Nipple desensitized after breast augmentation. What could have caused this? Can this be reversed?

Question

Hello, Only 1 of my nipples was desensitized after my breast augmentation. I’m wondering if I did something wrong in recovery. Also is there a way to make it more sensitive again? Thank you!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately there is a small percentage that nipple sensation loss could be permanent.  It is normal to lose it for a bit after and once the swelling comes down it typically does come back.  Depending how long ago it was done it maybe a permanent loss.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hannah100588,
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

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Any surgery on the breast can result in loss of nipple sensation.  For breast augmentation specifically, an incision around the nipple (periareolar) may have increase the chance of nipple numbness as opposed to approaches through the armpit or lower breast fold. Unfortunately, there is no treatment, and only time will tell if the surrounding nerves can regrow to the nipple and decrease the numbness.  There may be compression or stretching of the nerves due to swelling after surgery, implant placement, or scar tissue forming after surgery.  Generally, the numbness should improve as you recover from surgery and may take up to 1 year afterwards.  There is nothing wrong you did postoperatively during the recovery.  The nipple numbness is a risk with any surgery on the breasts.

Sarah E. McMillan, MD · Answer

An incision around the areola can damage the nerve supply resulting in decreased sensitivity. Large implants can also put a strain on nerves traveling from the chest wall to the nipple which cam lead to a decrease in sensitivity. Generally, if it’s been over a year, then it is likely the sensation may not return.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation are a risk of breast augmentation surgery.  Typically sensation will return to baseline within a year of surgery.  If it hasn't, then the change is likely permanent.  There is nothing that you did wrong during recovery.  Nerves can be stretched, cut, or injured during the procedure.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, you did nothing wrong and it is a risk of any breast procedure. You may yet gain sensation back up to the first year. After the first year, all has healed and no improvement will probably occur.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation is rare, but certainly not unheard of. Many times this lack of sensation is temporary, and you’ll notice weird sensations like burning pain or pins and needles which shows the nerves regenerating. If the sensation does not return between six and 12 months, it may be permanent. There are no treatments to help the nerves regenerate if it’s been cut. There’s nothing that you did wrong postoperatively.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation is an unavoidable potential complication of breast augmentation, caused by inadvertent injury to the tiny structures innervating the nipple. The sensory loss may be temporary if due to swelling, semi-permanent (6 months-one year) if the nerve itself has been traumatized, or permanent if the nerve has been totally divided. There is no satisfactory treatment available.Best wishes...

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Sensory alteration after breast augmentation is not uncommon and is due to damage to the microscopic nerves supplying the nipple (unavoidable). This is most often a transitory phenomenon (neuropraxia) which resolves over a period of 3-6 months or so as the nerve endings regrow and repair. It may be noted as an advancing "pins and needles" sensation in the involved area.  In unusual circumstances, sensory return does not occur and numbness is permanent. There is no satisfactory treatment.
Best wishes...

Nipple desensitized after breast augmentation. What could have caused this? Can this be reversed?

Answers (9)

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