Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation increases breast volume using implants or other techniques, most commonly, fat.
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It may be appropriate where breast volume is disproportionate or does not align with body frame. The focus is on determining whether augmentation is appropriate, and whether alternatives should be considered.
​My Approach
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures worldwide and in Singapore. My focus is on achieving natural-looking enhancement that complements each person’s body and proportions - not a one-size-fits-all result.
I use microtextured implants, which combine the benefits of smooth and textured surfaces: they lower the risk of BIA-ALCL seen with older textured implants and reduce the chance of capsular contracture sometimes associated with smooth ones.
There is no single “best” implant brand - long-term results depend far more on sound surgical technique and selecting the right implant for the right patient. Every step, from planning to handling, follows evidence-based principles to ensure safety, longevity, and harmony with your body.
The choice of implant shape (round or anatomic) and placement plane - subglandular, submuscular, dual-plane, or subfascial - depends on your anatomy, skin thickness, and lifestyle.
Planning & Technique
I generally prefer the inframammary incision, positioned slightly below the natural fold. This allows precise control and the lowest risk of bacterial contamination - a key factor in preventing capsular contracture and ensuring long-term results.
Placing the incision slightly lower also accounts for the natural descent of the implant over time; if placed exactly at the fold, the scar may end up on the underside of the breast and become more visible.
In suitable patients, fat grafting may be used as an adjunct to refine contours or soften transitions, especially along the cleavage area, for a softer and more natural silhouette.
Recovery & Expectations
Most patients can return to desk work within a week. Light exercise can resume after three to four weeks, while more strenuous activity should wait until about six weeks. Support garments are recommended during recovery to help maintain shape as the tissues settle.
​Mild tightness or swelling is common initially as tissues adapt to the new volume. The implants may sit slightly higher at first, but will gradually settle into a natural position over the next couple of months.​
Complementary Procedures
Breast augmentation may be combined with breast lift to enhance shape and projection in patients with mild to moderate skin laxity.
Studies have shown that although such combined procedures may extend operating time, they remain safe to perform in a Day Surgery setting.
​Post-operative care extends beyond routine reviews - it is an integral part of Dr Ng’s surgical philosophy. Through Doctor Stitch, an aftercare service founded to ensure seamless continuity and comfort, every patient is followed up personally by Dr Ng for attentive, discreet, and consistent care throughout the recovery journey.​
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will breast implants feel natural?
With appropriate implant selection (shape, size and plane), implants can achieve a natural feel that harmonises with your body’s proportions.
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2. What pain or discomfort should I expect?
Mild soreness and swelling are common early on. Pain is generally controlled with standard analgesia, and most patients find discomfort manageable as part of the recovery process.
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3. How long until the implants settle into a natural position?
Implants may initially sit slightly high; they usually settle into a natural position over the next couple of months as tissues adapt.
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4. What is breast fat grafting?
Breast fat grafting is an autologous procedure where fat is harvested from another part of the body and carefully processed before being placed into specific breast regions to refine contour, improve transitions or restore selective volume.
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5. How long do fat grafting results last?
Once integrated, fat grafting offers durable volume improvement because the transferred cells that survive become part of the tissue. Some degree of volume change is expected as the body adapts, but many patients experience lasting refinement.
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6. Does fat grafting affect nipple sensation?
In most cases, fat grafting alone does not significantly change nipple sensation because it is a soft tissue addition without major disruption to deeper innervation. Sensation should be discussed during planning, especially if combined with other procedures.
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7. What are the limitations or risks of fat grafting?
Limitations include:
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modest volume change per session
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variable survival of grafted cells (usually about 50%)
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potential for irregular contour if overtreated or undercorrected
Risks are generally low but include bruising, swelling, under-graft survival and rarely oil cysts; careful technique mitigates these.
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8. Can fat grafting be repeated if needed?
Yes, repeat sessions are sometimes planned when incremental refinement or balance is desired. This is determined during follow-up and is part of tailored planning.​
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Related Reading
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The PERLE implant has been reported in various news agencies including the Financial Post and Business Wire and others (NB. NOT available in Singapore yet)
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My blog post on breast swelling issues I commonly see following overseas procedures
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Treatment options after capsulectomy - for patients considering implant removal and natural reshaping
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Breast reconstruction - for delayed or staged reconstruction after mastectomy
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​Liposuction - learn about the approach and thinking behind the use of liposuction in fat harvest
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References
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Tan SS, Ng ZY, Zhan W, Rozen W. Role of Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Fat Grafting and Reconstructive Surgery. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jul-Sep;9(3):152-156. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.191672. PMID: 27761084; PMCID: PMC5064678.​
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Ng ZY, Honeyman C, Shoaib T. Single-Institution Early Experience With a New, Smooth, Opaque, and Round Breast Implant Over a 2-Year Period. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2023 Oct 12;5:ojad090. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojad090. PMID: 38828093; PMCID: PMC11140518.
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Hidalgo DA, Spector JA. Breast augmentation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Apr;133(4):567e-583e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000033. PMID: 24675209.
- Montemurro P. Response to "Can We Really Control the Inframammary Fold (IMF) in Breast Augmentation?". Aesthet Surg J. 2016 Nov;36(10):NP315-NP316. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjw111. Epub 2016 Sep 30. PMID: 27694450.
