Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Singapore

MyMediTravel has teamed up with Doctors, Surgeons, and Clinics to offer you a fabulous selection of Plastic and Cosmetic surgery procedures. Many of our customers shared the same opinion that Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery were actually the same. So what is the difference? While both plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery aim to improve a patient’s body, there are differences:

Plastic Surgery is reconstructive surgery aimed at reconstructing the burnt, cut, or damaged part of the body. Functional abnormalities due to accidents, burns, injuries, cancers, fractures, tumors, medical impairments, congenital defects including cleft palate, cleft lip, spina bifida, etc., fractured body parts are also treated under plastic surgery. The most common reconstructive procedure is the redevelopment of removed breasts in cancer patients, hand surgery, and the removal of tumors.

Cosmetic surgery or aesthetic surgery is involved in enhancing your physical beauty. It is not for the treatment of any disease or ailment. Your physical appearance is changed according to your desire by performing surgery. Facial features are altered by reshaping of the nose, chin implants, lip implants, brow lifting, eyelid lifting, and face lifting. Butt implants, breast implants, breast lift. and neck contouring is also prevalent. The likes of liposuction and Tummy Tucks also fall under this category.

Plastic Surgery Treatments

The procedures vary according to the purpose for which surgery is being performed. The following are some of the procedures used in plastic surgery:

• Skin Grafting involves taking a healthy piece of skin from a Donor Site and implanting onto a damaged Recipient Site. 
• Flap Surgery, in this type of plastic surgery a piece of flesh is transferred from one body part to the other. This piece of tissue carries its own blood supply and heals faster. It is used to treat the more complicated type of disorders.
• Tissue Expansion, as the name indicates, the body grows extra tissue by the extension of the surrounding skin. A device called an expander is used in this method. It is a balloon-like machine that is inserted under the skin near the defected area which needs to be repaired. This is filled with saltwater allowing the skin to expand and grow.
• Microsurgery, in this technique, very small sutures are used to connect arteries, veins, and nerves in the transplanted tissue. It makes the healing process rapid.   

Length of Stay in Singapore

This also depends upon the type of surgery being performed. Complex surgeries require a long stay in the hospital. For example, if someone is going through reconstructive surgery for burns, the duration of stay in the hospital depends upon the percentage of the burnt area. It is referred to as total body surface area burnt (TBSA%). In cases of severe burns, the stay is longer. For breast tumor removal two methods are used. In a lumpectomy, only the tumor along with some surrounding tissue is removed and the patient is discharged the same day. While in the case of mastectomy, the whole breast tissue is removed leaving the chest flat. It requires an overnight stay at the hospital. 2 days are needed if the breasts are reconstructed after the removal of the tumor. Similarly, different cosmetic surgeries require a different stay at hospital time. Butt lift surgery demands variable time which depends on your pain tolerance and healing speed. But in most cases, a minimum of 10-14 days post-op stay in Singapore is required for the removal of stitches and for follow up checks, etc.

Recovery Time

This too depends upon the type of surgery performed. It is advised to give yourself plenty of time for recovery. This will make you happy if you recover in less than the estimated time. In the case of a breast transplant, you can return to work after 5-7 days. In three months, the swelling subsides and the breasts get proper size and shape. Butt lift surgery demands four months for complete recovery. Liposuction has varying recovery times, depending on the area of the body from which fat is removed. Vaginal rejuvenation requires 3 to 6 weeks for recovery in which you need to abstain from sexual intercourse. Rhinoplasty shows an early setting within one month. However, complete results are seen after 1 year. Facelift and eyelid surgery requires 2 to 3 week recovery time.

Success Rate

Plastic surgeries are not always successful. Physical conditions of a patient are considered before undergoing surgery, and those with the least health risks are allowed to go through the operation. The success rate is higher if the subject is fit, both physically and mentally. Although the success rate is high, surgery can still go wrong. In the case of plastic surgery gone wrong, your body might become de-shaped, but surgeons are well equipped and well experienced enough to correct this as quickly as possible, which is why you must not fly home immediately after surgery.

Aftercare

Plastic surgery is a wide field, with many operations coming under this category, and aftercare for every surgery is different. Following are some tips for aftercare:

1. Visit your doctor on a regular basis and follow his/her guidelines.
2. Make sure that you have someone with you because recovery can take some time.
3. Ask your doctor about a healthy diet plan. Eat nutritious food according to that plan.
4. Take some days off work. Take rest and avoid un-necessary exercise and movement.
5. Drink a lot of water.
6. Do not take medicines on your own because some pain killers can increase inflammation.

Alternatives to Plastic Surgery

• Microdermabrasion: in this method, fine crystals are rapidly sprayed onto the skin removing superficial dead skin layer.
• Botox: Botulinum Toxin is injected into the skin which temporarily paralyzes your muscles causing skin lines and wrinkles.
• CoolSculpting: This technique works by freezing the adipocytes present under your skin. These are crystallized and ultimately killed. After that, your body will digest them leaving fat free skin.
• Ultherapy: This involves using ultrasound energy for skin tightening giving smooth and healthy skin.
• Facial Fillers: these are long term, short term, or permanent fillers. Which improves your skin quality without surgery.
• Bio Stimulators: these are the boosters of collagen production. Increased collagen gives tight and youthful skin.

In the case of reconstructive surgery, breast prostheses may be considered an alternative to breast implants. Prostheses are an artificial body part. Artificial breasts are worn inside a suitable bra giving the appearance of natural breasts. It is useful for those who do not want to go for reconstructive surgery.  

Before and After

The visible difference is seen before and after going through plastic surgery. In reconstructive surgeries, your body parts are reconstructed such as breasts. While in cosmetic surgery your physical appearance is altered.

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in and around Singapore

About Singapore

Singapore is a small, yet beautiful island city-state in South East Asia. The country's growth and prosperity in terms of infrastructure and economy are astounding and Singapore is affluent and tax-friendly and its GDP is on par with developed European nations.

Singapore is a global center for education, technology, tourism, trade, logistics, and healthcare. Medical expenses in Singapore are expensive when compared to Thailand and India. Yet, the country attracts medical tourists with its cleanliness, world-class medical infrastructure, and facilities. A C-section will cost anywhere between $6,048 and $11,267 in Singapore. Hip replacements can cost around $8,550-$12,850 and breast lump removal will cost you $5,459-$10,700 including a private room.

The country has 15 JCI accredited hospitals and medical centers, which offer a variety of services from orthopedics, dermatology, dental, cardiology, ophthalmology, and cosmetic procedures to alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. English-speaking medical professionals are extremely skilled and experienced. The hospitals in Singapore have access to cutting edge technologies and it is the best country to treat life-threatening, complex conditions.

It is advisable for medical tourists to have an International Health Insurance Plan to cover surgical costs. Most of the reputed hospitals in Singapore will only admit foreign patients with health insurance.

Medical care in Singapore is not just about getting preventive care and treatments for medical conditions that one may have. Some of the health care centers in Singapore are super luxurious and you can even order your food and shop using wireless tablets provided and make use of the nearby spas. Popular Hospitals and Clinics are the Farrer Park Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Singapore, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Parkway East Hospital, and Thomson Medical Centre.

Popular parts of Singapore

Singapore is home to over 5.5 million people and its cultural diversity is displayed in the extensive ethnic cuisine and major festivals. Singapore ranks number ten in the world for skyscrapers.

• Sentosa: Each of Sentosa’s three beaches: Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong—hold their own unique charms. Palawan beach’s islets and playgrounds are great spaces for families to unwind. Resorts World Sentosa is home to several amazing experiences. Take a movie-themed ride at Universal Studios Singapore, or immerse yourself in aquatic adventures at the S.E.A. Aquarium.
• Marina Bay: If you wish to explore the extravagant side of Singapore, visit the stunning, Marina Bay. The Nightlife is amazing with glittering lights, glitzy rooftop bars, and restaurants. Marina Bay is the central and the busiest district of Singapore.
• Chinatown: You can experience an impressive blend of traditional and modern Singapore in Chinatown. There are ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museums and plenty of opportunities to soak up the busy streets which are full of old shophouses. It is the perfect location for traditional cuisine and you will be spoilt for choice.
• Orchard: The 2 km long Orchard Road is a shopper’s paradise as you will find large shopping malls and designer’s stores. Singapore’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Botanical Garden lies at the corner of Orchard Road.
• Joo Chiat: This neighborhood is more residential and you will find an amazing range of housing options.
• Little India: is the center of the Indian community within Singapore and is filled with multicolored shop-houses that line the streets, and various mosques and temples, and enjoy the aromas that infuse the night air when the demand for food is at its peak.

Weather and Climate in Singapore

Singapore lies close to the equator in the Southern Hemisphere. The island country has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year which has led to a steady inflow of tourists all year round.

Singapore receives an annual rainfall of 2430 mm. An average of 167 days receives moderate to heavy rainfall. Two different monsoons: Northeast (December to March) and Southwest monsoon (May to September) accounts for the rainfall. Thunderstorms are quite common during the Southwest monsoon.

The average temperature is 31°C during the day. It is most likely that the temperature can drop to 19°C during the hours of darkness.

Getting around in Singapore

Rated as the world's best airport by Skytrax, Singapore Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in the World. The airport serves around 100 airlines, flying to 400 cities across 100 countries. You can hire a taxi or use the MRT to reach downtown Singapore.

The transport system is efficient due to the systematic and comprehensive network of roadways. The Land Transport Authority controls private vehicles and minimizes traffic congestion. Some of the common forms of transportation are:

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The MRT has a total of five lines. You can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass or EZ Link card which allows you to use the railways any number of times for two or three days. A single journey costs 0.58 USD and a train arrives every 2-3 minutes during the peak hours.
• Public buses: There are over 300 public buses to serve the locals and tourists and bus fares range from 0.58 USD to 2.07 USD.
• Taxis: are widespread in Singapore and are less expensive and metered. It can cost you 2.63 USD per km.
• Water taxis: Will take you across the beautiful River Singapore. You can visit a few tourist spots via water taxis and view the downtown from a different angle. A single journey will cost 5 USD.

Tourist Visa in Singapore

Citizens of India, China and Russia require a valid tourist visa to enter the territory of Singapore. The visa processing time is just 5 days and it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You are allowed to stay here for a maximum of 30 days.

People from the European Union, US, Norway, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand can enter and stay for 90 days in Singapore visa-free.

Additional Information

1. Singapore dollar (S$) is the official currency of Singapore. 1 USD is equivalent to 1.36 Singapore dollars.
2. You can find ATMs close to banks, shopping malls and almost every tourist location. You can also pay by using credit and debit cards.
3. Malay is the national language of Singapore. Mandarin, English, Malay, and Tamil are the four other official languages of the country. So, almost all the locals are fluent in English.
4. Singapore is home to 10 religions. 33% of the total population practice Buddhism, followed by Christianity and Islam.
5. New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, Labour’s day, Good Friday, Deepavali, Vesak day, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas are some of the public holidays in Singapore.