Nipple pain still after 1 year. Will it eventually go away or what can I do to fix it?

Question

Its been a little over a year since I got breast implants. My left nipple was numb for months afterwards but finally the numbness went away, but the numbness turned into pain. I never let my husband touch that one ever. Well he lightly touched and it hurt so bad with almost a burning feeling. I cried it hurt that bad. Will it eventually go away or what can I do to fix it?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, the nipples can either be more numb or more sensitive after an augmentation but usually normalizes within one year post-op.  Best to check in with your PS.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. In general, most women who have a disturbance in nipple sensation, whether it be less (hypo-sensation), or in some cases too much (hyper-sensation), the sensation goes back to normal with 3-6 months. Occasionally, it can take 1 - 2 years to be normal. Extremely rare, the sensation never goes back to normal. This is extremely rare in augmentation alone, more common in lift or reduction but less with a smaller lift like a crescent lift. Signs that sensation is coming back are needle type sensation at the nipple, itchiness at the nipple, or 'zingers' to the nipple. The number of women that lose sensation is much lower than 10%, closer to 1% in a simple augmentation. In some cases the same occurs with contraction where some women have no contraction and some women have a constant contraction of the nipples. Unfortunately there is no surgical correction for this. Massaging the area can help sensation normalize faster if it is going to normalize, but will not help if the nerve does not recover. In women with hyper-sensitive nipples, this will go away with time in most cases. Usually 3 months or so. In the interim, I have them wear nipple covers or 'pasties' to protect them from rubbing. It is unlikely that down-sizing the implant will cause regaining sensation. Down-sizing the implant may cause saggy breasts, however, and may necessitate a breast lift. Physical therapy with de-sensitivity techniques can help with this issue. The Peri-areolar incision is associated with increased risk of nipple numbness due to the fact that the nerve is in close proximity.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Kimberly A. Henry, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! After your surgery, your nipples were numb because the nerves were disturbed. Now, they are "waking up" so to speak, and this can make them extremely sensitive! What you can do is desensitizing exercises: gently touch them (as you can bear it) and often throughout the day when you can do so privately, this should help decrease their sensitivity. Check with your plastic surgeon before you try this method. Best of luck!

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

Nipple numbness and pain is fortunately very uncommon after breast augmentation but can certainly happen. Usually the incidence is higher in patients that choose very large implants or have incisions under the nipple. If after one year you are still having pain it is unlikely to get better on its own. You may have a neuroma near the incision or persistant nerve pain. In either case go back to your original plastic surgeon to evaluate the cause. Sometimes, injection of steriod and numbing medication can provide good relief. Hope this helps.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

This type of pain is not unusual and is caused a causalgia.  It is due to a bruising of the nerve that supplies the nipple.  Massage will help to desensitize the nerve and improve the pain.  Speak to your plastic surgeon about this problem.

Nipple pain still after 1 year. Will it eventually go away or what can I do to fix it?

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