Why is the Skin on my Breasts and my Nipples So Tender After my Breast Augmentation?

Nipple hypersensitivity after breast augmentation is very common. This is caused by the stretching of nerves supplying the nipples.  This will usually resolve within several months as the swelling diminishes. Wearing a thin shirt or nursing pads under your bra can provide some relief.

It is very common for patients to complain of nipple sensitivity and pain after breast augmentation surgery. Some people state they are hypo sensitive (less) or hyper (more) sensitive. In your case, it sounds like you are experiencing the ladder. In most cases, the sensitivity and the pain you are experiencing will decrease over time and on its own. There are some solutions to help with decreasing your discomfort and sensitivity, and that is something that I would speak to your doctor about directly so you can find a solution to help with the discomfort while your nipples fully heal and return to normal. 

Thank you for your question. Hypersensitivity to the nipple or other breast regions is normal after surgery. The nerves may have been stretched and transiently down for the count. As they wake up, they want to let you know they are still there by over signalling their presence. Hence very sensitive nipples. Things typically do resolve with time. In the meantime, you can take two approaches. Compression or tape to minimize friction on the nipples. The other approach could be desensitization with over stimulation (e.g. vibration).

Breast augmentation is often accompanied by pain, swelling
and nipple hypersensitivity. These are
essentially normal findings which usually resolve on their own. The burning sensation that you describe is
known as dysesthesia. It’s very similar
to what happens when your leg falls asleep.
The phenomena occurs when nerves are compressed or stretched. During and after breast augmentation surgery,
this is exactly what happens to the nerves that supply the nipple. The breast implant underneath the nipple
compresses and stretches the soft tissue and nerves that supply the nipple and
areola. In many cases, this process is
made worse by swelling.

Patients
typically describe a painful tingling, burning sensation that can be very
uncomfortable. In many cases, clothing
rubbing against the area can elicit a pins and needles sensation.

These
symptoms usually resolve in 6 to 8 weeks without intervention. In some cases, aggressive massage can
desensitize the area and minimize the pain and discomfort associated with this
condition.

Hello! Thank you for your question! Breast procedures such as the
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
shapely,
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in
sensation to the area. The reported rate of sensation changes
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much
smaller for breast augmentation. In my experience, this rate is
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a
slightly greater risk. It can take up to a year for full sensation to return.  The sensation that you describe is likely your nerves regenerating.  Try different textures when showering and putting on lotion to re-educate the nerves.  It is one risk of such a procedure, and
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical
procedure. You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in
breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various
risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if
such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

Changes in sensation are very common following breast augmentation, and these are almost always temporary. It will most likely ease in time. Gauze is great to keep your nipples protected during this time. 

Your tenderness is due to your sensory nerves recovering from the surgical procedure.

It seems that very few women are at all concerned about loss of sensation after surgery, but most will complain if they have hypersensitivity.

This is what you need to do: find the areas that are the most sensitive and rub frequently. Pinch your nipples if they are sore. While this is very unpleasant at first, you will find that the discomfort rapidly diminishes PROVIDED that you do these exercises frequently throughout the day.

Good luck!

This type of pain is frequent and will go away. It can last about 2-3 months and your nipples may be extra sensitive. Wear a small bandage over your nipples to keep them from getting rubbed and sometimes a soft cotton T-shirt helps. it's just because the nerves have been stretched and they take a while to recover.

Tenderness is common after surgery because the experience is traumatic to your body. Your body also has to adjust to your implants. Your nerves will gradually regenerate and the sensation will subside. This can take a few weeks. Pain medication should help.

Thank
you for the question. You are still early in
the post operation recovery stage. It is
not uncommon to feel pain, itchiness, tenderness, and swelling during this
period.  Nipple sensitivity would gradually improve over time as well.  It usually takes about 8-12
weeks for the wounds to heal and around 4-6 months for the implants to fully
settle. It would be best to visit your
board-certified plastic surgeon and get a full assessment for your concerns. Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.









An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.