Breast Augmentation

VECTRA 3D Imaging Simulation NEW!
The VECTRA 3D is an imaging simulator that enables you to have a three-dimensional visual of what you look like pre & post surgery. The VECTRA 3D comes with a resolution of 36 megapixels and takes a photo of your face or body with 12 different digital cameras at once.It uses refined imaging equipment to map out your surface anatomy and produce a precise image of your body structure. 3-D simulations are most commonly used to depict breast augmentation, and thesesimulated images can be viewed from all angles, with side-by-side comparisons of your‘before and after’ surgery images.  This will give you a clearer view of what the expected results would be, with more assurance in the implant choices you make. This sophisticated technology also results in higher patient satisfaction and improves communication between surgeon and patient.
A consultation with the VECTRA 3D simulator allows you to approach plastic surgery with the confidence of knowing what your results will look like.
Follow Canfield’s link to try a demo on what to expect on the VECTRA 3D! For demo, please enter 123456 for the postal code. Click Here

What is the ideal breast?

The idea of an ideal breast may differ between

• patient
• surgeon
• media

But generally it should have the following features:

• a gentle (slightly concave) slope from the shoulder to the peak of the breast at the nipple
• a good cleavage
• the nipple is located on the centre of the breast mound and tilted slightly outwards and upwards
• a gentle arc from the nipple to the inframammary crease (breast fold)
• a silhouette line so that when viewed standing front-on, a gentle bulge is apparent on the side of the chest wall
• an areola diameter of 35 – 45 mm

What is so special about the breast?

The breast is a dynamic structure that changes due to the effects of

• gravity
• pregnancy
• weight changes
• aging

This is because each of these physiological changes has varying effects on the different components of the breast

For example, during pregnancy and breastfeeding there is enlargement of the breast glands. The breasts will increase in size with companying stretching of the breast skin envelope. The expanding breast glands may also compress the fats within the breasts. After completion of breastfeeding, the breast glands will shrink to a size that is even smaller than before pregnancy. With less volume and possibly more skin, the breasts will look more deflated than before.

Why do women go for breast augmentation?

• obtain fuller breasts
• restore breast volume and shape lost after pregnancy
• balance breasts that differ in size or shape

What influences a woman’s decision to go for breast augmentation?

• dissatisfaction with one’s appearance
• self esteem
• for clothing to be better fitting
• sexuality
• opinion of others
• media influence on the ideal figure

• symmetry of the breasts/nipples
• width of the breasts
• breast tissue characteristics
• skin characteristics
• patient's desire

* images courtesy of Allergan Inc

Most surgeons would recommend silicone implants as they feel more natural and has less problem of rippling.

Silicone breast implants have been extensively studied and regarded as safe.  They have been part of the consumer market for more than 50 years and are found in products we use daily (hairsprays, moisturizing creams and infant pacifiers).  Silicones are also used in medical devices such as prosthetics, catheters and facial implants.  Not only are they biocompatible, they are also reliable and flexible.

All silicone implants available here are cohesive gel (aka “gummy bear”) implants, and do not leak like traditional liquid gel implants in the event of rupture:



Round vs anatomical (teardrop shape)

Vectra simulation of the results using round vs anatomical implants

• preferred by most surgeons since it gives the surgeon most control and hence most predictable results
• more concealed compared to axillary, but less concealed than periareolar

• most concealed among the three
• associated with higher risk of difficulty to breastfeed and altered sensation to the nipple

• furthest from the breast, hence no scars on the breast
• gives the surgeon the least control
• least concealed among the three
• scars in the axilla may look obvious in Asians at least during the first few months after surgery

Where will the implant be placed?

This depends on the amount of breast tissue present and its ability to adequately cover the implant. If there is sufficient breast tissue, the implant can be placed under the breast. Otherwise the implant should be placed under the muscle to be better concealed.



What are the factors to consider before making a decision?

• Patient suitability

When embarking on this journey, you would need to spend some time evaluating why breast augmentation surgery is for you.  Your personal motivation is the most crucial consideration in your decision-making process.

The next important factor you will need to be equipped with is patient education.  Many patients start off by asking friends or family who has had prior experience.  You can also find out more on the internet, although, your surgeon would be the best resource avenue for reliable and valuable information.  He or she will be able to help you comprehend the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery and breast implants; along with the limitations that may be present due to your breast and body type.

Last but not least, you need to be aware that whilst wanting to feel great about your body, you need to hold a realistic expectation.  You may already have in mind a particular shape and size of the breasts you would like to have.  However, what you want may not be what is most appropriate for you.  The right ‘fit’ would be one that balances and complements you body type, plus what your breast tissue will allow.
These baseline considerations form your first step towards achieving the best possible result for yourself.  This is why it is essential to have an honest discussion with your surgeon about what you want from this surgery: which brings us to the next significant factor – choosing a surgeon.

• Choosing a surgeon

It is very important that the surgeon you are choosing is a certified plastic surgeon who has had experience performing breast augmentation surgery.  Read up on his website and research on forums.  You would be able to gather others’ experiences on various plastic surgeons and breast augmentation surgery.  When you are ready, make an appointment for a consultation with the plastic surgeon.  Decide on the next step (scheduling surgery) only with a plastic surgeon who makes you feel comfortable.

Some useful websites:

http://www.plasticsurgery.org.sg/member.html

http://www.healthprofessionals.gov.sg/content/dam/hprof/smc/docs/guidelines/Updated Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices (28Oct08).pdf

How do we choose the right implants?

The Vectra helps the surgeon assess the dimensions of the chest and breast. These measurements, together with other information such as tissue thickness and elasticity, will enable the surgeon to select the most suitable implants to deliver as close to the ideal and desired result as possible.

Vectra enables you to visualize the intended result

What is the surgery like?

The surgery is a one-hour day surgery procedure performed under general anaesthesia. The post-anaesthesia recovery is usually fairly quick and simple. Once you have fully recovered from anaesthesia, you will be able to go home on your own.

What happens during the recovery period?

In general, patients will feel a bit sore and tight over the chest for several days after the procedure. There may also be some limitation of upper limb movements for the same duration of time. The breasts may also be swollen for a month or so. However, most patients are able to return to work a few days after the procedure. One can resume light gym activities after one month and full gym activities after 3 months. Patients are required to wear a special recovery bra for 1-3 months after procedure. This helps to keep the implants in place and alleviate swelling.

Once the breasts have achieved a more natural shape at the end of this period, patients are allowed to return to wearing regular bras with underwire.

What are the complications involved in this procedure?

As with all surgical procedures, breast augmentation has risk. Patients' safety remains our utmost priority. Apart from bleeding, infection and scarring which are not common, other complications include capsular contracture, which is the development of scar tissue around the implant, implant leakage or rupture, as well as alteration of sensation of the breast or nipple. Over the years, surgeons have modified their operating styles to minimize the occurrence of these complications. Implants on the market now are safer and more durable than what they used to be.

What is the relationship between breast implants and breast cancer?

Researchers from The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the United States conducted one of the largest studies on the long-term health effects of silicone breast implants, and found no association between breast implants and the subsequent risk of breast cancer. Many other studies have also found that should women who have breast implants develop breast cancer, there is no delay in breast cancer detection. They are also not found to be diagnosed with later-stage breast malignancies, are not at increased risk for breast cancer recurrence, and do not have a decreased length of survival.

When do the implants need to be changed?

It is a myth that implants need to be changed every 10 years. In general, if there are no problems with the implants, they do not have to be changed. If one suspects that there is something wrong, one should go for a workup to evaluate the implants. We encourage patients to come in at least once a year for follow-up as a preventative measure.

Experience with anatomical/teardrop breast implants

Dr Tan was introduced to the anatomical breast implant by Dr Charles Randquist of Sweden. Through Allergan, Dr Charles Randquist has been conducting workshops in Singapore to train plastic surgeons in Asia on the use of anatomical breast implants. Dr Tan organized the first workshop in Singapore in 2009, with Dr Charles Randquist.