Nipple flatness & numbness since 1st surgery in March 2020, what could have happened?

The augmentation procedure is a relatively invasive procedure, especially when done with a lift or a nipple incision. The nerve involvement is a well-established complication of breast augmentation surgery, especially with multiple procedures. It takes approximately a year for the tissues to settle. After augmentation, capsular contracture/mass effect of the implants, scarring can lead to nerve involvement. No guarantees if an explant will allow return of normal sensation.

Dear gurleechik,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @gurleechik, thank you for your question. The recovery and healing process depends on a number of factors, including the surgical technique of the specialist performing the surgery. What is important in breast implant removal surgery is that the whole capsule is taken out and a preventive biopsy is performed on each capsule. My preference is to combine breast implant removal with immediate repositioning of the mammary tissue to address projection of the upper pole and medial areas using the BRALAN Technique (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation) since the results will be adequate and have a minimal scar in the shape of an L. If you are considering breast explantation, consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Loosing sensation is a risk with all breast surgery, even in the best of hands. More surgery does not usually help. The initial surgery damaged your nerves with the stretching for the implant. This can occur anywhere on the breast.

Changes in sensation are a risk of breast augmentation. Most patients regain normal sensation once swelling resolves and healing progresses. If a nerve is stretched numbness could result, but may improve as healing progresses. If a nerve is cut the change will be permanent. In most cases if there is no improvement in sensation in one year it is likely a permanent change.