What a Breast Lift with Implants Can Achieve
Changes associated with ageing, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuation can cause the breasts to lose volume and sit lower on the chest. A breast lift with implants, also known as an augmentation mastopexy, combines lifting and reshaping the breasts with the placement of implants to address both concerns in a single procedure.
The breast lift elevates the nipple position and tightens the skin envelope, while implants restore lost volume and improve projection. Together, this approach can enhance breast size, shape, symmetry and overall balance, creating a fuller yet lifted breast appearance that aligns with your aesthetic 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 develop a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
A breast lift with implants is performed under general anaesthetic. Because this procedure is more complex than either an augmentation or breast lift alone, Dr Collins may occasionally recommend a staged approach to optimise safety and achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Initially after surgery, your breasts may feel firm and sit high on your chest. Over the following weeks and months, swelling settles and the implants gradually soften and settle into a more natural position.
For the first two weeks after surgery, you should avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height to minimise strain on the healing incisions. Dr Collins’ post-operative garment and scar management protocols are an important part of recovery and support the best possible aesthetic outcome. Most patients require approximately one to two weeks away from work, depending on the physical demands of their role.
Is a Breast Lift with Implants Right for You?
You may be suitable for a breast lift with implants if your concerns include both breast droop and loss of volume.
A personalised consultation with Dr Collins allows for a careful assessment of your anatomy and goals, ensuring the most appropriate approach is recommended for you. This may involve a single-stage or two-stage procedure, with a strong focus on safety, longevity of results and natural proportions.
Breast Lift with Implants in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
An augmentation mastopexy, also known as a breast lift with implants, combines a breast lift with breast augmentation in a single procedure. The breast lift reshapes the breast and elevates the nipple position, while implants restore volume and improve projection. This approach addresses both breast droop and volume loss simultaneously.
A breast augmentation can enhance breast size and shape and may provide a modest lifting effect in selected patients. However, if the breasts are significantly deflated or the nipples sit low on the breast mound, augmentation alone may not achieve an optimal result and can require implants that are disproportionately large, potentially compromising balance, longevity, and natural proportions.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Breast implants are placed first, followed by removal of excess skin and reshaping of the underlying breast tissue. The nipple-areola complex is resized and repositioned to a higher, more natural position to suit the new breast shape. The incision pattern depends on the degree of lift required and is discussed in detail during your consultation.
Modern silicone implants are used and are selected to suit your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Implant size, shape, and placement are individualised to complement the breast lift while maintaining natural proportions and long-term results.
Yes. A breast lift with implants is technically more complex than either procedure performed on its own. In some cases, a two-stage approach may be recommended to optimise safety and achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation if relevant to you.
Yes. In most cases, the nipple-areola complex is resized and repositioned to achieve a lifted, balanced, and natural-looking result. Nipple position and blood supply are carefully considered, with a strong focus on maintaining nipple viability and symmetry.
In the majority of cases, nipple sensation is preserved. Temporary changes in sensation are common and usually improve over time. Permanent changes are uncommon but possible and are discussed during your consultation.
In selected patients, fat grafting may be used in combination with a breast lift to restore modest volume. However, implants are usually required when a more significant or predictable volume increase is desired.
Preparing well is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome. During your consultation, your medical history, anatomy, goals, and expectations are reviewed to help plan your surgery safely and effectively.
The best results are achieved when your weight has been stable and within a healthy range for approximately three months prior to surgery. Patients must be nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping, and nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
Most patients stay in hospital for one night following surgery. This allows for appropriate monitoring, pain management, and comfort during the early recovery period.
In the early post-operative period, your breasts may feel firm and appear higher on the chest. Over the following weeks and months, swelling settles and the implants gradually soften and settle into a more natural position.
For the first two weeks after surgery, you should avoid activities that involve lifting your arms above shoulder height to 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.
The extent and pattern of scarring depend on the degree of lift required. Incisions may include scars around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the inframammary fold. 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 aesthetic outcome.
No. Dissolvable sutures are used.
Most patients return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their role. 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.
A breast lift with implants is a well-established procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. These include pain, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, adverse scarring, seroma, haematoma, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, capsular contracture, implant movement or rupture, the potential need for revision surgery, and, rarely, partial or complete loss of the nipple–areola complex.
Rare conditions, including Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), are discussed during your consultation.You will be given the opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel fully informed before making any decision about surgery.
A breast lift with implants is designed to provide long-lasting improvement in breast shape, contour, and volume. Over time, factors such as ageing, gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuation may influence breast appearance. Some patients may consider revision surgery at a later stage depending on their goals and circumstances.
Yes. Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on factors such as anatomy, tissue quality, healing response, and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks, and limitations are discussed aspart of the informed consent process.
Online Enquiry
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please complete your details below.