Breast & nipple numbness 3mo post breast lift w/implants. Is there anything I can do to get some back some feeling?

Dear LoriEmbree,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, thank you for your question, numbness and some loss of sensation can occur with the breast lift and occasionally with breast augmentation. Speak to your plastic surgeon if you are feeling that things are not right since your surgery.

permanent changes in nipple sensation are a risk with breast lifting/reduction procedures. There is a higher risk of this happening in larger reductions, or more aggressive breast lifts where the nipple is being moved large distances or in revision surgery. Larger implants typically also put more strain on the nerves of the breast, which can affect sensation. If you had a primary breast lift with small volume implants, it is likely sensation will return. However, without knowing what was done surgically (pedicle used, implant placement- above/below the muscle) it is difficult to say for sure. Nerve recovery can be a very slow process, so at 3 months it is still very likely that you will see improved recovery of sensation.
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

These are probably questions best answered by your operative surgeon. He/She would probably have the best insight into your incision type, which may be the source of some of your skin numbness, but not your nipple numbness. Generally, implant placement is what places the nerve to your nipple at risk. Usually, the numbness is temporary.

It can take up to a year to get sensation back. Some women will never regain full sensation. Hopefully, yours will return or improve.

Changes in sensation can occur after breast augmentation, but generally the sensation returns or at least improves as healing resolves. It can sometimes take up to a year for this to occur. If there are no changes after that time, the change may be permanent.

Dear Lori,
While it is rare to lose nipple sensation (especially bilaterally), it is not unheard of. Usually by 3 months post-op, some sensation returns to the nipples. If not, it is not a good prognostic indicator. i have had patients with nipple sensation return suddenly at 6 months post-op.
The insensate areas on the breast skin will usually heal over a year.
Squishy soft breast implants are MUCH better than firm ones.
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

I am sorry to hear of the difficulty that you are having. This can happen with lift aug and may be permanent. In some patients, it may return after 6-12 months so don't give up hope. There is nothing that you can do now to change the outcome.