Meet Our Breast Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (UK), MMed (Surgery), MRCS (England), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Chia Hui Ling is an accredited plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience and over 3,000 surgeries performed since 2010. She specialises in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, with particular expertise in breast reconstruction, aesthetic breast surgery, microsurgery, lymphoedema surgery, paediatric plastic surgery, cleft surgery, chest wall reconstruction, and facial rejuvenation.
Having trained across the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea and the United States, Dr Chia combines international experience with a deeply patient-centred approach. She is recognised for helping patients navigate complex reconstructive journeys while delivering personalised aesthetic outcomes tailored to their individual goals.
She is also the President and Co-Founder of Breast Reconstruction Awareness Singapore (BRAS), reflecting her longstanding commitment to supporting women throughout their breast health journey.
Dr Chia Hui Ling’s Training and Fellowships
Dr Chia graduated from Barts and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London, where she earned Distinctions in Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, alongside numerous academic prizes for outstanding achievement. Her accolades included the Andrew Clarke Prize in Clinical Medicine, Drapers' Company Undergraduate Prize for Academic Excellence, Chamindra de Alwis Prize for Best Overall Performance, and multiple distinction awards throughout medical school.
She subsequently obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MRCS), a Master of Medicine (Surgery) from the National University of Singapore, specialist accreditation in Plastic Surgery from Singapore's Ministry of Health, and Fellowship of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS).
Her international fellowship training includes:
| Year | Fellowship Awards and Preceptorship |
|---|---|
| Year 2015 | AO Craniomaxillofacial Fellowship Award at Morriston Hospital, Wales, United Kingdom |
| Year 2015 | JW Lee Center for Global Medicine Fellowship Award at Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea |
| Year 2013 | Stanford Hospital Resident Exchange at Stanford Hospital and the Buncke Centre, United States |
| Year 2010 | Microtia and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Preceptorship at the Nagata Microtia and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Clinic, Japan |
These experiences exposed her to advanced reconstructive, microsurgical, craniofacial, breast, and aesthetic surgical techniques from leading centres around the world.
Dr Chia Hui Ling’s Philosophy Towards Plastic Surgery
Dr Chia believes that plastic surgery extends beyond physical restoration alone. Whether supporting a patient through breast reconstruction, congenital conditions, or aesthetic concerns, she recognises the emotional and psychological impact these conditions can have on an individual's confidence and quality of life.
Guided by a compassionate and restorative philosophy towards care, Dr Chia approaches every reconstruction with careful attention towards symmetry, proportion and long-term recovery. By combining her advanced techniques with thoughtful surgical planning, she remains committed to helping patients regain comfort, confidence and a renewed sense of self through natural-looking restorative outcomes.
Dr Chia Hui Ling's Areas of Expertise
Dr Chia specialises in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, with expertise spanning breast surgery, microsurgery, paediatric plastic surgery, and complex reconstructive procedures. Her breadth of training allows her to offer personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's clinical needs and goals.
Reconstructive Surgery
- Microsurgical and implant-based breast reconstruction
- DIEP flap and free-flap breast reconstruction
- Oncoplastic breast surgery
- Nipple reconstruction
- Microsurgery and lymphoedema surgery
- Head and neck microsurgical reconstruction
- Paediatric and cleft surgery
- Chest wall reconstruction
Aesthetic Surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Eyelid surgery
- Face lifts and facial rejuvenation
- Postnatal rejuvenation
Dr Chia Hui Ling’s Achievements
Throughout her career, Dr Chia has been recognised for excellence in clinical care, innovation, and surgical leadership.
She is one of only five MOH-selected surgeons, and the only female surgeon, approved to perform Motiva JOY Breast Augmentation in Singapore. She is also among a select group of surgeons in Singapore approved to perform procedures using both the Motiva JOY and Motiva Preserve implant systems, reflecting her commitment to adopting advanced breast surgery technologies.
In addition to her work in breast and reconstructive surgery, Dr Chia has made significant contributions to innovation in plastic surgery. She founded Singapore's first infant ear moulding (EarWell) service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital and is recognised as a top EarWell practitioner in Singapore.
Her expertise extends to the non-surgical correction of ear deformities, including cryptotia and prominent ears, and she has helped advance awareness and treatment options for congenital ear deformities in Singapore.
Dr Chia is also a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Silhouette Soft Thread Lift technology, reflecting her expertise in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery.
Her clinical excellence has been recognised through numerous awards and honours throughout her career:
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| Year 2018 | Oral Presentation Award, Singapore Paediatric and Perinatal Annual Congress (SiPPAC) |
| Year 2018 | KKH Service from the Heart Award, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore |
| Year 2017 | Merit Award (Poster), SingHealth Duke-NUS Surgical and Anaesthesia Congress |
| Year 2017 | Best Poster Award, British Society of Paediatric Dentists Meeting, United Kingdom |
| Year 2017 | SingHealth 10-Year Long Service Award, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) |
| Year 2017 | KKH Long Service Award, KK Women's and Children's Hospital |
| Year 2016 | Best Poster Award, TST Plastic Surgery Conference, Thailand |
| Year 2012 | Best Registrar Award, Singapore Health Services |
| Year 2010 | Best Medical Officer Award, Singapore Health Services |
| Year 2009 | CNS Resident Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, United States |
| Year 2009 | Codman Prize for Best Presentation, Society of British Neurological Surgeons, United Kingdom |
| Year 2006 | First Prize Poster, Neurosurgery Research Group Annual Meeting, Cambridge |
From pioneering new treatment services to introducing advanced surgical technologies, Dr Chia continues to contribute to the advancement of plastic surgery while maintaining a strong commitment to patient-centred care.
Dr Chia Hui Ling’s Ongoing Support for Breast Care and Patient Advocacy
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Chia is a passionate advocate for women's health, breast reconstruction awareness, and community service. Her commitment to advancing patient care extends beyond the operating theatre through leadership roles in professional and community organisations:
| Position | Organisation | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Position President & Co-Founder | Organisation Breast Reconstruction Awareness Singapore (BRAS) | Period 2013 - Present |
| Position Vice-President | Organisation Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) | Period 2025 - Present |
| Position Vice-President | Organisation Association of Women Doctors Singapore (AWDS) | Period 2024 - Present |
| Position EXCO Member | Organisation Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS) | Period Current |
| Position EXCO Member | Organisation Singapore Society of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Surgeons (SSCAS) | Period Current |
| Position Volunteer Plastic Surgeon | Organisation Operation Smile International & Smile Asia | Period 2018 - Present |
As a volunteer plastic surgeon with Operation Smile International and Smile Asia, Dr Chia has participated in humanitarian surgical missions across Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, and China, providing reconstructive care to underserved patients. She also collaborates with patient advocacy and recovery initiatives, including supporting the development of post-surgical recovery solutions for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and reconstruction.
Through her clinical work, leadership positions, educational initiatives, and volunteer service, Dr Chia remains dedicated to improving awareness, access to care, and outcomes for women throughout their breast health journey.
Dr Chia Hui Ling’s Research, Innovation and Academic Contributions
Dr Chia is actively involved in clinical research and surgical innovation, with a longstanding commitment to advancing the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. She has secured five competitive research grant awards in Singapore and the United Kingdom, and has authored 17 peer-reviewed journal publications and two book chapters published by Springer-Verlag.
Her research interests span breast reconstruction, microsurgery, paediatric plastic surgery, chest wall reconstruction, fat grafting, wound healing, craniofacial surgery, and innovative techniques in reconstructive surgery. Her work has been published in respected international journals including The Lancet, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Archives of Plastic Surgery, Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, and BMJ Case Reports.
1. Chia HL, Yeow VKL. Poly-Lactic Acid Plate for Chest Wall Repair in Pentalogy of Cantrell. In: Amulya S, editor. Chest Wall Deformities. Springer-Verlag; 2017. Chapter 61.
2. Chia HL, Yeow VKL. Bilateral Sternal Bar Turnover Flaps for Reconstruction of Inferior Sternal Cleft. In: Amulya S, editor. Chest Wall Deformities. Springer-Verlag; 2017. Chapter 63.
1. Wee L, Norn B, Wong S, Chia H, Mey S, Chandran S, Koh M. Congenital tumors arising from nevus sebaceous in 2 neonates. JAAD Case Reports. 2022;21:70-73.
2. Chia HL, Sim N. Non-surgical correction of cryptotia. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;74(2):377-381.
3. Goh BKT, Chia HL. The Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Combination With Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad in Wide Cleft Palate Repair: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. 2019;56(10):1381-1385.
4. Chan S, Lim G, Por YC, Chiang MF, Ho SX, Chia HL. Efficacy of Ear Molding in Infants Using the EarWell Infant Correction System and Factors Affecting Outcome. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019;144(4):648e-658e.
5. Lim PT, Tan CH, Chia HL, Phoon J. Management of a Giant Uterine Leiomyoma. BMJ Case Reports. 2018.
6. Chia HL, Woo E, Por YC, Ma DR, Chang K, Mok J, Kua EHJ, Yeow V. Adipocyte and Preadipocyte Viability in Autologous Fat Grafts: Comparing the Water Jet-Assisted Liposuction (WAL) and Coleman Techniques. European Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2015;38(3):183-188.
7. Kua EHJ, Chia HL, Goh TLH, Lim CH, Ng SW, Tan BK. A General Algorithm for Chest Wall Reconstruction Based on a Retrospective Review. European Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2015;38(3):211-220.
8. Chia HL, Wong M, Tan BK. Nipple Reconstruction with Rolled Dermal Graft Support. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(2):158-162.
9. Chia HL, Yeow VK. Repair of Inferior Sternal Cleft Using Bilateral Sternal Bar Turnover Flaps in a Patient with Pentalogy of Cantrell. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(1):77-80.
10. Chia HL, Rasheed MZ, Ong KK, Yeow VK. Repair of Ectopia Cordis Using a Resorbable Poly-L-Lactic-Polyglycolic Acid Plate in a Patient with Pentalogy of Cantrell. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2012;47(6):e1-e4.
11. Chia HL, Wong CH, Tan BK, Tan KC, Ong YS. An Algorithm for Recipient Vessel Selection in Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2011;27(1):47-56.
12. Ng HW, Tay MRJ, Wong JM, Pek CH, Nallathamby V, Ho MSY, Chia HL, Naidu S, Cheong EC, Wong MTC. Outcomes of Osteomesh (Polycaprolactone) Implants in Orbital Floor Reconstruction. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore. 2011;40(11 Suppl):S120.
13. Bulters DO, Santarius T, Chia HL, Parker RA, Trivedi R, Kirkpatrick PJ, Kirollos RW. Causes of Neurological Deficits Following Clipping of 200 Consecutive Ruptured Aneurysms in Patients with Good-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. Acta Neurochirurgica. 2011;153(2):295-303.
14. Schumacher H, Chia HL, Simcock J. Ipsilateral Skin Grafts for Lower Limb Melanoma Reconstruction Are Safe. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;125(2):89-91.
15. Santarius T, Kirkpatrick PJ, Ganesan D, Chia HL, Jalloh I, Smielewski I, Richards HK, Marcus H, Parker RA, Price SJ, Kirollos RW, Pickard JD, Hutchinson PJ. Use of Drains versus No Drains after Burr-Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Haematoma: A Randomised Controlled Trial. The Lancet. 2009;374:1067-1073.
16. Chia HL, Breitenfeldt N, Canal A, Malata C. Implant Augmentation after Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2009;63(2):e172-e173.
17. Santarius T, Chia HL, Xuereb J, Kirollos R. Sporadic Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumour of the Oculomotor Nerve. Acta Neurochirurgica. 2007;149(6):617-622.
1. Body Contouring in a Public Hospital in Singapore.PRS - Korea 2019, Seoul, South Korea. 8 - 10 Nov 2019.
2. Placement of Breast Incisions in Skin - sparing Mastectomy to Improve Aesthetic Outcome After Immediate Breast Reconstruction. 3rd Asian Breast Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium, Xi'an, China. 11-13 Oct 2012.
3. Reconstruction of Complex Chest Wall Defects: Our Experience from 1996 - 2011. Inaugural Congress of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Singapore. 8 - 9 Oct 2012.
4. A Simple Micro - incision Technique for the Correction of Nipple Inversion.Selected presentation. 3rd International Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Symposium, Tokyo, Japan. 25 - 26 Nov 2010.
5. Single - stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap and Implant. 3rd International Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Symposium, Tokyo, Japan. 25 - 26 Nov 2010.
6. Management of Major Vascular Complications from Injectable Facial Fillers.ASEAN Congress of Plastic Surgery. 8 - 10 Mar 2017.
7. A Microvascular Simulator for Microanastomosis Training.Inaugural Congress of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Singapore. 8 - 9 Oct 2012.
8. The Medialis Pedis Perforator Flap: A New Solution for Hand Injuries.Inaugural Congress of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Singapore. 8 - 9 Oct 2012.
9. Complete Excision of the Intra - pancreatic Portion of Choledochal Cysts. 8th Congress of the Asian Society of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Philippines. 10 - 13 Feb 2005.
10. Adult Choledochal Cysts: Our NUH Experience from 1994 - 2004. 8th Congress of the Asian Society of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Philippines. 10 - 13 Feb 2005.
11. Adult Choledochal Cysts: Our NUH Experience from 1994 - 2004. Combined Scientific Meeting 2005, Singapore. 4 - 6 Nov 2005.
12. An Interesting Case of Complete Heart Block in the SAF. 7th SAF Military Medicine Conference, Singapore. 15 - 17 Feb 2006.
13. The Island Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh(pALT) Fasciocutaneous Flap as a Secondary Flap Option for Recurrent Ischial Ulcers. 2010 Thailand - Singapore - Taiwan Plastic Surgery Meeting, Phuket, Thailand. 31 Mar - 2 Apr 2010.
14. A Simple Micro - incision Technique for the Correction of Nipple Inversion. 3rd International Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Symposium, Tokyo, Japan. 25 - 26 Nov 2010.
15. Comparing the Use of Glycerol Preserved and Cryopreserved Allogenic Skin for the Treatment of Severe Burns: Differences in Clinical Outcomes and In Vitro Tissue Viability.SGH 19th Annual Scientific Meeting(ASM), Singapore. 8 - 9 Apr 2011.
| Role | Project | Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Role - | Project Novel Ear Moulding Programme for Paediatric Ear Anomalies | Grant KKH Health Services Innovation and Development Grant |
| Role - | Project Evaluating the Efficacy of Multi-needle Steroid Injections Over Single Needle Injections in the Treatment of Scars | Grant SingHealth Duke-NUS Musculoskeletal Sciences ACP Pitch for Fund Research Support Grant |
| Role Principal Investigator | Project Improving the Technique of Fat Transfer in Plastic Reconstructive Surgery: Investigating the Viability of Adipocytes Harvested Using Water-jet Assisted Liposuction (WAL) | Grant KKWCH Research Grant |
| Role Collaborator | Project Identification of Molecular Markers for Human Interfollicular Epidermal Stem Cells | Grant Department of Clinical Research (DCR) Grant |
| Role Collaborator | Project Randomised Controlled Trial of the Use of Drains Versus No Drains After Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Haematoma | Grant Academy of Medical Sciences, Health Foundation and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Grants, United Kingdom |
Dr Chia serves as a reviewer for several international medical journals, including:
- Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
- Journal of Pediatric Surgery
- International Wound Journal
- SciTechnol
She continues to contribute to research, education, and innovation in plastic and reconstructive surgery through academic publishing, conference presentations, and collaboration with local and international healthcare institutions.
Hospital Accreditations
Dr Chia is accredited to practise and perform surgery at major private and public hospitals across Singapore, ensuring continuity of care and access to a wide range of surgical facilities.
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital
- Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
- Gleneagles Hospital
- Farrer Park Hospital
- Mount Alvernia Hospital
- Thomson Medical Centre
- Concord Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- Changi General Hospital
Our clinic works with selected insurers and healthcare partners, including those listed below.
Ask Us Any Questions About Our Services
Singapore 228510
T : +65 6530 3573
HP : +65 8764 9219
Singapore 307506
T : +65 6273 0062
HP : +65 8764 9219
Sun & PH / CLOSED
E: contact@astridplasticsurgery.com
W: www.astridplasticsurgery.com
