Breast augmentation is without a doubt one of the most popular plastic surgeries out there – and in a lot of countries, it’s the most desired surgery for several years in a row. Women undergo breast augmentations for many reasons – from simple breast enlargement due to the small chest to the correction of the position of the breasts due to breastfeeding, for example. Whatever the reason may be, women now are bombarded with information about breast augmentations and it may be hard to make a decision.
That’s why in this article, you’ll read everything there is to know about breast augmentation in Singapore – from what types of implants are used there to costs you can expect and how to find the best surgeon in Singapore, one of which is Dr Samuel Ho from Allure Plastic Surgery.
About breast augmentation
Breast augmentations or more commonly known as “boob job” is a procedure to enlarge the breasts by inserting an implant beneath the breasts. It’s used for smaller breasts or for breasts that used to be larger and changed due to breastfeeding for example. In a lot of cases, breast augmentation can also reshape the breasts. The procedure can be also done to correct the size of the breasts if one is larger than the other.
What the breast can’t fix entirely is saggy breasts – for that, you might have to look into a breast lift.
What’s the breast augmentation surgery like?
Breast augmentations usually involves putting an implant under the breast tissue to enhance the breast size. There are various types of incisions to put the implants. In most cases, surgeons use an incision under the breasts but in other cases, they can make an incision in the armpit or the nipple. Implants can be put directly under the breast or under the chest muscles. Your surgeon will give you advice on what type of incision and implant placement is suitable for you.
Types of Implants Used in Singapore
There are two types of implants – silicone and saline. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, and the silicone implants are filled with silicone. Most patients are offered silicone gel implants because of their natural feel and durability. Saline implants can feel less natural but some patients prefer them if they feel concerned about silicone leaks.
During your consultation, you should ask your surgeon about the type and brand of implants they will be using. It’s important to know about the brand of the implants because not all of them are FDA approved. The saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, while the silicone implants are made out of the silicone. A lot of patients prefer silicone ones because of their natural feel. There is, however, some concern in patients if the silicone implants leak.
Choosing the right shape
Implants come in two basic shapes – teardrop and round. A lot of patients prefer the teardrop shape because it can feel more natural but some patients prefer the round shape because it can give you a bigger volume. When it comes to teardrop shape implants, your surgeon can choose the width of the implant and generally have more control of the size. (harrisburgarts.com)
The texture is another important factor when it comes to implants. Implants can be either textured or smooth. Textured implants tend to form less scar tissue around the implant compared to smooth ones but smooth ones have a lower chance of rippling.
At the end of the day, your surgeon will suggest the most suitable implant shape depending on your needs and expectations.
During your consultation
During your consultation you and your surgeon will discuss your expectations and why do you want a breast augmentation. You’ll also talk about any medical conditions or issues you might have such as chronic illness or drug allergies. Your surgeon will also ask you about previous illnesses and the results of previous mammograms as well as if you’re taking any medications or supplements at the moment.
During the initial consultation, your surgeon will also examine your breasts and take detailed measurements of their size and placement of the nipples. They are likely to take pictures as well and discuss your expectations you can have from the surgery.
Results and recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery
You’ll see increased breast size immediately after the surgery but it may take a couple of weeks until you see the final results after all the swelling from the surgery is gone. In some cases, patients need to wear special medical bras to ensure their breasts don’t move. It can take a couple of months for the incision marks to disappear as well.
Patients don’t have to stay overnight at the hospital after a breast augmentations procedure. It usually takes up to a few weeks to fully recover and the pain to subdue.
Risks of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is considered a safe procedure but like any other surgery, it has some risks. Here are some of them:
- Bleeding
- Inflammation
- Anesthesia reaction
- Scarring
- Changes in the sensation in the breasts or nipples
- Implant leak
Post-breast augmentation tips
To ensure optimal results from the surgery, your doctor will give you the advice you have to follow. The first week after surgery you’ll likely be prescribed some antibiotics to prevent inflammation or medications to help with post-operative pain. Other tips you’ll have to follow to ensure safe recovery are:
- Wear recovery garments. They provide support and can help with pain and swelling.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on medications or creams you have to put on your incisions.
- Avoid vigorous activity such as running or lifting heavy objects.
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Try to prepare your home before the surgery. Prepare some meals so you have food when you can’t cook.
Finding the right surgeon in Singapore
The most important step before deciding whether to undergo breast augmentation is to find a surgeon you can trust. Here some of the things to look out for:
- Look for a surgeon who’s board-certified and trained specifically for breast augmentation. You can look for surgeons in special medical directories.
- Look for “before & after” pictures of patients or read reviews of people who had the surgery with your surgeon. You can also ask your surgeon about a portfolio with ‘before & after’ pictures of his patients.
- Follow your gut and see how the surgeon makes you feel, how you communicate with each other during the initial consultation.
Cost for breast augmentation surgery in Singapore
The cost for breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on several factors. First, we have to consider the surgeon’s fee, the implants’ cost, anesthesiologist’s fee, operation room facilities, or any medication you might get prescribed before or after the procedure. That being said, breast augmentation in Singapore can cost anywhere from 8000$ to 15,000$.
