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:
- less chance of palpable implant edges
- less sagging with time
- less chance of capsule contracture
- 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






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