For decades, advancements in breast augmentation have centred on the implant itself. From ergonomic designs to surface technologies aimed at reducing complications, the underlying procedure has remained relatively unchanged since its introduction in the 1960s. While these developments remain important, they do not fundamentally alter the surgical experience. Enter Preservé — a revolutionary breast augmentation procedure that involves a minimally invasive technique and is able to be performed without the use of general anaesthesia. Developed by global medical technology company Establishment Labs, Preservé reconfigures how implants are placed, shifting the focus from structural alteration to tissue preservation.
Singapore as a Strategic Launch Point
The decision to introduce Preservé in Singapore is strategic as the city-state’s regulatory framework, concentration of specialist clinics and reputation for medical excellence make it a natural entry point for new surgical techniques in Asia. A select group of clinics has been certified to perform the procedure, with surgeons undergoing specialised training to ensure consistency in execution. Among them are practitioners with extensive experience in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, reflecting the level of expertise required to adopt the new methodology. AZATACA is among five clinics in Singapore that have been certified to offer Preservé. LUXUO dives deeper into AZATACA’s early adoption of the Preservé technique and the surgeons shaping the future of breast augmentation in Singapore.
A Trio of Specialists in Breast Surgery and Reconstruction
Among the early adopters are three Singapore-based plastic surgeons from Azataca. Patients who seek out AZATACA Plastic Surgery do so for a spectrum of needs that span both reconstructive and aesthetic disciplines — from medically necessary procedures to highly individualised enhancements. At the core of the practice is a team of Ministry of Health (MOH)-accredited plastic surgeons, each bringing extensive experience across Singapore’s leading medical institutions. Dr Christopher Chui, Dr Mohamed Zulfikar Rasheed and Dr Terence Goh — are part of the first cohort of doctors in Asia trained in the Preservé method. Collectively, they represent a combined experience of over two decades each in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a strong focus on breast-related procedures.
Dr Christopher Chui: The Surgical Architect of Form and Function
With more than 24 years of experience, Dr Christopher Chui is a MOH-accredited consultant plastic surgeon whose practice bridges both reconstructive complexity and aesthetic finesse. A graduate of the University of Melbourne, he completed his advanced surgical training in Singapore, later becoming a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Plastic Surgery).
Dr Chui is particularly regarded for his work in microsurgical breast reconstruction, including techniques involving implants and autologous fat grafting, as well as breast augmentation, reduction and lifts. His scope extends to comprehensive body contouring procedures — from mummy makeovers and tummy tucks to liposuction and fat grafting — alongside facial plastic surgery, where he performs endoscopic facelifts, rhinoplasty and facial bone contouring.
His training spans multiple surgical disciplines, including general surgery, neurosurgery and ENT, an exposure that informs his methodical and anatomically precise approach. His expertise was further honed through a prestigious Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) fellowship in Germany, where he specialised in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, particularly in craniomaxillofacial trauma and advanced rhinoplasty.
Dr Mohamed Zulfikar Rasheed: The Precisionist of Natural Form
Dr Mohamed Zulfikar Rasheed brings a similarly comprehensive background, with expertise spanning reconstructive, aesthetic, craniofacial and burn surgery. A graduate of the National University of Singapore, he completed his specialist training locally, rotating through key institutions including Singapore General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the National University Hospital.
His clinical focus lies in breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery, alongside body contouring procedures such as liposuction, fat grafting and abdominoplasty. Known for his patient-centric philosophy, Dr Rasheed approaches each case with the aim of achieving natural, proportionate outcomes that complement — rather than alter — an individual’s features.
He was awarded the gold medal as the top candidate in his plastic surgery cohort and later completed a Health Manpower Development Plan fellowship in Brussels under Professor Moustapha Hamdi, where he further honed his expertise in microsurgical breast reconstruction and advanced aesthetic techniques.
Dr Terence Goh: A Veteran in Surgical Artistry
With more than two decades in practice, Dr Terence Goh is among Singapore’s most established plastic surgeons. MOH-accredited and a past president of the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons, he is recognised for both his clinical leadership and surgical depth. Dr Goh’s expertise spans complex reconstructive work — including head and neck cancers, lower limb salvage and breast reconstruction — as well as aesthetic procedures such as breast augmentation, mummy makeovers, eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty. He is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on achieving long-lasting results that appear natural.
Beyond private practice, he maintains an active academic presence as a visiting consultant at Singapore General Hospital, core faculty member in the Plastic Surgery Residency Programme and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School. His contributions to the field include over 30 publications in international journals, alongside ongoing involvement in global surgical training and collaboration.
A Procedural Reset in Breast Augmentation
Together, the three surgeons reflect a shared philosophy that underpins AZATACA Plastic Surgery. Their combined expertise across reconstructive and cosmetic disciplines allows the practice to offer a range of care — from medically complex cases to elective enhancements. The introduction of Preservé comes at a time when patient expectations are evolving. Across Asia, demand for breast augmentation continues to grow, supported by rising disposable incomes and increasing openness toward aesthetic procedures. However, preferences have shifted toward results that are subtle, proportionate and aligned with individual body frames. This is particularly relevant in Asian markets, where patients tend to favour smaller implants and natural contours over more pronounced augmentation.
Preservé’s ability to accommodate smaller implant sizes while maintaining structural integrity positions it as a method aligned with these regional preferences. The reduced invasiveness of the procedure also broadens its accessibility. Patients who may have previously been hesitant about surgery — due to concerns over recovery time, anaesthesia or long-term impact — are more likely to consider a technique like Preservé that would lower these apprehensive barriers.
Clinics report a significant rise in breast augmentation cases over the past five years, driven by higher disposable incomes and a more informed patient base. Women are approaching these decisions with greater clarity, weighing not just outcomes but the implications of surgery itself. As aesthetic medicine continues to evolve, the definition of enhancement is becoming more nuanced. Whether Preservé becomes a new standard will depend on its performance over time and across diverse patient groups. What is clear, however, is that it introduces a new line of thinking in a category that has long prioritised product over process.
Azataza Plastic Surgery
Located within Royal Square Medical Centre in Novena, Azataza Plastic Surgery is among the first clinics in Singapore to be certified in the Preservé technique. The practice operates on a weekday schedule from morning through early evening, with shorter hours on Saturdays and closures on Sundays and public holidays. Patients seeking consultation or appointments can reach the clinic directly via phone or email.
Address: 101 Irrawaddy Road #14-09, Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565
Contact number: +65 6778 8648
Reservation number/link: +65 9649 0648
Email: info@azataca.com
For more information on Preservé, visit www.preservemotiva.com.
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