Is this a good sign that I definitely feel sensation around the nipple?

Question

I've undergone a breast lift procedure 6 months ago and have been waiting to feel the sensation return in my nipples. I definitely feel sensation around the nipple (areolas), that are somewhat sensitive and tender. Is that a good sign that feeling will return to my nipples if the closest surrounding area has feeling?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about the significance of regaining sensation around the nipple area following a breast lift procedure six months ago. It is indeed a positive sign that you are experiencing sensation in this region.

Sensation in the nipple-areolar complex is primarily supplied by the fourth thoracic nerve, which travels along the side of the breast. During a breast lift, or mastopexy, there is a risk of damaging or even severing this nerve. Such damage can sometimes lead to a complete loss of sensation.

The fact that you are beginning to feel sensation around the nipple suggests that the nerve is healing and sensation is gradually being restored. It's common for sensation to initially return around the edges of the nipple-areolar complex before fully encompassing the entire area. This process can be gradual and varies from person to person.
At this stage, the best course of action is to be patient, as nerve recovery can be slow. There is no specific intervention to hasten this recovery; it typically happens naturally over time.
I remain hopeful that your nipple sensation will fully return as your healing progresses.
Good luck, and thank you for sharing your concerns about the recovery of sensation post-breast lift.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mayaA24,
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.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi! This is Arzu from Dr. Caner Kacmaz Clinic. It is normal that to loose the sansation for a while after the surgery but by the time passes you will recover it completely if the surgery is done correctly.
Kind Regards

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation can occur after breast surgery.  It is encouraging that you are regaining some sensation around the areola.  It can take up to a year for some patients to regain sensation, so you are still within that window!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you my slowly get more sensation. However, if it has not returned by one year from surgery, then it probably will not.

Matt Novak, MD · Answer

Feeling returning to the areolas after a breast lift procedure is a positive sign, as it indicates that nerve function is gradually recovering in the surrounding area. The sensitivity and tenderness you are experiencing suggest that the nerves in the areolas are healing, which is a common part of the recovery process.
However, it's important to note that nerve regeneration can be a slow and unpredictable process. While sensation may return to the areolas and surrounding areas, it doesn't guarantee that you will eventually regain full sensation in your nipples. Nerve regeneration varies from person to person, and some individuals may experience complete recovery, while others may have partial or limited sensation return.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Changes in nipple areola sensations can happen from breast lift surgery.It’s more common with breast reductions than a breast lift without a reduction.
A lot depends on what technique was used for the procedure.
most breast lift surgery, patients maintain full or close to full nipple sensation. There may be some numbness around the areola and the surrounding skin.Some women experience nipple hypersensitivity after a breast reduction, and sometimes after a breast lift.
Changes in sensation will evolve over time and can’t change for up to a year or two.
At six months, things are usually pretty stable and patients may experience some further changes, but also get used to this as being the new normal.
Follow up with your provider.
Best 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is this a good sign that I definitely feel sensation around the nipple?

Answers (7)

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