If my nipples are still hypersensitive 12 months after a breast augmentation, is it likely to ever get better?

Question

I had a breast augmentation close to 12 months ago but my nipples are still extremely sensitive & although not painful in clothing now, can not be touched. I had the implants under the muscle. My surgeon advised this will resolve over time, but I have had a few concerns with his advice. I am concerned that if my nipples remain this sensitive I will not be able to breastfeed in the future if I was to have children.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi london12breastaugThe hypersensitivity is due to injured nerves that are growing back abnormally, or incompletely.  Of course advise your doctor and ask for advice on desensitizing exercises, which are best demonstrated in person.What I do for my patients is I get a coarse gauze or material like denim and have the patient rub each nipple for 30 seconds 2X/day with it.  It is a vigorous circular motion, firm pressure.  If done properly, it will accentuate the electric shock type of experience and be quite unpleasant.  However, by about 20 seconds in, the sensation will moderate.Usually within 6 weeks, the sensation is normal, or at least, the hypersensitivity is gone.Se

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

1 year is a long time for nipple sensitivity to persist.  It may or may not go away. There is no way to predict its future.  There is no remedy but time.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common to have changes in nipple sensation after breast augmentation.  Most patients may experience hypersensitivity (with or without shooting pain, tingling) or decreased sensitivity following the surgery.  However, with time, this change will improve.  Your hypersensitivity may change up to 1-2 years.

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

Any time breast implants are placed, there is a risk of long-term nipple sensory changes.   Why?  Breast implants stretch not only the skin and pec major muscles, they also stretch the nerves that provide nipple sensation.  Although these nerves usually recover, permanent reduction or increase in nipple sensitivity are possible.  There is not much you can do except wait.  It is quite possible that your nipple hypersensivity will improve, at least to some degree, over the next 12 to 18 months.

If my nipples are still hypersensitive 12 months after a breast augmentation, is it likely to ever get better?

Answers (4)

Answer: Persistent hypersensitive nipples after BAM

Answer: Persistent hypersensitive nipples after BAM

Answer: Breast and nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation is self limiting in most cases

Answer: Breast and nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation is self limiting in most cases

Answer: Hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Answer: Hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Answer: Nipple hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Answer: Nipple hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

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If my nipples are still hypersensitive 12 months after a breast augmentation, is it likely to ever get better?

Answers (4)

Answer: Persistent hypersensitive nipples after BAM

Answer: Persistent hypersensitive nipples after BAM

Answer: Breast and nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation is self limiting in most cases

Answer: Breast and nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation is self limiting in most cases

Answer: Hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Answer: Hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Answer: Nipple hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

Answer: Nipple hypersensitivity after breast augmentation

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