What Breast Augmentation Surgery Can Achieve
Breast augmentation surgery increases breast size while also improving breast shape and contour. It may be performed for aesthetic reasons or to restore lost breast volume following pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or ageing.
The aim of surgery is not simply to add volume, but to achieve a result that looks natural, feels balanced and is proportionate to your individual anatomy. Through careful implant selection and surgical planning, breast augmentation can create a fuller, more youthful breast shape that aligns with your goals.
Your Surgical Journey
Your surgical journey begins with a personalised consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows time to discuss your goals and expectations and to develop a plan tailored specifically to you.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthetic. The incision is placed within the natural breast crease to minimise scarring. The implants may be positioned above or beneath the muscle depending on your anatomy.
The procedure may be performed on its own or combined with a breast lift or body contouring surgery where appropriate.
Recovery and Aftercare
Initially after surgery, your breasts may feel firm and sit higher on the chest. Over the following weeks and months, swelling settles and the implants gradually soften and settle into a more natural position.
Most patients require approximately one week away from work, depending on the physical demands of their role. Detailed guidance regarding activity restrictions, garment use, scar care and return to exercise is provided as part of your personalised post-operative care plan.
Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?
You may be suitable for breast augmentation if you wish to enhance breast volume or restore breast shape following changes related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation or ageing.
A personalised consultation with Dr Collins allows for careful assessment of your anatomy and goals, ensuring the chosen approach is tailored specifically to you.
Breast Augmentation in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of breast implants to increase breast volume and improve shape and contour. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Implants are inserted through a carefully planned incision, most commonly hidden within the natural breast crease, and positioned either beneath or above the pectoralis major muscle depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Both have an outer silicone shell. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants contain medical-grade cohesive silicone gel.
Dr Collins almost exclusively uses silicone implants, as they more closely replicate the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Implant choice is discussed individually during your consultation.
Implant size selection is based on a detailed assessment of your anatomy, including breast base width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, height, and overall body proportions. Rather than aiming for a specific bra cup size, the focus is on achieving a balanced, natural result.
Matching implant size to the width of your natural breast is essential for achieving a harmonious and well-proportioned outcome. During your consultation, measurements are taken, standardised photography is performed, and trial sizers are used to guide discussions around size and to develop a personalised surgical plan.
Final implant selection is confirmed during surgery, allowing real-time assessment of tissue response and symmetry. Intra-operative sizing helps ensure the most suitable implant is selected for your individual anatomy.
Both round and anatomical implants can produce excellent results. Traditionally, round implants tend to provide more fullness in the upper breast, while anatomical implants create a more tapered upper pole to mimic the natural slope of the breast.
Ergonomix implants are a modern type of round implant designed to move with you. They adapt to body position, appearing fuller when lying down and forming a more natural, teardrop-like contour when standing.
Implant choice is guided by your anatomy and aesthetic goals and discussed in detail during your consultation.
Breast implants may be placed partially beneath the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular or dual-plane) or above the muscle (subglandular). In most cases, partial submuscular placement is preferred, as it provides a smoother transition from the chest wall to the breast and is associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture.
Each implant position has advantages and limitations. When implants are placed beneath the muscle, some patients may notice implant movement with muscle contraction (known as animation). When implants are placed above the muscle, there may be an increased risk of implant visibility, rippling, or a less natural appearance.
Implant placement is individualised and discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr Collins, taking into account your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Preparation is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome. During your consultation, Dr Collins will review your medical history, anatomy, and goals to help plan your surgery safely and effectively.
For optimal results, your weight should be stable and within a healthy range for several months prior to surgery. Patients must be completely nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping, and nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
While breast augmentation surgery can be performed as a day procedure, most patients stay in hospital for one night. This allows for appropriate monitoring, pain management, and comfort during the early recovery period.
Yes. Breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift, fat grafting, or body contouring procedures, depending on your anatomy and goals.
In selected patients, fat grafting may be an option. This involves harvesting fat from another area of your body using liposuction and transferring it to the breasts. Fat grafting can help restore lost volume, improve shape and contour, and correct mild asymmetry without the use of implants.
Most women with breast implants are able to breastfeed. Breast augmentation does not usually interfere with milk production, although individual factors vary and this will be discussed during your consultation.
No. Women with breast implants can still undergo effective breast cancer screening using mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. Radiographers use specialised techniques to image breast tissue safely and accurately.
Initially, your breasts may feel firm and sit higher on the chest. Overtime, swelling settles and the implants soften and descend into a more natural position.
You can expect a small, discreet scar after surgery. The incision is usually placed within the inframammary fold, where it is concealed in the natural crease beneath the breast. Scars are initially red and more noticeable, but typically fade and soften over 12–18 months. Following the recommended scar management protocol supports optimal healing and the best possible aesthetic outcome.
No. Dissolvable sutures are used.
Allowing yourself time to heal is an important part of your recovery following surgery. For the first two weeks after surgery, you should avoid activities that involve lifting your arms above shoulder height. This helps minimise strain on healing incisions and implant pockets. You will be asked to wear a supportive bra day and night for the first three weeks to support healing and optimise your result.
This depends on the nature of your work. Most patients are able to return to work within one week. Roles involving heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity may require a longer period away, with such activities avoided for approximately six weeks.
Driving is usually safe to resume after about one week, provided you can comfortably turn the steering wheel, check blind spots, and perform an emergency stop without discomfort.
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery. More strenuous exercise and upper-body activity should be avoided for approximately six weeks to protect your surgical result. Dr Collins will provide a personalised return-to-exercise plan tailored to you.
Breast augmentation is a well-established surgical procedure. Modern breast implants have an excellent safety profile supported by robust scientific data. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. These may include pain, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, adverse scarring, seroma, haematoma, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant movement or rupture, and the possibility of revision surgery in the future. Rare conditions, including Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) will also be discussed.
No surgical outcome can be guaranteed. Dr Collins will take the time to explain all potential risks in detail and ensure you feel fully informed before making any decision about surgery.
Modern breast implants are designed to last for many years. Over time, factors such as ageing, pregnancy, weight fluctuation or personal preference may influence breast appearance, and some patients may choose to consider revision surgery at a later stage.
Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on a number of factors, including anatomy, tissue quality, healing response and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks and limitations are discussed in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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