Why are breast fillers banned in Singapore?

As we all know, not all individuals are created equal, and many women are not blessed with natural, full and perky breasts. The majority of ladies can easily fit into a cup size "A". While for some of them, it is not a big deal. With that, a large percentage of females want to correct this "defect". Many women have tried various methods to do so, from tedious chest exercises and foods that promise results through breast enlargement creams and ointments to even some not very safe procedures.

A number of women have been attracted to the idea of enlarging their breasts with dermal fillers. Though it appears to be a straightforward, easy, and less invasive alternative to breast augmentation with implants, the reality is quite different.

Injecting fillers into the breasts is not safe and is actually strictly prohibited in Singapore. What is the reason for that, and what are the dangers associated with breast fillers? Please continue reading for the answers.

What are breast fillers?

Breast filler is an injection used to enlarge the breast or enhance the nipple projection. They can be made from various materials, including hyaluronic acid gel, polyacrylamide gel, polymethylmethacrylate, injectable silicone and so on. It is believed such dermal fillers can make breasts one to two cups larger. But is breast enlargement using Hyaluronic acid safe?

Generally speaking, breast fillers work in a similar way as other dermal fillers used for the under-eye area and lips. They are injected into the breast to make it appear fuller and plumper. But while placing fillers into your face does not pose any dangers, using such injections to enlarge your breast might not be a very safe option.

Why did the Ministry of Health ban breast fillers for breast augmentation in Singapore?

The use of dermal filler for breast augmentation is not legal in Singapore. The Ministry of Health banned this breast enlargement method due to safety concerns.

In addition, FDA is also against the use of injectable fillers to enhance the size of the breasts. The reason is the same - such a procedure can cause serious side effects and complications.

Breast fillers used to be popular in the medical aesthetic industry. In fact, injecting fillers into the breast is a simple and straightforward procedure. It doesn't involve plastic surgery or downtime. The recovery time is also much easier and quicker than that of breast augmentations. However, there is a high complication rate associated with the procedure.

Despite the fact that breast filler injections are minimally invasive procedures, it has been found that they are not safer than cosmetic surgery with saline or silicone breast implants.

Several studies have shown the risks of using Copolyamide fillers and Hyaluronic acid fillers for breast augmentation. Additionally, the FDA has published a warning regarding the dangers associated with injectable silicone used to enhance breasts and other parts of the body. According to the information provided on their website, the products that contain certain types of injectable silicone can be dangerous and can cause serious injury and even death. 

What are the risks and side effects of breast fillers?

Fillers are not a safe breast augmentation method. They may cause several complications and even life-threatening conditions.

Here are some of the negative effects associated with breast filler injection.

• Macrolane, which is a non-animal hyaluronic acid filler created specifically for breast augmentation, may cause inflammations, capsular formations, and other issues.
• Macrolane filler also makes it difficult to diagnose breast cancer and diseases of the mammary glands. In mammography and ultrasound examinations, breast tissue is virtually indistinguishable from capsular formations. This, on the other hand, can have irreparable consequences for the patient.
• Other side effects associated with the use of Hyaluronic acid fillers for breast augmentation include severe swelling, infection, hemopurulent discharge, skin blisters and fever, asymmetrical volume loss, and lumps formation.
• It has also been found that Copolyamide filler injection for breast augmentation may lead to various negative effects and severe symptoms. These include breast deformity, infections, mammary gland inflammation, lumps formation and so on.
• Breast augmentation with injectable silicone might also be dangerous and lead to serious health problems and even death. There is a risk of blocking blood vessels in the lungs, heart, or brain, and this might be fatal for the patient.

You also need to keep in mind that fillers are not a permanent breast augmentation option. In most cases, the procedure should be done every year. This means frequent injections and frequent irritations to the breast tissue. As a result, this can significantly increase the risk of developing breast problems.

Breast implants and fat grafting: safer alternatives to breast fillers

Breast implants and fat grafting are much safer and longer-lasting breast augmentation methods than fillers. Although these procedures require surgery and may cause complications, the risks are minimal when they are done by a board-certified plastic surgeon. They also provide the opportunity to achieve much better outcomes.

Both breast implant surgery and fat grafting are allowed in Singapore. They are regarded as safe techniques for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. The procedures can effectively increase breast volume and improve breast shape.

Saline and silicone breast implants have been the most widely used devices for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction for decades. Their use is approved by the FDA for aesthetic breast enhancement and reconstructive surgery, as well as for correcting outcomes of past interventions.

Fat grafting is a more recently developed technique which offers more natural breast enlargement. It is generally a safe and less invasive treatment than implant surgery. Recently, the method has gained high popularity in Singapore.

Breast augmentation with breast implants

One of the most common types of breast augmentation is plastic surgery with breast implants. Silicone and saline implants have helped millions of patients worldwide to enhance their breasts and self-esteem.

Breast augmentation with implants is typically completed in less than an hour. The implant placement process is usually not painful because plastic surgeons use local or general anaesthesia. You may experience discomfort for 1-2 days after the treatment. However, it can be easily managed with painkiller medications.

Breast implant surgery can be performed in conjunction with other aesthetic surgery such as breast lift. It is a procedure that tightens the breast tissue and removes excess skin to make the breasts look younger.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, getting a breast lift with implants is a great way to maximise the results of your surgical procedure. The breast lift treatment can be especially beneficial for patients who have sagging breasts due to pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Fat transfer breast augmentation

Fat grafting breast is a newer treatment for increasing breast volume and achieving a perkier shape. As opposed to the traditional method of augmenting the breast with implants, this procedure provides fullness by using your own fat.

Fat transfer treatment involves harvesting fat from certain body areas such as the abdomen or thighs and injecting it into the breast region. It is normally a less invasive breast augmentation method. The risk of experiencing any serious complication is also very low.

You can get a fat injection in various places on the breast - on the upper pole to increase the upper portion or on the entire breast to achieve more projection. It can give you whatever desired shape you like.

However, you need to know that fat transfer is more appropriate for patients who want moderate enhancement or refinement of the contours. It might be not very effective for very flat-chested patients who want to achieve larger breast size.

To sum things up

When you want to enlarge your breasts and improve their shape, breast fillers certainly are not the best option. This treatment is banned in Singapore. The main reason for that is the higher complication rate related to breast filler injection. Such a procedure may cause various side effects, some of which can be serious.

There are other proven and much safer methods for enhancing the volume of your breasts. One of the most widely used approaches is breast implant surgery. It is a time tested technique which is known to have a low complication rate.

Fat transfer is another safe breast augmentation technique. It is a more innovative approach which is also known to provide very natural results. Breast fat transfer is typically less invasive than plastic surgery with implants. However, the procedure might be not suitable for patients who want to get bigger and perkier breasts.

If you are considering breast augmentation with implants or fat grafting, you must always make sure you select a plastic and reconstructive surgery clinic that has qualified and experienced plastic surgeons.