Making Choices
Here are some important considerations for selecting a doctor and deciding on the type of procedure.
Size
Breast fillers are best for increase in cup size of 1-2 sizes. For larger sizes, implants are the preferred option.
Surgeon
Because breast fillers are a relatively simple procedure, breast fillers can be injected under Singapore MOH guidelines by GPs with a certificate of competency.
For breast implants, choose a surgeon who is experienced with breast implantation, we recommend that you find out the answers to the following questions:
• Is he/she board certified, and if so, with which board?
• How many breast augmentation, reconstruction, or revision surgeries does he/she perform per year?
• How many years has he/she performed breast implantation surgeries?
• What are the most common complications he/she encounters with patients after breast implantation?
• What is his/her re-operation rate with breast implants and what is the most common type of re-operation he/she performs?
When you have answers to these questions, you will have a better idea of the technical qualifications of your surgeon.
Breastfeeding
If you are intending to breastfeed after augmentation, implants are the preferred route. This is because safety of breastfeeding after fillers is not completely established, as fillers may enter the milk ducts.
Shape
Depending on the desired shape and size you wish to achieve, you and your surgeon may choose a round or contoured implant shape of appropriate size (volume). You should be aware that contoured implants that are placed sub-muscular (under the pectoralis major muscle) may assume a round shape after implantation. Your surgeon will also evaluate your existing tissue to determine if you have enough to cover the breast implant. Contoured implants may also rotate after placement, causing the breast to adopt an unusual shape.