Meet Our Breast Plastic Surgeon
Medical Director & Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS, MRCS, MMed, FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Jonah Kua is an experienced plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Known for his meticulous surgical technique, honest approach and personable nature, he believes every treatment plan should be tailored to the individual, combining proven surgical methods with thoughtful planning to achieve safe, natural-looking outcomes.
With extensive experience in complex microsurgery and aesthetic surgery, Dr Kua specialises in a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. His practice includes advanced breast reconstruction, microsurgical lymphatic surgery, head and neck reconstruction, lower limb reconstruction and limb salvage, eyelid surgery, hybrid rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and breast augmentation.
Dr Kua combines international surgical expertise with an unwavering commitment to patient-centred care. Beyond his clinical practice, he continues to advance the field through education, research and professional leadership. He currently serves as President of the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons and previously served as President of the Singapore Society of Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgeons.
Dr Jonah Kua’s Training and Fellowships
Dr Kua graduated from medical school in Singapore under the Singapore Armed Forces Scholarship before completing specialist training in plastic surgery through Singapore Health Services.
Dr Kua's training has taken him to leading plastic surgery centres across Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Mexico, where he undertook advanced fellowship programmes and specialised training in reconstructive breast surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery and body contouring. These international experiences continue to influence his surgical approach and technical expertise today.
| Year | Fellowship Awards and Advanced Training |
|---|---|
| Year 2019 | MOH Health Manpower Development Programme (HMDP) Fellowship in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Breast Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul |
| Year 2015 | AO Craniomaxillofacial Fellowship Award, Morriston Hospital, United Kingdom |
| Year - | Advanced Body Contouring Training at CER Hospital, Tijuana, Mexico |
Dr Jonah Kua’s Philosophy Towards Plastic Surgery
Dr Jonah Kua founded Astrid Plastic Surgery with the belief that beauty goes beyond ideal proportions alone. Instead, he believes true elegance stems from an inner confidence that naturally reflects through one’s appearance, presence and sense of self.
Guided by this philosophy, Dr Kua approaches breast surgery as both a reconstructive science and a delicate form of aesthetic artistry. Every procedure is thoughtfully customised according to the patient’s anatomy, proportions and goals, combining advanced international techniques with safe and reliable surgical practices to create elegant, natural-looking results that help patients heal beautifully.
Dr Jonah Kua's Areas of Expertise
Dr Kua specialises in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, with expertise spanning microsurgery, breast reconstruction, complex reconstructive surgery and facial aesthetic procedures. His breadth of expertise allows him to manage a wide range of reconstructive and aesthetic concerns across the breast, face and body.
Reconstructive Surgery
- Microsurgical and implant-based breast reconstruction
- DIEP flap and other free-flap breast reconstruction
- Microsurgical lymphatic surgery
- Head and neck microsurgical reconstruction
- Chest wall reconstruction
- Lower limb reconstruction and limb salvage
Aesthetic Surgery
- Non-incisional and incisional eyelid surgery
- Hybrid rhinoplasty using implants and autologous grafts
- Face lifts and facial rejuvenation
- Breast augmentation
Dr Jonah Kua's Achievements
Throughout his career, Dr Kua has been recognised for excellence in clinical care, surgical education and research.
As an MOH-selected surgeon for Motiva breast implants, Dr Kua incorporates contemporary breast implant technologies into his practice while maintaining an evidence-based approach to patient care. His commitment to this level of care allows him to offer patients access to modern implant technologies alongside personalised surgical planning.
IDr Kua's research in regenerative medicine and wound healing has also been recognised through the Outstanding Research Award (2017) and a Young Investigator Award nomination (2013). His award-winning work has explored the use of human cord lining epithelial cells for wound coverage and hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells to enhance wound healing.
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| Year 2020 & 2021 | SingHealth RiSE Award for Most Outstanding Faculty |
| Year 2017 | Selected Surgeon for Motiva® Breast Implants |
| Year 2017 | Outstanding Research Award in Transplantation Medicine, SingHealth Annual Scientific Meeting |
| Year 2013 | Young Investigator Award Nomination, SingHealth Annual Scientific Meeting |
| Year 2013 | National Medical Research Council (NMRC) New Investigator Grant Award |
These accolades recognise Dr Kua's contributions to surgical education, clinical research and the continued advancement of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.
Dr Jonah Kua's Leadership & Appointments
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Kua has held several leadership appointments that have contributed to the advancement of plastic surgery in Singapore through clinical leadership, surgical education and research. Early in his career, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgery services at Changi General Hospital (CGH), where he later served as Head of Plastic Surgery Service from 2016 to 2020.
He subsequently became the National Programme Director in Plastic Surgery, where he was responsible for overseeing plastic surgery training nationwide. Throughout his career, Dr Kua has mentored many junior plastic surgeons and was conferred the SingHealth RiSE Award for Most Outstanding Faculty in 2020 and 2021.
| Position | Organisation | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Position National Programme Director, Plastic Surgery | Organisation Singapore Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Programme | Period 2021 – Present |
| Position Head of Plastic Surgery Service | Organisation Changi General Hospital | Period 2016 – 2020 |
| Position Core Faculty | Organisation SingHealth Plastic Surgery Residency | Period 2018 – 2021 |
| Position Treasurer | Organisation Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons | Period 2018 – 2021 |
| Position Auditor | Organisation Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons | Period 2017 |
Dr Jonah Kua's Research, Innovation and Academic Contributions
Dr Jonah Kua is actively involved in clinical research, surgical innovation and medical education, with a longstanding commitment to advancing the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has secured multiple competitive research grants, including funding from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), SingHealth Foundation and SingHealth Research, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal publications and served as the first author of the Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Heat Injuries.
His research interests include reconstructive plastic surgery, wound healing, regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, burns, breast reconstruction, chest wall reconstruction, fat grafting, microsurgery and composite tissue transplantation. His work has been published in respected international journals.
1. Periampullary Diverticulum: A Case of Bleeding From a Periampullary Diverticulum.Kua EHJ, Seah A, So JB.Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2005 Nov; 34(10): 636 - 8.
2. The Island Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh(ALT) Fasciocutaneous Flap as a Secondary Flap Option for Recurrent Ischial Ulcers.Kua EHJ, Wong CH, Ng SW, Tan KC.J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011 Jan; 64(1): e21 - 3.
3. 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.Kua EHJ, Goh CQ, Ting Y, Chua A, Song C.Cell Tissue Bank. 2012 Jun; 13(2): 269 - 79.
4. Vascularisation of Urethral Repairs with the Gracilis Muscle Flap.Kua EHJ, Leo KW, Ong YS, Cheng C, Tan BK.Arch Plast Surg. 2013 Sep; 40(5): 584 - 588.
5. Hair Follicle Dermal Sheath Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: In Vitro Characterization and Effects of Its Conditioned Medium on Cutaneous Wound Healing.Chua A, Kua EHJ, Ma D, Lee ST.Cytotherapy. 2014 Apr; 16(4): S86.
6. A Congenital Midline Sinus of the Upper Lip.Fok D, Kua EHJ, Por YC.Accepted for publication in Singapore Medical Journal(SMJ - 2014 - 183R1).
7. Cryoinjury With Compartment Syndrome of Bilateral Hands Secondary to Freon Gas: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature.EHJ Kua, Tanri NP, Tan BK, Ng SW.Eur J Plast Surg. 2015 Feb; 38(1): 77 - 80.
8. The Oblique Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction After Resection of a Spermatic Cord Liposarcoma.Sun MF, EHJ Kua, Leo KW.Accepted for publication in Archives of Plastic Surgery.
9. A General Algorithm for Chest Wall Reconstruction Based on a Retrospective Review.Kua EHJ, Chia HL, Goh TLH, Chong HL, Ng SW, Tan BK.Eur J Plast Surg. 2015 Jun; 38(3): 211 - 220.
10. Adipocyte and Preadipocyte Viability in Autologous Fat Grafts: Comparing the Water Jet - Assisted Liposuction(WAL) and Coleman Techniques.Chia HL, Woo E, Por TC, Ma DR, Chang K, Mok J, EHJ Kua, Yeow V.Eur J Plast Surg. 2015 Jun; 38(3): 183 - 188.
11. In Vitro Characterization of Human Hair Follicle Dermal Sheath Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Potential in Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing.Ma D, Kua JE, Lim WK, Lee ST, Chua AW.Cytotherapy. 2015 Aug; 17(8): 1036 - 51.
12. Human Umbilical Cord Lining - Derived Epithelial Cells: A Potential Source of Non - Native Epithelial Cells That Accelerate Healing in a Porcine Cutaneous Wound Model.Kua JEH, Siow CW, Lim WK, Masilamani J, Tjin MS, Yeong J, Lim TKH, Phan TT, Chua AWC.Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Aug 10; 23(16): 8918.
1. Management of Heat Injuries. Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines. First author. Published April 2011.
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 Principal Investigator | Project The Use of Umbilical Cord Derived Cells to Enhance Wound Healing in Burns | Grant National Medical Research Council Grant |
| Role Principal Investigator | Project Allogenic Uterus Transplantation and Pregnancy in a Primate Model | Grant Department Grant |
| Role Principal Investigator | Project The Effect of Dermal Papilla Mesenchymal Cell-derived Conditioned Medium on Wound Healing | Grant SingHealth Foundation Start-Up Grant |
| Role Co-Investigator | Project Elucidating the Mechanism of Enhanced Wound Healing by Hair Follicle Sheath Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Conditioned Medium | Grant SingHealth Research Grant |
| Role Project Manager | Project Implementation of Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) in NUH | Grant Health Service Development Program (HSDP) Grant |
| Role Collaborator | Project CT Angiography for Screening of Medium Risk Patients | Grant Singapore Armed Forces Grant |
| Role Project Manager | Project Development of the 3-in-1 Bandage | Grant Collaboration with Defense Medical Research Institute (DMERI) |
Hospital Accreditations
Dr Kua 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
- Singapore General 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
