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What Are the Stats on Loss of Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Reduction Surgery?

asked 1 year ago by 4329anon in San Francisco
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,121 times
Tags: age 35-44, nipples, female, 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in, G cup, risk, sensation loss

I am 5ft 3" and a 32G cup and 43 years old. I am considering breast reduction surgery to relieve back, neck and shoulder pains but am very reluctant due to the chances of losing nipple sensation. This is a huge erogenous zone for me, and I can't seem to find any statistics regarding this particular complication/side-effect. Any advice/personal experience would be much appreciated.

8 answers to What Are the Stats on Loss of Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Reduction Surgery?

+2

Stats on Loss of Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Reduction

In medical studies the loss of sensitivity of the nipple/areolar complex following breast reduction surgery is around 7%. But the larger the reduction or removed amount can effect these %'s to the worse side. Seek in person opinions. But I always tell my patient it is a chance that it will happen, so if you want a 100% guarantee than do not do the operation. Also, if pre op the sensitivity is low than the chances really increase for having numbness. 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction and Loss of Sensation?

Thank you for the question. Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform for patients with symptomatic breast hypertrophy. Of course, like with any operation, patients and surgeons must weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks/ complications associated with the procedure. A loss of nipple/areola sensation rate of 5 to 15% with breast reduction surgery is probably accurate. I hope this helps.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Loss of nipple or sensation

The loss of sensation is certainly more common. I think studies report abot a 15% permanent change in sensation long term. AS for nipple loss, this is very rare.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risk of loss of nipple sensation wtih breast reduction

The risk of loss of nipple sensation wtih breast reduction can vary in studies. And I have seen numbers rangeing from 4 -16%.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nipple sensation after breast reduction

The preservation of nipple sensation depends a lot on the breast reduction technique.  The "free nipple graft" procedure where the nipple is removed and then sewn back on as a full thickness skin graft always leaves the nipples numb.  I reserve this procedure for ladies who are gigantic and really, really saggy who want to go quite small and don't care about their sensation.  I rarely do a free nipple graft.  The procedures that carry the nipple on... more
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Good surgical technique preserves nipple sensation after breast reduction.

Hi. Loss of sensation should be very rare. Occasionally we see temporary reduction in feeling. During surgery, nerves to the nipples need to be preserved.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risk of Nipple Numbness after Breast Reduction

Regarding: " Loss of Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Reduction Surgery? I am 5ft 3" and a 32G cup and 43 years old. I am considering breast reduction surgery to relieve back, neck and shoulder pains but am very reluctant due to the chances of losing nipple sensation. This is a huge erogenous zone for me, and I can't seem to find any statistics regarding this particular complication/side-effect. Any advice/personal experience would be much appreciated." Sensation... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Loss of nipple sensation after breast reduction not common

Fortunately, the loss of nipple sensation after breast reduction is uncommon.  In my practice, I would estimate that it happens in fewer than 5% of patients.  There may be some temporary decreased sensation after the surgery, but this tends to resolve as the swelling resolves.  However, nobody can guarantee that you will have perfect sensation after any breast surgery.   You will have to weigh your desire for breast reduction against the (slim, but present)... more
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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