My nipple is numb. What is the possibility that the feeling will come back?

Question

I had a breast reduction on April 7 2014. My right nipple is completely numb but does still get erect. What is the possibility that the feeling will come back?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's possible that the nipple can be rendered totally anesthetic after a breast reduction. This is fortunately uncommon. Temporary nipple Numbness can last for months after reduction.

Kendall Roehl, MD, FACS · Answer

It has now been three months since your breast reduction. It is not uncommon to have some numbness after this procedure, but usually it returns in time or over six months. I would anticipate that if you were to have sensation return, you would have noticed something in the way of sensation by now. You may be one of the unfortunate patients who loses sensation in one or both nipples, but this is a known risk. I hope it gets better, but most importantly I hope you have noticed improvements in your posture and neck/back pain.

David S. Motoki, MD · Answer

Nipple sensation can improve for several months after breast reduction. The fact that your nipple still gets erect indicates some sensory nerves are still intact. Hopefully the sensation will improve.

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello.Since it has only been a few months, there may be some sensation that returns-- I have had patients tell me they noticed increasing sensation for up to a year.After that, it would be unlikely. There are usually some twinges that you may notice in the next few months.Good luck.

David Mathes, MD · Answer

I always explain to patients that there is going to be some changes to
nipple sensation with a breast reduction. Usually that sensation returns to
near normal. There are a small percentage of patients that lose sensation to
one or both nipples (although it seems to be more common in just one side).
This seems to be related to the size of reduction (larger volume reduction
>700 grams is more likely to lose sensation). In addition technique can also
impact loss of sensation. I find that preserving the central breast tissue has
a lower rate of nipple sensation lose. I would give it another 3 to 6 months to
see if you regain some sensation.

Wesley T. Myers, MD · Answer

After breast reduction you may experience a change in the sensitivity of the nipples and/or the skin of your breast.  After several months, most patients have return of sensation. Permanent loss of nipple sensation can occur after a reduction mammaplasty in one or both nipples.  Nipple sensation may be lost if nipple graft techniques are used for breast reduction.

My nipple is numb. What is the possibility that the feeling will come back?

Answers (6)

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