Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on enhancing or restoring the appearance of the face and body. Other than enhancing one’s appearance, it also addresses physical defects or deformities in various areas such as the skin, craniofacial and maxillofacial structure, hand, breast, and trunk.

Plastic surgery in Singapore can be categorised into two main areas: reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.

• Reconstructive Plastic Surgery: Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to repair physical abnormalities caused by birth defects, trauma, or other medical conditions. This surgery aims to improve the quality of life for patients by addressing functional impairments and restoring the normal appearance of the affected body part. Common reconstructive plastic procedures include breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, and skin grafts for burns.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Cosmetic surgery involves modifying and refining an individual's physical characteristics to enhance their appearance. It can help resolve signs of ageing and unwanted body fat. Some cosmetic procedures commonly performed include breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, eyelift, rhinoplasty (nose job), and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

A plastic surgeon is a doctor who specialises in enhancing the appearance or function of the body through reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. These surgeons have the expertise to address conditions caused by illnesses, injuries, burns, and congenital abnormalities, as well as perform aesthetic procedures.

The specialist accreditation for plastic surgeons in Singapore is granted to qualified doctors who meet the standards set by the Specialist Accreditation Board (SAB) under the Ministry of Health (MOH). This accreditation validates that the plastic surgeon has undergone relevant training, possesses the necessary skills, and upholds ethical standards.

Singapore plastic surgeons accredited by the Ministry of Health have undergone many years of plastic surgery training and have completed the Exit Certification requirement set by the Joint Committee on Advanced Specialist Training (JCAST). For patients, choosing an MOH-accredited plastic surgeon ensures that they receive safe and quality care from a qualified surgeon approved by the regulatory authority.

Plastic surgery in Singapore encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to enhance or alter a person's physical appearance. Common procedures include:

• Breast Augmentation: Also called augmentation mammoplasty, this procedure involves the placement of breast implants or the patient’s own tissues (via fat transfer) to increase breast size and improve volume, symmetry, and overall appearance.
• Breast Lift: In a breast lift, sagging breasts are lifted and reshaped to achieve a higher position and more youthful contour. This is done by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple. Unlike a breast augmentation, it has nothing to do with size.
• Liposuction: This procedure targets and removes stubborn fat deposits from specific areas, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms, for a more sculpted and contoured physique.
• Double Eyelid Surgery: Popular in East Asian countries, this procedure creates a defined upper eyelid crease that results in bigger and more attractive eyes.
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): Commonly referred to as a nose job, this surgery enhances nasal size, shape, and symmetry and can also address structural issues that affect breathing.
• Cosmetic Ear Procedure (Otoplasty): This surgery reshapes and repositions the external ears to correct deformities such as prominent ears (bat ears) or constricted ears (cup ears).
• Eye Bag Removal: Also called lower blepharoplasty, this procedure eliminates under-eye bags or puffiness, resulting in a smoother and rejuvenated appearance.
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): This removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen; and can tighten the underlying muscles as well. In all, this creates a more toned and firmer abdomen.

Here are some characteristics of the ideal plastic surgery candidate:

• Realistic Expectations: Patients must understand the limitations and potential outcomes of the procedure. A thorough discussion of expectations with a plastic surgeon is crucial to ensure that the desired results align with safe and achievable results.
• Good Overall Health: The patient should be in good overall health and have no underlying medical conditions that may pose risks during surgery or hinder recovery
• Having Specific Concerns or Goals: Knowing exactly what they like or dislike, or what they want done, is usually a good scenario as these patients tend to have a more decisive and realistic view of what they wish to achieve.
• Adequate Recovery Time: Plastic surgery requires a certain length of recovery and downtime, during which patients have to refrain from rigorous physical activity and certain day-to-day activities. Patients should allocate sufficient time and attention to their recovery and follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions.
• Relatively Stable Weight: Having a relatively stable weight before certain procedures, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, is advantageous as significant weight fluctuations following these procedures can affect the results.
• Financial Considerations: Most elective procedures are usually not covered by insurance unless certified as medically necessary; so, one should ensure that they have sufficient funds allocated for the surgery and any associated expenses.

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is an important step in order to guarantee a safe and satisfactory result, as well as a pleasant doctor-patient relationship. Here are some considerations when finding the right plastic surgeon for your needs:

• MOH Accreditation and Credentials: Ensure that the surgeon is MOH-accredited and has undergone rigorous training and experience in the field of plastic surgery.
• Experience and Specialisation: Look for a surgeon who may be particularly known for the specific procedure you are interested in; and/or has a good track record in their years of practice.
• Patient Reviews: Read online reviews from previous patients to get an insight into a surgeon's reputation, personality, skill, and overall patient satisfaction.
• Communication: Pay attention to how well the doctor listens to you, responds to your questions, assess you, and explains the procedure. A surgeon who is patient, approachable, honest, assuring and detail-oriented will be make your experience a much better one.
• Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the surgeon practices in a MOH-accredited hospital or facility that upholds high safety standards.