Nipple sensation recovery - can anything be done to improve feeling 2 years post op?

Question

2 years post op-—feeling in left nipple seems to have returned entirely. While I have feeling in the right nipple, it’s less sensitive, and the difference bothers me sometimes. Can anything be done to improve this? I am willing to do anything that could help.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

This is a very common concern, and I want to start with some reassurance: what you’re experiencing is not unusual, and it does not mean that healing has failed.Why sensation can differ side to sideNipple sensation depends on very small sensory nerve branches. During breast surgery, these nerves can be:StretchedBruisedPartially interruptedEach side heals independently, which is why it’s common for:One nipple to recover fullyThe other to recover more slowly or incompletelyThe fact that you do have sensation on the right side is a positive sign &mdash; this means the nerve pathway is present, just not functioning at full capacity.Can sensation still improve after 2 years?✔ Yes &mdash; improvement is still possible, though it tends to be gradual and subtle, not dramatic.Nerve recovery can continue for:2–3 years, sometimes longerEspecially when sensation is reduced rather than completely absentThat said, most major recovery happens in the first 12–18 months, so expectations should be realistic.What can actually help (and what won’t)Things that may helpRegular gentle stimulation(soft touch, texture variation &mdash; not aggressive rubbing)Desensitization therapy(used by hand therapists and nerve specialists)Time and consistency(nerves respond to repeated, gentle input)Some patients notice small improvements with these over time.Things that usually do not helpAdditional surgery purely for sensationScar injections or revisions unless there is clear nerve entrapment“Nerve vitamins” beyond general nutritional supportThere is currently no reliable surgical procedure that can safely restore nipple sensitivity when partial loss is the issue.When surgery might be consideredOnly in very specific cases, such as:Clear nerve entrapment by scar tissuePainful neuroma (burning, electric pain rather than reduced sensation)From what you describe &mdash; reduced sensitivity without pain &mdash; surgery is not typically beneficial and can sometimes worsen sensation.The emotional side (this matters)It’s completely valid to be bothered by asymmetry in sensation. Even when function is technically “normal,” the difference can feel distracting or frustrating.Many patients find that:As overall sensation stabilizes, the difference becomes less noticeableThe brain gradually adapts to mild asymmetryFocusing on what is present (not absent) helps emotionally over time

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Courageous

Excellent question.  The fact that you do have some sensation in the right nipple shows that there is some nerve connection to the nipple.

While there is no definite proven method the following (AI generated for clarity) is worth pursuing, even after 2 years:
1. Sensory Retraining (After Surgeon Approval) 
Vary Textures: Gently introduce different textures like soft fabrics, gauze, or even light pressure (e.g., with a Q-tip) to stimulate nerves.
Massage: Lightly massage the area to boost blood flow and help break down scar tissue, encouraging nerve regeneration.
Light Touch: Gradually introduce light touch, progressing from gentle to firmer pressure, moving from normal sensation areas towards the nipple.

Best of Luck,
Dr. Jim Romanelli

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Unfortunately, at two years after your surgery the reduction in sensitivity is most likely permanent.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Seeing that you are two years out, there isn't a lot you can do at this point unfortunately. I'm sorry! Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation are not uncommon immediately after surgery.  Typically patients regain sensation as swelling resolves and healing continues but it can take up to a year.  After a year changes in sensation that are still present are generally permanent.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

My experience has been that most patients will develop a period of nipple hypersensitivity for about six months after breast reduction surgery.
The procedure can create diminished sensation or even numbness of the nipple.
Who does the procedure and how they do the procedure can impact this.
After the fact, I can’t think of anything that would change nipple sensation. 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Nipple sensation recovery - can anything be done to improve feeling 2 years post op?

Answers (6)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Almost 6 months post reduction surgery. Should I treat this hypertrophic scar now? (Photos)

15 years post breast reduction - breast pain feels like skin tearing. What could cause this?

Had a breast reduction and now my areola and nipples are too high - what are my best options? (Photos)

205lb, 5'3, 24 y/o: Would my Insurance Approve my Documentation for Reduction?

Risks of free nipple graft compared to no free nipple graft?

Breast reduction and lift - would areolas need to be moved? Would I lose sensitivity? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS