Is it safe/a good idea to go to a different surgeon to reposition my nipples and repair nerves after a Breast Reduction?

Question

I had my breast surgery in 2018 and my surgeon had to correct something months later. In the first surgery he did reconstruct the breasts. The second, he cut and repositioned the nipples only. I lost all sensation. Not only that but he STILL left the nipples too high and to close to the center of my body. I haven't felt comfortable since and I wanted to know if it's safe/a good idea to go to a different surgeon to reposition my nipples and possibly repair nerves to regain sensation.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Sorry to read about the issues you have had with your breast reduction surgery.  The most important thing to do is to get a copy of your operative reports before seeking out another opinion.  The operative report, specially with a breast reduction, will help the surgeon you are seeking a second opinion from to determine what can or can not be done.

There is no good way to repair nerves to allow you to have sensation again.  If you are out 3 years now from your surgery and have not gained sensation to your nipples, it is unfortunately highly unlikely the sensation will return.

Hope that helps.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear @Paolanl my answer is yes, is safe an a good idea to consult with as many plastic surgeons until you find the one you feel confortable to trust your life in his/her hands. Check that he/she is a board certified surgeon, his trajectory and experience in this type of surgery, check his previous work. As for gaining sensation again in your breast is not posible because the vascularization of the breast is lost. I share a video about this subject to shed some light! Best wishes!

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Let you surgeon know of your concerns.  You can also have a 2nd opinion with a board certified  plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

There are risks associated with any surgery. One of the risks of breast reduction surgery is loss of sensation to your nipples. This occurs in a significant number of patients and may be permanent. It is unlikely that the nerves can be repaired. A much worse potential complication of breast reduction is partial or total loss of nipple/areolar complexes. This occurs when the blood supply is damaged to the point that the tissues cannot survive. Because of prior damage and scarring, these risks increase with subsequent surgeries. It is probably safest to have additional procedures done by the same surgeon as he or she would be familiar with your anatomy and exactly what was done to change this. If going to your original surgeon is not an option then it would be very helpful to the next surgeon to have a copy of your operative report(s).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Paolanl,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is perfectly fine to visit with other board certified plastic surgeons to listen to opinions.  If you feel a different surgeon is the best one to address your concerns, that is okay.  You may want to take along your surgical reports and before/after photos to consultations.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Unfortunately you did not provide us with photos to demonstrate the extent of your nipple-areolar malposition. If significant, revisional surgery may again be in order.
Sensory alteration almost always occurs after breast reduction as the nerves to the nipple-areolar complex cannot be avoided as the flap of skin and underlying breast tissue is lifted away from the chest wall during breast reduction surgery. These nerves are too small to find and repair. The alteration of sensation may improve somewhat over time, but 3 years is a long time. It is most likely permanent.
If you have not lost confidence in your surgeon and are satisfied with his / her bedside manner, I would continue followup as recommended as he / she is most aware of exactly what was done previously. Make your concerns known.
Otherwise, it may be wise to seek a second opinion.
Best wishes...

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