How Long Will It Take to Recover Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Mastectomy?

Question

Pankaj Tiwari, MD · Answer

Hello! It's common to experience loss of nipple sensitivity after a mastectomy, because of the nerves that have been severed during the procedure. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell how long it will take for nipple sensitivity to return, or if it will return at all, and it's best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you figure out what your current situation is and how to proceed from there.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

As stated previously there is not enough information given but the assumption is you have a nipple preserving mastectomy.  I performed a reconstruction for a patient this week after a nipple sparing mastectomy.  The nipple will not regain sensation overall because of the mastectomy.  The most sensitive part of the breast is the upper breast skin above the areola.  I would evaluate the sensation on a 4 month basis.  Sensation in the skin can improve over time.  I use a time frame of a year before I feel the reulst is complete from a nerve and sensation standpoint.

Roberta Gartside, MD, FACS · Answer

The standard answer would be that sensation of an intimate nature does not return after a mastectomy. During a mastectomy the entire breast is remove and that includes the nerve to the nipple. This would be true with a nipple-sparing mastectomy as well. There could however be return of general skin sensation to the area but it is very unpredictable. The important issue is choosing the operation that gives you the best long term survival.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, you really don't give us all the info but I will answer based on what you are telling us.  First of all you should discuss this with your surgeon.  If you truly had a mastectomy, whether or not nipple sparing, I doubt you will regain sensation as the nerves that supply erotic sensation are removed as part of the mastectomy.  Again, spend some time talking to your doctor as he or she will know better than we will.  Good luck

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There are some missing details here regarding exactly what kind of surgery you had and what the condition was that was being treated.  But presuming that it was a nipple sparing mastectomy, unfortunately there is very little likelihood that you will ever have much feeling in the nipple again.  Time will tell over 2-3 years but if you needed a mastectomy, sensation needed to be sacrificed for your health.  Good luck.

How Long Will It Take to Recover Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Mastectomy?

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Answer: Nipple sensation after mastectomy

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Answer: Nipple sensation after mastectomy

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How Long Will It Take to Recover Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Mastectomy?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nipple sensation after mastectomy

Answer: Nipple sensation after mastectomy

Answer: Nipple sensation after mastectomy

Answer: Nipple sensation after mastectomy

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Everything you need to know about Mastectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.