Breast Surgery

Breast Reduction

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists.

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We have invited only the very best consultants to practice at our specialist clinic.

Our state-of the-art award winning facilities are located right in the heart of London.

Award Winning Specialist Clinic

We’ve won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.

Industry Leading Consultants

We’ve invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.

Care Quality Commission

We’re regulated by the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

GMC Registered Surgeons

All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.

What is Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction, or 'mammoplasty', is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the volume of the breast, in order to make it smaller and – in some cases – more shapely.

Breast reduction surgery focusses on removing excess tissue in the breast, as well as fat and skin to lighten the weight and prominence of the breast. Your nipples will be reshaped or raised, along with the breast, which will create a perkier – and ultimately more aesthetic - breast shape.

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most common procedures in the UK, accounting for roughly 15% of all cosmetic surgical procedures in the UK.

The Breast Reduction procedure is ideal for patients with naturally very large breasts that cause discomfort or inconvenience, or those that have permanently increased in size following childbirth. Breast reduction is appropriate for both women and men (for male breast reduction please view our 'gynaecomastia' page) who feel that their breasts are oversized or are not in proportion with the rest of their body.

The Cadogan Clinic employ virtual imaging software to help you visualize potential outcomes in your individual case via Crisalix Imaging software, as well as carefully manage expectations and increase the chances of achieving your goals.

Breast Reduction
At a glance

Surgery Time

2 - 3 hours

Time off work

1 - 2 weeks

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

After 1 week

Reasonable Mobility

After 1 day

Exercise

6 weeks

Bras & Garments

Sports bra worn for 8 weeks

Sexual Activity

Restricted activity after 4 weeks

Sleeping on back recommended for 1-2 weeks

1 -2 weeks

Full Recovery

6 - 8 weeks

Driving

2 weeks

Before and after

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Why do people have it?

Female breast size is determined by several factors, including genetics, body weight, and hormonal influences. Breasts can also be affected after giving birth, resulting in an undesirable change in breast shape and size.

Unfortunately, larger breasts can often be associated with a variety of problems, ranging from self-consciousness and inconvenience (especially if you are particularly sporty, or if you struggle to find flattering, well-fitting bras and clothes), through to more serious discomfort. This can include backache, neck pain and skin irritation such as rashes under the breasts. There are also issues that arise such as an inability to take part in certain sports or exercise due to overly large breast size.

Many women desire to have a breast reduction after giving birth when the breast begins to sag lower than before. However, many women have breast reductions prior to having children and are concerned about the ability to breastfeed after surgery. During the procedure, care is taken by your highly skilled surgeon to retain connections between the remaining breast tissue and the skin, in order to preserve breastfeeding capability.

Who is suitable?

Cadogan Clinic considers individuals fit for the procedure, if all of the following are true of them:

An adult with fully developed breasts
Physically and psychologically fit and healthy
Concerned by the size or shape of at least one of their breasts, either for aesthetic or comfort reasons
Have realistic expectations of what can be achieved by surgery

Words from our clients:

"I was extremely satisfied with the care and treatment I received at the Cadogan Clinic. My surgeon was friendly and informative and explained the procedure fully. My procedure went very well and with the excellent care of the nursing staff, I made a speedy and full recovery. Would recommend to anyone."

Eva Berry

"At the beginning before the operation the nurse taking care of me made me feel so comfortable. The surgeon and anesthetist helped me feel so calm. Fantastic before and after treatment"

Scarlett Elliott

"The girls on the reception at the clinic were very pleasant and professional. The nurse who took out my stitches after my surgery was just lovely and took me through step by step what she was doing and she also recommended a great cream to use to help with healing."

Georgina Nolan

“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."

Courtney O'Sullivan

"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."

Gemma Stevenson

"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."

Emma Davies

The cost of a Breast Reduction

Get in touch now to get a price

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses

What does it involve?

The Breast Reduction, or mammoplasty, procedure is an invasive surgical procedure that is performed under general anaesthetic and takes between 2 -3 hours to perform.

The overall effect is to reduce the volume of the breast, and perhaps in some case, reposition the breast and nipple to generate the optimal aesthetic look. Whilst there are several techniques generally employed, each involves the reduction in the size of the breast via excision and reshaping of the breast mound and repositioning of the nipple.

The procedure is commonly combined with a breast uplift procedure to restore the optimal positioning of the breast post-surgery.

The blood supply is preserved to leave a fully functioning and proportionate breast post-surgery, hanging in the most regular position.

Recovery time tends to be between 1 – 2 weeks, during which time we recommend some time off work and reduced physical movement until the swelling has subsided. Regular physical activity and exercise can be fully resumed in roughly 6 weeks.

Breast Reduction for men

We offer breast reduction for men to treat Gynaecomastia, which is a common condition that causes the male breasts to become enlarged. This can be caused by hormone imbalance, obesity, old age or puberty, or it can occur naturally without reason. Gynaecomastiacan cause men to feel self-conscious, and the treatment for this is an excellent way to regain that confidence and have your desired chest.

The surgery for men is performed in a slightly different method, with the focus on avoiding visible scars, and often liposuction alone is adequate to create the desired results. We also offer Nipple Reduction for men who suffer a condition called 'Puffy Nipple'.

Breast Reduction Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.

Miss Farida Ali

Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr. David Gateley

Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr. Garrick Georgeu

Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr. Edmund Fitzgerald O’Connor

Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons

Mr. Hazim Sadideen

Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Mr. Will Sarakbi

Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon

Mr Mark Solomos

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Mr. Paul Tulley

Plastic Surgeon

Mr. William Van Niekerk

Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

What to expect

Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.

01.The consultation

The first step for all of our patients is to meet with the surgeon we feel is most suite to you and best placed to perform your procedure for a consultation.

At the consultation you will be able to discuss with your surgeon what your hope to achieve from the breast reduction procedure, as well as discuss in detail what may or may not be possible given your existing breast anatomy, bone structure and skin quality.

A comprehensive discussion regarding risks and complications will take place, alongside a discussion regarding the post procedure and recovery phase. Your previous medical history will also be recorded (including previous surgery, medications, allergies etc.) and an assessment of your fitness for surgery.

If your surgeon feels you are a good candidate for surgery, you are then invited to consider whether you would like to proceed for surgery or otherwise following a two week 'cooling off' period.

Within this period you are welcome to come in and discuss your potential surgery with your surgeon as many times as you like.

02.Leading up to procedure

If you choose to proceed with surgery, the next time you come into the Clinic after your final consultation will be the day of your procedure.

Before admission the following behavioural changes are recommended / required:

In the 6 weeks before your procedure we recommend smoking is discontinued as patients who smoke have a higher risk of healing more slowly and complications
In the week before your procedure you must cease taking Aspirin or any medication that contains Aspirin
In the 6 hours prior to surgery you must not consume food or any drink, other than small sips of clear fluid (e.g. still water, black coffee, black tea) which are allowed up to 2 hours before admission

03.On the day

On the day of your procedure we ask that you arrive for your admission an hour before the agreed start time of surgery. At this point a nurse will come and record blood pressure and other relevant tests, you will meet with your anaesthetist and your surgeon who will make the final mark-ups.

The procedure itself is takes place under general anaesthetic over the course of between two and three hours. The surgery involves the placement of an incision underneath the breast, the excision of breast tissue and volume via this incision, and then finally the repositioning of the nipple.

Following the procedure, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms for between two to three hours, dependent on the scale of the procedure. Once our specialist nursing team are happy that your initial recovery is complete and you are safe to return home, you will be allowed to leave the Clinic accompanied by a friend or member of your family.

04.Treatment recovery

Once home you will have access to our dedicated oncall nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and recovery, and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post operative phase.

Breast Reduction recovery is fairly quick and any residual discomfort should subside in a matter of days. Patients are able to return to a normal routine after a week following the procedure. The full healing process is between 2 – 3 weeks. You will have some bruising and swelling, but it will be gone after a few days and you'll be able to get back to your normal routine.

We advise patients to take a week off work whilst swelling is at its peak. We ask our patients to be sensitive to their breast area during this time, and not try to do too much too soon. We also recommend avoiding UV light for 2 -4 weeks to aid the scarring process.

We ask that you come in and see our nursing team 1 week after surgery to ensure your incision sites have been properly reviewed. At this juncture we also recommend you meet with one of our on site aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing process.

You should start to see your results clearly after 6 week mark. We ask that you come in to see your surgeon after 6 weeks for a post procedure for a final check up.

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure, meaning advanced sedation techniques are employed to enable you to recover more quickly after surgery and return home on the day of your breast reduction surgery.

Whilst there are several breast reduction surgery techniques, each essentially involves reducing a proportion of the breast volume via excision and reshaping the breast mound such that the nipple is lifted into a more normal position, while preserving the blood supply to the elevated nipple and areolar complex. The overall effect is a more ‘pert’ breast hanging in a more regular position.

Your surgeon will explain his or her preferred breast reduction surgery technique at your consultation and where the incision is to be placed accordingly.

Will I have to wear a garment after breast reduction surgery?

You will need to wear a garment day and night for at least three weeks after breast reduction surgery, and may be for as long as 6 - 8 weeks.

Whilst different surgeons will operate according to slightly different protocols following breast reduction surgery, you will need to wear a garment for at least 3 weeks after your breast reduction surgery.

This might be a specialised lycra compression garment made specifically for those who have recently undergone breast reduction surgery, or simply a sports bra depending on your surgeons preference.

Either way, the compression garment is worn to support the breasts and protect the wounds. It is particularly necessary for when you are undertaking more vigorous activity and exercise.

Will I lose sensation after breast reduction surgery?

Sensation loss is rarely an issue after breast reduction surgery, but on occasion can occur.

Women with very large breasts often never have significant feeling in the nipples and in the event that sensation is reduced after breast reduction surgery, it is unlikely to be missed.

What are the main recommendations for breast reduction aftercare?

General advice is to take two weeks off work following breast reduction surgery, since swelling is greatest during this time and it is advisable to give wounds time to heal. During this period it is advisable to keep physical activity to a minimum or drive. It is, however, advisable to mobilise as soon as possible after breast reduction surgery.

If stitches need to be removed, this is generally carried out at about two weeks after the operation. At this stage dressings are removed and women are encouraged to wear comfortable crop tops or sports bras for support until any swelling and discomfort has resolved, after which they can start wearing normal bras in their new size – this may take a few weeks longer.

Massage and moisturizing are a vital process of breast reduction aftercare and expert advice will be given on the best techniques from our dedicated team.

What scars are left from breast reduction surgery?

Following traditional breast reduction techniques, you should expect a small degree of scarring.

There are different techniques for breast reduction and the scars created will depend on the technique employed, as well as the patient in question and the size of the breasts being reduced. Most commonly you should expect some scarring around the nipple, across the bottom of the breast fold, and a vertical scar linking the nipple scar to the breast fold scar giving rise to the so-called ‘inverted T’ or anchor pattern. Some surgeons prefer to perform the operation omitting the breast fold scar giving rise to the ‘vertical scar’ reduction. Not everybody is necessarily eligible for this and it tends to be used for not such large breasts.

Due to our specialism in liposuction, it is possible in some cases to perform breast reduction using liposuction techniques only. This technique is often known as ‘scarless breast reduction’ since the incisions required can be made in less prominent positions, such as under the arms, where they cannot be seen.

Regardless of which technique you undergo, Cadogan Clinic is able to provide each and every one of its patients with access to one of London’s most advanced scar minimization programmes, led by our scar prevention team here at the Clinic. Our nurses have decades of experience and will provide you with the tools and techniques to support your healing process as effectively as possible.

Can you have breast reduction surgery without scars?

Breast reduction surgery necessarily requires an incision that will result in a breast reduction scar that will likely be red and slightly raised in the weeks and months after your procedure, before it fades completely.

Breast reduction scar visibility can, however, be greatly impacted by the quality of the surgeon you choose, as well as the level of aftercare you receive.

In the hands of a skilled surgeon the breast reduction scar can be positioned very discreetly during your breast reduction surgery, whilst an expert scar minimization team can provide you with the tools and techniques to enhance the healing process. For example, the appearance of your breast reduction scars can be reduced by regular moisturisation and massage techniques, all of which our dedicated team will advise our patients in the days following your procedure.

Due to our specialism in liposuction, it is possible in some cases to perform breast reduction surgery using liposuction techniques only. This technique is often known as ‘scarless breast reduction’ since the incisions required can be made in less prominent positions, such as under the arms, where they can not been seen.

Breast reduction surgery recovery time: how long does it take?

Breast reduction recovery time varies from case to case but you should be able to return to your normal day-to-day activities after about two weeks. However, we recommend our patients be sensitive to their body and try not to do too much too soon, ceasing activities after or during which any pain is experienced.

We recommend temporary suspension of activities such as going to the gym, and practicing aerobics and sports that involve using your arms. Any activity that requires lifting your elbows above your shoulders should also be carefully monitored.

All breast reduction techniques require an incision that will result in a scar that will likely be red and slightly raised in the weeks and months after your procedure, before fading completely.

Scar visibility can, however, be greatly impacted by the quality of the surgeon you choose, as well as the level of aftercare you receive. In the hands of a skilled surgeon the scar can be positioned very discreetly, whilst an expert scar minimization team can provide you with the tools and techniques to enhance the healing process. For example, scar the appearance can be reduced by regular moisturisation and massage techniques, all of which our dedicated team will advise our patients in the days following your procedure.

Due to our specialism in liposuction, it is possible in some cases to perform breast reduction using liposuction techniques only. This technique is often known as ‘scarless breast reduction’ since the incisions required can be made in less prominent positions, such as under the arms, where they can not been seen.

Is breast reduction surgery right for heavy breasts?

Breast reduction surgery is a highly effective technique to help lose breast weight and reduce the impact of large, heavy breasts.

Heavy breasts are uncomfortable and can cause both physical discomfort and pain, and psychological distress.

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue from naturally large and heavy breasts and relieves the associated discomfort.

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

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At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

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We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

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What are the risks?

Complications are rare although, as with all surgery, possible. Your surgeon will discuss each of these risks comprehensively at your consultation. Read our FAQ section for more information.

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