Loss of sensation after breast augmentation?

I am 34 and thinking about getting breast implants mostly to even out my chest (one breast is a C-cup, the other is a B-cup).  I want my breasts to look better and more symmetrical, but I am really scared of losing sensation in this area. What I want to know is - Will breast implants cause me to lose sensation in my breasts?  Is there anything I can do to avoid this, or is it inevitable if I undergo breast augmentation? Thanks a lot!

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15 answers to “Loss of sensation after breast...”

A: Loss of nipple sensation after Breast Augmentation

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

There is a real risk of nerve loss after breast augmentation, but this can be ameliorated by careful dissection, inframammary incision placement, and minimal injury to the pectoralis fascia. Discuss these risks with your plastic surgery and ask for a real estimate of risks before you proceed.

A: Not by themselves.

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, Bigger implants requiring larger pockets may contribute to more numbness. Implants placed by surgeons making thin skin flaps (a technical issue) can also result in more numbness. Most patients see little change in their sensation unless they are going quite larger and/or are in inexperienced hands.

A: Possible loss of sensation

Steven H. Williams, MD

Sensation to the nipple is usually preserved with breast augmentation. The key word here is usually. Any surgery can cause loss of sensation. There has been a significant amount of research into nipple sensation. The cutaneous innervation of the female breast is derived medially from the anterior cutaneous... more

A: Nipple Sensation After Breast Augmentation

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD

Generally, there is minimal, partial, and usually temporary loss of nipple sensation following breast augmentation.  I perform most breast augmentation (both above and below the muscle) through the peri-areolar approach, unless a patient has an existing incision in the inframammary fold below the... more

A: One theory: Larger breast implants increase chances of sensation loss

Steven Wallach, MD

Loss of sensation is not very common.  It can happen when placing implants.  On the other hand, short term sensory change is quite common.  This may be due to swelling and usually gets better within a few weeks after surgery.  One theory:  The larger the implant, the more likely it... more

A: Sensation loss

Kimberly A. Henry, MD

It is not inevitable and in most cases patients will not loss sensation in their nipples.  Most incisions are made away from the nipple, therefore avoiding any reason for loss of sensation. 

A: Sensation loss and breast augmentation

Robert Steely, MD

Loss of sensation of your breasts can occur with augmentation, but the overall incidence of permanent sensation loss is very low. Things that can increase the chance of having permanent sensation loss are: Large implants  Incisions around the nipple

A: Loss of sensation with breast implants

Daniel C. Mills, MD

There is always the risk that there may be some loss of sensation with placing breast implants, but this is fortunately a rare occurrence. It is not uncommon for there to be some temporary changes in sensation right after the surgery due to swelling and the stretch from the implant to the nerves, but this... more

A: Loss of sensation of the nipple and areola after breast...

Robert W. Kessler, MD

Loss of sensation of the nipple and areola after breast augmentation is uncommon and is considered a complication of surgery. There should be no change in the sensation of the breast in a well performed breast augmentation. The sensory nerves to the breast can be stretched or cut during the procedure but the... more

A: Although most girls ask questions and express concerns...

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Although most girls ask questions and express concerns about breast/nipple sensation during a preoperative consultations, the truth is that rarely it is a problem after surgery. Although loss of nipple sensation is certainly possible, it does not seem to be a common problem.  What is even more interesting... more

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