How is Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Reduction?

asked 2 years ago by Gokichan in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 3,763 times
Tags: breasts, nipples, breast size

I'm having a Breast reduction and will not be able to keep my nipple intact. Is there anyway detaching the nipples can be avoided and what problems can I expect to have from the nipples being removed and reattached?

I'm having a breast reduction in July. My doctor told me that at my size he will not be able to keep my nipple intact. I'm basically going to have no nipple sensation after the reduction? I'm a 36J in bra size. During my initial consult from collar bone to nipple it's about 43cm.

9 answers to How is Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Reduction?

Free nipple graft means numb nipple

If you are having a free nipple graft, you will have numb nipples because the nerves are completely severed. They also will not react to cold or stimulation. Even with your measurements, I wouldn't jump straight to a free nipple graft procedure. I would do an inferior pedicle technique and see how the blood supply looks during surgery. At least that way, I would know we've given you every chance to keep your nipples intact.

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensitivity after breast reduction depends on how tissue is removed

For many years it was thought that loss of sensitivity depended on how much weight was removed from the breasts. However, more recently, researchers have linked postoperative nipple sensitivity with the surgical technique used. A 2005 study compared five different breast reduction techniques and revealed that removing tissue from the base of the breast leads to significantly lower postoperative nipple and areola sensitivity. In fact, the only people who ended up with completely insensitive... more

Usha Rajagopal, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com

Free nipple graft and sensation

By removing your nipple and areola from your breast during your breast reduction, the sensory nerves will be divided. As a result of this when the nipple is repositioned at it's new location as a graft, it would be very rare for there to be any return of sensation. By virtue of your current breast size it would be difficult to maintain sensation and blood supply leading to a higher risk of nipple loss and wound healing problems. Dr Edwards

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Free nipple grafting and sensation

From what you described, it sounds like you are having a free nipple graft breast reduction. After this procedure, you will not be able to breast feed and it is unlikely for you to have erogenous sensation in your nipples. You may not have any sensation at all. Some people do get back deep pressure sensation.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Nipple Sensation after Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question. Some patients require “free nipple grafting” when undergoing breast reduction surgery. These patients generally have very large breasts and a long distance from the sternal notch to the current nipple areola position. Patients who require nipple/ areola grafting will not have any sensation after surgery. These patients are generally pleased with the results of the surgery nevertheless given the relief of symptoms ( at least... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensation after breast reduction

If you are planning to have a free nipple graft with your breast reduction, then you may lose your sensation. However, not all breast reductions require the complete removal of your nipple (free nipple graft). The technique used will often times determine the chances of losing nipple sensation, which generally is in the 10% range. If your breasts are extremely large and your surgeon is concerned about the blood supply to the nipple/areola then a free nipple graft offers the... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensation after breast reduction

Patients today have many excellent choices in breast reduction surgery. The amount of nipple sensation after surgery depends on the surgical technique that was used. In our practice we almost never remove the nipple from the underlying tissue. This is so that we can preserve the structures of the nipple and the sensitivity. If you are going to receive a surgery where the nipple is completely removed and then placed as a free nipple graft onto the new breast, you will lose almost all... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensitivity

Your nipple sensitivity may be reduced now as you have described a 43cm length. Often the nerves can stretch at that length. You will not have the same sensation, as well as the shape will be flatter. However, the weight relief and shape change will be tremendous and well worth any nipple change. Enjoy your soon to be new wardrobe!

Rodger Wade Pielet, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You will not have any erotic sensation.

Hi! I read your other question, and now I understand why you want a breast reduction despite being at such high risk of pumonary emboli. The plan to use a "free nipple graft" technique for you seems absolutely correct. You should expect to lose much nipple sensation, and all erotic sensation, but when you look at your entire situation, this seems like a good trade off.