Is there a way to regain nipple sensation after a Breast Augmentation? (photos)

Question

Hello I’m 24 had my breast augmentation 12months ago and I’m so disheartened to have to accept that my nipple sensation never returned. My question is, is there any procedures that I could have done to regain sensation in my nipples? Also they changed colour, before surgery they were brown & now they’re light pink, just wondered why? Thank you

Chirag Mehta, MD · Answer

Typically, nipple sensation will return by the 12 month mark, but it can take up to 2 years for sensation to fully return. There is increased risk when you have a lift along with the augmentation. Unfortunately, there aren’t any procedures that will bring back sensation if it doesn’t come back on it’s own, but you can give it more time. As far as the color change, since it appears you had a lift, it would make sense that the areola is stretched making it appear lighter.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

There are no operative procedures that would allow you to regain nipple sensation. I'm sorry to hear that you're disheartened after your procedure. Based on the scar,  it looks like you had a lift as well? A lift can disturb the nerves (which provide sensation) even more than just an augmentation because it's a more involved surgery with more cuts compared to a breast augmentation alone.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that your nipple sensation has not returned since surgery.  There is no known way to help restore it.  Some patients will have a change in sensation temporarily after surgery, but unfortunately for a small percentage it will be a permanent loss.  The change in the color of the areola is due to the tissue being stretched.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
For your pigmentation loss, you could try tattooing to restore color. For your sensation loss it may come back and is just very slow. The longest I have ever heard of sensation returning after breast surgery is about two years- so there still may be hope- but there isn't really a procedure to restore it.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jubilant8949,
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

Is there a way to regain nipple sensation after a Breast Augmentation? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Loss of sensation

Answer: Loss of sensation

Answer: Nipple sensation

Answer: Nipple sensation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Is there a way to regain nipple sensation after a Breast Augmentation? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Loss of sensation

Answer: Loss of sensation

Answer: Nipple sensation

Answer: Nipple sensation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.