Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Specialist Medical Centre #10-26

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Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm

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What to Expect from Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a customisable procedure designed to enhance breast shape, restore volume, or refine contours while maintaining a balanced, natural look.

The approach is tailored to each individual’s anatomy and goals, whether using implants for structured enhancement or fat grafting for subtle volume increase.

Each surgical plan considers breast proportions, body frame, and patient preferences, ensuring results that complement overall symmetry. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration: Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. The choice of anaesthesia is determined based on the surgical plan and individual needs.

Incision & Surgical Techniques (For Implants): If implants are used, the surgical technique and incision location are selected based on breast proportions, implant type, and patient preferences. The most common techniques include endoscopic axillary breast augmentation (underarm incision), inframammary (under-breast fold incision), and periareolar (around the nipple incision).

Implant Insertion & Positioning: Once the incision is made, the implant is inserted and positioned within the breast pocket. Placement is determined based on individual anatomy, breast tissue thickness, and desired outcome and may be:

  • Above the muscle (subglandular placement): Best suited for those with sufficient natural breast tissue, providing a fuller, more contoured appearance.
  • Below the muscle (submuscular placement): Placed under the chest muscle for a smoother transition at the upper breast, often recommended for those with less existing tissue.

Fat Grafting Process (For Fat Transfer Augmentation): Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is an alternative to implants that enhances breast volume using the body’s own fat. The process involves:

  • Liposuction to harvest fat: Excess fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
  • Purification of the fat: The harvested fat is processed to remove impurities, ensuring optimal cell survival.
  • Injection into the breasts: The purified fat is strategically injected to restore volume, refine symmetry, or enhance contours.

Closing the Incisions: Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incisions are carefully closed using sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape to support healing. Sutures may be dissolvable or require removal during a follow-up visit.

Recovery After Breast Augmentation

Healing progresses in stages, and following post-surgical care guidelines is key to achieving the best results. While recovery time varies, here’s a general timeline of what to expect.

  • Immediate Recovery (First Few Days): Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common but gradually subside. A supportive surgical bra is recommended to provide stability and aid healing. Patients should rest with their upper body elevated to minimise swelling and discomfort.

For fat grafting patients, mild swelling in the liposuction donor areas (such as the abdomen or thighs) is expected as the body heals from both the fat removal and transfer process.

  • Short-Term Recovery (First 1-2 Weeks): Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but strenuous movement should be avoided to prevent strain on healing tissues. If sutures are used, they are typically removed within the first week.

Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing progress and address any concerns. For fat grafting patients, a compression garment may be recommended for the liposuction donor site to support healing.

  • Full Recovery (4-6 Weeks & Beyond): Final results become more noticeable as swelling continues to subside. Most patients can resume normal activities within 4-6 weeks, depending on their individual healing progress.

For fat grafting patients, additional sessions may be required if further volume enhancement is desired. Long-term care includes monitoring implants (if applicable), maintaining a stable weight, and following a healthy lifestyle to support long-lasting results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, but they are not considered lifetime devices. While many implants can last 15 to 20 years, some may require replacement earlier due to factors such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in personal preference. Regular follow-ups and imaging can help assess the condition of implants over time.

Breast implants do not prevent mammograms, but they may require special imaging techniques to ensure accurate breast cancer screening. Patients should inform their radiologist about their implants before the procedure so appropriate adjustments can be made.

A surgical or compression bra is typically worn for four to six weeks following surgery to support healing, minimise swelling, and maintain breast positioning. After this period, patients can transition to non-underwire bras. Underwire bras should only be worn once incisions are fully healed, usually after eight weeks, as they may cause irritation.

Fat grafting can provide long-lasting results, but some of the transferred fat will naturally be reabsorbed by the body in the first few months. The fat cells that survive become permanent, but results may fluctuate with weight changes. Some patients may require additional fat grafting sessions to achieve their desired volume.

Many women can still breastfeed after breast augmentation, but some surgical techniques may impact milk ducts. The periareolar incision has a slightly higher risk of affecting breastfeeding ability compared to under-breast or underarm incisions. Patients who plan to breastfeed in the future should discuss this consideration during consultation to select an approach that minimises interference with lactation.

If You’re Considering Breast Augmentation, Get in Touch Today

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Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital #10-26
38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563

Mon – Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekends & PH: Closed

Contact Us Today

Exploring breast augmentation but unsure about the right approach? Dr Marco provides personalised consultations to discuss your goals and the most suitable techniques.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at 6464 8075 or complete the form below.