Will I lose sensation in my breasts or nipples with a fat transfer to the breast?

Question

I’m interested in a fat transfer to the breast, however I had a bbl in the past, and the area around my hip dips is numb (had the surgery 2 years ago) but I will occasionally feel zingers. My fear is that the same thing will happen to the breast. What’s the likelihood of this happening? The cannula would be placed at the 12 and 6 position on my areola.

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

Fat transfer procedures, whether to the breasts or other areas like the buttocks, involve similar techniques that can lead to comparable risks and side effects. When fat is transferred, it's done using a cannula&mdash;a thin tube&mdash;to inject fat into targeted areas. Numbness and occasional sharp pains ("zingers") are common symptoms after such procedures, largely due to nerve damage or irritation during surgery.
Numbness in the area around your hip dips following a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) suggests some degree of nerve affection, which might have caused sensory changes. These nerves can regenerate over time, but the process can vary greatly from one person to another, and sometimes the changes can be permanent.
In terms of transferring fat to the breast, the likelihood of experiencing similar sensations (numbness and zingers) depends on several factors:
1. Surgical Technique: The placement and depth of the cannula during fat injections can affect how nerves are impacted. Given that the breast area is rich in nerve supply, particularly around the areola, careful handling is essential to minimize nerve damage.
2. Surgeon’s Skill and Experience: The precision and gentleness of the surgeon play a crucial role in minimizing tissue and nerve trauma.
3. Individual Healing Response: Each person's body reacts differently to surgeries. Your experience with numbness and zingers in the hip area post-BBL might give some indication of how your body responds to such interventions, but it isn't a definite predictor for breast procedures.
4. Volume of Fat Transferred: Larger volumes can require more extensive manipulation, potentially increasing the risk of nerve disruption.
Considering your previous experience and concerns, it's essential to discuss these thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your past healing patterns and tailor the procedure to minimize similar risks in the breast area. Additionally, they might use specific techniques or take extra precautions to protect the nerve structures around the breasts.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Diligent652234,
during fat transfer, small incisions are made so the risk of sensation loss is very low. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Overall, it is very unlikely to loose sensation long term to the nipples/areolas after AFT to the breast. It however, can be very common early after surgery (within the first 3-6 months) to have some sensation disturbances (numbness, zingers, pins/needles, etc) which usually resolve fully.
I would discuss with your surgeon placing the incisions away from your areola and placing them under your breast and in your armpit. That will decrease the likelihood of sensation issues further
All the best

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Loss of sensation, especially permanent, after fat transfer to the breasts would be very unusual.

Some temporary sensitivity or discomfort is common.

I usually place the fat from the breast fold.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely you will loss sensation to your nipples or breasts with fat transfers.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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Will I lose sensation in my breasts or nipples with a fat transfer to the breast?

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