Breast Fillers: Why are they illegal in Singapore?
Breast augmentation is a common type of cosmetic plastic surgery here in Singapore. However, one type of breast augmentation actually isn’t allowed here.
The procedure of injecting breast fillers has been banned in the country. If you don’t have any idea what this is, you don’t have to worry!
In this quick guide, we’ve answered the question as to why breast fillers are not allowed in Singapore, plus other essential things you need to know.
What are breast fillers?
Generally, breast fillers can increase the size of a woman’s breast by over a cup. They’re also ideal for those who want to add 1 to 1.5 cup size increments.
Also, fillers are used to make the bust look rounder and fuller. Fillers can increase the soft tissue volume, enhancing the size and shape of the breasts.
Injecting these is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that it’s the total opposite of open surgery and fat grafting.
Why are breast fillers not allowed in Singapore?
In Singapore, the process of enhancing the breast using injectable fillers is strictly prohibited by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The major reason behind this is due to its high complication rate.
In fact, breast fillers were once all the rage in the medical aesthetics scene. Injecting fillers was seen as an easy alternative to permanent breast implants as well.
This procedure is done with local anaesthesia and patients no longer need to be hospitalised after the treatment.
Due to its minimally invasive process and less recovery time, it became an enticing offer for most women.
However, it was later on found out that breast fillers such as polyacrylamide hydrogel and silicone oil injections cause deep scarring, deformation, and permanent lumps in the breast.
According to a study, there are several complications surrounding breast fillers. Some of those include inflammation, infections, and dislocation of the filler, which causes adverse effects.
One of the best-known brands of breast fillers is Macrolane. This is a cross-link hyaluronic acid gel by Q-Med.
Several studies have shown that Macrolane lasts for 18 months in the breast. Unfortunately, after several months, complications such as capsular contracture or the tightening of scar tissue around the breast implant can occur.
Due to this, Marcolane has been withdrawn worldwide and is no longer eligible to be used for breast augmentation (this has been the case since April 2012).
What are the risks of breast fillers?
Local regulations don’t allow fillers to be used for breast augmentation due to possible dangerous effects. There’s also a risk for critical conditions like hematoma and septic shock to happen.
To give you an idea, here some of the risks of breast fillers:
- Severe swelling
- Formation of nodules or lumps
- Intense bruising with unbearable pain
- Deformation of the breasts
- Damages the skin, causing scars
- Infection in the injection site and surrounding area
Breast fillers are definitely not the best option if you want to increase your breast size. This is because fillers require frequent injections, which can potentially irritate the breast tissue.
In fact, it will not only cause soreness after the process, but it can also increase the likelihood of breast cancer.