Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is also commonly known as a “boob job”. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures done to increase the volume of the breast. This can be done either with breast implants or with fat grafting or a combination of both the techniques called hybrid breast augmentation. These options have long-lasting results and high success rates.
What are the types of breast augmentation?
Implant
Breast augmentation using silicone implants is a surgery performed to enhance the volume and projection of the breast, while creating a natural looking but well defined cleavage. The type of implants available include Motiva and Mentor.
Fat Grafting
Breast fat grafting can be a primary mean of increasing the volume of your breast. It is a natural way of breast enhancement using your own fat cells from another part of your body. It feels and looks more natural when compared to breast augmentation using implants. Furthermore, the scars for extracting the fat cells and injecting the fat cells into your breast are so tiny, they are barely visible once healed. It also has the additional advantage of removing fat from areas like your abdomen and thighs.
Which type of augmentation is best for you?
An in-depth discussion will be done at the initial consultation, to understand your general health, desired breast goals and sizes, together with a thorough examination and evaluation. During this visit, a 3D simulation of the appearance of your desired implant size will also be created using Quantificare 3D imaging. Potential areas for fat graft harvest will be identified together with you. With this 3D image, you can better visualize the possible final appearance. This will aid with your final decision on the procedure type, size, and placement.
It would be helpful to bring along any previous mammogram or ultrasound reports.
Implant
How is the breast implant surgery done?
This is done under general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting. The procedure will take less than 2 hours. There will be a short incision placed in the lower fold (infra-mammary fold) of the breast, which will ultimately leave you with a well-hidden scar once it has healed. The implants can be placed in 2 different planes of your breasts, either subglandular (under the breast tissue) or subpectoral (under the pectoral muscles). Often, they are also placed in a dual-plane method to achieve the benefits of each of the 2 different locations. This will be further discussed during the consultation based on your clinical examination.
What type of implants are available?
In our plastic surgery clinic in Singapore, we have a range of implants for you to select from, both Mentor as well as Motiva implants are available. Implants come in various fill, sizes, shape and outer covering. Breast implant can be filled with cohesive silicone gel or saline. Cohesive silicone gel implants are also called gummy bear implants because they keep their shape, even when the implant shell breaks.
Breast implant shapes can either be anatomical or round. Anatomical or teardrop shaped implants have texturing on the surface. The textured surface allows increased friction between the implant and the surrounding breast tissue, ensuring that the anatomical implants are less likely to move around inside your breast and better stay in place. Anatomical implants are shaped to appear more naturally like a breast. It has a slope in the upper part which increases to a fuller rounder base.
Round shaped implants have a smooth outer texture. Round implants will make your breast look fuller over the top and cleavage area. They do slide more easily when compared to textured implants. These also feel softer.
Motiva implants are “next generation” ergonomix implant which are round in shape, while their texture is made of nanosurface texture, this marries the benefit of textured implant with round shaped implants. They have a round shape when you are lying down but form a natural slope when standing up as the silicone settles down at the base. This design allows the Motiva implants to follow the movements of your body.
The type of implants and the nature will be discussed with you during the consultation to aid with your decision.
What are the benefits of breast augmentation
with breast implants?
Breast implants will provide you with an immediate and significant degree of volume enhancement when compared to fat grafting. Depending on your desired volume of improvement, appropriate breast implant can be chosen to achieve your goals. It can range from a more naturally appearing ‘mini boob job’ with smaller implants to an obviously voluptuous augmentation with larger implants. The augmented breast will appear well defined, particularly over the cleavage. Depending on the volume of the breast implant, it may also help to lift slightly droopy breasts up.
What are the limitations of breast implant?
Implant breast augmentation will not be able to correct severely droopy breast (breast ptosis). For some of these cases, a combination of breast lift (mastopexy) may be required to reposition the nipples and the areola to a more ideal position. This can be done at the same time as the breast augmentation. An assessment will be made during the consultation and management options provided.
What is the recovery like after implant breast augmentation?
This is done as a day surgery procedure and you are able to go home on the same day. You will be placed in a supportive bra following the surgery. Ideally the supportive bra should be worn for 4-6 weeks to help with reduction in swelling and optimize the position of the implants.
Everyone heals differently, but generally there is minimal downtime. You should be able to return to work after at least 3 days. Swelling and bruising is expected after surgery, this will mostly settle down over the next two weeks and continue to improve with time. On average, full recovery takes about six weeks.
You should avoid doing sporting activities or lifting of heavy objects for at least six weeks following surgery, this is to ensure that the implants are given time to settle into place.
Fat Grafting
How is the breast fat transfer surgery done?
The procedure is generally done under sedation or general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting. It will take about 2 hours depending on the areas of liposuction required. Tiny incisions less than 1cm will be used for extracting the fat and for injecting and transferring the fat into your breasts.
What are the limitations of fat grafting?
If you have very little fat available for harvest, this could be an issue. We may suggest for breast augmentation using an implant like Motiva® or Mentor® instead.
Each fat grafting procedure can increase your breast volume by about half to one cup size. Should you desire larger volumes, the procedure may need to be repeated again. This can be done as early as 3 months following the first surgery.
Breast fat grafting will not be able to correct severely droopy breast (breast ptosis). For some of these cases, a combination of breast lift (mastopexy) and breast fat transfer may be required at the same time. An assessment will be made during the consultation and management options provided where required.
Can breast implants and breast fat grafting be combined (hybrid augmentation)?
Yes, this approach known as hybrid breast augmentation, which combines breast implants with fat grafting for a more natural and refined result. There are several benefits of fat grafting concurrently, particularly for skinny women. Fat grafts will further improve the medial cleavage and yet still appear soft and supple. Over the other edges of the implant, placement of some fat graft will soften the edges and thus reduce palpability and a visible edge. Generally, a small amount of fat (usually between 60-80mls) is sufficient, and it can easily be harvested from the inner thigh during the same procedure.