Breast reduction

For women living with large or heavy breasts, it’s not just body confidence that can be affected but your lifestyle as a whole.

Large breasts can result in a persistent ache. They can make finding clothes that fit hard. They can even stop you doing the things you love. Breast reduction surgery can restore proportion, comfort and ease.

Whether you’re dealing with physical discomfort or simply want to feel more like yourself again, this procedure can offer meaningful, lasting relief.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery – also known as reduction mammoplasty – is a procedure to reduce the size, weight and volume of the breasts by removing excess tissue, fat and skin. The breasts are then carefully reshaped and lifted, and the nipple repositioned to sit in natural proportion with your new contour.

The result is smaller, lighter and better-proportioned breasts – and for most women, significant relief from the physical and emotional weight that came with them.

I also provide gender-affirming breast reduction for transgender men.

Is breast reduction surgery right for you?

Women typically seek this surgery when:

They experience chronic neck, back or shoulder pain caused by breast weight
Physical activity has become limited or uncomfortable
Posture has been affected over time
Finding well-fitting clothing has become a daily frustration
Breast size has increased following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuation
The emotional burden of carrying disproportionately large breasts has begun to affect confidence and wellbeing

You should be in good general health, have realistic expectations and ideally be at or close to a stable weight. If you’re planning a future pregnancy, this is something I will discuss with you carefully at your consultation. I ask all my patients to stop smoking – or using any nicotine products – from 4 weeks before procedures until 6 weeks after to avoid compromised wound healing and anaesthesia risks.

As a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, I bring a reconstructive approach to every aesthetic procedure – considering proportion, symmetry and long-term wellbeing, not just size reduction. Many of my patients also value the perspective a female surgeon brings to decisions so closely connected to body image and identity.

Book a consultation

“I understand that this is not a small decision. My role is to help you feel informed, supported and confident in whatever path you choose.”

Consultation

We’ll discuss your concerns, lifestyle and goals, assess your anatomy, and decide together whether surgery is right for you and what outcome would best support your comfort and wellbeing. I’ll also advise on what cup size you can safely reduce down to. I lay out your options and the decision on how to proceed is entirely yours.

Procedure

Performed under general anaesthetic, the surgery takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Most patients are admitted as a day case. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed, the breasts are reshaped and the nipples are repositioned. Liposuction may be used to refine the contour of the breasts to achieve the most natural look.

Recovery and aftercare

You will wear a supportive surgical bra for 4 to 6 weeks. Most patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks and exercise at 4 to 6 weeks. I provide personalised guidance on rest, wound care and nutrition, and follow-up appointments are included as part of your care.

Scarring

Scars follow a consistent pattern: around the areola, vertically to the breast crease, and along the crease. They evolve over 12 to 24 months and typically become much less visible over time. We can discuss your individual expectations openly at your consultation.

Risks

No surgical outcome can be guaranteed, and I will always be transparent about what surgery involves. Possible risks include:

Infection, bleeding or haematoma
Altered or reduced nipple sensation
Asymmetry
Thickened or darkened scarring
Reduced ability to breastfeed

I encourage you to ask questions at every stage. Being fully informed is an essential part of making a decision you feel confident in.

The results

The benefits of breast reduction surgery are functional and emotional as well as aesthetic.

The majority of patients report not just a physical change, but a meaningful shift in how they move through everyday life. Results look entirely natural, proportionate to your frame, and in keeping with who you already are.

PATIENT REVIEW

"Miss Mughal performed my breast reduction surgery at St Thomas' Hospital, almost a year on and I could not be happier with the results. She took great care of me, was very respectful and professional throughout, made me feel at ease and understood what size breast would suit my body type. I am extremely happy with the results, her follow-up was excellent, ensuring the healing are the best results possible. I am truly grateful for such a life changing procedure performed by such an excellent and kind surgeon."

Your next steps

If you’re considering breast reduction, the most important first step is to understand your options.

For a clear picture of what to expect from each stage, explore the guides I’ve put together, including more details on preparing for surgery and the recovery process.

When you’re ready to start the conversation, I would be glad to meet with you.

Book a consultation

FAQ

Your questions, answered

1. How much smaller can I go?

This depends on your anatomy – the amount of tissue present, your skin quality and what's needed to maintain good blood supply to the nipple. I'll advise on what's safely achievable for you and what proportions would look most natural for your frame. The goal is a result that relieves your symptoms and feels right, not a specific cup size.

2. What happens if I lose or gain weight later?

Your breasts will change with significant weight fluctuation, as they would without surgery. The results are most stable when weight remains broadly consistent. It's something I'll discuss at your consultation, particularly if your weight has been fluctuating recently. In general, I'd recommend waiting until your weight has been stable for some time before proceeding.

3. How long until I can shower after the procedure?

You can shower from the day after surgery. I know this surprises some people, who expect to be told to avoid water for weeks. I'll give you specific guidance on how to manage your wounds and dressings. (Swimming and bathing are however off limits until your wounds are fully healed.)

Costs

The cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, theatre time and your individual care requirements. Your quote will include the surgical fee, anaesthetic fee and hospital costs, as well as pre-operative assessment and post-operative consultations.

Download the full price list

Breast reduction