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

Thank you for your query. Reduction of skin sensation is common after many surgeries but usually comes back fully by one year. It is obviously taking you longer but it should still come back. You have your nipple and areola sensation, which is the most important, and revision should be possible. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon. All the best!

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

Hello dear. It's normal for the recovery of sensation after a breast reduction to vary greatly from person to person. The fact that you've regained sensation in your nipples within a week is a good sign. A lack of sensation in the lower part of your breasts more than a year later can be concerning, but not necessarily permanent. Occasional itching could indicate some nerve regeneration, which is positive.

That said, after more than a year, it's possible that the loss of sensation may be partial or permanent, although in some cases it may continue to improve over time, especially if there are signs such as tingling or itching.

Regarding a follow-up surgery: yes, a second reduction or retouching is possible if you're dissatisfied with the size. It's key to wait at least 12 months, which you've already done, for the tissues to fully heal. A new procedure may better meet your expectations, but it could also carry a higher risk of altered sensation. You can contact us at 829-554-6062 for a more detailed evaluation and to begin scheduling your surgery.

Changes in sensation are a risk of breast reduction surgery. When nerves are stretched and swelling is present the sensation can improve as healing progresses. If nerves are severed as part of the procedure the changes can be permanent. Typically sensation that hasn't returned after a year is considered permanent.

Since a reduction is a partial mastectomy, tissue with nerves are removed. Numbness and changes in sensation does occur in many women. More surgery usually does not help. I am sure your surgeon discussed these changes with you during the consultation.

It’s understandable that you’d be concerned after a year, especially when you're still experiencing numbness and occasional itching. Both sensations can sometimes indicate that the nerves are beginning to regenerate, even though it can take time—sometimes up to a couple of years or longer in some cases. Itching, in particular, can sometimes be a sign of nerve regrowth, but it’s not a guarantee that full sensation will return.
In terms of whether sensation can return, it is possible for nerve sensation to improve over time. However, complete recovery is not always guaranteed, and some people experience permanent numbness in certain areas.
As for follow-up surgery, it's definitely possible, and many patients opt for revisions later if they feel unsatisfied with the results, especially if there's a desire for further size reduction or adjustments to the aesthetic outcome. It's best to discuss this with your surgeon to assess the feasibility, potential risks, and timing of any follow-up surgery.
If you’re feeling uncertain about the healing process or your desired outcome, it might be helpful to schedule a follow-up appointment to address any concerns you have with your surgeon. They can provide guidance specific to your case and whether further interventions may help improve your results.