Is there any way to maintain nipple sensation after a breast reduction?

Nipple Sensitivity Differs With Technique. In my experience most of my patients retain a similar degree of sensation after breast reduction using the lollipop (short scar) technique. On the other hand, a free nipple graft will always result in loss of sensation.

I recommend a new technique called The Horndeski
Method™.The breast tissue is reshaped
creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial
to increase your cleavage.Aligning the
areola and breast tissue over the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes
anterior projection.This technique
avoids the ugly vertical scars of the traditional technique, maintains nipple
sensation and the ability to breast feed.In review of my patients, 40% have unchanged nipple sensation, 50% have
increased nipple sensation and 10% have decreased nipple sensation.No patient has had complete nipple
numbness.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

It is called the "pedicle" or portion of breast tissue acting as carrier for blood flow and sensation nerves. The so called pedicular techniques have feeling preservation in 90% of cases. On the other hand you have the free-nipple-graft techcnique, in this the nipple is disconnected and no feeling remains.

Yes.  Nipple sensation should remain after breast reduction as long as the appropriate technique is executed.

Changes in nipple sensation are very common after breast reduction surgery. Nipples often become less sensitive, but may become more sensitive as well. Multiple nerves give sensation to the nipple, and invariably some of these nerves are cut during a breast reduction.  In addition, reduced sensation appears to happen more commonly with very large breast reductions.So to answer your question, no, there is no guaranteed way to maintain sensation to the nipples after breast reduction.

MOST patients DO retain nipple sensation after.  It really depends on a lot of factors, particularly how much is being removed.  

Most patients maintain nipple sensation after a breast reduction. Some studies that I have read state that by one year 85% have normal sensation.

Most of my patients report improved nipple sensation following breast reduction.  But, this cannot be guaranteed.

Hi - Yes is the easy answer, although nipple sensation is complex and there are many techniques possible when performing a breast reduction.  The procedures using a superomedial or superolateral pedicle tend to maintain sensation more consistently.  Although it is very difficult to predict which patients will end up with reduced or loss of sensation, most tend to regain some sensation over time.  The larger the reduction the more likelihood of a reduction in sensation also, I believe.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.  Kind regards. 

The nipple sensation is based on what happens to the nerve in surgery. We all try very hard to stay away from it as we know where it should be. In bout 1-3% of the cases the nerve can get traumatized which can improve over time, sometimes not.  I hope this helpsGood LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery