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.

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

It is considered rare to permanently lose sensation in your nipples. Typically, any changes in nipple sensation are temporary.

With the lollipop lift, the nipple is usually based on a superior medial pedicle, which undercuts the nerve supply to the nipple. A better procedure is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

No it is not common but can happen. If the pocket dissection for the implant damages the nerve, you may lose sensation or if the implant is too big, the nerve gets stretched and you lose some sensation of the nipple.

It is rare to have a permanent decrease or loss of feeling, in my experience. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Good morning and thank you for this question. This is something that is commonly discussed during a breast lift consultation.
The large majority of breast lift procedures include an incision around the areola in order to elevate the nipple into its desired location. Making this incision usually results in a temporary loss or decease in nipple sensation. However, most women will have return of sensation with time. The amount of sensation that returns can be variable is is difficult to predict before surgery.
It is important to note if you have any nipple/areola numbness before surgery as many women with large or pendulous breasts lack strong nipple sensation before the surgery.