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.

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

During breast augmentation surgery, the nerves may be stretched or irritated which may cause increased sensitivity of the breast or nipples. More commonly, some women may have a completely opposite reaction and feel numbness because of the same reasons. These sensory changes usually last from 3 to 6 months before resolving and feeling comes back to normal.

Ann F. Reilley, MD (retired) · Answer

Hypersensitivinty after all types of breast surgery is quite common in the first weeks. The good news is that you have not lost sensation and this will resolve on its own with time.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The treatment for hypersensitivity (which is quite common) is "systematic desensitization:" you have to re-train the nerves that normal touch is not bad or dangerous. The quickest way to do this is to use a vibrator because nerves respond quickest to vibration stress. Take the vibrator and place it on the chest far away from where you are the most sensitive. Move the tip toward the sensitive area and then come off your skin before the sensation becomes too unpleasant. Repeat this several times in a row a few times a day and the hypersensitivity will disappear within 7-10 days (or sooner).

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual at all to have a period of increased sensitivity in the nipples after augmentation.  This is almost always a temporary condition and should resolve in a few weeks.

Mark B. Constantian, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

After either breast reduction or augmentation, increased sensitivity can occur, and is almost always temporary. I have never personally seen it last forever.

	The research shows that (in breast reduction) one third of patients have more sensitivity, one third have less, and one third have no change.   That is much more invasive surgery than you had.

	The overwhelming likelihood is that you will be fine.

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