Does it make a difference between Bennelli and crescent incisions on the possible loss of feeling?
How Does a Breast Lift Impact Nipple Sensation?
Doctor Answers 18
Any type of breast lift involves incisions, and incisions can sever sensory nerves. Nipple/areola sensation is generally provided via the 4th lateral intercostal nerve (occasionally branches from the 3rd and the 5th), which courses along the lateral chest wall where it enters the breast and has terminal branches in the nipple area. Since these nerves are not in or immediately beneath the skin, skin-only incisions should theoretically preserve sensation. However, the surgical reality is that incisions are slightly below the skin, in the subcutaneous fat layer, and can damage or sever the nerve or its branches, causing temporary or permanent numbness.
If a breast lift is being done in conjunction with implant placement for enlargement, creation of the implant pocket can also damage or sever the sensory nerve(s) to the nipple. This occurs in about 5-10% of augmentation patients. With a full lift, numbness occurs in somewhat more, around 15% or so.
A crescent lift, IMHO, is essentially a "worthless" lift, as the amount of nipple elevation is NEVER more than a few millimeters. Ask yourself if the additional cost is worth several mm only? A Benelli round-block technique can provide modest lifting, but can flatten the breast, create irregular and potentially unsightly scars, and can cause a purse-string appearance around the areola depending on the suture choice and exact technique.
Neither of these "lifts" should cause an undue risk of losing nipple sensation, but I would still advise that about 5-15% of patients may lose some sensation with either of these (not-recommended or rarely-recommended) lifts, simply because the incisions are placed right where the nerve branches exist. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
If a breast lift is being done in conjunction with implant placement for enlargement, creation of the implant pocket can also damage or sever the sensory nerve(s) to the nipple. This occurs in about 5-10% of augmentation patients. With a full lift, numbness occurs in somewhat more, around 15% or so.
A crescent lift, IMHO, is essentially a "worthless" lift, as the amount of nipple elevation is NEVER more than a few millimeters. Ask yourself if the additional cost is worth several mm only? A Benelli round-block technique can provide modest lifting, but can flatten the breast, create irregular and potentially unsightly scars, and can cause a purse-string appearance around the areola depending on the suture choice and exact technique.
Neither of these "lifts" should cause an undue risk of losing nipple sensation, but I would still advise that about 5-15% of patients may lose some sensation with either of these (not-recommended or rarely-recommended) lifts, simply because the incisions are placed right where the nerve branches exist. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
Web reference: http://www.realself.com/article/dr-tholens-comprehensive-guide-breast-augmentation
Any surgery involving the breast and around the areola/ nipple complex can potentially affect nipple sensation. The chance of loosing nipple sensation depending on the extent of the surgery. Most people have about 75% chance of not loosing any sensation, 15% chance of loosing some sensation, and 10% chance of loosing all the feeling in one nipple. this can also vary depending on your surgeons skills.
Web reference: http://www.beautifulself.com/p_breast_lift.htm
Neither the Benelli breast lift nor the crescent procedure should affect nipple sensation.
You should know the following: the Benelli lift should only be used in combination with an implant, and only if very minor lift is needed. The Benelli procedure causes flattening of the breast and can produce significant distortion of the areola. Some of the worst results I have seen in cosmetic breast surgery have been produced by this operation.
The crescent lift is essentially useless.
More effective lifts such as the vertical (or 'lollipop') mastopexy, can lead to loss of nipple sensitivity.
Properly educated patients who benefit from a skilfully-executed procedure rarely complain of loss of nipple sensitivity, including those for whom this was important preoperatively.
Web reference: http://www.vancouvercosmeticsurgery.ca
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Any style of breast lift can impair nipple sensation.
If you are having a Benelli or crescent lift, your breast are probably not sagging very much as these procedures do very little to elevate the breast. Therefore, they should not produce a high incidence of decreased nipple sensation, Howver, neither surgery will do very much to lift the breast.
If your breasts are very pendulous, you need a true breast lift, and there will be more risk of loss of nipple sensation. No free lunch.
G. Gregory Gallico, III, MD, FACS
Associate Professor, Plastic Surgery
Massachusetts General Hospital
170 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
Tel: 617-267-5553
Fax: 617-267-5507
ggallico@partners.org
For most techniques in breast lift there is little risk to nipple sensation as the nerves come into the nipple deeper within the breast than nearer the surface of the skin. The Benelli or round block incision and the upper crescent approach places little risk to nipple sensation. Keep in mind also that the upper crescent lift does little of anything.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd
Web reference: http://www.peterejohnsonmd.com/breast-lift
There is minimal risk of losing sensation with either approach for breast lift. The nerves to the nipple and areola come through the breast gland, not from the surrounding skin. As long as the breast gland underneath is not violated, you should have sensation post op.
a Benelli incision is just a peri-aerola (circular incision) of the nipple and aerola complex. A crescent incision is just a partial (bottom or top half). Both of these techniques are only applicable with people with minimal drooping. People with more drooping need either a classic anchor style or the Le Jour style.
there is a small but minimal risk of numbness of the nipple following a breast lift , regardless of technique. I would not let the decision on which technique you use hinge on loss of nipple sensation. I would recommend you see someone experienced in this surgery and choose which technique will give you the best aesthetic results.
Web reference: http://www.drjackpeterson.com
There is no hard data to answer your question but I would say that there should be essentially minimal to no difference in numbness incidence after a Benelli or a crescent lift. The thing to make sure of is that these two very minor lifts are going to give you enough lift to get a great looking result.
Loss of sensation in the nipple/areola is fortunately an uncommon occurrence.
In my experience, permanent loss of of sensation may be due to stretching of the sensory nerves by using very large implants causing a stretch injury or pressure on the nerves, extent of dissection which can damage the nerves, and the size of implant. I find that the location of the incision is not usually the reason for loss of sensation.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is important when considering surgery, as it will lower your chances of complications.
In my experience, permanent loss of of sensation may be due to stretching of the sensory nerves by using very large implants causing a stretch injury or pressure on the nerves, extent of dissection which can damage the nerves, and the size of implant. I find that the location of the incision is not usually the reason for loss of sensation.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is important when considering surgery, as it will lower your chances of complications.
Web reference: http://drnichter.com/breast-augmentation/
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Any breast
operation can result in changes in sensation. This happens less with lifts than
reductions but is still possible Occasionally, minor complications occur and do
not affect the surgical outcome. Major complications associated with this
procedure are rare. The suitability of the breast lift procedure and specific
risks may be determined during your consultation.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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