Breast Prodecure

Breast Reduction London

What is a Breast Reduction?


A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. Heavy breasts can cause physical discomfort, such as back, neck or shoulder pain, bad posture, and sometimes breathing difficulties. Breast reduction surgery can drastically reduce discomfort by removing tissue and breast fat, decreasing the size of the breasts to one that is more comfortable and in proportion. 


At Real Plastic Surgery, our founder and consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Naveen Cavale, brings over 30 years of experience and is one of the best breast reduction surgeons in London. He mostly combines a breast reduction with a breast lift to produce the best results, and offers other breast procedures, including fat to breast transfer and implant enlargements to help women improve their body proportions and feel more confident in their appearance.

Schedule a consultation with one of the best breast reduction surgeons in London


Why Consider a Breast Reduction in London?


Oversized or asymmetric breastscan cause several challenges, both physical and emotional. If you are experiencing discomfort, difficulty with clothing, or simply feel that your breast size does not reflect your ideal body shape, breast reduction surgery may offer a life-changing solution.


Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery that is increasing in popularity in the UK. Mr Cavale will listen to your unique goals, anatomy and assess your health profile to ensure you are a suitable candidate. During your consultation, we’ll also discuss the patient journey, recovery process, and realistic outcomes of the procedure. It’s important to understand the process and potential risks of the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. At Real Plastic Surgery, we will assess your individual needs, discuss the best options based on your breast size, shape, and medical history, and help you decide if breast reduction is the right choice for you. Breast reduction is a personal decision that should be made after careful thought and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. 


Breast Reduction Surgery in London


At Real Plastic Surgery, your procedure will be performed by Mr Naveen Cavale, an internationally respected consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The surgery is typically done under general anaesthetic and takes around 2–3 hours.


During the operation, excess tissue and skin are removed, and the breasts are reshaped and lifted for a more proportional appearance. The nipples may also be repositioned for natural symmetry. Mr Cavale uses refined surgical techniques to ensure minimal scarring and a smoother recovery process.


hospital-bed
Treatment Time
Sport & Exercise
Reasons for Doing This
Reasons to Avoid
Downtime
Maintenance

3 hours under general anaesthsia. Home the same day.

2 to 3 weeks off work, a support bra will need to be worn for 6 weeks. You can shower the day after surgery.

Results are usually lifelong. Rarely, breasts can enlarge over time, and a repeat operation might be deemed necessary.

Oversized, disporoportionate breasts, with resulting pain, discomfort, soreness, as well as associated psychological and emotional issues.

Refrain from heavy duty sports for 4 to 6 weeks.

Uncertainty about scarring (around the nipple, down from it, and under the breast (in the breast crease).

The Patient Journey: Breast Reduction London


The initial consultation lasts about 60 minutes, usually face-to-face with Mr Cavale at The REAL Clinic in Battersea, London. Virtual consultations are also available, but a final in-person meeting is required before finalising the plan. The specific approach to the breast reduction procedure will be discussed during the consultation, and if you're unsure, you’re welcome to book additional consultations to ensure you’re confident in your decision. It’s imperative that patients feel comfortable and confident in their decisions, so Mr Cavale encourages all of his patients to speak to their consultant and close support network before making their final decision.


After surgery, you’ll need someone to collect you from the clinic and stay with you overnight. If you live more than an hour from Battersea, we recommend staying in a local hotel for a night with someone in case of emergencies and travelling home the next day. If coming from abroad, plan for two to four weeks in the UK, depending on procedures and your case. Aftercare includes virtual nursing contact via WhatsApp or phone and a follow-up visit a week later to change dressings and ensure your incisions are healing well. At the first appointment after your breast reduction, we’ll decide if the dressings and stitches can be removed unless dissolvable stitches have been used. At six weeks, all patients return for a check-up. Your wounds should have healed significantly, and you can hopefully resume many of your usual activities. We may also want to see you three months post-surgery to assess the results, as the final outcome will now start to appear. For around six weeks, you will be required to wear a breast band and a supportive sports bra or surgical bra to help with healing and to support the breasts as they heal. If you have concerns, please contact our specialist nursing team or  Mr Cavale at any time.

What to Expect on the Day


Surgery is done in a few hours, and you’ll be home the same day. It is performed with you fully asleep, under TIVA general anaesthesia.


During breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size and reshape the breasts. The surgeon will make incisions, usually in one of the following patterns:


  • Around the areola
  • A vertical line from the areola to the breast crease
  • A horizontal line along the breast crease (in an anchor or inverted T-shape)


The technique used will depend on your breast size, shape, and how much tissue needs to be removed. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to achieve the desired size and shape. The remaining breast tissue is then lifted and reshaped to create a more proportionate, enhanced contour. In most cases, the nipple and areola remain attached to their blood supply and are repositioned higher on the breast. If the breasts are very large, a free nipple graft may be necessary, where the nipple is removed and grafted back into a more natural position.


At Real Plastic Surgery, we find that one of the biggest concerns for patients considering breast reduction in London is scarring. While all breast reduction techniques involve some degree of skin tightening and breast tissue removal, our focus is always on creating the most natural-looking and discreet result possible. Scars are a necessary part of the procedure, but Mr Cavale uses carefully planned techniques to minimise their visibility. The approach we take will depend on your breast shape, skin elasticity, and overall goals — all of which will be discussed in detail during your consultation. In most cases, we’re also able to preserve the nipple and areola, maintaining natural sensation and appearance wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What’s the patient profile for breast reduction?

    You may be a candidate if you experience back, neck or shoulder pain, rashes or grooves from bra straps, limited physical activity, or emotional distress due to breast size. Or you might simply feel that your breasts are disproportionately large for your frame.

  • What do the scars look like?

    The most common way to do a breast reduction (especially when there is a lot of tissue to reduce), is by leaving an ‘anchor’ scar – this is called a ‘Wise Pattern’, with a scar around the nipple, vertically down from the nipple, and all the way underneath the breast (in the breast crease/fold).

  • Will I need drains?

    Almost never. It is very rare for us to use drains in any breast operation, but never say never…


    Nav has not used a drain in a cosmetic breast operation for over 10 years!

  • How much is breast reduction surgery in London?

    At Real Plastic Surgery, breast reduction procedures start from £10,000. This reflects the exceptional level of personalised care, the use of advanced surgical techniques and equipment, and our discreet, central London location.

  • What size breasts qualify for a reduction?

    We advise 6 weeks, 24/7.


    But, please get into the habit of wearing a bra 24/7 anyway. It probably helps your breasts stay young looking, and droop less over the years. Others disagree with this, but Nav says his experience is that bras are a good thing (for life!)

  • What i fmy breasts are a different size?

    We do our best to even things up, but keep in mind that breasts are always different left vs right, and this will also be the case after surgery. They hopefully won’t be very different, but a small, natural difference will remain.


    Breasts are sisters, not twins!

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