Man (and woman) have long altered their appearance since the dawn of time. From ear piercings to hair styling and body modifications, taking pride in our appearance is part of what it means to be human.
The modern world is no different. With advances in science and technology, we have even wider access to the possibilities of physical enhancement. Today, let’s talk about breast enhancement.
These days, is it possible to enlarge one’s decolletage without surgery?
Sizing Up the Singapore Market for Breast Augmentation
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), breast augmentation is one of the more commonly performed surgical procedures in Singapore, accounting for roughly 7.5% of all surgical aesthetic procedures — behind eyelid surgery, scar revision, and liposuction but still a significant share.
A market research overview shows that the Singapore breast implant market alone was valued at around USD 25.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach almost USD 47 million by 2032, growing at about 10% annually — reflecting rising demand and sustained interest in breast augmentation procedures.
From surgical implants to associated devices, these numbers reflect a healthy and expanding market, an industry being spurred by increasing acceptance of aesthetic procedures, higher disposable incomes, medical tourism, and a cultural shift toward wellness and self-investment.
Still, despite demand for surgical solutions, many women prefer non-surgical options first — because of perceived lower risk, no downtime, and convenience.
Breast Creams, Supplements, Pills – Do They Work?
The global breast enlargement cream market was worth about USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow towards around USD 1.9 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 5–9% depending on the report.
Within this global market, Asia Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions, driven by increasing beauty consciousness, rising disposable incomes, preference for non-invasive products, and strong e-commerce distribution.
“As a breast surgeon who manages breast health, disease and cancer as well as a plastic surgeon, I have often been asked if there are viable non- surgical alternatives, if a women wants to enhance her breasts,” says Dr Evan Woo of Evan Woo Breast & Plastic Surgery, lead surgeon of a boutique practice that focuses mainly on the care of the breast in Singapore.
“The market is flooded with topical products claiming to stimulate growth using herbal extracts or “natural oestrogens”. Generally these products will improve skin hydration, enhance smoothness and slightly improve firmness temporarily. However, they cannot grow new breast tissue and therefore, do not increase breast size.”
“In addition, supplements and “natural pills” often contain ingredients like fenugreek or soy, marketed as hormone boosters. However, to date, there is no strong scientific evidence that they enlarge breasts and hormone-influencing supplements can have side effects,” Dr Woo adds.
What About Breast Massages or Suction Devices?
Says Dr Tan Ying Chien of SW1 Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeon specialising in breast enhancement “Massage is often promoted as a way to “stimulate tissue growth.” Often done alongside with the use of suction devices or vacuum enhancement systems which create negative pressure around the breast, with the intention to enlarge the breasts by pulling them “bigger.”
“While both may improve circulation, there is no solid evidence that it increases breast size long term. There is also limited evidence that temporary swelling can occur and that very mild tissue expansion may happen with consistent long-term use or massage. However, results are usually modest and gains (if any) may fade when use stops and often there is lots of bruising and discomfort.”
What About Energy-Based Skin Tightening (Radiofrequency, Ultrasound)?
“Yes, there are many aesthetic establishments that offer treatments to tighten skin and improve contour. These are mainly meant to stimulate collagen, improve firmness and enhance mild sagging, and to my knowledge, have not been proven to significantly increase size,” adds Dr Tan. “I would suggest this for women in their 30s–50s noticing skin laxity rather than size concerns, as this can be a viable non-invasive option if one has reasonable expectations.”
Understanding Breast Anatomy: Why Surgery Works
Often, many women who do consider breast augmentation end up trying a variety of non-surgical methods due to the fear of surgery, the cost, or the hassle and downtime expected. However, results are often inconsistent, or noticeable, and the cost and time involved may end up just as significant as going through surgery!
“To appreciate why many non-surgical options fall short, it helps to understand what breasts are made of,” says Dr Chia Hui Ling of SW1 Plastic Surgery.
“Breasts consist predominantly of fatty tissue, glandular tissue, ligaments and connective tissue and skin. There is no significant muscle in breast tissue that can be trained like biceps or quadriceps. This means that most techniques that claim to “build up” breast volume by exercise or stimulation of tissue are limited in what they can achieve. Surgical augmentation works because it physically adds volume — through implants or fat transfer. Non-surgical approaches do not add significant tissue,” Dr Chia adds.
Minimally Invasive Breast Augmentation, Preservé, Arrives in Singapore
Those looking for a boost in cleavage and are considering their options will be pleased to know that a recent significant advancement in cosmetic surgery for breast augmentation, known as Preservé, has been introduced in Asia, with Singapore pioneering the regional launch.
This new approach to breast augmentation marks a change from surgical techniques that have been largely constant since the 1960s. Developed by NASDAQ-listed medical technology company, Establishment Labs, Preservé utilises their flagship Motiva® implants, the market leader for silicone implants.
The most revolutionary element of Preservé is that it can be performed without the use of general anaesthesia, a global first for breast augmentation. This minimally invasive method aims to provide subtle and natural enhancements without compromising a woman’s lifestyle, offering an option for those previously hesitant about conventional surgery.
“For women across all sectors who yearn for a better-looking figure, Preservé will revolutionise how breast augmentation is perceived and received in Singapore,” adds Dr Chia of SW1 Plastic Surgery.
“Preservé’s much less invasive procedure is designed to avoid disruption to muscle and breast tissues. Scars are smaller, natural breast tissues heal faster, and there is better preservation of natural breast tissue sensation,” Dr Tan of SW1 Plastic Surgery adds.
“I am pleased with Preservé. It is not only the latest innovation in breast augmentation surgery, it is literally a paradigm shift in how we think of and perform breast augmentations,” says Dr Woo of Evan Woo Breast & Plastic Surgery. “I would consider this minimally invasive surgery very similar to the cutting edge techniques in breast cancer surgeries. The gap between surgical options and non-surgical ones has closed even more and Preservé offers a truly viable option for busy women wishing to enhance their silhouette, definitively.”
SW1 Plastic Surgery and Evan Woo Breast & Plastic Surgery are among the five clinics in Singapore recently certified to conduct the Preservé method of breast augmentation, by globally renowned plastic surgeons Dr Charles Randquist, world expert in primary and revisional breast augmentation, and Dr Marie Jaeger.
To find out more about Preservé breast augmentation surgery, visit www.preservemotiva.com.
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