Whilst plastic surgery has helped people tremendously in the pursuit of self-love, your happiness must come naturally from within before you decide to take this big step in embarking on your cosmetic enhancement surgery.
The pursuit of Happiness through Plastic Surgery
Women are always seeking to improve themselves aesthetically as a form of self-love, men alike, are also in the pursuit of a better appearance to enhance their happiness. Whilst plastic surgery has helped tremendously in the pursuit of self-love, your happiness has to come from naturally from within before you decide to take this big step in embarking on your cosmetic enhancement surgery.
Many people are unsure how to begin their cosmetic enhancement journey. Here are a few steps to guide you to achieve your desired beauty. Here are 7 things you should take note of when embarking on the journey to improve yourself:
1. When was your last growth spurt?
If your body or facial features have changed in the past year, chances are that you are still experiencing growth spurts. If you are still changing, you may not be ready for plastic surgery. Surgical outcomes may also vary from your desired result. For example, liposuction is recommended only for patients whose body shapes are relatively stable and not in a constant state of flux. Similarly, it is preferably to get a mini tummy tuck only after you have completed your family. This is also why parental consent is needed for patients under the age of 18years and seeking plastic surgery.
2. What exactly do you want to change?
Do not choose surgery solely for confidence. That must come from within you, not from a procedure. Self-assurance should be something you already possess before deciding to undergo any cosmetic procedures, whilst the cosmetic procedures only serve to further boost your confidence on top of the confidence you already have.
Plastic surgeons are trained to watch out for signs of depression or those who have underlying emotional /relationship problems and believe that plastic surgery will solve these problems…. Only to find that post-surgery, those problems still exist.
3. Why do you want plastic surgery?
Are the motives for your surgery to look like a celebrity or to please a particular someone? Never choose surgery to please someone else. Do it only for yourself and how you want to look and feel.
4. What are the risks?
With any surgery, comes major risks. Cosmetic surgery carries real risks. The most common include infection, bleeding, scarring, and blood clots — some of which can be fatal.
Research your surgery thoroughly — not just the surgeon, but also patient journeys. This ensures you are well-prepared for the recovery and down-time. Seeing it through the eyes of a patient can be very helpful and insightful.
5. Which plastic surgeon do you choose?
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is the most salient factor in the embarkation of your cosmetic enhancement journey. Ensure that your surgeon is skilled as has built up a reliable portfolio overtime and ask for pictures of previous patients’ before and after to gauge for yourself if this is the standard you are willing to accept.
6. Pay attention to how the surgeon and staff makes you feel
Trust your gut. The surgeon and staff being pushy is the first indicator that this medical facility may not be the most reliable for you to undergo the desired procedure at. In addition, when enquiring on procedures, if there are certain procedures that cannot be done, do not push for the doctor to do it to prevent undesired consequences that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
7. Customer service matters the most
A reliable medical aesthetic facility follows you well through from the beginning of your surgery until you have fully recuperated. Whilst recovering, you should still receive the same top-notch level of care as when you’ve just completed the surgery.
Understanding the Different Types of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery encompasses a wide spectrum of procedures, from reconstructive surgery that restores form and function after illness or trauma, to aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery that enhances appearance in people who are otherwise healthy. Being clear about which category your desired procedure falls into — and why you want it — is an important part of assessing your readiness. Reconstructive procedures are medically motivated; aesthetic procedures are elective, and the decision to proceed is entirely personal.
In Singapore, commonly requested aesthetic surgical procedures include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), blepharoplasty (double eyelid surgery), breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, face lifting, and mentoplasty (chin augmentation). Each carries its own risk profile, recovery timeline, and realistic outcome expectations. Understanding the specific procedure you are considering — including how it is performed, what anaesthesia is required, and what the recovery involves — is part of genuinely informed consent.
Psychological Readiness: The Most Important Factor
Physical readiness for surgery is relatively straightforward to assess — your surgeon and anaesthesiologist will evaluate your health, medications, and surgical risk. Psychological readiness is subtler and more important in the long run. Patients who are psychologically ready for plastic surgery understand that the procedure changes their appearance, not their life circumstances. They have stable motivation rooted in personal desire rather than pressure from partners, family, or social comparison.
Red flags that suggest you may not yet be psychologically ready include pursuing surgery immediately after a major life disruption (a breakup, job loss, or bereavement), expecting a specific person or group of people to react to your changed appearance in a particular way, feeling that surgery will “fix” underlying unhappiness or low self-worth, being unable to identify what specifically you want changed, or having had multiple previous aesthetic procedures without sustained satisfaction. A reputable plastic surgeon will screen for these factors and may recommend psychological support before proceeding.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a recognised psychiatric condition characterised by preoccupation with perceived flaws that others cannot see or consider minor. People with BDD often seek cosmetic procedures repeatedly without satisfaction and may become significantly distressed after surgery even when results are objectively good. If you suspect your body image concerns may be disproportionate to objective reality, speaking with a psychologist or psychiatrist before pursuing surgery is advisable.
Financial Readiness and Realistic Cost Planning
Plastic surgery is a significant financial investment, and going into debt or depleting emergency savings for an elective procedure creates stress that can undermine the satisfaction of the outcome. Being financially ready means being able to fund the procedure, the associated costs, and the recovery period without compromising your financial stability.
In Singapore, aesthetic surgical procedure costs vary widely. Rhinoplasty typically costs S$5,000 to S$20,000 depending on complexity and the surgeon’s experience. Double eyelid surgery ranges from S$2,000 to S$8,000. Breast augmentation costs S$12,000 to S$20,000. Abdominoplasty ranges from S$10,000 to S$20,000. These figures are for surgeon’s fees and may not include anaesthesia, facility fees, implant costs, and post-operative care — always request a fully itemised cost estimate before committing.
Unlike medical necessity procedures, aesthetic surgery is not covered by MediShield Life or most Integrated Shield Plans. Some reconstructive procedures (such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, or functional rhinoplasty for breathing problems) may attract partial coverage — clarify this with your insurer before proceeding. Budget for at least one to two weeks of work leave and any additional support costs (childcare, domestic help) during the recovery period.
How to Research Plastic Surgeons in Singapore
Choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision in your plastic surgery journey. In Singapore, plastic surgeons should be accredited by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and listed on the SMC’s online register. Specialist accreditation in plastic surgery is granted by the Specialist Accreditation Board — look for the letters FRCS or Fellowship in Plastic Surgery on your surgeon’s credentials.
Beyond credentials, research the surgeon’s specific experience with your desired procedure. Most reputable surgeons have before-and-after photo portfolios — examine these critically. Do the results look natural? Are the “after” photos candid and representative, or are they cherry-picked best cases? Patient reviews on Google, Healthguru, and the Singapore Medical Council’s feedback mechanisms provide additional perspective, though individual results naturally vary.
A meaningful consultation with your prospective surgeon should feel like a two-way conversation. The surgeon should take a thorough history, examine you properly, explain what is and is not achievable with surgery for your specific anatomy, discuss risks clearly, and present alternative options. A surgeon who agrees to everything you ask without critical assessment, or who pressures you to proceed quickly, is a warning sign rather than reassurance.
Recovery Planning: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Adequate preparation for the recovery period dramatically improves both the experience and the outcome of plastic surgery. Most patients significantly underestimate the recovery process for surgical procedures. Major operations such as abdominoplasty, face lifting, or breast augmentation require two to four weeks of significant activity restriction, with a further two to three months before final results are fully apparent. Even less invasive procedures such as rhinoplasty involve bruising and swelling that make most patients reluctant to appear in public for one to two weeks.
Plan your surgery for a period when you have adequate time off work and family obligations are manageable. Arrange for practical support during the first week — someone to drive you, help with meals, and assist with childcare if needed. Prepare your recovery space in advance: comfortable clothing, pillows for positioning, entertainment for resting days, and all prescribed medications filled and ready. Follow pre-operative instructions precisely regarding fasting, medication cessation, and skincare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age for plastic surgery in Singapore?
For elective aesthetic procedures, most plastic surgeons in Singapore prefer to operate on patients who have completed physical development — typically 18 years of age. Some procedures (such as prominent ear correction) may be performed earlier for specific functional or psychological reasons. For patients under 21, parental consent is required. Surgeons use clinical judgment to assess whether a younger patient’s motivations and psychological maturity are appropriate for an elective procedure.
How do I know if my expectations are realistic?
Realistic expectations are grounded in what the specific procedure can physically achieve for your particular anatomy, not what you have seen in celebrity photographs or social media filters. Your surgeon is the best guide here — they should show you before-and-after photographs of patients with similar starting points and explain the limits of what surgery can achieve. If your expectations are significantly higher than what your surgeon describes as achievable, this is worth exploring further before proceeding.
What happens if I am not satisfied with my results?
Revision surgery is a reality in aesthetic plastic surgery. Minor revisions are sometimes included in the original surgical fee for a defined period. More significant revisions are typically charged separately. Before your primary procedure, discuss the surgeon’s revision policy explicitly — what is included, for how long, and under what circumstances. Understand that no revision commitment is open-ended, and that revision surgery carries its own risks, recovery period, and potential for further dissatisfaction. The best approach is to choose your surgeon carefully, communicate your goals clearly, and have realistic expectations from the outset.
Should I tell my employer about my plastic surgery?
You are not obligated to disclose the nature of your medical leave to your employer in Singapore. Medical certificates from licensed doctors are accepted for sick leave purposes without requiring disclosure of the specific procedure. Many patients simply take annual leave for elective procedures to avoid any workplace disclosure. The decision to share this information is entirely personal and depends on your workplace culture and relationships. What matters practically is ensuring you have adequate leave planned and that your recovery needs are met.
How long should I wait after having a baby before considering plastic surgery?
Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least six to twelve months after delivery before considering aesthetic body procedures such as abdominoplasty or breast surgery. The body needs time to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal fluctuations need to stabilise, and if you are breastfeeding, this should be fully weaned before proceeding with breast procedures. Weight should also be stable at or near your target for at least three months before body contouring surgery to optimise results. Some women choose to complete their family before pursuing a post-pregnancy body contouring programme, to avoid undoing surgical results with a subsequent pregnancy.
