Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant?

Question

4 questions regarding implant removal - 23 y/o, 5'7, 140lb, bra size 34C/D. (Before implants: 21 y/o, 34AA) 1) Nipples have lost around 50-75% feeling. Will this ever come back? Also, after explant will the numbness worsen or improve? 2) Will they use the same scar? (Not expand/stretch it). 3) Is removal without capsulectomy safe? I am a student and this is the only option i can currently afford. 4) Will they go back to normal after explant or will they droop? Implant info- 330cc, textured, medium height, moderate plus profile, under the muscle. Thank you in advance!

Hagen Schumacher, PhD, FRCS(Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your enquiry. The photographic information is very helpful.
About 15% of women have permanent loss of sensation following breast implant surgery. In most cases, the sensation returns over the first year following surgery. I am not aware of any studies looking into sensation returning or getting worse of explantation. I don't think there would be a dramatic change because with implant removal, less cutting into normal tissue is involved.
For implant removal, the existing scar is often extended slightly, especially if there is a capsulectomy.
You will have more droopiness than before surgery. However, in your age, the skin normally retracts a lot following implant removal.
I would suggest to confirm this with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and questions.  When your implants are removed the surgeon can use the same scar as when they were inserted.  It in most cases will be the same size or smaller.  The numbness may improve or stay the same.  It is not likely to worsen.  If you are not having issues with the capsules and your implants are not ruptured you can elect to leave the capsules behind.  You will lose the fullness that the implants provided when they are removed, but your skin will retract to some degree.  You may have some looseness but it should be an acceptable result.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good evening,
If you are not experiencing any CC symptoms or BII concerns then you do not have to remove the capsules, and it likely can be done through the same incision. Your sensation may return some or all or not at all- it's totally unpredictable and only time will tell. I place a drain for five days, and then have my patients wear a nice tight compression bra for 12 weeks- by doing it this way 95% of my patients go right back to the look they had pre-augmentation and do not require any further surgery or lifting.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear skyejones332,
numbness is very common. It depends on the operation but often times sensation can return in a couple of weeks, a year, or not at all. Nipple sensation itself is very important and can sometimes be lost with breast surgery. This is often mentioned in the risks of the consent process. I imagine your numbness is just temporary although I would have to examine you.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Although you will be left with some additional skin compared to your before images I would expect your tissues to largely return to their pre-augmentation appearance.  As for the sensation to your nipples it is impossible to know if they will improve, stay the same, or worsen.

Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant?

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Answer: Nmbness

Answer: Nmbness

Answer: Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant? (Photos)

Answer: Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nmbness

Answer: Nmbness

Answer: Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant? (Photos)

Answer: Will nipples sensation come back and breasts go back to normal after explant? (Photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.