2 years post-op - Numbness and itching on lower breasts.

Dear Kariin,

numbness is very common. It depends on the operation but often times sensation can return in a couple of weeks, a year, or not at all. Nipple sensation itself is very important and can sometimes be lost with breast surgery. This is often mentioned in the risks of the consent process. I imagine your numbness is just temporary although I would have to examine you.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I specialize in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery and chest / nipple sensory nerve preservation and restoration.


Numbness in the lower part of the breasts can be fairly common, as the nerves in that area may have been affected during the procedure. Nerve recovery can take time (up to 1.5-2 years) and while itching may signal that nerves are healing or regenerating, it can be a slow process. However, complete sensation may not fully return, especially in the areas further from the nipple, and some numbness might persist.


If you're still unhappy with the results or if sensation doesn’t return as expected, additional surgery is often possible. Discussing your concerns with your surgeon about both the aesthetic outcome and sensation can help determine whether follow-up surgery is appropriate. Keep in mind that revisional surgery can sometimes affect nerve sensation even more, so it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and risks carefully. Revisiting your surgeon can provide more clarity on how to best address your concerns moving forward.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York