What is Breast Implant Surgery?
Breast implant surgery is a surgical procedure where saline or silicone gel implants are placed behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle to add volume, refine shape, and improve projection across the cleavage. Because the implant is a manufactured device in a chosen size, the degree of volume increase is predictable from the outset. They also come in a wide range of sizes and profiles, accommodating outcomes from a subtle, naturally proportioned enhancement to a substantial change in size. Depending on the implant volume, mildly droopy breasts may also be slightly elevated as the tissue is filled out.
This differs from breast fat grafting, where the patient's own fat is harvested from another part of the body and transferred into the breasts. A hybrid approach combining both is also available.
Who is Suitable for Breast Implant Surgery?
An initial clinical assessment is necessary to determine if implant-based augmentation is the right pathway for your aesthetic or reconstructive goals such as:
- Wanting fuller, more projected breasts or a more defined cleavage
- Restoring breast volume lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Correcting noticeable asymmetry between the two breasts
- Balancing the proportion of breast and hip contours
- Gender-affirming goals during transition to female
Candidates should also meet the following criteria:
- Physically mature and in good general health
- At a stable weight and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Aged 21 and above, or below 21 with parental consent (Singapore regulatory requirement)
- Free from significant breast ptosis (sagging), patients with marked ptosis may require a breast lift (mastopexy) alongside or prior to augmentation, which is assessed at consultation.
How is Breast Implant Surgery Performed?
Breast implant surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia, taking between one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the patient's anatomy and whether the surgery is a primary augmentation or a revision of previous implants.
The surgical workflow is executed in several distinct stages:
Pre-Operative Planning and 3D Simulation
Before the day of surgery, Dr Lee Hanjing carries out a detailed assessment of your breast width, skin quality, tissue thickness, and existing asymmetry. During the consultation, 3D imaging software (such as Quantificare) is used to map the dimensions of the chest wall and to help you visualise how different implant sizes, profiles, and projections may look in relation to your natural proportions.
Surgical Incision Placement
To place the implant, a surgical incision must be made. The choice of incision site is discussed and decided prior to surgery based on anatomical suitability and scarring preferences. The primary options include:
- Inframammary Incision: The most common approach, where a 3 to 5-centimetre incision is placed within the natural fold beneath the breast (the inframammary fold). This gives direct access for creating the implant pocket, and the resulting scar is concealed by the natural hang of the breast once healed.
- Periareolar Incision: Placed along the lower semi-circle border of the areola, where the scar blends into the natural transition line between the darker areolar skin and surrounding breast skin.
- Transaxillary Incision: Placed within one of the natural creases of the armpit, avoiding any incision or scar on the breast tissue itself.
Pocket Creation and Implant Placement
Once the incision is made, the surgeon creates the pocket that will hold the implant. The implant may be positioned in one of two anatomical positions:
- Subglandular (Above the Muscle): The implant is placed directly beneath the natural breast gland tissue and resting on top of the pectoralis major chest muscle. This tends to involve a shorter recovery time and avoids movement of the implant with muscle contraction, though it requires sufficient natural tissue to cover the implant edges.
- Submuscular / Dual-Plane (Below the Muscle): The implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major chest muscle. In a dual-plane approach, the upper part of the implant is covered by the muscle while the lower portion rests beneath the breast gland. This offers more tissue coverage over the upper pole, creating a more gradual slope, and is associated with a lower rate of capsular contracture over time.
Closure and Immediate Post-Operative Care
After verifying the symmetry and positioning of both implants, the internal tissue layers are closed with dissolvable sutures, and the skin incisions are sealed with surgical glue or stitches. A supportive post-surgical compression bra is fitted before you are transferred to the recovery ward, helping to minimise swelling and prevent implant displacement.
Recovery After Breast Implant Surgery
| Stage | What to Expect |
| Day of Surgery | Day surgery procedure; patient returns home the same day with a supportive bra applied. Analgesia, anti-swelling medication, and antibiotics are provided. |
| First Week | Some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are expected. Most patients are able to return to desk-based work after five to seven days. |
| 4 to 6 Weeks | The supportive bra should be worn to reduce swelling and help the implants settle into position. |
| At 6 Weeks | Sport, gym sessions, and heavy lifting may resume gradually, as advised at follow-up. |
| 3 to 6 Months | Most swelling would have settled and breast shape may look consistent. Final results are typically reviewed around the one-year mark. |
Breast Implants Cost in Singapore
Breast implants cost in Singapore varies based on the implant type chosen, implant size and profile, whether the procedure is unilateral or bilateral, the surgical placement technique, whether a concurrent breast lift is required, and anaesthesia, hospital, and post-operative care fees. Because breast augmentation with implants is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, the charges are not claimable under MediSave or standard private health insurance.
At Argent Plastic Surgery, a personalised price estimation will be provided after assessment.