Plastic surgery is no longer a taboo, and more people are actively seeking medical procedures to enhance parts of their bodies and faces.
One common body part is, of course, the breasts. It seems like everyone wants them big: the bigger the better, right?
Before you head straight to a clinic to get the procedure done, we share with you everything that you need to know, so that you can make an informed decision.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation â also known as augmentation mammoplasty, or commonly referred to as a ‘boob job’ â is basically surgery to increase breast size. It involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles.
For those who are confused between the difference between breast augmentation and breast implants: breast implants are the synthetic parts that are used to improve the shape of the breasts, whereas breast augmentation is the name of the surgical procedure that uses the implants.
If you are looking at doing breast augmentation to correct severely drooping breasts, don’t. What you are looking for is a breast lift, not augmentation.
What are the types of implants I can get?
Implants that will give you a significant increase in breast size include saline (salt water) or medical-grade silicone gel.
Between the two, medical-grade silicone gel is the more preferred option for implants because of the natural feel and look. The shape, projection, width and height of implants vary. You will have to consult your doctor for an implant size that fits your body size and chest proportions.
In Singapore, fat transfer can also be done to augment your breasts, but will only give a moderate boost in breast volume and size. The advantage is that fat transfer means you don’t have foreign objects or implants placed in your body. As long as you have sufficient amount of fat in your body, you can have this process done. For women with low body fat, however, fat transfer is not recommended.
Who is a suitable candidate?
There is no specific age or age limit when it comes to breast augmentation in Singapore, though it is recommended that most patients be over the age of 15 to undergo this procedure. Also take note that in Singapore, those below 21 need to seek parental consent to have plastic surgery done.
You are a suitable candidate for breast augmentation if:
- You are physically healthy and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have realistic expectations
- Your breasts are fully developed
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss or with aging
- You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing “empty”
- Your breasts are asymmetrical
- One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape
What are the risks involved?
As with any medical procedure, breast augmentation poses its own set of risks, including:
- Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture)
- Breast pain
- Infection
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Implant leakage or rupture
Correcting these complications might require more surgery, either to remove or replace the implants.
How should you prepare when it comes to undergoing breast augmentation?
Before your operation, carefully review written information, such as the patient information from the manufacturer of the implant you’ll be getting, and keep copies for your records.
You may need a baseline mammogram before your surgery, depending on what your doctor advises. You will also have to adjust certain medications as well, such as avoiding blood-thinning medication, multi-vitamins, and supplements at least two weeks prior to your surgery so that you do not bleed profusely from the procedure. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking at least six weeks before the procedure.
It is also advised that you arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night.
What is the recovery time needed after undergoing breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation can be done in a surgical center or hospital outpatient facility. You will probably go home the same day, as the procedure takes only one hour, and rarely requires a hospital stay.
The procedure is done during general anaesthesia, in which you’re asleep for the surgery. Sometimes, it may be done during local anaesthesia â you’re awake and your breast area is numbed. Either way, you should not be able to feel any pain from the procedure.
Soreness and swelling are likely to persist for a few weeks after surgery. Bruising is possible as well. You should also expect your scars to fade over time, but not disappear completely. Some recommend that you wear a compression bandage or sports bra for extra support and positioning of the breast implants while you are recovering.
If you don’t have a physically demanding job, you may be able to return to work within a few weeks. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks, and refrain from any physical contact or jarring movements to your breasts.
Where can I go to get breast augmentation in Singapore?
1. Shens Clinic
Dr Shenthilkumar Naidu (or more commonly referred to as Dr Shens) is a highly popular plastic surgeon in Singapore. He is trained in Korea and has years of experience with more than a few thousand procedures under his belt. His specialty is in short incision breast augmentation, which many Singaporean women flock to his clinic for. It is said that just booking a consultation with him can require a wait of more than a month!
Contact them to enquire about rates.
Address: 3 Killiney Road, Winsland House 1, #09-08, Singapore 239519
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am – 6:30pm, Sat: 9.30am – 2.30pm, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: 6904 4488 | Site | [email protected]
2. MH Plastic Surgery
This clinic is helmed by Dr Huang, who is a fully trained, certified and accredited plastic surgeon with more than twenty five years of experience. He has had dual training in Asia and the U.S, and is an internationally recognised and respected expert in breast augmentation, especially in Korea.
Contact them to enquire about rates.
Address: 290 Orchard Road, #20-01 Paragon, Singapore 238859
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 6:00pm, Sat: 9.00am – 1.00pm, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: 6733 3372 | Site | [email protected]
3. Allure Plastic Surgery
Dr Samuel Ho, the main surgeon in this clinic, has worked alongside top plastic surgeons at plastic surgery centres in Korea, such as the Hanyang University Hospital, 101 Plastic Surgery Clinic and BIO Plastic Surgery Clinic, so you know you are in good hands. His passion for research (more than 17 publications and counting!) has led to him discovering new surgical techniques in breast augmentation as well.
Contact them to enquire about rates.
Address: 435 Orchard Road #22-04 Penthouse Floor Wisma Atria Singapore 238877
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm; Sat: 10.00am – 3.00pm, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: 6734 9988 | Site | [email protected]
