By Dr Chris Davis | Expert plastic surgery for women on London's Harley Street.
Breast reduction - known medically as reduction mammoplasty or a bilateral breast reduction - removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create a smaller, lighter and better-proportioned breast shape. For many women it is as much about comfort as appearance: relief from the daily physical strain that disproportionately large breasts can cause. As part of the procedure, Dr Davis will perform a breast uplift. Often an areolar reduction is performed too, so that your new nipple size aligns with the smaller, lifted breast after surgery.
Dr Chris Davis performs breast reductions in London, with consultations at 84 Harley Street. He focuses on natural-looking proportions and careful attention to scar placement, so that the scars are as subtle, neat and hidden as possible.
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and typically takes 3 hours. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple is repositioned to sit naturally on the newly contoured breast. The specific technique depends on how much tissue needs removing and your existing breast shape, and is agreed with you before surgery so that you get the best results suited to your specific requests.
Dr Chris Davis performs a huge number of breast reduction surgeries with consistent, safe, and reliable results. It is a procedure with a very high satisfaction rate, and one that can be transformative for patients quality of life.
Women commonly consider breast reduction when they experience persistent back, neck or shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breast, difficulty exercising, or ongoing frustration finding clothes that fit. Others simply feel their breast size is out of proportion with their frame.
Breast reduction is not suitable for everyone, and it is worth being clear about what it involves: the results are long-lasting, but the scars are permanent, and significant future weight change or pregnancy can alter the outcome.
The clearest way to know whether the procedure suits you is a consultation, where Dr Davis will examine you, discuss what you want to change, and talk honestly about what surgery can and cannot achieve.
Most patients don't need to stay after the surgery. Soreness and swelling are expected in the first days, managed with prescribed pain relief, and a supportive surgical bra is worn to aid healing. Light activity resumes within days; most patients return to desk-based work after around a week, with a further two weeks working from home recommended, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are avoided for several weeks.
Swelling settles gradually, and the final shape becomes apparent over several months. Many women notice relief from physical discomfort much sooner. Scars fade over time but remain permanent — Dr Davis will explain exactly where they will sit before you go ahead.
If you have any questions, feel free to message us on WhatsApp or call us on 07407278400.
The team will be happy to help you.
Scars will be visible initially but will fade significantly over 12–18 months.
Initial recovery is one week until you can return to work. A further two weeks working from home is recommended. Full recovery and final results can be expected after 12–18 months.
In most cases, yes — they are repositioned to suit the new breast shape while preserving blood supply and sensation.
Breastfeeding may still be possible, but it can be affected depending on the technique used. This will be discussed during consultation.
Breast tissue removed during surgery does not grow back. However, your breasts can increase in size again if certain factors change, such as weight gain, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or hormonal changes caused by menopause.
You won't feel pain during the procedure because it's done under general anaesthesia. After surgery patients experience moderate discomfort, though this is very individual — some patients report feeling lighter and find the pain very manageable. Swelling and soreness last from a few days to a few weeks, managed with prescribed medication. Post-operatively there is access to a dedicated nurse for up to 6 weeks. Most people return to normal activities within 2–4 weeks, though full healing takes longer.
The starting cost of breast reduction is £9,950.
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