Burning nipple sensation 6 months post-op. Is that normal at this point?

Question

I had a breast reduction about 6 months ago and have been experiencing more burning pain in my nipples recently. This lasts about 3-5 minutes and occurs at least a few times per week, recently about once per day. Is this normal at this point? Should I expect this to go away eventually?

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

The cause of the burning sensation is most probably the nerves severed during surgery. Hypersensitivity is common when nerves are regenerating, and this might be your case. The best course of action would be to consult directly with the board certified plastic surgeon who did your surgery as he/she knows your condition best.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your breast reduction, roorahrah!
Some patients do have occasional nipple pain even up to a year after surgery. The burning sensation might be caused by nerve overstimulation, and it usually takes up to a year to resolve.
It’s best to go on a follow-up check-up with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon so that he provide you with relief options for your nipple pain.
Good luck!

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thanks for the question.It is not uncommon to experience nerve pain with burning or sharp intermittent pains in the nipple area for months after surgery.  Placing bandaids or gauze over them sometimes helps, but I have found at your point in the recovery period that a small shot of steroids under the nipple areola area often alleviates the pain.Best of luck.Dr T

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! I occasionally see patients who have this sensation anywhere from 3 weeks to 8 months post-op. Many note that it feels like a nerve pain - as many nerves are either disrupted or overstimulated during surgery it's common for them to need to 'reawaken' and this can result in either hypo- or hypersensitivity.  Placing gauze in the bra to protect the area helps many patients, as does very light scratching (very light, almost tickling) around the area to help restore sensation.Best of luck!

Burning nipple sensation 6 months post-op. Is that normal at this point?

Answers (4)

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