FairWaitBreast reduction waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for breast reduction at every hospital in England, and how Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compare, plus what it costs to go private. Figures from July 2026, checked daily.
Shortest NHS waits in England for plastic Surgery
The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 78 hospitals treating NHS patients that have patients waiting to be admitted for treatment (clinic-only services are left out). Private hospitals here treat NHS patients for free on a GP referral. Figures are for each NHS trust or provider as a whole.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: plastic surgery).
Scotland
Half of the 4,926 people waiting for treatment had waited 104 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 340 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Forth Valley (—), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (83 days), NHS Fife (95 days).
Wales
6,168 patient pathways waiting; 40.5% for 26 weeks or more and 16.8% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.
Northern Ireland
1,612 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Regional day procedure centres 39 wk, South Eastern 45 wk, Belfast 65 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for breast reduction?
In England, half of the 108,107 people currently waiting for plastic Surgery treatment had been waiting 14 wks or less so far, and 59.5% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 4 wk. The NHS publishes waits by specialty, not by individual operation, so this is the wait for the specialty that treats it.
How much does breast reduction cost privately in the UK?
Typically £5,500–£8,000 as a self-pay patient. This is a FairWait estimate from published price lists — prices vary by hospital and consultant, so ask for a written quote. On the NHS it's free.
Can I choose a hospital with a shorter wait?
In England you have the legal right to choose where you're referred for most planned hospital treatment, including private hospitals that treat NHS patients, at no cost. Ask your GP, or see the NHS guide to choosing a hospital.
Sources: NHS England — Referral to Treatment waiting times (July 2026) · Public Health Scotland · Welsh Government (StatsWales) · Department of Health (NI). Private prices are FairWait estimates. All data sources.