Will I Lose Sensitivity in My Nipples when I Have a Breast Lift?

Hello! Thank you for your question! Breast procedures such as the breast lift and breast reduction certainly result in a more shapely, perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts along with raising of the nipple-areolar complex to an appropriate position. Since there is an incision made around the areola along with some rearrangement of tissue of the breast, there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in sensation to the area. The reported rate of sensation changes (decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7%. In my experience, this rate is reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a slightly greater risk.It is one risk of such a procedure, and one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical procedure. You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

         Permanent loss of
sensation is unusual following breast lift surgery. In the vast majority of
patients who have decreased sensation following breast lift, sensation returns
without treatment.

 

         Under these
circumstances, decreased sensation is related to swelling and stretching of the
nerves during surgery. It’s not unusual for patients to have pins and needle
sensations known as dysesthesia following surgery. This resolves with time as
well.

 

         Rarely permanent
loss of sensation occurs following breast lift surgery. Although the exact
incidence is unknown, most surgeons would estimate the incidence at about one
to five percent.