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Plastic surgery · London

Nipple reduction, by a BAAPS plastic surgeon.

A 30 to 45 minute procedure per side, under local anaesthetic in clinic or under GA alongside breast surgery. Length, width, or combined, with a duct-sparing option if you may want to breastfeed later.

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Indicative pricing

What a private nipple reduction costs in London.

Indicative ranges across UK private providers.

In short

Bilateral in-clinic under LA: £1,600 to £3,200, home the same day.

Procedure Indicative range
Consultation with a BAAPS/BAPRAS plastic surgeon £150–£350
Nipple reduction, one side, LA in clinic £1,000–£1,900
Nipple reduction, both sides, LA in clinic £1,600–£3,200
Nipple reduction combined with GA breast surgery £2,400–£4,500
Duct-sparing central column technique (bilateral) £1,900–£3,400

Prices vary by clinic (Cadogan Clinic, London Bridge Cosmetic Surgery, HCA The Wellington, King Edward VII's and other BAAPS or BAPRAS-registered practices), by the surgeon, by whether it is combined with other breast surgery, and by anaesthetic.

When it helps

When nipple reduction is the right step.

The reasons patients come to see us. Inverted nipples are a separate procedure with dedicated duct handling.

  • Long nipple projection

    Nipples that project more than a centimetre from the areola and show through clothing or bras.

  • Wide nipple base

    A wide or bulbous nipple base that looks out of proportion to the areola and the breast.

  • Functional discomfort

    Chafing under bras or clothing, particularly with sport, running or cycling.

  • Asymmetry between sides

    One nipple noticeably longer, wider or more prominent than the other, congenital or after breastfeeding.

  • Post-breastfeeding change

    Stretched or lengthened nipples after pregnancy and breastfeeding that have not settled.

  • Combined with breast surgery

    Booked alongside an uplift, reduction, explant or gynaecomastia procedure under one GA.

Techniques

Length, width, or combined.

The surgeon picks the technique at consultation, based on your anatomy and whether future breastfeeding matters.

  • Length reduction

    A wedge of nipple tissue is excised at the base and the layers sutured to shorten projection. Fast, predictable, but does divide some lactiferous ducts.

  • Width reduction

    A central column of nipple tissue is excised at the base and closed with a purse-string suture to narrow the diameter. Preserves ducts better than a pure length reduction.

  • Combined length and width

    Both dimensions reduced in one sitting where the nipple is both long and wide. The most common request in practice.

  • Duct-sparing technique

    A modified central column technique that preserves the majority of lactiferous ducts, for patients who may want to breastfeed in future.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards, honestly.

A well-tolerated cosmetic procedure. The things worth planning are your bra choice, the friction-free window, and whether future breastfeeding matters.

  • Local anaesthetic in clinic

    Most cases are done awake under LA in 30 to 45 minutes per side. Comfortable, walk-in walk-out, no fasting.

  • General anaesthetic if combined

    Combined with a breast uplift, reduction, explant or gynaecomastia case, done under GA in a CQC-registered day-case theatre.

  • Dressings for 5 to 7 days

    Small non-stick dressings kept dry for the first week. No underwire bra for two weeks and no friction sport for four weeks.

  • Sensation change

    Altered nipple sensation is common in the first weeks and usually settles. A small proportion have a permanent change in sensation.

  • Breastfeeding after surgery

    A duct-sparing central column technique preserves the majority of ducts. Pure length reduction divides some ducts and may reduce future breastfeeding capacity.

  • Scar and revision

    Scars sit at the nipple base and typically fade well. Minor asymmetry or under-correction is uncommon and can usually be revised under LA.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Nipple reduction is a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by UK private insurers. Self-pay is the norm.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about nipple reduction.

  • How long does nipple reduction take and is it painful?

    The procedure itself is 30 to 45 minutes per side. Under local anaesthetic you feel the initial injection, then nothing during the surgery. Discomfort afterwards is mild and settles with paracetamol within 48 to 72 hours.

  • How much does nipple reduction cost in London?

    Bilateral nipple reduction under local anaesthetic in clinic is around £1,600 to £3,200. Combined with GA breast surgery (uplift, reduction, explant, gynaecomastia) it is £2,400 to £4,500 on top of the primary procedure. Consultations run £150 to £350.

  • Will I still be able to breastfeed afterwards?

    Possibly, and it depends on the technique. A duct-sparing central column (width) reduction preserves the majority of lactiferous ducts. A pure length reduction divides some ducts and may reduce breastfeeding capacity. If future breastfeeding matters, tell the surgeon at consultation so the technique is chosen accordingly.

  • Will I lose sensation in the nipple?

    Altered sensation is common in the first weeks and usually recovers over three to six months. A small proportion have a permanent partial change in sensation. Complete loss of sensation is rare with modern technique.

  • What is the recovery like and when can I get back to normal?

    Back to desk work the next day. Light dressings for 5 to 7 days, sutures out at 7 to 10 days, no underwire bra for two weeks, no friction sport, running or cycling for four weeks. The settled cosmetic result is seen at 3 months.

  • Can nipple reduction be combined with other breast surgery?

    Yes, and it often is. It combines cleanly with a breast uplift, breast reduction, implant removal or gynaecomastia surgery under a single GA, which saves theatre fees and a second recovery.

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