Can breast sensation improve after explant? I had a breast augmentation in March 2014. 440cc and 410cc below the muscle.

Question

I have almost zero sensation on my nipples and parts of my breasts. Lately I have been considering breast plant removal for many reasons. Is it possible that the sensation could return after an explant or is it gone forever?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello runnergirl82 As the nerves regenerate, the nipples commonly become hypersensitive. This will subside with time. You may find that gentle massaging helps.You should visit or contact your plastic surgeon about this concern. #improvement #sensation

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

It is unlikely sensation will return with implant removal. Typically numbness may occur after BA, but if it will improve, it typically does within a year. If the numbness is more long term, it is likely that nerves providing sensation are no longer active. Numbness occurs about 10% of the time after BA, and may be related to where your nerves "live" on your chestwall.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Sensation changes can occur with breast augmentation.  Usually it is temporary and is restored within a year, but sometimes it can be permanent.  As you have had no improvement over several years, it is not likely that sensation will return if you elect to have your implants removed.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If your sensation did not improve within the first year after implantation, then I doubt that it will ever improve whether you take out the implants at this point or not.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiThanks for your question and I appreciate your concern.Loss of nipple sensation after BA is likely from trauma or pressure to the intercostal nerves as a result of the pocket dissection and implant placement.Unfortunately, though anything is possible, it is very unlikely that explantation will reverse this. So I would set the expectation that it won't. Please discuss this further with a board-certified PS.I hope this helps.....

Can breast sensation improve after explant? I had a breast augmentation in March 2014. 440cc and 410cc below the muscle.

Answers (5)

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