Can nerves "wake up" almost 3 years after breast augmentation? I've been numb since surgery, now have sensation & slight pain.

Question

I got silicone implants 7/2013. A month ago I began having dull intermittent pain in my right nipple area. I convinced myself its early capsular contracture. Yesterday I felt a twinge in my left nipple & thought ok I have CC in both breasts, but then realized I could FEEL my nipple. My nipple areas have been numb since surgery. I believed it to be permanent. But now, I have feeling in both of my nipples & the area around. Is it possible my nerves are just now waking up? If so, could that cause pain?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Usually, the one year mark dictates whether you will have sensation back. However, it is theoretically possible that you got late growth. Best of luck!

Seth Eberlin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Nerves are very sensitive (no pun intended) structures and they can stop sending signals if they experience any trauma.  It can take them months to years to "wake up" and start working again.  So yes, it is possible that your nerves are just starting to come back on line.  This tends to result in little twinges or electrical shock feelings.  These generally go away with time as the nerves continue to regenerate.Capsular contracture would result in firmness in your breasts; pain is usually the last symptom.  Without a physical exam it's difficult to say for sure but based on what you've said it doesn't sound like you have CC.  I would give this all some time and see how it progresses.  If the pain and your sensation improves then it sounds like your nerves are waking up.  If you have any concerns or if things start to get worse, I'd recommend you call your surgeon so he/she can examine you to try to come up with a diagnosis and solution.Good luck!Dr. Seth

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Nerves can be stretched during breast augmentation.  Because nerves are very sensitive they can "shut down" for a period of time.  It can take many months for them to wake up. Numbness after breast augmentation happens around 5-10% of the time. It is possible to get feeling back up to 1-2 years after surgery. YOu are 3 years out and it is not impossible that some of what you are feeling could be the nerves waking up.  Review again with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Can nerves "wake up" almost 3 years after breast augmentation? I've been numb since surgery, now have sensation & slight pain.

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Can nerves "wake up" almost 3 years after breast augmentation? I've been numb since surgery, now have sensation & slight pain.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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