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Very Sensitive Nipples 3 Years After Breast Augmentation?

I had silicone BA 3yrs ago. Nipples were left a little sensative but not overly so. As of a month ago, both have been VERY sensative to touch and clothes contact. They are dry and peeling. It feels like burning, shooting pain in nipple/areola area a few times a day. No pain around rest of breast.

Could this be due to the silicone? I have gained 60 lbs since BA. Could it be the weight gain? Could it be an infection? Or a fungus on nipple? I am not pregnant. Not menstrating.

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by alikidd in florida

Doctor Answers (17)
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Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Augmentation

Your description of developing hypersensitivity and burning in the nipples 3 years after breast augmentation is almost certainly not related to the breast implants or your breast augmentation surgery. This is not a symptom of a leaking silicone gel implant. Burning and shooting pain is fairly characteristic of stretching or pressure on a sensory nerve. Weight gain can contribute to this. Ill-fitting garments (think about your bras after recent weight gain) may be contributing... more

Sudden increase nipple sensitivity 3 years after breast implants

It is unlikely your silicone implants are the direct cause of your increased nipple sensitivity but there are several issues here to be addressed. Sudden appearance of dry chaffed nipples could be a sign of a more serious underlying disease such as Paget's disease and should be evaluated by an experienced profeesional. Other causes I have observed include the possibility of nerve irritation occuring with repetitive motion such as painting a room. Also I had one patient who'... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Changes in sensation are most likely not related to your surgery

It is unlikely that the recent sensitivity changes you've seen are a result of your surgery. Temparary changes after a breast augmentation are relatively common. Some patients become more sensitive, some patients claim to be less sensitive. Permanent sensory changes are rare. Over the years I have seen a handful of patients who have developed similiar symptoms to yours. For some unknown reason they developed what appeared to be a rash of one or both... more

Burning nipples after breast augmentation?

Problems beginning years after augmentation are almost certainly not related to the augmentation procedure. Minor nipple sensitivity changes are very common temporarily after breast augmentation. However, these problems usually gone within a few months. Please see your family physician to rule out common causes for this problem and to have a health examination. Claudio DeLorenzi MD FRCS

It maybe related to weight gain

I'm afraid those sensitive nipples can occur following breast enlargement surgery it may be related to putting on some weight and ideally if you could decrease this, this may improve matters slightly.

Nipple sensitvity after breast augmentation

It is not unusual to experience some change in nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation, or unusual sensations such as tingling. However, these symptoms often occur immediately after surgery and resolve with time. The sensations you are describing 3 years after surgery are probably not related to the augmentation should be evaluated for another cause.

Please see a plastic surgeon about these nipple changes

Nipple changes such as you describe 3 years after breast implant surgery are likely unrelated to your surgery. You may have something else (a medical problem) going on that needs to be evaluated.

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensation can be affected by breast augmentation.

Nipple sensation can be affected by breast augmentation but this is usually in the early postoperative period. Sensation can be decreased (more common) or increased. The symptoms you describe with dryness, pain, and peeling do not seem to be related to the breast augmentation. This may be due to a skin disease or sensitivity to fabrics, chemicals, or environmental exposure. This is something that you may want to have your PCP or a dermatologist look at to determine if... more

Sensitive nipples after augmentation may or may not be related to the surgery itself

Many women will experience an increase in the sensitivity of their nipples following breast augmentation. But for most, this increase sensation will generally subside over time and normalize. If you experience significant sensitivity or even pain to your nipples after the first year, there is probably something else going on. First, you may have a degree of capsular contracture. However, this generally causes discomfort to the entire breast and is usually on... more

Nipple sensitivity years after breast augmentation

The nipple sensation changes you have had recently are unlikely related to the breast augmentation. Although it is common to have sensation changes immediately and for a few months after breast augmentation, it is rare to see this begin years later. Although an extracapsular silicone implant rupture may cause inflammatory changes around the sensory nerves, this too would be unlikely at 3 years, and to have happen in both breasts. With weight gain (particularly with enlarging breasts) it is... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Sensitive Nipples After Breast Augmentation

I have seen a number of patients with sensitive nipple after breast augmentation. Generally, this is in the early postoperative period and resolves. Topical lidoicaine jelly applied to the nipples often helps the patient through this period. The new onset of nipple sensitivity three years after surgery suggest that the changes are not due to the implants themselves. Possible causes may include dryness, allergy to fabric or washing machine soap or softener, rubbing from bra tightness... more

Breast Implants and nipple sensation

Acute changes in nipple sensation can occur after surgical breast augmentation. However, the acute change in sensation is not typical of long term postsurgical changes and may be due to xerosis, contact irritation, or even pregnancy. Consult with a breast specialist as soon as possible if the problem does not resolve within weeks.

Sensitivity a Common Side Effect After Breast Augmentation

When undergoing breast augmentation patients may experience a change in nipple sensation due to the way the nerves heal around the nipple after surgery; however, it is not common for this to begin occurring 3 years after surgery. Since the onset is recent, I would recommend visiting the surgeon who performed your procedure for an exam, otherwise I would visit your primary care physician to see if something unrelated to your breast augmentation could be causing these issues. more

Very sensitive nipples after breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is a very popular and effective way for women to change the shape and position of their breasts. It is possible for women to have decreased, changed, or even increased sensation in their nipples after a breast augmentation. If you have an increase in the sensitivity, it is possible that this is due to the way the nerves around her nipples heals after the surgery. To learn more about breast augmentation, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you,... more

Nipple hypersensitiviy not related to breast implants

It is highly doubtful that your recent onset of nipple hypersensitivity is related to your implants. Although they are foreign bodies and there is a metabolic response to this, it almost never results in neuritis and hypersensitive nipples. The recent onset suggests that something else is the problem, possibly a topical allergy. I suggest you see your surgeon or possibly consult with a dermatologist.

Sensitivity of nipples after surgery

Nipple sensitivity can happen after breast augmentation. It is unusual to have it three yearsafter surgery. If the areola are dry moisturizer may help. You shold really be seen by your doctor to possibly figure out why this is happening.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation

It is possible that your implants have ruptured and that this is causing the sudden change in sensation. It would be unusual for both implants to rupture so soon after surgery and in the absence of trauma, but to be sure you should be examined by your surgeon. Another possible cause is breast pathology, which again would be unlikely in both breasts, but which also requires an examination. Good luck, /nsn.