Nerve damage and nipple sensitivity - are some people more prone to nerve damage?

Question

I'm 44 years old & my nerves have always been problematic - every surgery I've had (knee and foot) have resulted in some sort of nerve damage or loss. I'm terrified of losing sensitivity in my nipples (my favorite erogenous zone) with a boob job. Was my nerve damage before just a coincidence or can some people have nerves more prone to damage?

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

Breasts are a different story than the rest of your anatomy. The nerve anatomy is different on every person. Although you have a dominant nerve for nipple sensation, usually there are multiple that innervate to help reduce the chances of complete nipple sensory loss.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there,Great question! Changes to nipple sensation are very common after breast augmentation. During surgery, the implant stretches the breast tissues, including the nerves and that can cause changes in areola sensitivity. These changes typically resolve in a few months, but in some cases can be permanent. There is really no guarantee it just depends how your body responds.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Sometimes, when the nerve to the nipple is stretched there is a temporary annoying increase in sensation for about 6 weeks before it returns to normal. But, on a scale of 0 to 10, if the importance of sensation for you is a 10 and you are the one to lose it- that's a big deal. Only you can decide how important this surgery is to you. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Change in sensation is a risk with breast augmentation.  Most patients experience changes after surgery related to swelling.  Once the swelling resolves typically sensation returns to normal.  For some patients however the changes can be permanent.  There are certain factors that may increase the risk of sensation changes, such as selecting a very large implant.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Powerful953277,
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. However, a meticulous surgical technique can reduce the chance of numbness.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nerve damage and nipple sensitivity - are some people more prone to nerve damage?

Answers (7)