Changing Planes to Restore Sensation - Would this Help Sensation to Return?

Question

I had a subglanular breast augmentation via an inframammary incision in mid 2023 that left me with numbness in my nipples and the inferior aspect of my breasts. Would changing planes from subglanular to submuscular help restore sensation?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Changing from a subglandular to a submuscular plane is not a reliable way to restore nipple or lower-breast sensation. Sensation changes after breast augmentation are usually related to stretching, pressure, or disruption of small sensory nerves during the original surgery. By more than 2 years after surgery, some additional improvement can still occasionally occur, but persistent numbness is often partly permanent.
A plane change may be useful for other reasons, such as implant visibility, rippling, capsular contracture, or a revision of implant position, but doing it mainly to regain sensation is unpredictable and could also create new numbness or sensitivity. An in-person exam with a revision breast surgeon is the best way to decide whether there is another reason to revise the pocket, but I would be cautious about choosing a second operation solely for sensation recovery.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Loss of nipple or breast sensation can occur after breast augmentation if the small sensory nerves to the breast are stretched or irritated during surgery.

Unfortunately, changing the implant from above the muscle to below the muscle usually does not restore sensation, since this type of revision surgery does not repair the affected nerves.

If numbness is bothersome, it may be helpful to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast revision surgery to evaluate your specific case or consult a specialist in sensory physical therapy.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear atomickitty4460,

numbness is very common. It depends on the operation but often times sensation can return in a couple of weeks, a year, or not at all.  Nipple sensation itself is very important and can sometimes be lost with breast surgery. This is often mentioned in the risks of the consent process. I imagine your numbness is just temporary although I would have to examine you.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely that changing the implant location will improve your sensation.  It isn’t impossible that the feeling could return, but if it hasn’t come back at this point, then it’s probably permanent.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Numbness is caused by stretching and cutting of the nerves.  This has already occurred.  It is normal to some extent with breast augmentation.  Placing the implant under the muscle would almost certainly not help your numbness and would increase the chance of having more numbness.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Breast sensation comes from different nerves and partial loss of sensation can happen with both subglandular and submuscular implant placement. There is no evidence that change of implant position will result in return of sensation, unfortunately. Good luck.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

There can be sensory changes with augmentation. Typically these changes will resolve over the course of a year (assuming they are the result of stretch).

Ultimately, pocket changes should not have a significant impact on sensory changes. If they were damaged originally, this will not change. If the issue is stretch, a different plan will not relieve the distension effect.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you are dealing with complications from your first surgery. Unfortunately, if you have had persisting changes in sensation 3 years after your initial operation, it is unlikely that you will have continued improvement in sensation. While a plane change to dual plane may be considered if you are unhappy with your results, doing so solely with the hope of improving sensation is unlikely to result in a return to normal sensation. 
Sean Fisher, MD Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonMercer Island, WA

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Changing the location of the breast implants from sub glandular to sub muscle will not improve your sensation unfortunately. Best of virtual consult with for better explanation. Do not proceed with the surgery until you fully understand the risk involved.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation can occur after breast augmentation.  Generally sensation gradually returns over the first few months.  If the nerves have been stretched they may improve over time.  If they have been cut then sensation won't return to that area.  If it hasn't returned after a year and there are no improvements it may be permanent.  There is no way to predict if moving your implants will improve your sensation changes.

Changing Planes to Restore Sensation - Would this Help Sensation to Return?

Answers (10)

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