Breast Lift (No Implants) - What's the Risk of Losing Nipple Sensation?

I've had 3 PS consults. I understand all surgery carries risks. My last consult told me loss of nipple sensation risk is "50/50". The previous 2 consults did not give such serious odds. So I'm wondering, is this last consult a great Dr, who would rather give me the "worst case scenario" and have me pleased, vs "sugar coat" things and have me very unhappy afterwards, or is this Dr perhaps a "chop shop" doctor, not giving the delicate concern to my end result (and therefore not the best choice)?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by MommyofEight

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Breast Lift (No Implants) - What's the Risk of Losing Nipple Sensation?

There is always a risk of nipples sensation loss or alteration ,following breast lift surgery The larger the breast ,the greater the degrees of sagging ,the greater the risk of sensation loss The risk of sensation loss also has to do with the surgical technique There are three basic techniques , the anchor , the vertical and the circum-areolar the circum-areolar with only skin excision carries the lowest risk

Sensation loss after surgery

Each doctor has a good idea of their results so if someone told me a number like 50% I would be a bit worried. I think most doctors have a much lower rate.Good Luck!

Risk of nipples sensory loss in a breast lift?

Thank you for this question. Nipple sensory loss is more common in breast augmentation and breast reduction surgery because the nerve that supplies sensation to the nipple can be in the path where the implant lives or within the tissue that is being removed in a breast reduction. Most breast lifts, regardless of type are in a much more superficial plane. Therefore, it is much less likely, but not impossible that the... more

Risk of Loss of Nipple Sensation with Breast Lift

Change of sensation or loss of sensation of the nipple is a known complication from breast surgery including breast lift. Understanding the anatomy and performing the surgery properly is key to minimizing this risk. Fifty percent is extremely high. If that is the surgeons experience in his practice I would be concerned. Some women may also experience a slight increase in sensation during the early recovery which then usually goes back to normal. I tell patients there... more

What's the Risk of Losing Nipple Sensation?

In a recent (2007) large series (500 patients) of breast reductions the full loss of sensation was reported at 1 percent. Partial loss was noted to be 10%. A breast reduction has the same or greater incisions, and more manipulation of breast tissue, so if anything would carry a higher risk than just a breast lift. Fifty percent is an exaggeration, but I would go elsewhere in case it is accurate accounting of that surgeon's experience. Thanks and best wishes. more

Breast Lift - Sensory Disturbance

In my patient population, I have about 5 to 10% who report hypersensitivity that resolves over time. Having numbness is very unusual in my experience. This may have to do with techniques employed and tissues rearranged.

Loss of sensation after breast lift

Although the technique of the lift influences the risk of loss of sensation to the nipple, the vast majority of patients should retain their normal sensation although there may be a temporary period of numbness. I would not venture a guess as to what each doctor's response reveals about that particular doctor. Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

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Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Loss of Sensation after Breast Lifting?

Thank you for the question. As you can imagine, without direct examination, and knowing exactly what operation is indicated, it is not possible to give you precise advice. Having said that, the risk of permanent loss of sensation with breast lift surgery should be much lower than “50/50”. When I discuss this risk with patients, my best estimation is 5 to 10%, mainly depending on exactly what type of procedure is planned. I hope this helps. more

Risk of nipple sensory loss after breast lift

The number 50% would be high, based on my experience and virtually all published studies. Some doctors do indeed give a worst case scenario, and this may be the situation you have experienced with the doctor who quoted this figure. As to his expertise check his credentials, experience, practice focus, and quality of hospital affiliations.

Breast lift

The risk of nipple sensory loss is relatively low, but it depends on the severity of the sagginess. The heavier and longer the breast, the more likely it is that there may be temporary, if not permanent, change in nipple sensation. Most patients do not lose sensation permanently, although a brief (up to several months) period of diminished or altered sensation may occur. It also depends on the technique of lift, with more incisions resulting in a higher risk of change in sensation. The... more