Will my nipple sensation stop hurting and return as normal?

Question

I had implants 10 months ago and removed 4 months later. Since then my nipples are so painful to touch, I can somewhat feel I still have sensation but it's so painful. I don't really have any electric shock like pains anymore so worrying my nerves aren't healing. They were 350cc under the muscle. My nipples do go hard when touched or brushed against my top, will they ever not be painful?

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about the pain you're experiencing after your implant removal. Post-surgical nipple pain is not uncommon, but it can be distressing. I have attached a video that discusses your concerns in detail.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Occasionally, after breast augmentation a woman can experience nipples to be tender, sore and sometimes painful to the touch.  For some it will last longer than for others. There are different things you can do to help alleviate the pain in the meantime. Try to switch to a softer fabric bra, something that is not as irritating. Icing is always an option. You can also ask your physician if there is an anti-inflammatory drug or topical cream that can help with discomfort.

Dev Vibhakar, DO, FACS · Answer

Hello!Congratulations on your decision to remove your implants. The sensitivity you are feeling is not uncommon. Typically this should start calming down and resolves over the course of 1 year. In the meantime you can do things to control the sensitivity - apply ice packs/frozen peas to the side of the chest the help numb the nerve that supplies the nipple- do this for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day as needed, take over the counter ibuprofen as needed as an anti inflammatory and wear compression when working out. Any swelling in that area will aggravate the nerve specially during your menstrual cycle. If the pain is not tolerable then sometimes a medrol dose pack can be prescribed by your pcp/surgeon. You can also protect the nipples by wearing nipple patches/covers that stick on. Hope this helps Dr Dev

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the discomfort you are experiencing.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about tactile desensitization.  There are techniques that when done consistently can calm the nerves down.  If not you can consider medication to help alleviate the hypersensitivity.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your healing time is up to one year and during this time the swelling is decreasing and your nerves are healing. However, some women do stay sensitive. If need, see a pain specialist to help with the discomfort.

Will my nipple sensation stop hurting and return as normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Discomfort

Answer: Discomfort

Answer: Nipples

Answer: Nipples

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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

Will my nipple sensation stop hurting and return as normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Discomfort

Answer: Discomfort

Answer: Nipples

Answer: Nipples

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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