Loss of nipple sensation after mastopexy, how long?

Question

After BA with mastopexy, what is the average length of time to lose sensitivity in e nipples and areolae? I’m nervous about the feeling not coming back. Also, when would a certain degree of loss be considered final?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Nipple sensation is usually carried to the brain via the lateral 4th intercostal nerve, and sometimes via branches of the 3rd or 5th. These nerve branches are tiny fibers, usually not visible, and even if they are, often indistinguishable from other fibers or vessels. In short, they aren't color-coded, nor are they waving flags that say "Save me, save me!" Thus, careful surgery (or not) essentially has no impact on whether these are damaged (or not). Then, of course, is the type or severity of nerve damage. If the nerve(s) are cut, they're not able to heal back together, and permanent numbness results. This occurs in around 5% of breast implant patients, and around 15% of breast lift or reduction patients. BA plus lift together is still around 15%.However, if the nerve branch(es) are stretched, bruised, or only partially injured, they can indeed heal over time. 6-12 months is usually necessary, but if you don't have some sensory return by a year post-op, it's likely to be permanent. I've seen changes up to 2 years, but it's minimally different, and really rare anyway.So, I check nipple sensation right after surgery. If some sensation is intact (any sensation at all), then time and healing will usually mean the nipple-to-brain connection is preserved and will recover. Quality of sensation might be altered, but usually not once maximum healing is reached. This is both "touch" and erotic sensation, so that's good news! If a patient has numbness (complete or so near-complete it's impossible to differentiate), then I tell them they could be in the 15% with permanent numbness, or the 85% where recovery will be seen by up to one year post-op. OK news, usually. I hope that helps! Dr. Tholen

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Altered or loss of sensation is common after breast lift or reduction. Numbness improves significantly in the majority of patients. Return of sensation could take weeks to months.

Pej Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Loss on nipple sensation is a well known risk of breast lift. If it is not lost but only decreased it well may return. If it is completely numb and less than 8-12 weeks it still has a fair chance of returning. If totally numb and over 12 weeks since surgery then it will be unlikely to return. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some patients will lose sensation initially. This is often due to swelling. If this is the case, then most will return within 6-8 weeks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Is very hard to quantify or generalize. Often, decreased sensation or hypersensitivity, may last for several months.  I think that if you still have decreased or absence of sensation one year after the procedure was performed, full return of sensation would be unlikely. Best wishes.

Loss of nipple sensation after mastopexy, how long?

Answers (5)

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