Breast Augmentation / Breast Implants

Women in and around Albuquerque are turning to breast augmentation to look and feel younger. Breast augmentation surgery involves improving the size, shape, and firmness of breasts by placing breast implants filled with silicone gel or saline (saltwater solution). With over 20 years and close to 5000 breast surgery experience, I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve the look and feel they want.

The ideal candidates for breast augmentation are women who are in good health, close to their ideal body weight, and moderately physically fit. Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. For specific information or for any questions about the breast implant or augmentation procedures, feel free to contact my office, Plastic Surgery Institute of New Mexico, for a personalized evaluation.

Basic Procedures We Use

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S. Each year about 300,000 women undergo this procedure. I generally place the implants under the muscle layer because of the following reasons:

  1. less chance of palpable implant edges
  2. less sagging with time
  3. less chance of capsule contracture
  4. easier for future mammagram

Incision Placement

I use the under-the-crease incisions. They result in very inconspicuous scars and will minimize capsule contracture. I do not use drainage tubes for breast augmentation. On the average, I use silicone implants 95% and saline implants 5%. Keep in mind you can have saline implants only if you are under 22 years of age per FDA.

Other Helpful Information

  • One of the most asked questions is the determination of the implant size. Many people agonize over the size issue. I think you will find this blog very helpful.
  • I use very minimal dressing. Details for the post-operative protocol can be viewed here.
  • For even more details of how I determine a good candidate and how I do breast augmentation, please read this blog.
  • Tuberous breast is a condition where the breast has smaller base yet relatively larger areola. It can be a more challenging problem. Get more information about tuberous breast here.
  • In the last few years, a uncommon lymphoma associated with breast implants have been reported. I have summarized the current information of Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) in the blog here. For more information, please visit FDA or ASPS web site.
  • Finally, I have also compiled some common breast augmentation myth.

To view before and after breast implants and breast augmentation photos, please click on the link below. Please be advised that the pages contain nudity and therefore must be viewed with discretion.

Dr. Neil Chen Postop Breast Augmentation Protocol

Deirdre Herzer
Deirdre Herzer
00:24 16 Mar 19
The surgery that I received from Dr. Chen was beyond expectations, it was just what I needed. I was so very pleased with the results. The staff are all so wonderful and kind. I continue to remain a patient with what I call facial “ rejuvenation’s” .Thank you to Davery who gives such wonderful attention and care!read more
Google User
Google User
19:31 01 Mar 17
I cannot express how impressed I am with Dr. Chen, his team and my overall experience! From my initial consultation to my follow up visits, I received amazing care and customer service. I was beginning to loose hope with the providers I met with and thought I’d have to settle for a doctor. However, after meeting with Dr. Chen, I immediately knew he held all the qualities I was looking for in a provider to meet my specific needs. Dr. Chen made me feel very comfortable and was open to all of the questions I had and patiently answered them in a way that I understood. He is very knowledgeable of his work and provided honest feedback and suggestions. The day of my surgery, everything went smoothly. Dr. Chen and his team explained everything in detail not only to me but to my husband and mother who were just as nervous as I was. They again patiently answered all our questions (sometimes answering the same question multiple times) which helped put us all at ease. The recovery process was a lot smoother than I expected which I believe is contributed to Dr. Chen’s skills, knowledge, care for his patients and his team. Post op, Dr. Chen personally called me to see how I was feeling and ensure I didn’t have any questions/concerns and was readily available by phone when I did have a question. I am now two months post op and my results have exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome! I highly recommend Dr. Chen and will return in the future without a doubt. Thank you PSI!read more
Kaylee Goff
Kaylee Goff
18:31 20 Jul 17
Dr. Chen along with his staff were nothing short of amazing! I had such a wonderful experience at his office, I highly recommend him to everyone! I will definitely be returning in the future for any other cosmetic procedures! Thank you for taking such great care of me ❤️read more
Katerina Rael
Katerina Rael
04:40 15 Jun 17
Dr. Chen and staff are amazing very kind and compassionate. Highly trust him and his clinical judgment as a surgeon. He did an amazing job minimum scarring and pain. Would highly recommended. Very quick and flexible to get a consult and schedule a procedure.read more
Roxanne Virgilio
Roxanne Virgilio
05:05 11 Dec 13
I cannot more highly recommend Dr. Chen as a Plastic Surgeon of choice here in New Mexico. His vast experience, distinct attention to each and every detail, and most importantly, his gentle tough as a surgeon is up and above! I have had previous Plastic Surgery done in another state and was highly considering returning to that surgeon, however after my initial consultation with Dr. Chen, there was absolutely no question in my mind that I was totally comfortable with him and the results I could expect would meet my expectations. He has treated both myself and my husband, and consequently a friend from California also flew out here after she saw my results. We are all hugely grateful to Dr. Chen and his Staff for their expertise and 100% care through the entire process of our surgeries! read more
John N Lori Gallegos
John N Lori Gallegos
01:30 02 Jan 20
Saw dr Chen scheduled an appointment can’t wait to see my results! This is so huge for me to feel comfortable and confident in my own skin after my weight lossread more
Lacie Conyers
Lacie Conyers
14:59 21 Jul 20
I really am impressed with this place. Scheduling my consultation was so easy and fast! I used the website to request a consultation and was contacted the same day. i was able to schedule my surgery as far out as I wanted to save up money but they had dates extremely close to my consultation too if I wanted to have it done sooner. The day of the surgery everyone was so kind and helpful. After the surgery there was a very very kind nurse who held my hand and helped me calm down as I came off the sleepy gas. I am beyond happy with my results. Also with covid 19 they were extremely careful and sanitary. I had to be tested before surgery and any time I went in they would check my temp. Masks were worn and sanitizer was used. They spray your hands down for you when you go into the office and take your temp. Overall I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.read more
LSG Admin
LSG Admin
19:54 20 Jul 20
Dr Chen and his staff are amazing! Always available for questions and any concern that might arise!I cannot think of anyone else I would go toread more
Virginia Perry
Virginia Perry
20:07 24 Aug 20
Dr. Neil Chen is an amazing plastic surgeon. When you have a consultation with him, he is very thorough about the procedure. The surgery went perfect and the outcome was wonderful. I would highly recommend him.read more
Monica Trujillo
Monica Trujillo
01:07 12 Oct 20
I saw Dr. Chen about 6 years ago for a procedure and my results were great! I returned recently for another procedure and everything was just as great! I’m so happy with my results! Thank you Dr. Chen and all the staff!read more
Mila Lucero
Mila Lucero
03:43 04 Nov 20
Highly recommend Dr. Chen and his staff: very knowledgable, professional, and personable. Dr. Chen takes his time with patients and explains everything in detail.read more
Stephanie Juddo
Stephanie Juddo
23:34 07 Feb 21
I had seen Dr. Chen’s work on friends, and knew he was very skilled. So I scheduled a bit of “facial rejuvenation” with him, because I feel healthy and young and was starting a brand new career. I wanted to look how I feel. He did an impeccable job. He is also a very nice person who treats his clients with respect. I will definitely be back the next time I want to freshen up my appearance. I refer my friends to him. Thank you!read more
cj peterson
cj peterson
14:34 17 Mar 21
Highly recommend Dr Chen and staff. Extremely well qualified, caring and interested in procedure and recovery. I felt very well cared for. Dr. Chen is a very skillful surgeon.read more
Caroline Isenogle
Caroline Isenogle
22:47 17 Mar 21
Wonderful staff, state of the art office, high reputable, experienced and knowledgeable Dr. Chenread more
Calilah Truelove
Calilah Truelove
14:10 28 Apr 21
My experience has been wonderful and easy. The consultation was easy to schedule. The surgeon was friendly and made me feel comfortable. They offer a payment plan where you pay down what you can until you have the procedure paid off. The surgery itself was stress free every one at the surgery center was kind and friendly. I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation 2 weeks ago and I’m healing well. The surgeon was very attentive and answered all my questions in a very timely manner. ✨read more
Micayla G
Micayla G
00:23 30 Apr 21
Dr. Chen and the rest of the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. I felt well prepared for my procedure and the results exceeded my expectations. Dr. Chen is a very talented surgeon. I also greatly appreciated that Dr. Chen took the time to call and check on me after my procedure.read more
Sandra Trujillo
Sandra Trujillo
19:48 10 Aug 21
I have had large implants in for 27 years. Now it was time to have them removed. I did my research on the local plastic surgeons in town and found Plastic Surgery Institute of NM to be rated the best. I met with Dr. Knotts who was so patient with me and explained everything in detail. Dr. Knotts made me feel at ease with making this big decision now that I am 57 and I could not be happier with the results. I would highly recommend Dr. Knotts and the Plastic Surgery Institue of NM.read more
Alison Russ
Alison Russ
17:18 19 Sep 21
Dr.Knotts is very good at what he does.My results are incredible, and it feels like I have been given a new lease on life. I would have the procedure again if the need ever arises that is how pleased I am with the results. 10/10 would recommend to anyone that has lost a lot of weight and would like skin removed. He is the best 👌🏼 I got lucky that he is out here in ABQ. The scarring isn’t even bad. He is a wizard 🪄 with a scalpel.Thank you!read more
Mary Ann Rael
Mary Ann Rael
00:11 05 Oct 21
Dr Knotts is an awesome plastic surgeon and he did a great job! I felt he was really upfront with me throughout the whole process! I’m really satisfied with all of my results and highly recommend Dr Knotts to anyone looking to have any plastic surgery done. I definitely will go back if ever needed in the future!read more
DP W
DP W
18:18 14 Nov 21
I’m a pre-med student who had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Knotts a few years ago at The Austin Weston Center for cosmetic surgery in Virginia. While all the surgeons I shadowed were exceptionally talented, Dr. Knott’s attention to detail and genuine interest in obtaining the best possible result for his patients impressed me greatly. In fact, I opted to bear the extra expense and effort to travel nearly 2,000 miles from home and spend 3 weeks in Albuquerque for the privilege of having him as my surgeon. During my consultation, Dr. Knotts patiently explained the recommended procedures in detail and answered all my questions. Dr. Knotts preformed my gynecomastia correction, abdominoplasty, and the associated liposuction of the aforementioned areas. Today is post-opt (Day 10) and nearly all my swelling has subsided. My scars are minimal, considering it’s only been 10 days, I have almost no bruising, and I can already see an incredible improvement in my overall contour. I’m an extremely particular individual, so it’s no small complement when I say that my results, thus far, exceed my expectations. I also never experienced any tactile sensation loss (numbness/ loss of sensitivity) neither in my chest nor in my abdomen. I contribute my speedy recovery to Dr. Knott’s skills as a surgeon as well as my strict adherence to his post-opt recommendations. Dr. Knotts is, in my opinion, both an artist as well as an excellent surgeon.read more
K Glover
K Glover
23:35 23 Nov 21
I highly recommend Dr. Knotts! He is an incredibly talented surgeon. My experience and results have been nothing but AMAZING! The office staff and surgical staff were friendly and helpful. I was nervous going to my initial appointment however, Dr. Knotts is so friendly and kind he makes you feel comfortable. Thank you!read more
Mikayla Weisman
Mikayla Weisman
23:45 30 Nov 21
I have been truly blessed to have Dr. Knotts as my surgeon. I had breast implants placed by another office in 2018 and things didn’t go as I planned and one had been ruptured. I wanted someone I could really trust to remove them for me. His whole office was so good to me and I had a month long intense healing process with 2 surgeries in that time. They always were quick to answer any questions. Always were willing to bring me in to check everything and they made me feel like they really cared. The doctor took a lot of his time to check on me even during weekends and was willing to talk me through anything I was going through. Even when I was feeling defeated and wanted to give up they were my shoulder to cry on. I highly recommend Dr.Knotts and his office and you will be in the best hands. I will forever be thankful for them!read more
Pamela Sandoval
Pamela Sandoval
20:05 04 Jan 22
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Chen and the surgery he performed. He was very professional and the staff at the surgery center was very professional, kind and patient. I felt very confident with the procedure and had a wonderful result.read more
Chris Hall
Chris Hall
23:06 27 Jan 22
Dr Chen is a great surgeon. Excellent bedside manner, surgical outcome was fantastic & his staff are very helpful. Dr Chen comes highly recommended by fellow physicians, former patients and myself.read more
kristin olson
kristin olson
17:21 04 Feb 22
Dr. Knotts was over the top amazing. I came in with very pendulous breasts from weight loss and wanted my chest to match my otherwise athletic physique. Before settling on Dr. Knotts, I consulted with 4 other physicians who all said I needed implants which I didn’t want. I wasn’t interested in increasing the size of my bust. Dr. Knotts really listened to what I was looking for and even helped me pull in other areas of my body with the same kind of excess surface area from losing that weight years ago. He’s a genius, I couldn’t be happier with the results. I feel better in my body than I have in years and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Thank you Dr. Knotts!read more
Linda Fazio
Linda Fazio
04:07 17 Mar 22
I was extremely pleased with the surgery I had done by Dr. Chen. My result was just what I was hoping for and the procedure was much less painful and less expensive than I expected.read more
Randi Poirier
Randi Poirier
16:03 18 Mar 22
I saw Dr. Knotts for a breast augmentation procedure and absolutely love him and my results! The atmosphere in Plastic Surgery Institute is upbeat and the staff are all amazing. I had a consultation with another facility that quoted me over $10K for my procedure, claiming I would need a lift as well as the augmentation. When I mentioned the lift to Dr. Knotts, he told me we should just start with an augmentation and see how the results turn out first, since a lift is rather traumatizing to the breasts. I’m so glad I went with Dr. Knotts advice because my results are wonderful, and no lift was needed after all. I’m 3 months post op and can’t speak highly enough about my experience with Dr. Knotts. The only regret I have is not having known about him when I did my tummy tuck. Their after care was also top notch! I truly felt heard and respected here.read more
Santae Williams
Santae Williams
01:12 19 Apr 22
Loved the place. Great atmosphere. . But feel like I got left looking bloated. F/U was kind of like a “hey see ya whenever.” Back to Diet and exercise to bring down visceral fat now 😩. JMLread more
Katrina Jackson
Katrina Jackson
23:35 09 May 22
Felt really great with Dr. Chen and his staff. From the first consultation to the post operation appointment everything went so smoothly. Would highly recommend!read more
Emma Goff
Emma Goff
02:41 10 May 22
Dr Chen was absolutely wonderful. He is very personable and explains things in easy terms. I just recently had surgery with him. Minimal pain. My belly button looks amazing. The staff at the surgery center were magnificent, I was in and out very quickly! The staff at the clinic were also great accommodating follow up visit times as I was traveling from 3 hours away.I work with plastic surgeons and have circulated tummy tucks before, and I felt so at ease choosing dr Chen. I would absolutely refer any family and friends to him. Thank you Dr Chen! You helped me gain so much confidence back!read more
Carol Ann P
Carol Ann P
23:29 11 Jul 22
I recently had two procedures performed by Dr. Chen within a 3 month timeframe. I came across Dr. Chen on Google and with all the positive reviews and his ratings as a plastic surgeon, I decided that’s who I wanted to do my plastic surgery. I can’t express how happy I am with my results. Dr. Chen is an amazing plastic surgeon who is incredibly caring and as long as he stays in practice I will be going to him for any future procedures. Thank you Dr. Chen and to his wonderful staff!!read more
Desiree Meadows
Desiree Meadows
16:37 17 Oct 22
So happy with the results of my breast augmentation. Couldn’t have asked for a better doctor. Dr. Chen is professional, has an amazing bedside manner, and an excellent surgeon! A++++++read more
Michelle Syed
Michelle Syed
16:12 01 Dec 22
Excellent service- outstanding results. Dr Chen is very thorough, exact, and thoughtful. #1 plastic surgeon in NM!!read more
Lorie Anderson
Lorie Anderson
14:11 15 Jul 23
Dr. Knotts is an amazing, kind, and extremely talented surgeon! I had a lower body lift and BA on June 19, 2023. I could not have asked for better results or a better experience. Dr. Knotts walked me through every step of the process, so I knew what to expect. He has exquisite skill and knowledge, with a phenomenal bedside manner. His staff is very responsive and kind. If you are looking for cosmetic surgery, look no further than Dr. Knotts! He surpassed my expectations tenfold!read more
Destinee
Destinee
06:07 26 Oct 23
Dr. Knotts and the staff at Plastic Surgery Institute of NM are absolutely AMAZING! I’m extremely satisfied with the outcome of my surgery. Dr. Knotts and the staff were very professional and caring. This is the place you want to go to for any type of plastic surgery, you will be cared for and they listen to every concern and question you have.read more
Sarah Ho
Sarah Ho
02:59 06 Dec 23
Dr. Knotts is very thoughtful and cares about the needs of his clients. His staff are consistent in their excellent customer care. Thank you, Dr. Knotts and team for helping me finally wear a bikini after losing a ton of weight.read more
Gina V
Gina V
18:13 22 Feb 24
Had my rhinoplasty with Dr. Knotts in August 2022. I consulted one other doctor before coming here, but Dr. Knotts was the clear choice. He answered emails before and after my surgery very quickly. He is attentive and cares about his patients having a great experience. If I need any other procedures done, will definitely return to him!read more
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