Is it common to lose sensation in breast after lift?

Thanks so much for your question,

Breast lift surgery involves repositioning the breasts to a higher position on the chest, and the surgeon may need to adjust the placement of nerves and blood vessels during the procedure. Sensory changes can result from swelling, trauma to nerves, or stretching of the tissues during surgery. In most cases, sensation gradually returns as the healing process progresses, but it may take several weeks to months.

Any surgical procedure on the breast can potentially lead to loss of sensation on portions of the breast or the nipple aerolar complex. However, a breast augmentation, and a lollipop breast lift should only have a 3-4% chance of sensation decrease or loss. This also would depend upon where your incisions were placed and which incision would be used to place your implant. Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your inquiry! There are risks involved with any elective surgery. Any breast surgery where the incision is made around the areola increases the risk for changes in nipple sensitivity. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to create a surgical plan targeted towards your specific goals.

Thank you for your question. Changes in sensation following breast surgery, such as numbness, increased sensitivity, or decreased feeling, are common. These changes can be affected by the extent of the surgery, the type of incisions made, and the manipulation of the breast tissue and nerves. Repositioning the nipple and adjusting the breast tissue during lollipop lift surgeries can affect nerve pathways. However, these changes are often temporary since nerves regenerate and heal over time. It's important to discuss this with your surgeon before the surgery.

Changes in sensation are risk when the breast tissue is disrupted. Typically the sensation will return as healing progresses. In approximately 10% of patients sensation to the nipple is permanent. It can take up to one year for sensation to improve.

Dear GinVA,
loss of sensation is one of possible complications of breast lift surgery. However, meticulous surgical technique and postoperative protocols can help prevent it. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery