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.

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.

Lucian J. Rivela, MD · Answer

Temporary numbness is a normal part of any surgical procedure and can be expected for several weeks or months after surgery, as the nerves are affected by surgery and may be compressed by swelling. Sensation in the breast and nipple can increase or decrease after breast surgery – ranging from a total loss of feeling through to tingling or sharp twinges.
Most loss of feeling for the breast will resolve within 3 months, however, the nipples can take up to 2 years to resolve. Please know the last place to regain the sensation is directly adjacent to the incision, as the nerves make their way from the periphery to the scarline.

Lyndsey Highton, BMBCh, MA, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

1) You are 2 years following breast augmentation surgery, so unlikely to see any significant improvement in sensation now. Most nerve recovery takes place 12-18 months following surgery. It is unlikely that sensation will improve following explant. There is a possibility sensation could worsen with any surgery but I think there is a low risk of this with explant surgery. 
2) The same scar is usually used. It doesn't usually need to be extended. 
3) Capsule generally only needs to be removed if it is thick (as with capsular contracture / implant rupture). There is no specific evidence to recommend capsulectomy otherwise, as this may increase the risk of bleeding and cause further scarring. 
4) Your breasts should return to toward normal 6-12 months following explant. You will notice a significant drop in projection and upper pole fullness and your breasts will feel softer compared to with implants. Due to stretch there may be a little more laxity compared to before surgery. You don't have any significant breast droop, so I would not recommend that you require breast uplift at the time of mastopexy.

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.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most sensation returns before one year. If you are over a year from your original surgery, your sensation may not improve.  Your surgeon will probably use your same scar unless it is axillary incision. Removing the capsule in most is quite safe.  Your implants have stretched your tissue, so you may have some sagging once removed. You will not go back to your pre-implant breasts.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Skye Jones,
The same incision should be used for explantation.
The nipple areola sensation may remain the same or you might get some more sensation back, hard to say
Removal without capsulectomy if there are no issues is fine.
I doubt you will droop after explantation as you do not have large implants and your breast is not hanging over now.
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

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

Answers (9)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

Can a Breast Implant capsule trap/wrap/effects nerves in breast causing pain?

How to prevent seroma after breast implant removal under local anesthesia?

What should I expect with breast implant removal?

Can I exercise after getting saline implant drained?

Pectoral muscle pain after explant. Implants removed 1 year ago. Advice?

3 years post op breast implant and lift. Had a baby and now I'm an E cup. Will I be able to go down to an A cup?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS