor about their experience in handling complications.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering Allergan breast implants in Albany, it is crucial to be well - informed about the different types of implants, the surgical procedures, potential complications, and safety precautions. The ranking lists of hospitals and doctors provided in this article can serve as a starting point for your search. Albany Medical Center stands out as a high - performing general medical and surgical facility, and there are many experienced doctors in the area. However, always conduct thorough research and consultations before making a decision.
If you are considering Allergan breast implants, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with a top - rated doctor on our list. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in this topic to help them make informed healthcare decisions.
