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.
Why patients choose us
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A BAAPS or BAPRAS plastic surgeon
Not a general cosmetic list. A named consultant plastic surgeon on the BAAPS or BAPRAS register, in a CQC-registered London clinic.
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The right technique for your anatomy
Length, width, combined, or duct-sparing if future breastfeeding matters. We match the technique to what you actually want.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private nipple reduction costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send a brief and we quote firm figures across two or three surgeons.
In short
Bilateral in-clinic under LA: £1,600 to £3,200, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation with a BAAPS/BAPRAS plastic surgeon | £150–£350 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Nipple reduction, one side, LA in clinic | £1,000–£1,900 | 30–45 min | Same day |
| Nipple reduction, both sides, LA in clinic | £1,600–£3,200 | 45–75 min | Same day |
| Nipple reduction combined with GA breast surgery | £2,400–£4,500 | 60–90 min | Same day |
| Duct-sparing central column technique (bilateral) | £1,900–£3,400 | 45–75 min | Same day |
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. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
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.
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Long nipple projection
Nipples that project more than a centimetre from the areola and show through clothing or bras.
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Wide nipple base
A wide or bulbous nipple base that looks out of proportion to the areola and the breast.
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Functional discomfort
Chafing under bras or clothing, particularly with sport, running or cycling.
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Asymmetry between sides
One nipple noticeably longer, wider or more prominent than the other, congenital or after breastfeeding.
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Post-breastfeeding change
Stretched or lengthened nipples after pregnancy and breastfeeding that have not settled.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Combined length and width
Both dimensions reduced in one sitting where the nipple is both long and wide. The most common request in practice.
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Duct-sparing technique
A modified central column technique that preserves the majority of lactiferous ducts, for patients who may want to breastfeed in future.
The journey
From enquiry to settled result.
One team from first message to the six-week and three-month photograph.
- 01
Before
You send us a short brief
A confidential form. What bothers you (length, width, asymmetry), whether future breastfeeding matters, and any prior breast surgery.
- 02
Before
We come back with a shortlist
Within one working day: two or three surgeons who fit your case, indicative prices, and a note on technique.
- 03
Before
Consultation and marking
A face-to-face with the surgeon: measurements, technique choice, photographs, consent and a firm quote.
- 04
On the day
The procedure
30 to 45 minutes per side under local anaesthetic in clinic, or under GA if combined with a breast uplift, reduction or explant.
- 05
On the day
Home the same day
Light dressings, written aftercare, home within an hour of an LA case. A driver is needed after any sedation or GA.
- 06
After
Sutures out at 7 to 10 days
A short wound check, dressings changed, sutures removed. Photographs at 6 weeks and 3 months to document the settled result.
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.
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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.
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General anaesthetic if combined
Combined with a breast uplift, reduction, explant or gynaecomastia case, done under GA in a CQC-registered day-case theatre.
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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.
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Sensation change
Altered nipple sensation is common in the first weeks and usually settles. A small proportion have a permanent change in sensation.
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Ready when you are
Send us a brief. We come back within one working day with a shortlist of BAAPS or BAPRAS surgeons and firm quotes.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Areola reduction
Reducing an oversized areolar diameter, often combined with nipple reduction.
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Breast uplift (mastopexy)
Lifting sagging breast tissue and repositioning the nipple areolar complex.
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Breast reduction
Reducing breast volume and reshaping, commonly combined with nipple work.
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Breast implant removal (explant)
Removing breast implants, with or without an uplift.
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Gynaecomastia surgery
Male chest reduction, often paired with nipple reduction for a flatter contour.
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Mini tummy tuck
A shorter-scar abdominoplasty for the lower abdomen.
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