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The Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation in Singapore (2021)

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Dr Adrian Ooi

October 16th, 2020· 5 min read

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Breast augmentation has always been one of the top aesthetic surgery procedures undergone by patients in Singapore. It can improve appearance, self-confidence, and can be life-changing. Even so, getting a breast augmentation is a big decision, and if you are considering going for a breast augmentation operation, you likely have some questions.

Through my years in the field of plastic surgery, I have had numerous patients and understand the common concerns of patients contemplating breast augmentation.

There is undoubtedly a mountain of information to deal with. Rest easy, and let me walk you through everything about breast augmentation and other related operations that will help you with your decision!

Who Can Carry Out Breast Augmentation in Singapore?

Only Academy of Medicine, board-certified plastic surgeons should administer breast augmentation in Singapore. These specialists are properly trained professionals who have gone through plastic surgical training certified by the Ministry of Health.

The journey to becoming a plastic surgeon in Singapore is challenging. It demands a lot of commitment and sacrifices but is robust and thorough, and I really enjoyed the learning process. The skills and experience gained are invaluable, and have certainly molded my practice today, enabling me to love what I do!

Currently, out of the 20 to 30 doctors applying for plastic surgeon training positions in Singapore per year, only 5 candidates are successful.

The stringency of the criteria to certify a plastic surgeon in Singapore is a testament to the quality of aesthetic care that the specialists can provide.

General expectations

“The bigger the better”

That is what most people in the past believed and desired. However, nowadays people are going for a more natural look, which I personally advocate.

Everyone’s body is different and each aesthetic procedure (including breast augmentation) should be tailored to the individual. Communication between the client and the plastic surgeon is integral to developing a trusting relationship, managing expectations, and setting goals that both parties can be happy with.

At our clinic, we use a sophisticated AI-software to help simulate your breast augmentation through 3D images. This allows you to have a clearer and more visual idea of what can be achieved.

Breast Implant Preferences

In the past, breast implants were the main option for people who want to undergo breast augmentation procedures.

There are several options for breast implants with multiple technological advancements over the years. They each have different qualities such as shape, texture, and material.

Throughout my tenure as a plastic surgeon, people have had changing preferences that rotate between the material and textures of implants, in the quest for improved results and fewer complications. In recent years, textured implants have been associated with a rare form of lymphoma. Most of these implants are also teardrop-shaped.

In light of this, currently, in terms of breast implants, many plastic surgeons are moving towards using smooth and round implants with the cohesive gel within. The cohesive gel is less likely to leak even if there are ruptures in the shell of the implant. Nano-textured implants are also a recent development, which is gaining popularity.

Breast Augmentation Methods

As we look at the evolving trends in breast augmentation, we will see that the technique of fat transfer breast augmentation is advancing.

Fat transfer breast augmentation is the process of harvesting fat cells from the patient’s own body, in the areas that are in excess, and then reinjecting it into the breasts.

Fat transfer is definitely a more natural augmentation method compared to using breast implants such as the silicone-filled ones since the fat cells are of your body’s origin, unlike the foreign material used in implants. It can even be combined with breast implants to give the patient optimal results.

There are many breast-related operations that can help different patients improve their lifestyles which are otherwise hindered by certain conditions of their breasts.

Depending on their desires and requirements, patients can undergo breast reductions, breast lifts or breast augmentations, or even a combination of these procedures.

How Is Breast Augmentation Done in Singapore?

Surgery around the breasts, such as breast augmentation, requires a keen understanding of anatomy. The breast is made up of two main components: skin and gland. To increase the size of the breast, the size of the gland has to be increased as well, bearing in mind the limits of the skin.

But first, just like any other medical operation, there is a process to go through. With that comes a thorough assessment and evaluation tests before the main surgery.

Assessing the Breasts Before Operating

Every patient’s body is unique and that calls for a customised treatment to obtain the best aesthetic results.

To determine the right course of action for a breast augmentation, there are many things on the list to tick off.

This is to help decide important factors like whether fat transfer or breast implants is best, the proper position of the implant, and incision points.

What Options Do You Have for Breast Augmentation in Singapore?

Depending on your expectations and body compatibility, you can choose between these two broader options for breast augmentation:

  • Fat transfer
  • Breast implants

Fat transfer is an increasingly popular breast augmentation method due to its use of the patient’s own body fat instead of a foreign material like silicone in some breast implants.

Throughout the years and with improved knowledge and techniques, fat transfer has become a viable alternative to implants.

Fat Transfer vs Breast Implants

Fat transfer vs Breast Implants

Fat Transfer

Below is the fat transfer process:

  1. Liposuction — The patient’s own fat is harvested from areas with large excesses, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.

  2. Processing — The fat sample is processed and purified to obtain the fat cells and stem cells within the fat.

  3. Reinjection —The fat is then reinjected carefully into the breasts, increasing their sizes. With a well-executed injection, at least 70% of the fat transfer will remain in the breast for a long period of time.

The process is easily repeatable as well. A few sessions may be required, depending on how large the patients desire to have their breast size up to. A period of three to six months has to be given for your body to accept the previous fat transfer fully before attempting another session.

Some people have expressed concerns about whether fat transfer breast augmentation can interfere with breast cancer surveillance. Do not worry, as studies have shown that well-trained radiologists can still discern between a patient who has had a fat transfer and a suspicious breast lesion. [1]

Breast Implants

Breast implants have been around for a long time and continue to be a large part of the options patients go for in breast augmentation.

The many years have given the technology of breast implants to improve and innovate, giving rise to countless different types, textures, and shapes of breast implants.

What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

Below are the different types of Breast Implants:

  • Silicone-filled implants — These are basic implants that are filled with silicone gel. The gel content mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. [2]

  • Saline-filled implants — These are basic implants that are filled with sterile saltwater. In the case of an implant leak, the saline released will be naturally expelled by the body.

What Are the Different Textures of Breast Implants?

Below are the different textures of Breast Implants:

  • Smooth breast implants —These implants are more mobile within the breast during activity which helps it feel more similar to natural breast tissue.

  • Textured breast implants —These implants are less mobile within the breast and are very unlikely to be repositioned.

  • Nano-textured breast implants —These more recently developed implants are purported to be more compatible with the body’s own cell surfaces and are less likely to cause complications. [3]

What Are the Different Types of Breast Implant Shapes?

  • Round breast implants —These implants can cause the breasts to appear fuller and are unlikely to rotate out of place.

  • Teardrop breast implants —These implants have a firmer appearance and can provide a more natural look.

Breast Implant Incision

What Types of Incisions Are Used in Breast Augmentation in Singapore?

In terms of incisions for breast implantations, there are a few ways to do it which may depend on the patient’s body types, expectations, and type of breast implants.

  • Incision in the axilla (armpit)
  • Inframammary fold (base of the breast)
  • Around the areola (pigmented area around the nipple)

At my clinic, I use an incision method known as the Non-Touch technique for breast implants. This technique allows me to place the implant without needing me to touch it physically.

This means:

  • Reduced risk of contamination
  • Reduced risk of infection and post-surgical complication

The Non-Touch technique also reduces the duration of the procedure which hence further reduces any surgical risk

Lastly, when I am performing a Non-Touch technique, the incision made is much smaller. This means:

  • Shorter recovery time
  • Smaller and less obvious scars — as small as 3cm!

How Big is the Scar from Breast Augmentation?

Depending on the type of incision, it will create a different length of the scar. You may refer below for the different incisions and the relevant estimated length of the scar.

  • Incision in the axilla (armpit) —The resultant scar can be about 4cm but hidden well.

  • Inframammary fold (base of the breast) —The scar can be as small as 3cm depending on the size of the implant. This is considered very short!

  • Around the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) —The scar will be well hidden within the pigmented part of the nipple.

Recovery after Breast Augmentation

Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery

After surgery, I will prescribe the proper medications to reduce the risk of swelling and infection. At the same time, we will put you in a compression garment to help to shape the breast, as well as to further reduce the amount of swelling of the breasts.

First Two Weeks:

For two weeks, we will advise you to avoid heavy physical activities and keep to just your regular day-to-day light activities.

At the 2-week mark, I will check in with the patients to see if the augmentation and incision wounds are healing well. If they are, I will allow them to go back to light exercising, such as brisk walking and light jogging.

After Four to Six Weeks

At the four to six-week mark, I will see the patients one more time to check if everything is okay. As long as everything is healing appropriately, the patients can go back to wearing normal bras without wires and do heavier physical activities like running and upper body exercises.

General Guidelines

In addition, there are some important guidelines to follow such as:

  • Eating healthy such as lots of protein and vegetables
  • Taking your medication
  • Following doctor's instructions
  • Not sleeping on the implants i.e. sleep on the back or side
  • Avoiding having massages until the doctor deems appropriate

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Augmentation Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a known phenomenon that happens with any sort of implant that is put into your body. For any foreign material in your body, your body develops a foreign body reaction to it.

Symptoms of Capsular Contracture:

  • Hardening in the breast
  • Tightening sensation in the breast
  • Distortion of breast implant
  • Pain in the breast

[4]

For breast implants, a fibrous layer forms around the implant. In past studies, about 10% of capsular contracture conditions were serious enough to warrant a change of implants to remove the capsule.

There are different grades of capsular contracture: from Grade 1 to 4.

  • In Grade 1, there is the mild hardening of the capsule which does not really bother most patients, depending on their individual tolerance levels.

  • Grade 4 is the most serious level where the patient will experience a lot of pain and a lot of distortion of the breast.

Above, I mentioned an incision technique known as the Non-Touch technique. This technique is an effective way to reduce the risk of capsular contracture after an implant-based breast augmentation.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Textured Breast Implants for Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in Singapore (2021)

Breast Augmentation Consultation

Some Places Claim to Conduct Non-Surgical Breast Augmentation or Lifts in Singapore. Are They Legitimate?

No, those treatment methods are certainly not FDA-certified, unsafe, and hence not allowed in Singapore.

In the past, you may have heard of people injecting some substances into the breast. In China, they called it “Amazing Gel”.

There may be some who claim to provide minimally invasive procedures for breast augmentation. If that sounds too good to be true, it is because it is. It is not recommended to undergo such treatments.

We have seen complications arise from patients who underwent such procedures such as developing infections.

I know of a severe case where, due to the extent of infection, the whole breast of the patient had to be removed.

If you are looking for breast augmentation procedures, find a qualified plastic surgeon that you can trust.

If I Would Like Something Changed, Can I Get a Breast Augmentation Revision?

Breast augmentation revisions happen rarely. Some patients may not be fully satisfied with their breasts post-operation and can seek another session.

Most of the time, the same incision location can be used for breast augmentation especially for cases where the implant has to be changed entirely. They may have to change the position of the implant, depending on where it was placed previously.

Fat transfer may also be a recommended option. It would help someone who has had a previous breast implant to camouflage certain areas of the breast where she might not have been happy about.

The whole implant does not necessarily need to be changed entirely and better results can be obtained with just additional fat grafting.

What Should I Talk About With My Plastic Surgeon in the First Consultation?

Communication is key!

The initial consultation with your plastic surgeon is really important for you. You should express your desires and then set realistic goals while managing expectations with the help of your trusted specialist.

Be upfront with your plastic surgeon about your medical history and past surgical operations. This information helps the surgeon predict how your recovery will go.

Some general questions you should be clarifying and considering are:

  • Type of breast implants
  • Size of breast implants
  • Types of incisions
  • Time for recovery
  • Potential for complications
  • Resultant shape and size
  • Position of nipple
  • Visibility of scar

It is very important for the patient to be able to express their desires and concerns to the surgeon to know what the patient wants so that they can implement the appropriate treatment. If the clinic has 3D image morphing AI-assisted software like ours, this pre-operative technology can help you tremendously with your decision.

It is really a discussion between two parties to plan for the final result. Having both parties express their expectations and so that they can both meet at something that everyone can be satisfied about.

Happy girls after breast augmentation

Conclusion

Getting a breast augmentation can change your life for the better. Learning as much as you can about the operation and finding a trusted plastic surgeon is key to a successful breast augmentation experience.

Though this topic is very broad, I hope you have a clearer understanding and can better decide if a breast augmentation would be ideal for you.

Also read Mummy Makeover in Singapore

The Ultimate Guide to Seeing a Breast Surgeon in Singapore (2021)


Dr. Adrian Ooi is a plastic surgeon practicing at Illumia Medical.

If you have any further questions, you can contact Dr. Adrian Ooi through his profile here.


I hope that you've found this guide useful, and perhaps gained more insight into the application process. Most of the admissions-related information (admin and logistics wise) can be found on the official NUS Faculty of Dentistry website.

To help yourself out, you should take note of what people look for when they look for a dentist.

This article was written by Dr Adrian Ooi and published on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. Human medically reviewed the article on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. The last update was made on Friday, 18 September 2020.

Disclaimer: Opinions belong to the author and not to the platform.

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