Increase in nipple sensation following breast reduction surgery.

As a rule of thumb, half of the time sensation becomes greater after a breast reduction and half the time it becomes less.  It takes about 3 months for the sensation to settle.

It is not uncommon that patients get increase in nipple sensitivity after breast reduction. We attribute it to decreased stretching of the nerves with the lifting of the breast that occurs with a reduction. There are desensitization techniques that can help such as gentle massage of the area a few times a day with moisturizer. It is also possible to purchase nipple guards which can help. Ask your surgeon about these options.