Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Personally tailored procedures are available from botonics at our Harley Street clinic, in the heart of London’s private medical community.

Very large breasts can cause physical problems including back and neck pain, shoulder discomfort from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breast, and breathing difficulties. For many women, breast reduction surgery brings significant relief from these symptoms alongside a change in appearance. The aim is to create smaller, more proportionate breasts that are better suited to your frame and lifestyle.

Breast reduction can also reduce the size of the areola where this has stretched over time. Your botonics surgeon will discuss what’s achievable for your specific anatomy during your consultation.

Am I A Suitable Candidate For Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery may be suitable for women experiencing physical discomfort or self-consciousness as a result of disproportionately large breasts, provided they are in good general health and have realistic expectations.

The following are contraindications:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: surgery is not carried out on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also worth considering that breast reduction may affect the ability to breastfeed in future, and this should be discussed at consultation.
• Significant obesity: candidates with a very high BMI may be advised to reach a more stable weight before surgery, as significant weight changes after the procedure can affect results.
• Active skin infection or open wounds in the treatment area: these must be fully resolved before surgery can take place.
• Smoking: smoking affects healing and increases the risk of complications. Patients are typically advised to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
• Unrealistic expectations: your surgeon will discuss likely outcomes honestly at consultation and will not proceed if the desired result cannot be safely achieved.

If you are unsure whether you are a suitable candidate, a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons at our Harley Street clinic is the right place to start.

Your Journey From Start To Finish

1. Step One

   Consultation and Planning

   Your journey begins with a consultation with your botonics consultant plastic surgeon. They will assess your anatomy, discuss your symptoms and goals, and explain the surgical approach in detail. Your treatment plan is agreed at this stage, including the technique to be used and what results are realistic for your body. Nothing is decided without your full understanding and consent.

2. Step Two

   Preparation

   Before your procedure, you will receive clear pre-operative guidance, including advice on medications, smoking, and what to expect on the day. On the day itself, the treatment areas are marked before you are given a general anaesthetic. Breast reduction at botonics is performed under general anaesthetic, so you will be unconscious throughout the procedure.

3. Step Three

   The Procedure

   Your surgeon removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, then reshapes the remaining breast tissue to create a smaller, firmer profile. Where appropriate, the areola may also be reduced and repositioned. The procedure typically takes two to three hours. Incisions are closed carefully to minimise scarring.

4. Step Four

   Recovery and Aftercare

   Most patients stay in the clinic for one night following surgery. You will be helped into a post-operative support bra before you leave, which should be worn as advised by your surgeon. Your botonics team will arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and answer any questions.

Recovering From Breast Reduction Surgery

Recovery happens in stages, and knowing what to expect can make it easier to plan ahead.

Days 1 to 3: Rest as much as possible. Any surgical drains will be monitored and managed by your care team, and pain relief will be provided to help keep you comfortable. Keep movement gentle during this period.

Days 4 to 7: Your first post-operative check will usually take place within this window. Your surgeon will assess how you are healing and change your dressings. Most patients are still resting at home at this stage.

Week 2: Most patients with desk-based roles can return to work around this point, provided their job does not involve heavy lifting or strenuous movement.

Weeks 3 to 4: Driving and light activity can usually resume once you feel comfortable with your movement and are no longer taking strong pain medication.

Week 6: Most patients can return to exercise around this stage, building activity back up gradually rather than jumping straight into high-impact workouts.

3 to 6 months: Swelling continues to subside during this period, and your breast shape gradually settles.

12 to 18 months: Scars continue to mature and fade over this longer timeframe.

Everyone heals at a different pace, so these milestones should be treated as a general guide. Your botonics surgeon will give you a recovery plan tailored to your procedure and health.

Cost of treatment

Risks And Complications Of Breast Reduction

As with any surgical procedure, you should understand the risks before going ahead. Your surgeon will explain these carefully as part of the consultation and consent process.

• Scarring: all breast reduction procedures involve incisions and therefore some degree of scarring. Scars typically fade significantly over time but will not disappear entirely.
• Bruising and swelling: these are common after surgery and usually settle within the first few weeks.
• Infection: this is rare but possible. Clinical hygiene protocols and post-operative care help reduce the risk.
• Asymmetry: subtle asymmetry is a recognised risk with breast procedures. Your surgeon plans each procedure carefully with the aim of achieving a balanced, proportionate result.
• Changes to nipple sensation: temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur following surgery.
• Difficulty breastfeeding: breast reduction may affect the ability to breastfeed. This should be discussed at consultation if relevant to your future plans.