Guide Choosing Right Plastic Surgeon

In the bustling metropolis of Singapore, where beauty standards are high and the pursuit of perfection is common, finding the right plastic surgeon can be a daunting task. When it comes to achieving your desired aesthetic results, selecting the best plastic surgery in Singapore is paramount.

Whether you’re considering a subtle enhancement or a complete transformation, choosing a skilled and reputable surgeon is crucial to ensure optimal outcomes and satisfaction. 

This comprehensive 10-step guide aims to provide you with the essential information needed to make an informed decision and embark on your journey to aesthetic enhancement with confidence.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Expectations

Before embarking on your journey to find the perfect plastic surgeon, take the time to reflect on your goals and expectations. Consider which areas of your body you would like to enhance or modify, and articulate the specific outcomes you hope to achieve through plastic surgery. Whether you’re seeking to enhance facial features, sculpt your body, or undergo reconstructive surgery, having a clear understanding of your desires will guide your search for the right surgeon.

Step 2: Research Potential Surgeons

Utilise online resources and seek recommendations from trusted sources to compile a list of potential plastic surgeons in Singapore. Start by exploring reputable review websites and forums where past patients share their experiences and feedback. 

Additionally, ask friends, family members, or healthcare professionals for recommendations based on their personal experiences. Compile a list of potential surgeons and gather as much information as possible about their qualifications, credentials, and reputation within the industry.

Step 3: Verify Qualifications and Credentials

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential surgeons, it’s essential to verify their qualifications and credentials. Look for surgeons who are board-certified and have received specialised training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

Verify their credentials with relevant professional organisations such as the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons to ensure they meet stringent standards of competence and professionalism. Additionally, enquire about their experience performing the specific procedure you’re interested in and request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients to gauge the quality of their work.

Step 4: Assess Experience and Expertise

Experience plays a crucial role in the field of plastic surgery, as seasoned surgeons possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise accumulated over years of practice. When evaluating potential surgeons, enquire about their experience performing the specific procedure you’re interested in and ask about their success rate and any potential complications they’ve encountered. 

Review before-and-after photos of previous patients to gauge the quality of their work and ensure it aligns with your aesthetic goals. Additionally, consider scheduling consultations with each surgeon to discuss your goals and assess their communication style, level of attentiveness, and overall compatibility.

Step 5: Schedule Consultations

Schedule consultations with your top choices to meet with each surgeon in person. Use this opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and assess the surgeon’s communication style, level of attentiveness, and overall compatibility. 

Prepare a list of questions to ask during the consultation, including inquiries about the surgeon’s experience, qualifications, and approach to your specific procedure. Pay attention to how the surgeon responds to your questions and concerns and trust your instincts when evaluating their professionalism and demeanour.

Step 6: Evaluate Facility Accreditation

In addition to evaluating the qualifications and credentials of the surgeon, it’s essential to assess the accreditation of the surgical facility where your procedure will be performed. Ensure that the facility is accredited by recognized regulatory bodies. Accredited facilities adhere to strict safety standards and protocols, providing patients with peace of mind knowing they’re receiving care in a safe and reputable environment. 

Additionally, it’s worth noting that surgical facilities in Singapore must adhere to guidelines set by the Ministry of Health Singapore to ensure patient safety and quality of care. Therefore, verifying the facility’s accreditation is an important step in your decision-making process.

Step 7: Consider Cost and Financing Options

While cost should not be the sole determining factor in selecting a plastic surgeon, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the financial investment involved. Enquire about the total cost of the procedure, including surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anaesthesia fees, and any additional expenses. 

Additionally, explore financing options and payment plans available to make the procedure more accessible and manageable within your budget. Keep in mind that while cost is important, it’s crucial to prioritise quality and safety when selecting a plastic surgeon.

Step 8: Review Postoperative Care Protocols

Recovery and postoperative care are integral aspects of the plastic surgery journey, and selecting a surgeon who provides comprehensive support and follow-up care is crucial. Inquire about the postoperative care protocol, including follow-up appointments, recovery timelines, and potential complications to be aware of. A caring and attentive surgeon will prioritise your well-being throughout every stage of the healing process, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery.

Step 9: Trust Your Instincts

Throughout the decision-making process, listen to your instincts and prioritise your comfort and confidence in the surgeon you ultimately choose. Pay attention to how you feel during consultations and interactions with each surgeon, and trust your intuition when making your final decision. Select a surgeon who makes you feel heard, valued, and well-cared-for, and who demonstrates a genuine commitment to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with precision and expertise.

Step 10: Make Your Decision with Confidence

After careful consideration and thorough evaluation, make your decision with confidence and peace of mind. Choose the plastic surgeon in Singapore who aligns with your goals, values, and expectations, and embark on your journey to aesthetic enhancement with excitement and anticipation. 

Remember that selecting the right plastic surgeon is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research, but with the guidance provided in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently navigate the process and achieve the results you desire.

FAQs about Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that involves restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It has two main types: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

1. Cosmetic plastic surgery enhances or reshapes parts of the body to improve aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion

The scope of this category includes:
Breast Enhancement: Augmentation, Lift, Reduction
Facial Contouring: Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement
Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift
Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Gynecomastia Treatment
Skin Rejuvenation: Laser Resurfacing, Filler Treatments

2. Reconstructive plastic surgery involves reconstruction or treatment of conditions that have caused an abnormal change in body shape or facial appearance due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease.

Breast Reconstruction
Burn Repair Surgery
Congenital Defect Repair: Cleft Palate, Extremity Defect Repair
Flap surgery or tissue grafting procedure
Scar Revision Surgery

If you have a good health condition and are currently at a healthy body weight, then you are a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. But if you have serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, heart disease or depression, you should not consider undergoing the procedure. Be honest with your medical history for a realistic assessment.

Due to the recent innovations in technology and cosmetic surgery techniques, the pain has significantly reduced. However, some amount of pain and discomfort is unavoidable in every type of surgery.

After the operation, you may feel minimal pain in the affected areas. The tolerance of pain may vary from person to person. Also, the rate at which they heal also varies: typically, 1 week to 1 month. Here are the factors on which the pain extent can depend:

  • The type of anesthesia used.
  • The pain you experienced before.
  • Your gender.
  • The type of surgery performed.

Although plastic surgery has proven to be exceedingly safe, some level of risk is possible. For example, scarring, excess bleeding, blood clots, infections, and nerve damage are among others. 

Hence, it’s important to follow all your pre- and post-operative instructions exactly, and thoroughly discuss any and all medical conditions with your surgeons before your procedure. Before scheduling a surgery, find the best physician to perform it.

The length of the surgery depends on the kind of procedure, approach and other factors. Here is the estimated time for the common surgeries in Singapore:

Mini-abdominoplasty – around 3 hours
Breast augmentation – 1 to 3 hours
Routine facelift – may take 2 to 4 hours
Eye lid surgery – may take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Liposuction – depends on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia used, and the technique used.

Yes, you can. Provided that you need surgery for reconstructive purposes, insurance may cover part or all of the procedure. For instance, if you’ve been injured in an accident and require skin grafting. However, purely cosmetic surgeries are elective procedures, so it is usually not covered.

Before having any surgery, it is essential to prepare yourself both mentally and physically for a successful surgical outcome. Some procedures will require you to cut off blood-thinning medications, smoking and drinking for at least a few weeks before the surgery.

Many factors affect the cost of plastic surgery. They include and are not limited to:

  • type of surgery
  • complexity
  • length/duration
  • general anaesthesia (if any)
  • surgeon’s experience

To give you an idea of how much the reconstructive surgery cost, here is the list:

Type of surgery Average costs

Type of surgeryAverage costs
Facial surgery (cleft lip and palate, nasal deformities)$13,000-$17,500
Breast reconstruction$20,000-$70,000
Hand surgery$5,000-$17,000
Wound care / regenerative surgery$2,000-$9,500
Scar revision$1,000-$3,500

Below are the estimated costs for the cosmetic surgery

Type of plastic surgeryEstimated costs
Breast augmentation$10,000-$16,000
Breast reduction$12,000-$25,000
Chin implants$3,500-$6,500
Chin surgery (genioplasty)$9,000-$15,000
Double eyelid$1,800-$3,000
Ear surgery (otoplasty)$4,000-$7,000
Eyebag$3,000-$5,000
Facelift$9,000-$13,000
Fat grafting$4,000-$10,000
Hair transplant$5,000-$12,000
Jaw reduction$10,000-$30,000
Lip lift$1,500
Liposuction
      Thigh $12,000
      Tummy$8,000
      Arms$10,000
      Chin$3,000
      Nose job (rhinoplasty)$6,000-$15,000
      Nose thread lift$2,000-$3,000
      Ptosis$4,800-$8,000
      Tummy tuck$8,000-$20,000

However, it is best to consult your clinic regarding the cost to know exactly what you are paying for.

Conclusion

Selecting the right plastic surgeon in Singapore is a crucial step towards achieving your aesthetic goals and enhancing your confidence and well-being. By following the comprehensive 10-step guide outlined above, you can navigate the process with confidence and make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. 

Remember to prioritise qualifications, credentials, experience, and postoperative care when selecting a surgeon, and trusting your instincts throughout the decision-making process. With the guidance provided in this guide, you can embark on your journey to aesthetic enhancement with confidence and peace of mind, knowing you’ve chosen a skilled and reputable surgeon who will prioritise your safety and satisfaction above all else.

If you like this article, you may want to read our earlier article about Debunking 10 Common Myths: Singapore Licensed Money Lenders Truth Unravel.