Albuquerque Breast Implant FAQ
Will there be pain after surgery?

Most patients describe pressure in the chest area after surgery. The pain experience varies. A prescription for pain medication will be provided and most patients take pain medication for several days. In general, using ice and resting makes for a smoother postop course as well.

It is very common for the implants to appear to be a bit high, large, and tight immediately after surgery. This is due to some swelling and compression of the tissue, skin, fat and sometimes pectoralis muscle (depending on the placement of implants). The implants placed under the pectoralis muscle tend to look tighter in the short term and take longer for the implants to settle. If patients have breastfed previously or fluctuated weight, the implants sometimes settle quicker. A breast augmentation final result can take 6 months or more

Whether a patient is recommended to wear a soft supportive bra after surgery depends on how quickly the implants settle into position. This is different for everyone and depends on the implant size, preop anatomy and implant position. Our doctors will recommend postoperative support on an individual basis.

Mild swelling and minimal bruising is common. There can be some numbness at or around the nipple area. This is generally resolved after a few months. This is most commonly due to stretch of the sensory nerves. A few people can have permanently decreased sensation of the breasts and this can affect the ability to breastfeed.

We recommend not elevating pulse or blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery to lower the rate of bleeding. Most patients can resume cardio in a sports bra after 2 weeks. We recommend no strong pectoralis activation for at least 6 weeks. 

In general, most people are able to perform sedentary work after 1 week.

The first line of scar treatment is the steri strips placed during surgery. Those often take weeks to fall off on their own. Do not pick at the steri strips. Once they have fallen off naturally, patients are encouraged to use silicone scar strips.

Squishing noises after surgery are normal. This is due to residual air as well as antibiotic fluid placed around the implant. It can take around a week for the air and fliud to be naturally absorbed by the body.

Most patients wait at least 2 weeks until flying.

The FDA recommends imaging the implants with a high definition ultrasound or MRI starting at 5 years postoperatively and then continuing every several years to aid in detecting rupture. Patients will often see a plastic surgeon after 10 years to discuss a potential exchange.

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    See What Albuquerque is Saying About Us

    Dee D.
    Dr.Chen and his staff are amazing! They made the entire process of getting a breast augmentation easy and made me feel extremely comfortable throughout the process. I’m extremely happy with the results.
    Kristianna G.
    Pamela I.
    I have nothing but good things to say about this place, especially Dr. Knotts , I am almost 4 weeks post op from my breast augmentation, and I couldn’t be any happier with my results. From the first consultation I felt very comfortable with dr Knotts , he was very friendly, professional and most importantly very honest. (Which is what you want) if you ask me. I told him what I wanted and he listened attentively, was nervous day of the surgery and he talked me through the process helped me feel better about what would be happening and what to expect, later that same day he called me to make sure I was doing ok, which also showed me he truly cares about his patients. his work is AMAZING! I got the results I wanted exactly. This was my first surgery but when time comes for replacement surgery or anything else I might have in mind, I will 100% come back to Dr Knotts. I will be sending everyone I know to him.
    Elizabeth O.
    Dr. Chen is so professional. He is thoughtful and so knowledgeable. I love my augmentation- they have given me so much confidence. I did this for me!!!
    Lisa P.
    Dr Chen is incredible. Excellent bedside manner, knowledgeable and an artist at what he does. Highly recommend and will be going back.
    Tasia G.
    I’ve had the best experience at this place! Very professional. Explains things in simple terms and they are always there to answer your questions or concerns.
    Julia P.
    I had my breast explant surgery done at the Plastic Surgery Institute of New Mexico with Dr. Knotts, and I truly could not be happier with my experience. From the very beginning, Dr. Knotts took the time to carefully measure everything to ensure my breasts would be as even and symmetrical as possible. His attention to detail and precision really stood out to me.

    During my consultation, he thoroughly explained all of my options and the different methods we could use, which made me feel informed, comfortable, and confident in my decision. I had consultations with other plastic surgeons beforehand, and Dr. Knotts surpassed them all by far.

    His nursing staff was also incredible — professional, knowledgeable, gentle, and so kind throughout the entire process. Everything was handled with such cleanliness and care, and I felt genuinely supported the whole time.

    One thing that especially meant a lot to me was that Dr. Knotts personally called me after surgery to check on how I was feeling and make sure I was okay. That level of compassion and dedication is rare. The anesthesiologist was also very sweet and explaining the process of how I was gonna fall asleep.

    I’m so grateful to Dr. Knotts and the entire team at the Plastic Surgery Institute of New Mexico for making this such a positive experience. I highly recommend them to anyone considering explant surgery or plastic surgery in general.Side note my sister went with me to the following Day consultation to meet the doctor because upon seeing how I was treated, she definitely would love to get a breast reduction with Dr Knotts and his plastic surgery team. I will forever trust them with my face my body. Or in years to come, my mom’s face lift lol amazing doctor amazing team !
    Reagan N.
    Dr.Chen listened to what I really wanted with my body and we were able to achieve it! I look like I’ve always felt I should and that is a daily gift for myself. Thank you for helping me
    Sandra D.
    Dr . Chen is talented, professional, and easy to talk to. I have had two procedures with him and I highly recommend him.
    Renee K.
    Dr. Wu is truly one of the best surgeons. I had a tummy tuck along with fat grafting from my stomach to my breasts, and the results have exceeded my expectations. From the first consultation, he took his time, listened carefully to my concerns, and made sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.

    My incision healed beautifully and looks amazing — honestly a 10 out of 10. His attention to detail and surgical skill really show in the results. I’m so grateful I chose him and would highly recommend him to anyone considering this procedure.
    Nancy O.
    I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Chen and his team of nurses and anesthesiologist.
    I received a mini facelift; it took years of contemplation and worry to make the leap, and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner with this team! The entire process went literally perfectly, from beginning to end! The downtime was very reasonable, recovery without issues, and results beyond my expectations! If you, like I once did, think that going to a more cosmopolitan city than Albuquerque will yield better results, I’ll vouch that you need to go no further than Albuquerque’s Plastic Surgery Institute and Dr. Chen. Sharing two “before”, one 2 days after surgery with stitches visible, several after 4 days.
    DD L.
    I had a breast lift and liposuction after a significant weight loss of 60lbs and couldn’t be happier with the results. From the first consultation, Dr. Knotts was incredibly thorough and made me feel comfortable. He explained every step and set realistic expectations.

    The results look natural and proportional to my body, which was exactly what I wanted. I don’t need a perfect body but wanted my confidence back in line with my hard work in weight loss and new muscle tone from my consistent workouts and training. I was back in the gym two weeks post surgery getting in movement while slowly incorporating heavier weights.

    Recovery was manageable, not easy. Do your research and take notes. Listen to the surgeon for the best results! Performing lymphatic self massage following videos and hiring a masseuse who specializes in post surgery scar tissue management and lymphatic massage was worth every penny. The surgery staff was also very supportive throughout the process with my questions and documentation for work.

    It did take a few months for the swelling to go down, but the final outcome was absolutely worth it. Patience required.

    I highly recommend Dr. Knotts at Plastic Surgery Institute!
    Brianna K.
    I’ve never been happier! My confidence is much higher and I didn’t think that my before pictures were as bad until I saw the after. Recover time wasn’t bad my body healed pretty fast. My husband was surprised and loved how everything turned out! The staff were really nice and comforting! They were very attentive to me when I was curious about the healing process! Overall great experience and amazing results!
    Jordan V.
    I had a breast reduction done with Dr. Chen and not only was his work amazing but he was friendly, knowledgeable and made the entire process easy and comfortable for me. He was very thorough in explaining the entire process so I could understand. His staff was amazing and I am more than satisfied with the outcome. I will recommend Dr. Chen to every one I know.
    Melissa P.
    Great working with Dr. Chen and his absolutely wonderful staff! You always know that if your staff is happy you’ll have great results, and I did!!