The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Although there is a fair amount of scarring associated with breast reduction surgery, it has one of the highest rates of satisfaction among procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Most women note significant improvement in their neck, back, and shoulder discomfort. They are more able to participate in athletic activities, and their clothing choices are liberalized.

Prior to undergoing breast reduction surgery, you will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

The risks include:

• Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injectable agents
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Poor wound healing
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Potential inability to breastfeed
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• Skin discoloration, and permanent pigmentation changes
• Unfavorable scarring
• Scarring within the breast tissue may cause firmness or lumps know as fat necrosis

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all of your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.  

You should know that:

• Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby
• The procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed
• Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations