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Very Sensitive Nipples After Breast Augmentation

I am 53 years old and had silicone implants 1 month ago. I am having very sensitive nipples, almost to the point of painful. Fabric hurts to touch them. What can you recomend? I have tried several creams and nothing seems to work. My doctor tells me it will ease in time.

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nipples sensitivity 1 month post-op

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23 Doctor Answers | Asked by Marshlotto1@aol.com in Naples, FL

Doctor Answers (23)
Community Comments (1)

Sensitive Nipples is Common After Breast Augmentation

Thank you for your question. It is very common to experience hypersensitivity of the nipples after breast augmentation. This will go away with time. It is caused by stretching of the nerves during surgery.

Nipple hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Hypersensitivity of the nipples is extremely common with breast augmentation and is a result of stretching or small injury to some of the nerves along the chest wall leading to the nipple. This will almost certainly get better and resolve in the next several months. My patients that have had this problem have found some relief by placing nipple "pasties" on the breasts. They can minimize the friction of the nipples rubbing on a bra or clothing and might give you at least some relief until... more

Nipples Sensitive 1 Month Following Breast augmentation

Increased nipple sensation following breast augmentation can occur and almost always goes away. Because you mention that both nipples are affected, I believe that the same healing process is occurring in both. During the course of the procedure the sensory nerves to the breast may become swollen or stretched, occasionally resulting in hypersensitivity of these nerves to the nipples. Over time the breast swelling dissipates and the hypersensitivity spontaneously... more

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Nipple hypersensitivity after augmentation mammaplasty

This is very common and has probably peaked. I have noted that most patients experience this at approximately 10 days to 3 weeks after surgery. It is due to the stretching of the nerves (neuropraxia) and will resolve as the nerve relaxes. In research, we know we can stretch nerves and they will grow, as they do this they become less taut and less sensitive. This is common for any part of the body and physical therapists commonly perform desenstization exercises to help diminish the... more

Excessive nipple sensitivity almost always goes away.

Hi! Sometimes during breast augmentation, the principal nerve to the nipples (the lateral cutanous branch of the 4th intercostal nerve) gets stretched or bruised. While the nerve is healing, you can have too much, too little, or abnormal (pins and needles) sensation in your nipples. Sensation usually returns to normal in a few months. I have done many hundreds of breast augmentations, and have had only one patient that I know of in whom this problem remained permanent.

Massage breast to decrease sensitivity

Breast implants do put some tension or stretch on nerves that tends to cause irritation. The nerve to the nipple runs from the back around the side of the breast and up to the nipple. For patients with nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation, I recommend using gauze pads or large bandaids to decrease the physical rubbing of clothes or bras directly on the nipple. I also recommend massaging the lateral or outside aspect of the breast and ribs, which compresses the nerve before the area... more

Dysesthesia (Nipple Sensitivity) Usually Resolves Within 6-8 Wks Following Breast Augmentation. Massage May Help the Discomfort

Patients who undergo breast augmentation often complain of pain, swelling, and nipple hypersensitivity. These are normal findings immediately following surgery, and usually resolve with time. The hypersensitivity that you describe is known as a dysesthesia. It’s very similar to what happens when your leg falls asleep. This phenomena occurs when nerves are compressed or stretched. During and after breast augmentation surgery, the breast implant actually simultaneously stretches and... more

Sensitive nipples

There can be an increase in sensitivity initially but this should subside over time as the breast skin, nipples and nerves accomodate the additional stretch. Give it some time.

Patience,patience.

The discomfort is normal. This will settle within 6-8 weeks. There is no specific treatment. Be patient.

Increased nipple sensation is very common

Increased nipple sensation is very common after breast augmentation surgery. Do not truly know the reason, it may be related to swelling, relaxation of the nerve leading to the nipple, possibly some stimulation of the breast tissue with associated release of hormones. There are plenty of different theories, but nobody know for sure. The good news is that in most cases it will go away on its own within a couple of weeks or a couple of months. Some patients find comfort in... more

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Comments (1)

Ansieherbst
5 months ago

My wife was done 2 years ago and her nipples are VERY sensitive still. Everyone said we need to wait as it will get better? 2 years is enough waiting. The nipples are raw and even the emediate area around are sensitive. She now want to find out if the nipples can be removed? Please help

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