What Breast Reduction Surgery Can Achieve
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue to create smaller, more proportionate breasts.
This can relieve physical symptoms such as neck, shoulder and back pain, bra strap indentations and irritation beneath the breasts, as well as improve posture and make physical activity more comfortable.
Many patients also experience greater comfort in clothing and increased body confidence.
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 carefully considered surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and typically involves a one to two night stay in hospital. This allows for appropriate monitoring and comfort during the early stages of recovery.
Recovery and Aftercare
For the first two weeks after surgery, you should avoid activities that involve lifting your arms above shoulder height, as this helps minimise strain on the healing incisions. You will be asked to wear a supportive bra day and night for three weeks and to follow Dr Collins’ scar management protocol to support the best possible aesthetic outcome.
Depending on the nature of your work, you may require up to three weeks away to recover.
Is Breast Reduction Right for You?
You may be suitable for a breast reduction if your concerns include physical discomfort, limitations in physical activity or breast size that feels disproportionate to your body.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment and discussion of the surgical approach most appropriate for you, with a focus on safety and wellbeing.
Breast Reduction in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, firmer breasts with improved shape and contour. The nipple-areola complex is resized and repositioned to a higher, more natural position to suit the new breast shape. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to address excess tissue at the sides of the breasts or under the arms.
In most breast reduction procedures, the nipple-areola complex is resized and repositioned to achieve a lifted, balanced, and natural-looking result. Dr Collins carefully considers nipple position and blood supply as part of the surgical technique, with a strong focus on maintaining nipple viability and symmetry.
Inmost breast reduction procedures, the nipple-areola complex remains attached to the underlying breast tissue. Dr Collins plans the surgical technique to prioritise nipple viability and preserve sensation wherever it is safe to do so.
In some cases, particularly where breasts are very large, it may not be possible to safely reposition the nipples while keeping them attached to their original blood supply. In these situations, a different technique called a free nipple graft may be required, where the nipple–areola complex is removed and grafted back onto the reduced breast in a new, more suitable position.
When a free nipple graft is used, normal nipple sensation does not return, and the milk ducts are disrupted, meaning breastfeeding would not be possible in the future. This is discussed in detail during your consultation if it is likely to be required.
Drains are usually placed in the breasts to reduce the risk of fluid build-up (seroma). These are removed once drainage has reduced to a safe level.
No. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the wounds.
Preparing well is an important part of your surgical journey and helps support the best possible outcome. During your consultation, Dr Collins will review your medical history, anatomy, goals, and expectations 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 completely nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping, and all nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
Yes. Depending on your age and clinical history, Dr Collins will arrange appropriate breast imaging prior to surgery.
This depends on your individual policy. Some insurers may contribute towards the cost if specific criteria are met, which can include documented physical symptoms, the volume of tissue to be removed, and normal pre-operative imaging.
Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights. This allows for appropriate monitoring, pain management, and comfort during the early recovery period.
Allowing yourself time to heal is an important part of your recovery. For the first two weeks after surgery, you should avoid activities that involve lifting your arms above shoulder height to minimise strain on the healing incisions. You will also be asked to wear a supportive, non-underwired bra day and night for the first three weeks, followed by daytime wear for a further three weeks.
This depends on the nature of your work. Most patients require two to three weeks away from work to recover.
Driving is usually safe to resume around one week after surgery, once you can turn the steering wheel, check blind spots, and perform an emergency stop without discomfort.
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery. More strenuous or high-impact activities should be avoided for six weeks to protect your surgical result. Dr Collins will provide a personalised return-to-exercise plan tailored to you.
Initially after surgery, your breasts may feel firm and sit higher on the chest. Swelling is expected. Over the following weeks and months, the breasts gradually soften and settle into a more natural shape and position.
The most common incision pattern used by Dr Collins is the anchor-shaped (inverted T) scar. This includes a scar around the areola, a vertical scar extending downward, and a horizontal scar hidden within the natural curve of the breast. Initially, scars appear red and more noticeable, but over 12–18 months they typically fade and soften. Following Dr Collins’ scar management protocol supports optimal healing and aesthetic outcome.
Breast reduction surgery does not aim for a specific bra size. During your consultation, Dr Collins will discuss your goals and help set realistic expectations. The focus of surgery is on relieving physical symptoms, improving shape and contour, and achieving balanced proportions that suit your body.
Breast reduction is a well-established procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. These include pain, bleeding, wound infection, delayed healing, adverse scarring, seroma, haematoma, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, partial or complete loss of the nipple-areola complex, and the potential need for revision surgery. These risks are discussed in detail during your consultation.
Breast reduction is designed to provide long-lasting improvement in breast size, shape, and comfort. Over time, factors such as weight fluctuation, pregnancy, ageing, and gravity may influence breast appearance. Some patients may consider revision surgery at a later stage, depending on their individual 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 in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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