I had my breast implants exchanged (and 4th degree contraction scars removed) 6 weeks ago and I have total numbness over 75-80% of both breasts. The new implants are 325 cc silicone and are larger than the original. My first surgery was 31 years ago.
What is causing this numbness and is there anything that I can do to enhance recovery of the nerves? If the feeling does not return, is there anything that can be done?
Answer: Numb Breasts After Implant Exchange
Thank you for your question. As others have said it is very common to have some numbness after excision of a Baker 4 Capsular Contracture and Breast Implant Exchange.
There is usually some return of sensation by 6 months however nerves recover very slowly and can take up to 2 years.
However you describe a rather profound complete numbness and if the entire breast and nipple is numb you may not recover sensation.
Be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
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Thank you for your question. As others have said it is very common to have some numbness after excision of a Baker 4 Capsular Contracture and Breast Implant Exchange.
There is usually some return of sensation by 6 months however nerves recover very slowly and can take up to 2 years.
However you describe a rather profound complete numbness and if the entire breast and nipple is numb you may not recover sensation.
Be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Numbness after Breast Implant Removal Good day! For your guidance, numbness, tingling, burning or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. These sensations will disappear with time and should not alarm you, but if they cause repeated pain, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about this and discuss any other additional aftercare you need for best results. Best of luck! #RealSelf100
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Numbness after Breast Implant Removal Good day! For your guidance, numbness, tingling, burning or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. These sensations will disappear with time and should not alarm you, but if they cause repeated pain, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about this and discuss any other additional aftercare you need for best results. Best of luck! #RealSelf100
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September 23, 2015
Answer: Loss of sensation can be transient. Although removal and replacement of breast implants is a relatively safe operative procedure, occasionally complications can occur.Loss of sensation is a recognized complication of breast augmentation and can occur in about 5% of patients.Loss of sensation may involve the breast skin or in more serious cases, the actual nipple areola complex.In the vast majority of cases, it’s a transient phenomena that resolves with time but in some cases it may be permanent.The problem seems to occur more frequently when larger implants are used.This tends to stretch the nerves and compress them as well resulting in loss of sensation.It’s important that you discuss this issue thoroughly with your plastic surgeon.Although relatively rare, there’s no question that loss of nipple areola sensation can potentially occur with this procedure.
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CONTACT NOW September 23, 2015
Answer: Loss of sensation can be transient. Although removal and replacement of breast implants is a relatively safe operative procedure, occasionally complications can occur.Loss of sensation is a recognized complication of breast augmentation and can occur in about 5% of patients.Loss of sensation may involve the breast skin or in more serious cases, the actual nipple areola complex.In the vast majority of cases, it’s a transient phenomena that resolves with time but in some cases it may be permanent.The problem seems to occur more frequently when larger implants are used.This tends to stretch the nerves and compress them as well resulting in loss of sensation.It’s important that you discuss this issue thoroughly with your plastic surgeon.Although relatively rare, there’s no question that loss of nipple areola sensation can potentially occur with this procedure.
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August 4, 2014
Answer: Numbness after breast implant exchange? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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Answer: Numbness after breast implant exchange? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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October 11, 2010
Answer: Numbness after capsulectomy and breast implant replacement is almost always temporary.
The nerves to your breast get stretched during capsulectomy and implant replacement. They are not severed so sensibility should return with time. It may take as long as 6 months so be patient.
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Answer: Numbness after capsulectomy and breast implant replacement is almost always temporary.
The nerves to your breast get stretched during capsulectomy and implant replacement. They are not severed so sensibility should return with time. It may take as long as 6 months so be patient.
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