AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Procedures

Dr Brian Yue offers a comprehensive range of plastic and reconstructive procedures. Each treatment plan is individually tailored. Click any category to learn more.

Face

  • What is otoplasty?

    Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape prominent or asymmetrical ears. It is performed on both children and adults to set the ears closer to the head and improve proportion.

    Is otoplasty for me?

    Common reasons for otoplasty include:

    • Prominent or protruding ears

    • Asymmetrical ear shape or position

    • Previous ear surgery requiring revision

    • Congenital ear deformities

    Surgical procedure

    The procedure typically involves an incision behind the ear. Cartilage is reshaped and secured with permanent sutures to hold the ear in its new position. Surgery takes 1 to 2 hours under general or local anaesthesia.

    Recovery

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 week

    Compression: Headband for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 weeks

    Post operative information

    A head bandage is worn for the first week. After removal, a soft headband is worn full time for 2 weeks, then at night only for a further 3 weeks. Avoid contact sports for 6 weeks. Swelling and bruising resolve within 2 to 3 weeks.

  • WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY?

    Blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can be performed for cosmetic or functional reasons, particularly when excess upper eyelid skin impairs peripheral vision.

    IS BLEPHAROPLASTY FOR ME?

    Common reasons for blepharoplasty include:

    • Drooping or heavy upper eyelids

    • Excess skin obstructing peripheral vision

    • Puffiness or bags under the eyes

    • Tired or aged appearance around the eyes

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Incisions are hidden within the natural creases of the eyelids. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed or repositioned. Surgery takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated. Performed under general or local anaesthesia with sedation.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Suture Removal: 5 to 7 days

    Full Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks

    POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION

    Cold compresses and head elevation reduce swelling in the first 48 hours. Bruising typically resolves within 2 weeks. Avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for 4 weeks. Scars fade within the natural eyelid creases over several months.

  • WHAT IS A NECK LIFT?

    A neck lift (platysmaplasty) tightens loose skin and muscle bands in the neck to improve jawline definition and reduce sagging. It addresses excess skin, fat deposits, and platysmal banding beneath the chin and along the neck.

    IS A NECK LIFT FOR ME?

    Common reasons for a neck lift include:

    • Loose or sagging neck skin

    • Visible platysmal muscle bands

    • Excess fat beneath the chin

    • Loss of jawline definition due to aging or weight loss

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. Incisions are placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin. The platysma muscle is tightened, excess fat is removed, and skin is redraped for a smoother contour. Surgery takes 2 to 3 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or 1 night

    Time Off Work: 2 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 4 to 6 weeks

    Final Results: 6 to 9 months

    POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION

    A compression garment is worn for the first 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling and bruising resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. Sutures are removed at the first follow up within 1 week. Avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks.

Breast

  • WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?

    Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size proportionate to the body. It relieves physical discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

    IS BREAST REDUCTION FOR ME?

    • Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain from breast weight

    • Skin irritation beneath the breast crease

    • Difficulty with physical activity

    • Disproportionate breast size relative to body frame

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. Excess tissue and skin are removed through incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. The nipple is repositioned to a natural height. Surgery takes 2 to 3 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: 1 night

    Time Off Work: 2 to 3 weeks

    Compression: Support bra for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 to 8 weeks

    POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION

    A support bra is worn for 6 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. Swelling settles over 3 to 6 months. Scars fade over 12 to 18 months. Breastfeeding may still be possible but cannot be guaranteed.

  • WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?

    A breast lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful height.

    IS A BREAST LIFT FOR ME?

    • Breasts that have lost shape or volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding

    • Sagging due to aging, gravity, or weight fluctuation

    • Nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease

    • Asymmetry in breast position or shape

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. Incision patterns vary based on the degree of ptosis. Excess skin is removed, breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple areola complex is elevated. Surgery takes 2 to 3 hours. Can be combined with implants if volume restoration is also desired.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or 1 night

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Compression: Support bra for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 weeks

  • WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING TO BREAST?

    Fat grafting (lipofilling) uses fat harvested from another area of the body via liposuction. The fat is purified and injected into the breast to add volume, improve contour, or correct asymmetry without implants.

    IS FAT GRAFTING FOR ME?

    • Desire for modest volume increase without implants

    • Correction of breast asymmetry

    • Improving contour after previous breast surgery

    • Adequate donor fat available from abdomen, thighs, or flanks

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Fat is harvested via liposuction, processed, and injected into the breast in small quantities. Performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery takes 1 to 2 hours. Multiple sessions may be required for desired volume.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 week

    Compression: Garment on donor site for 4 to 6 weeks

    Final Results: 3 to 6 months

  • WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

    Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) increases the size, shape, and volume of the breasts using silicone gel implants. The goal is to enhance body contours and achieve a more proportionate figure.

    IS BREAST AUGMENTATION FOR ME?

    • Naturally small breast size

    • Loss of breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding

    • Volume loss from weight loss or aging

    • Asymmetrical breasts or congenital deformities such as tuberous breasts

    TYPES OF IMPLANTS

    Dr Yue uses silicone gel implants. Round and anatomical (teardrop) shapes are discussed and trialled during your consultation to determine the best option. Round implants offer a fuller upper pole, while anatomical implants provide a more natural contour.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia via a short inframammary incision. A pocket is created, usually subpectoral (under the pectoralis major muscle). Temporary sizers confirm the correct implant volume before the final implant is placed. Closure uses multiple layers of dissolvable sutures. Can be combined with fat grafting, nipple reduction, or correction of inverted nipples. Surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Compression: Support bra for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 weeks

    POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION

    Avoid heavy lifting and raising arms above shoulder height for 4 to 6 weeks. Implants settle into their final position over 3 months. Scars from the inframammary incision are well hidden beneath the breast crease.

  • WHAT IS IMPLANT REVISION SURGERY?

    Implant revision surgery replaces, removes, or corrects existing breast implants. It addresses complications, aesthetic concerns, or implant aging from previous breast augmentation.

    IS IMPLANT REVISION FOR ME?

    • Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)

    • Implant rupture or deflation

    • Desire to change implant size or type

    • Implant malposition or asymmetry

    • Rippling or visible implant edges

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The approach depends on the reason for revision. Surgery may involve implant exchange, capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue), pocket adjustment, or complete implant removal with or without replacement. Performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or 1 night

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Compression: Support bra for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 to 8 weeks

Body

  • WHAT IS ABDOMINOPLASTY?

    Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. Dr Yue performs traditional, Fleur de Lis, circumferential, and corset abdominoplasty techniques depending on individual needs.

    IS ABDOMINOPLASTY FOR ME?

    • Excess abdominal skin after significant weight loss

    • Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) after pregnancy

    • Loose skin and stretch marks below the navel

    • Stubborn abdominal contour that does not respond to diet and exercise

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic area. For Fleur de Lis, an additional vertical midline incision addresses upper abdominal excess. Abdominal muscles are repaired, excess skin and fat are removed, and liposuction is usually performed to optimise contour. Surgery takes 2 to 4 hours. Hospital stay is typically 1 to 2 nights.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: 1 to 2 nights

    Time Off Work: 4 to 6 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 3 to 6 months

    POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION

    A compression garment is worn for 6 weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Drains may be placed for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Scars mature and fade over 12 to 18 months. Can be combined with breast surgery.

  • WHAT IS BRACHIOPLASTY?

    Brachioplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically following significant weight loss. The procedure reshapes the arms from armpit to elbow for a more toned contour.

    IS BRACHIOPLASTY FOR ME?

    • Loose, hanging skin on the upper arms

    • Excess upper arm skin after weight loss

    • Upper arm skin laxity that does not respond to exercise

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. An incision is made along the inner arm from the armpit toward the elbow. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. May be combined with liposuction. Surgery takes 2 to 3 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or 1 night

    Time Off Work: 2 to 3 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 to 8 weeks

  • WHAT IS A THIGH LIFT?

    A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thighs to improve contour and reduce chafing. It is commonly performed after significant weight loss.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. Incision patterns vary depending on the extent of excess skin. Excess tissue is removed, and the remaining skin is lifted and tightened. May include liposuction. Surgery takes 2 to 3 hours. Hospital stay is typically 1 to 2 nights.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: 1 to 2 nights

    Time Off Work: 2 to 4 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 to 8 weeks

  • WHAT IS AN UPPER BODY LIFT?

    An upper body lift addresses excess skin on the back, sides, and bra line area. It is typically performed after massive weight loss when excess skin extends beyond what a standard abdominoplasty can address.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Performed under general anaesthesia. Incisions are placed along the back and sides, often extending around the bra line. Excess skin and fat are removed and the remaining tissue is tightened. Surgery takes 3 to 5 hours. Hospital stay is typically 1 to 2 nights.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: 1 to 2 nights

    Time Off Work: 4 to 6 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 3 to 6 months

Hand

  • WHAT IS TRIGGER FINGER?

    Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that flexes a finger catches under a ligament (pulley) due to localised swelling. The finger may click, lock in a bent position, or be difficult to straighten.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    A small incision is made in the palm over the affected pulley. The ligament is divided to allow the tendon to glide freely. Surgery takes approximately 15 minutes under local anaesthesia. The hand is functional immediately after.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Dressing: 2 weeks

    Full Recovery: 4 weeks

  • WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

    Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Carpal tunnel release decompresses the nerve by dividing the transverse carpal ligament.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    A short vertical incision is made over the wrist. The transverse carpal ligament is divided to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Surgery takes approximately 30 minutes under local anaesthesia. The hand is functional immediately after.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 2 to 4 weeks

    Dressing: 2 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 weeks

  • WHAT IS COMPRESSIVE NEUROPATHY?

    Compressive neuropathies occur when a peripheral nerve in the upper limb is compressed at specific anatomical sites. This includes cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve at the elbow) and other nerve entrapments causing numbness, weakness, or pain.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Surgery involves decompressing the affected nerve by releasing the structure causing compression. The specific approach depends on the nerve and location involved. Performed under local or general anaesthesia.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 2 to 4 weeks

  • WHAT IS FRACTURE FIXATION?

    Fracture fixation involves surgically stabilising broken bones in the hand, wrist, or forearm using pins, plates, or screws. This restores alignment and allows proper healing to regain function.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The approach depends on the fracture type and location. Internal fixation uses metal plates and screws. Percutaneous pinning uses wires inserted through the skin. Performed under general or regional anaesthesia.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or 1 night

    Splint/Cast: 4 to 6 weeks

    Hand Therapy: Recommended

  • WHAT IS DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE?

    Dupuytren's disease is a benign condition affecting the connective tissue of the palm. Thickened cords develop under the skin, gradually pulling one or more fingers into a bent position. It is sometimes called Viking's disease.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    A fasciectomy involves an incision along the cord and removal of the diseased tissue. The extent of surgery depends on the severity and number of fingers involved. Hand therapy is usually required afterwards to maximise function and range of motion.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 2 to 4 weeks

    Hand Therapy: Required, several weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 to 12 weeks

  • WHAT IS HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS SURGERY?

    Surgery for hand osteoarthritis addresses joint degeneration causing pain, stiffness, and loss of grip strength. The most common site is the base of the thumb (CMC joint). Surgical options include joint reconstruction, fusion, or arthroplasty.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The approach depends on the joint and severity. Trapeziectomy (removal of the trapezium bone) with ligament reconstruction is the most common procedure for thumb base arthritis. Performed under general or regional anaesthesia.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Splint: 6 weeks

    Hand Therapy: Required

    Full Recovery: 3 to 6 months

  • WHAT IS HAND TRAUMA SURGERY?

    Hand trauma surgery repairs acute injuries to the hand and wrist, including tendon lacerations, nerve injuries, crush injuries, and complex wounds. Prompt surgical repair is important to restore function.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The approach depends on the injury. May involve tendon repair, nerve repair, wound debridement, skin grafting, or flap coverage. Emergency cases are prioritised. Hand therapy is essential for rehabilitation.

    RECOVERY

    Recovery varies depending on the type and severity of injury. Dr Yue will discuss your individual recovery plan at your consultation. Hand therapy is typically required for optimal functional recovery.

Skin Cancer

  • WHAT IS SKIN CANCER SURGERY?

    Surgical excision is the gold standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Dr Yue excises the cancer with an appropriate margin of healthy tissue and reconstructs the defect to optimise both oncological clearance and cosmetic outcome.

    WHY SEE A PLASTIC SURGEON?

    Plastic surgeons are trained in reconstruction as well as excision. This is particularly important for skin cancers on the face, hands, and other functionally sensitive areas where tissue preservation and cosmetic result matter.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery (most cases)

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Suture Removal: 5 to 14 days

  • WHAT IS A SKIN GRAFT?

    A skin graft involves taking a thin layer of skin from a donor site and transplanting it to cover a wound or surgical defect. It is commonly used after skin cancer removal where the defect is too large to close directly. The donor site heals on its own, similar to a graze.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Graft Check: 5 to 7 days

    Full Healing: 3 to 6 weeks

  • WHAT IS LOCAL FLAP RECONSTRUCTION?

    A local flap uses adjacent tissue to fill a defect after skin cancer removal. Because the tissue comes from the same area, colour and texture match is superior to a skin graft. Local flaps are commonly used on the face where cosmetic result is a priority.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Suture Removal: 5 to 10 days

    Full Healing: 4 to 6 weeks

  • WHAT IS COMPLEX HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION?

    Complex reconstruction addresses large or deep defects of the head and neck following extensive skin cancer excision or trauma. Techniques may include regional flaps, free tissue transfer (microsurgery), and staged reconstruction to restore both form and function.

    RECOVERY

    Recovery varies significantly depending on the extent of surgery. Hospital stays range from 1 to 7 days. Dr Yue will discuss your individual situation and expected recovery timeline at your consultation.

Male Plastic Surgery

  • WHAT IS GYNAECOMASTIA SURGERY?

    Gynaecomastia surgery reduces enlarged male breast tissue to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour. It addresses excess glandular tissue, fat, or a combination of both.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The approach depends on the cause. Liposuction alone may be sufficient for fatty gynaecomastia. Surgical excision through a small periareolar incision is used for dense glandular tissue. Severe cases may require a combined approach with skin excision. Performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Compression: Vest for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 weeks

  • WHAT IS LIPOSCULPTURE?

    Liposculpture removes targeted fat deposits through small incisions using a thin cannula. It sculpts specific areas such as the abdomen, flanks, and chest to improve body contour. It is not a weight loss procedure.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    Small incisions are made in inconspicuous locations. A tumescent solution is injected, and fat is removed with a cannula. Performed under general or local anaesthesia with sedation. Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the number of areas treated.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 to 2 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 6 weeks

    Final Results: 3 to 6 months

  • WHAT IS MALE ABDOMINOPLASTY?

    Male abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and tightens muscles to create a firmer, flatter abdomen. It is often combined with liposuction to address the waist and flanks for a more defined contour.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The procedure is the same as standard abdominoplasty: horizontal incision above the pubic area, muscle repair, skin excision, and liposuction as needed. Performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery takes 2 to 4 hours.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: 1 to 2 nights

    Time Off Work: 4 to 6 weeks

    Compression: Garment for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 3 to 6 months

Gender Affirmation Surgery

  • WHAT IS TOP SURGERY?

    Top surgery (chest masculinisation) involves removal of breast tissue to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour. It is performed for transmasculine and non binary individuals as part of gender affirmation.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The technique depends on chest size. Options include periareolar (keyhole) incision for smaller chests or bilateral mastectomy with nipple grafts for larger chests. Nipples may be resized and repositioned. Performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery takes 2 to 4 hours.

    PREREQUISITES

    • Documented gender dysphoria (6 months or more)

    • Letter of support from a mental health professional

    • Age 16 years or older for top surgery

    • Any physical or mental health conditions well managed

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: 1 night

    Time Off Work: 2 to 4 weeks

    Compression: Vest for 6 weeks

    Full Recovery: 6 to 8 weeks

  • WHAT IS REVISIONAL GENDER AFFIRMATION SURGERY?

    Revisional surgery addresses complications or unsatisfactory outcomes from previous gender affirming procedures. This may include scar revision, contour correction, nipple revision, or dog ear removal to improve the chest result.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The approach is individualised based on the specific concern. Dr Yue will assess your previous surgery and discuss a tailored plan at your consultation.

    RECOVERY

    Recovery varies depending on the extent of revision. Dr Yue will discuss your expected timeline at your consultation.

General Procedures

  • WHAT IS A LIPOMA?

    A lipoma is a benign soft tissue lump made of fat cells. Lipomas are common, slow growing, and usually painless. Excision is recommended when a lipoma is large, growing, painful, or cosmetically bothersome.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    An incision is made over the lipoma and the fatty lump is removed in its entirety. The wound is closed with sutures. Performed under local anaesthesia in most cases. Surgery takes 15 to 30 minutes.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or rooms

    Time Off Work: 1 to 3 days

    Suture Removal: 7 to 14 days

  • WHAT IS SCAR REVISION?

    Scar revision improves the appearance of a scar by making it less visible or better aligned with natural skin lines. Techniques include excision and re closure, Z plasty, dermabrasion, or steroid injection depending on the scar type.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The old scar is excised and the wound is closed using plastic surgery techniques to minimise tension and optimise healing. May be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the size and location.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Day surgery or rooms

    Suture Removal: 5 to 14 days

    Scar Maturation: 12 to 18 months

  • WHAT IS MINOR SKIN LESION REMOVAL?

    Removal of benign skin lesions such as moles, cysts, and other lumps. Excision is performed when a lesion is changing, symptomatic, or of cosmetic concern. All excised lesions are sent for pathology examination.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE

    The lesion is excised with a small margin under local anaesthesia. The wound is closed with sutures. Surgery takes 15 to 30 minutes and is performed as a day procedure or in rooms.

    RECOVERY

    Hospital Stay: Rooms or day surgery

    Time Off Work: 1 to 3 days

    Suture Removal: 5 to 14 days