Increase Breast Sensitivity After Augmentation?

Question

Hi, I had breast augmentation 3 weeks ago and since then I have my breast so sensitive to the touch, which make me so unconfortable. Is this normal, and if so how long it will last? Thakns

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  It sounds like you have hypersensitivity following your surgery.  Fortunately, in most patients, this settles down over the first month or two, and usually isn't a long term problem.  

	Discuss it with your surgeon, so he/she can make sure that everything is healing correctly, and can advise you on ways to make you feel more comfortable.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Increased breast sensitivity after any breast surgery is common, but more common after breast augmentation with breast implants. It is likely due to irritation of the sensory nerves which can be likened to bumping your funny bone. In general, temporary sensory changes with either numbness or burning are very common and most resolve within around 3 months. I hope this helps. Dr. Trussler.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear mcdv22, Thank you for your post. In general, most women who have a disturbance in nipple sensation, whether it be less (hypo-sensation), or in some cases too much (hyper-sensation), the sensation goes back to normal with 3-6 months. Occasionally, it can take 1 - 2 years to be normal. Extremely rare, the sensation never goes back to normal. This is extremely rare in augmentation alone, more common in lift or reduction but less with a smaller lift like a crescent lift. Signs that sensation is coming back are needle type sensation at the nipple, itchiness at the nipple, or 'zingers' to the nipple. The number of women that lose sensation is much lower than 10%, closer to 1% in a simple augmentation. In some cases the same occurs with contraction where some women have no contraction and some women have a constant contraction of the nipples. Unfortunately there is no surgical correction for this. Massaging the area can help sensation normalize faster if it is going to normalize, but will not help if the nerve does not recover. In women with hyper-sensitive nipples, this will go away with time in most cases. Usually 3 months or so. In the interim, I have them wear nipple covers or 'pasties' to protect them from rubbing. It is unlikely that down-sizing the implant will cause regaining sensation. Down-sizing the implant may cause saggy breasts, however, and may necessitate a breast lift. Physical therapy with de-sensitivity techniques can help with this issue. As far as incisions go, the peri-areolar incision is associated with about twice the incidence of nipple numbness vs. other incisions. At two years, however, it is unlikely to regain sensation.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Andrew P. Giacobbe, MD, FACS · Answer

Sensory changes to the breast such as increased or decreased sensitivity, numbness, burning pains, etc. are quite common after breast augmentation.  Most of these sensation changes are temporary, lasting for several weeks or even months and should resolve in time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

After breast augmentation surgery, some patients experience what you are experiencing and some patients lose sensitivity and are numb.  Both of these situations happens after surgery due to the nerves being irritated during surgery.  Usually, this is temporary and will resolve on it's own after 3-4 months.  Keep in close contact with your surgeon and see if he/she has any further recommendations for you.

Increase Breast Sensitivity After Augmentation?

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Answer: Hypersensitivity after Breast Augmentation Surgery

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Increase Breast Sensitivity After Augmentation?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast sensitivity following augmentation

Answer: Breast sensitivity following augmentation

Answer: Hypersensitivity after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Answer: Hypersensitivity after Breast Augmentation Surgery

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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