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Plastic surgery is no longer as taboo as it used to be, with more people openly and actively seeking medical procedures to enhance their bodies and faces. One of the most popular plastic surgery for women, is, of course, breast augmentation.

Before you head to a random clinic, read on to find out everything you need to know, including types of implants, risks involved, and clinics to visit!

What Is Breast Augmentation?

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Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or a “boob job” is a surgery to increase the size of the breasts by placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscle.

Since the purpose of it is to increase breast size rather than correct drooping breasts, you should make sure that you’re looking at the right type of procedure to meet your needs.

Should your main concern be lifting your droopy chest, then a breast lift – not augmentation – is the surgery that’s most suitable for you.

Differences Between Breast Enhancement, Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation

If you’re feeling unsure, breast augmentation is known by various names, but breast enhancement is the only other accurate term for it. The main objective of this procedure is to enlarge the size of the breasts, and there are two methods to achieve that: using implants or through a fat transfer.

Types of Breast Augmentation in Singapore

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Saline (saltwater) or medical-grade silicone gel are two types of implants that will give you a significant increase in breast size. Of the two, medical-grade silicone gel is the preferred option for implants because of its natural look and feel.

There are also other factors to consider, such as the shape, projection, width, and height of the implants. Patients will have to attend a consultation first so that the surgeon can advise them on the type of implants to get and the size that’ll best fit their body and chest proportions.

In Singapore, besides inserting implants, a fat transfer can also be done. However, a breast augmentation procedure using fat transfer will only give a moderate boost in breast volume and size. The advantage of this procedure is that no foreign objects (implants) will be placed inside your body.

As long as you have a sufficient amount of fat in your body, you’ll likely be able to undergo this treatment. Fat transfer is not recommended for women with low body fat.

Suitable Candidates for Breast Augmentation in Singapore

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While there are no specific age requirements for candidates hoping to undergo the procedure in Singapore, it is recommended that patients be over the age of 15. Individuals below 21 also will need to seek parental consent to have this surgery done in Singapore.

You are a suitable candidate 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 ageing
  • 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

Breast Augmentation in Singapore: Risks

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As with any medical procedure, this surgery 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, which could involve either removing or replacing the implants.

How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation in Singapore

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Before your procedure, carefully review written information – from your patient information to 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, multivitamins, 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 your surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night.

What to Expect During a Breast Augmentation Procedure

This surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.

For local anaesthesia, the breast area is numbed, and the patient stays awake and conscious during the entire procedure whereas, for general anaesthesia, patients are asleep during the surgery. Under either method of anaesthesia, patients should not be able to feel any pain.

Breast Augmentation in Singapore: Recovery

The procedure can be done in a surgical centre or hospital outpatient facility. Patients are usually allowed to return home the same day and are rarely required for a hospital stay.

Soreness and swelling are likely to persist for a few weeks after surgery. Patients can experience bruising 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.

Clinics for Breast Augmentation in Singapore

Featured image credit: @djjaderasif, @nicole.choo/Instagram

Related read: Double eyelid surgery in Singapore: Here’s everything you need to know and 7 clinics to consider