Loss of Nipple Sensation After Breast Augmentation? Does this frequently occur? And if so, is it permanent?

All surgery carries the risk of complication. One such complication of breast augmentation surgery would be partial or full loss of nipple sensation. This occurs in approximately 5% of people who undergo this procedure. 

Complete loss of nipple sensation happens in about 5% of patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery.  Studies have shown that the incision is really not the deciding factor here.  The common denominator is the size of the implant.  The larger the implants placed the greater the risk of nipple sensation.In certain cases there can be decrease or loss of sensation and in others there may be hypersensitivity.  In either case it may take 6-12 months before the sensation returns to normal.  In the majority of cases, patients do fine.Hope that helps.

While temporary numbness is expected early after any surgery in the immediate area of the procedure, prolonged or permanent loss of sensation is very rare. The majority of breast augmentation regain complete sensation within a few days to weeks after surgery although occasionally it can take months to return. Rarely a small number (well less than 5%) of women may have some permanent areas of numbness.

While there is always a risk of permanent numbness and sensation loss with breast augmentation surgery, the risk is usually small. Normally there is temporary numbness initially after surgery that improves over time. Incisions at the areola seem to have an increased likelihood of losing sensation. Incision at the inframmamary crease can reduce the chance of sensation loss. I recommend having a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss all of your questions and concerns so that you can make an informed decision.

Loss
of nipple sensation is quite infrequent, about 5 percent.  In most cases, the sensation will return.  The key to success is in
finding a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in cosmetic breast surgery
- know before you go!

This is an excellent question. In order to place an implant a "pocket" needs to be created to accommodate the chosen implant. The very act of creating that pocket means that the many nerves are "disturbed", and this is completely unavoidable. The nipples are an important erogenous zone so the prospect of altering sensation here must be clearly understood.I inform all my patients that several things can happen to breast nipple sensation after augmentation surgery:
Nipple sensation can remain unchanged to that of the pre-operative stateOr, the nipple sensation can increase to the point of being too sensitive and sometimes painfulOr, the nipple sensation can decrease to the point of being numb.
If the nipple sensation does change after surgery, within 12 months most women have returned to there preoperative state. However, up to 10% remain with permanently altered nipple sensation - either too much or not enough.In addition to the nipple, other parts of the breast can have altered sensation. For example, sensation between the scar within the lower breast fold and the lower edge of your areolar is often reduced. There is a good chance this will not return to normal.