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Very Sensitive Nipples After Breast Augmentation

asked 3 years ago by Marshlotto1@aol.com in Naples, FL
Latest answer by Raj S. Ambay, MD
Question viewed 15,265 times

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.

20 answers to Very Sensitive Nipples After Breast Augmentation

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

Brian J. Lee, MD
Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeon

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

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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.

Raj S. Ambay, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Patience,patience.

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

Wayne R. Perron, MD
Calgary Plastic Surgeon

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

Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS
Reno Plastic Surgeon

Hypersensitive nipples after breast augmentation will subside over time.

Occasionally, a patient might complain about hypersensitive nipples after breast augmentation. This will subside with time as it is a byproduct of swelling. I doubt any cream would do any good. Oral steroids might help but I would avoid them if possible. See if an anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) helps and be patient.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Nipple hypersensitivity post augmentation

This is incredibly common and typically due to the placement of a large implant which is placing pressure on the 4th intercostal nerve which comes off the ribs on the side of your breast. The stretch may provide hypersensitivity. This will usually resolve over 8-10 weeks requiring no treatment.

Roger J. Friedman, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

Very common

This is very common. it will improve in the next few weeks. no worries. enjoy. gs

Grant Stevens, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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

Richard Wellington Swift, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Hypersensitivity of nipples

Hypersensitvity of the nipples is fairly common after breast augmentation. This usually gets better after a few months. You may want to apply soft cotton or other padding to minimize the rubbing.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Nipple sensation after breast implants

Increased sensitivity to touch is common after breast implant surgery. In most cases, the nipple sensation will subside back to normal as this hypersensitive state diminishes. I often place tegaderm (a medical and sterile grade saran-wrap dressing) to diminish pain associated with the nipples after surgery.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Desensitization exercises

Your nipples are hypersensitive most likely due to stretching the nerves during the procedure, or after by the implants. In any event, the hypersensitivity is good because it indicates that the nerves are repairing themselves. Hypersensitivity is usually temporary. On thing to try is desensitization exercises- rubbing cloth of various textures and with various pressures for about 30 seconds twice a day. When done properly, it will make you nuts due to hypersensitivity, however, that will... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Hyperesthesia of the nipple following a breat augmentation

Nipple hypersensitivity also called a dyesthesia or hyperesthesia is a very common early problem following a breast augmentation. The nerves that supply the breast come up between the ribs on the lateral side of the breasts. These nerves become stretched due to the implant, which is below the nerves. Dyesthesia will get better over time. Massage in the lateral area and around the nipple and areola will help to desensitize the nerves. If the problem is severe then medication like... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Nipple hypersensitivity after augmentation will resolve

Nipple hypersensitivity is fairly common after augmentation because of the stretch and inflammation of the breast tissue that occurs as the implants are settling in. A similar reaction is seen in runners with the so called joggers nipple where the nipple becomes very sensitive and occasionally swollen. We use a soft cup stretch bra after augmentation to hold the breast and implant still and reduce pain and inflammation. Our patients also will use a silk lined bra or cami top to increase... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

You are very early post-op

1 month is very early post-op. Over the next few weeks to months, you will notice changes in sensitivity as the swelling resolves and the tissues settle. Your current concern of over sensitive nipples will likely resolve with time. In the mean time, you should consider placing a band-aid or other type of bandage to help prevent the friction over the nipple. Good luck with your recovery.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Breast augmentation recovery takes time

Nipple hypersensitivity is not uncommon after breast augmentation. Fortunately, if does ease with time. Although, how long this will take is hard to predict. In the meantime, you might try keeping a soft piece of gauze tape over the nipples to prevent rubbing from overlying cloth. There are even some silicone breast forms that can be purchased online that will cover and protect the nipple area from excessive stimulation. Be patient and the symptoms should abate with time.

Mitchel Krieger, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Sensory changes are unpredictable

While many patients and doctors talk about numbness to the nipples and breast after augmentation, hypersensitivity is also possible. The sensory changes are unpredictable and one can have a numb nipple on one side and a hypersensitive nipple, like yours, on the other. Both invariable resolve with time in the vast percentage of cases.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Sensitive nipples after augmentation will get better

It is not uncommon to to have sensitive nipples following breast augmentation. It will get better with time. Meanwhile, use a barrier on the nipples to prevent friction. You can also use a lidocaine cream if it is painful. It will get better.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Fairly common

Hi there- The sensitivity you are experiencing is not uncommon, and is due to the irritability that develops in the nerves to the nipple as a result of the surgery. Placement of a breast implant places the major nerve to the nipple under some stretch, and as a rule, nerves do not like to be stretched. The irritability that results usually only lasts a few weeks, but can take a few months to completely resolve. While you wait for it to get better, you might consider covering your nipples with... more