Breast Augmentation - What Is It For?

Fuller breasts, breasts with better shape, size and balance, restoration of breasts after giving birth - there are many reasons why women want breast enlargement surgery, but the objectives are always the same – to have the desired appearance that they want, and to be more confident in their daily lives.

Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure to enhance breast size, shape, symmetry and fullness using breast implants or fat grafting. Falling under cosmetic surgery, it is mainly focused on aesthetics and covers breast reconstruction associated with cancer treatments. It is not a corrective treatment for sagging breasts or nipple and areola malposition.

Breast Augmentation in Singapore

In Singapore, breast augmentation is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery performed. There are two main considerations when undergoing breast enlargement: skin laxity and natural breast measurements. Those who choose to have implants are recommended not to go more than two cup sizes higher than what the plastic surgeon suggests.

There will be initial pain, discomfort and tightness following breast enlargement, but these can be managed with painkillers and will subside after the first week. It typically takes 5 to 6 months for the implants to fully settle and look and feel natural.

Implants and fat grafting are the preferred methods for breast enlargement. They are safe, cost-effective and, in the case of fat transfer, virtually scarless. Breast fillers, on the other hand, are prohibited by the Ministry of Health due to their potential to cause cysts, infections and chronic pain.

How Is Breast Augmentation in Singapore Done?

In Singapore, the most common methods of breast augmentation are breast implants and fat transfer. For implant augmentation, the two most common breast implants are saline and silicone breast implants. Generally, silicone breast implants are preferred as they feel more natural.

Motiva breast implants, the latest generation of silicone breast implants, adapt their shape to your body movements to achieve a natural-looking effect for your enhanced breasts.

The patients can choose the incisions to be either at the armpits, areola or at the inframammary folds. The breast implants are placed either above or below the pectoralis major muscles depending on how much breast tissue the patient has.

Alternatively, fat grafting for the breast can be done. The fat is harvested from either the abdomen or thighs and is then centrifuged to concentrate the fat and stem cells. The processed fat is then re-injected into the breast. Usually 100-300 cc can be injected at one session, allowing for about one bra cup increase in size. This is a highly technique-dependent procedure, so the experience and skill of the surgeon plays a crucial part in determining the survival of the fat cells.

In some patients, breast enlargement can be combined with mastopexy (breast lift) or nipple areola reduction to create the ideal breast and nipple shape that the patient desires. With advancements in surgical techniques, most breast augmentations can be completed in under two hours and post-operative recovery is only about 2-3 days. More importantly, the techniques have become much more precise in achieving the desired profile for patients.

Dr Leo Kah Woon, Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Dr Leo Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, has performed numerous breast augmentation procedures for women in Singapore. Schedule an appointment to find out more about the breast augmentation procedures offered at the clinic.