• Make sure you understand the possible side effects of surgery.
  
  
• Both Lara and Susan were aware that breast reduction surgery can affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed. As it turns out, neither woman has had children. Lara says that if she does have a child, bottle-feeding, if necessary, won’t be a problem for her.
  
  
• Some scarring is unavoidable in breast reduction surgery. From experience, Lara knew that she was likely to develop keloids – raised and sometimes painful scars -- but she decided she’d rather have scars than back pain. For Susan, scars meant she wouldn’t feel comfortable in a bikini -- but she doesn’t consider this a major problem. Both women say their scars were never an issue for the men with whom they were romantically involved.
  
  
• Loss of Sensitiviy. Some women, especially those whose nipples and areolas must be detached, lose sensitivity in the breasts, but this was not the case for either Lara or Susan.
  
  
• Lara’s ex-husband did not want her to have breast reduction surgery. In fact, she waited until after they divorced to have it done. Although she recommends that you not base your decision on the wishes of others, she points out that you should be aware that people close to you may have strong feelings about your surgery.
  
  
• Be aware of different breast reduction methods and discuss them with your surgeon. Lara’s surgeon used the typical anchor-shaped incision that runs down from the nipple and under each side of the breast. Since Susan was having less tissue removed, her surgeon was able to make smaller pie-shaped incisions on the outer side of each breast. This non-standard technique meant a shorter, less painful recovery period for her. Another technique, the “doughnut” method, may also involve less scarring. Ask your surgeon to explain your options, and recommend the technique(s) most appropriate for your individual situation.
  
  
• Take plenty of time to recover from your operation. Both women advise taking two or three weeks off from work to “just do nothing.” Your breasts will be swollen and bruised, and you may have a temporary drainage tube inserted to remove excess fluid. Although Susan used very little pain medication, Lara, who had more tissue removed, relied heavily on medication in the days following surgery. Even lifting small objects or bending over may be painful, so you’ll need someone with you for at least a week to help with daily activities.
  
  
• Know what to expect afterwards. It’s normal to experience varying degrees of discomfort for up to six months after your surgery. Although Susan felt very little discomfort and had to remind herself not to return to her normal activity level too soon, scar tissue made Lara’s breasts hard, and they ached for several months following surgery. She reports that within six months, however, the scar tissue softened and her breasts felt more natural.

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