Our Doctors' Location
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228510
Email:
How to get here
Plastic Surgery
The questions below were raised by visitors to the STOMP (Straits Times Online Mobile Print) website in the AskST section of the website. eMenders doctors provided the answers to the questions raised as a public health education project. The information provided below is of a general nature and should not be treated as a replacement for medical advice. You should seek consultation from a medical or healthcare professional about your specific medical condition.
Q: Many beauty centres or spas offer bust firming treatment, which is in the form of hand-massaging and/or stimulation using electrical equipment. In addition, bust firming ampoule is applied to the breasts. Much as I would like to firm up my bust, I have two areas of concern, as follows:
What is the effect of the use of electrical equipment on the human breast? Will it cause breast cancer?
Is there any harmful effect of the bust firming ampoule on the breasts?
The beauty centre advised me not to worry, as this expensive made-in-Italy ampoule would not be applied on the nipples. Nevertheless, the ampoule consists of chemicals, which I am not familiar with. Will it cause any side effect like breast cancer? I am concerned and would like to hear from the health advisors. What can I do in order to ensure safety?
A: At present there is nothing to show that electrical stimulation of the breasts will cause breast cancer. At most, you could receive burns if the electrical equipment short circuits, but as long as safety procedures are adhered to and the institution is a reputable one, then you should be safe from such negligence.
Whether or not the bust firming chemicals have any harmful effects depend on what is in them. Doctors eschew such treatment. It seems unlikely, but there is always a chance.
Moreover, you might be allergic to some of the components of the chemical and as such, could have an allergic reaction after treatment. This could manifest in a variety of severities and forms.
If you want to be safe, find out the chemical constituents of the mixture and check it against what you are allergic too, and find out if any of the constituents could cause cancer.
Contributed by Dr Harry Fok, eMenders Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.
Q: How do I remove a mole on my face?
A: Moles on the face can be removed either by surgery or by laser.
You should see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the nature of the mole and which method is best for removal of the mole.
Contributed by Dr Harry Fok, eMenders Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.
Q: Mesotherapy is said to be able to 'melt' away stubborn fat deposits. The procedure involves small amounts of ready-made mixtures of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes remedies, which are injected with a tiny needle just below the surface of the skin. These dissolve fat deposits, which are carried through the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys and bowels. By increasing the metabolism of the injected area, mesotherapy improves circulation, lymphatic and venous drainage and is one of the best treatments for cellulite. If so, why can't this miracle cocktail be administered to clear the blockages in arteries instead of a bypass surgery or ballooning procedure?
A: There is no data published so far to suggest that mesotherapy will be effective on patients with blocked arteries. The proven therapy for blocked arteries is still treatment of coronary risk factors.
There are several risk factors for coronary heart diseases. The more risk factors one possesses, the greater ones chance of developing heart disease. Risk factors like gender (men are at greater risks of getting heart diseases), increasing age and heredity cannot be controlled. However, there are risk factors which can be modified or controlled.
One should avoid smoking (including passive smoking), do regular checks on bodys blood cholesterol and blood pressure level (must not be too high for both to reduce risks) and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If one suffers from diabetes, one should keep it under control.
Contributed by Dr Teo Wee Siong, eMenders Cardiologist.
Q: Where can I get reliable plastic surgery which is not too expensive? I would like to have a double eyelid surgery. Thank you.
A: Double eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty surgery, should be done by a qualified plastic surgeon. The following website provides a list of qualified plastic surgeons in Singapore.
A double eyelid surgery usually cost around $2000 to $3000.
Contributed by Dr Harry Fok, eMenders Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.
