Will my other nipple get its feeling back like the other one? One gets cold & the other doesn't react. Is it normal? (Photo)

Nipple sensation often gradually comes back over time after surgery. Once it starts to recover, it usually keeps doing so, so that's a good sign. It has been my experience it can take up to one year for nipple sensation to return.

Thank you for your picture. It's difficult to say it if your nipples will react the same time. Obviously is hopeful that it will.

Temporary issues with nipple sensibility are common. It is very rare for nipple sensibility not to return to normal within six months after breast augmentation.

Changes in nipple sensation after breast augmentation are normal.  You can have increased, decreased, or a loss of sensation, and these changes can be transient or permanent.  The most situation is no change or a transient change.  Chances are that things will return to normal, but you should see your plastic surgeon and discuss the issue with him/her.

Dear Iluvseminoles88, Thank you for your post. In general, most women who have a disturbance in nipple sensation, whether it be less (hypo-sensation), or in some cases too much (hyper-sensation), the sensation goes back to normal with 3-6 months. Occasionally, it can take 1 - 2 years to be normal. Extremely rare, the sensation never goes back to normal. This is extremely rare in augmentation alone, more common in lift or reduction but less with a smaller lift like a crescent lift. Signs that sensation is coming back are needle type sensation at the nipple, itchiness at the nipple, or 'zingers' to the nipple. The number of women that lose sensation is much lower than 10%, closer to 1% in a simple augmentation. In some cases the same occurs with contraction where some women have no contraction and some women have a constant contraction of the nipples. Unfortunately there is no surgical correction for this. Massaging the area can help sensation normalize faster if it is going to normalize, but will not help if the nerve does not recover. In women with hyper-sensitive nipples, this will go away with time in most cases. Usually 3 months or so. In the interim, I have them wear nipple covers or 'pasties' to protect them from rubbing. It is unlikely that down-sizing the implant will cause regaining sensation. Down-sizing the implant may cause saggy breasts, however, and may necessitate a breast lift. Physical therapy with de-sensitivity techniques can help with this issue. As far as incisions go, the peri-areolar incision is associated with about twice the incidence of nipple numbness vs. other incisions. At two years, however, it is unlikely to regain sensation.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Most patient's get their nipple sensation back after a breast augmentation.  It can take up to two years.  At two years I would not expect any further improvement.  The incidence of change in nipple sensation is <1%.

It can take up to 6 months or more for nerve stretching injuries to recover. If things are not back to normal by that time the nipple/areolar changes may be permanent.

It can take up to a year for the  nipple sensation to be normal or respond normally. Be patient and good luck with your results.

If the incision was circum areolar than the response vary to if and when you can expect return to normal. Best to discuss with your surgeon IN PERSON. 

Thank you for your question.  Although return of sensation after breast augmentation can take more than 6 months to return, loss of nipple areola activity may indicate nerve injury.  If you have any sensation to touch or pressure then your nerve is intact.  Please see her plastic surgeon for an examination and diagnosis.