Nipple Numbness After Breast Reduction

asked 1 year ago by anon77 in lexington KY
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 450 times
Tags: nipples, numb

I had a breast reduction a few days ago and I went back to the dr for a check up and he rubbed my L nipple and asked if I could feel and I said no. Then he rubbed the R nipple and I told him yes. Then he said my Left nipple feeling would come back. How can he know this for sure? If the feeling does come back, when does it usually happen?

6 answers to Nipple Numbness After Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction and Nipple Numbness?

Thank you for the question. Although numbness of the nipple/areola is a known complication of most types of breast surgery, often the numbness is temporary. It may take several months or up to one year before sensation returns. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensation

It is quite common for patients to have some numbness after bresat surgery. This is usually due to swelling. In most cases it will return.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

VIDEO (click here): Breast reduction

No one can answer this definitively but odds are that it will come back because it is statistically likely. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensation after breast reduction

During a breast reduction the nerves innervating the skin of the breast as well as the nipple can be disturbed or damaged, causing "numbness" to those areas. You may also experience sensations of hot and cold or tingling which are all normal. Nerves regenerate slowly so patience is the key. There is a small chance that the lack of sensation to your nipple is permanent. Give it a couple of months and you will have a more accurate idea if this will get... more

Neil J. Zemmel, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon

Nipple numbness with breast surgery

It is possible that the nerve to the nipple can be permanently damaged during breast reduction surgery. However, this is not usually the case. More frequently, any sensory changes are temporary. This is true for numbness or hypersensitivity. Nerve repair is very slow, but you should detect gradual return of sensation beginning in just a few months, though complete repair may take a year or longer. There is nothing you can do to speed the process.