Permanent numbness after surgery - can it be prevented?

Dear Danicapavel,

numbness is most commonly caused by incision placement and surgical technique. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Numbness post mastopexy can occur but is rarely permanent. Temporary sensory changes typically improve over the course of 6-9 months and rarely exceed a year.

That being said, numbness/sensory changes are a known risk of surgery and increase in likelihood with the degree of surgery.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Typically, there is minimal loss of sensation on the breast or the nipples/areola area during a breast lift. There’s always a possibility of some loss of sensation along the incision line, but this tends to be minimal. This depends upon the extent of undermining of the skin during the breast lift or whether mesh support is inserted at the time of the breast lift to give the breasts additional support. There is nothing that you, individually, can do to minimize the loss of sensation, it would be predicated on the extent of the undermining of your breast skin that would be required to give you your best result. Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for this very thoughtful question — your concern is absolutely valid, especially after already going through body contouring surgery.Some degree of temporary numbness is common after breast lift surgery, particularly around the nipple-areola complex. This is due to the stretching or disruption of small sensory nerves during skin and tissue repositioning.
Here’s what can contribute to numbness after a breast lift:
Incision location: Techniques like the anchor or vertical lift involve incisions around the areola and along the lower breast, where sensory nerves travel.Depth of dissection: More aggressive or deep tissue manipulation can increase the risk of nerve disturbance.Tissue quality after weight loss: After major weight loss, the skin and nerves may be more vulnerable due to stretching and thinning over time.The good news is, most changes in sensation are temporary. Studies suggest that permanent numbness of the nipple occurs in less than 10% of cases, and even that varies with technique and anatomy. In my practice, it’s much lower due to meticulous surgical planning and respect for neurovascular structures.To minimize the risk:
Choose a technique that respects your nerve anatomy — for example, my Push-Up Lift technique is designed to preserve nipple blood supply and sensation while reshaping the breast.Avoid smoking and ensure good nutritional status before and after surgery — both play a big role in nerve healing.Follow post-op instructions carefully to avoid swelling or tension on healing tissues.While there is always a small risk, a carefully planned lift — especially in experienced hands — balances aesthetic goals with sensory preservation.

Numbness can happen and expected around nipples, areola, and skin. This is very normal and it is likely to get better over the next several weeks. In rare cases, numbness can be permanent but the chances are very slim.

The breast lift technique I recommend 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 scar are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Changes in sensation can occur as a result of surgery. For the breasts most patients have sensation return within a few months. For some it can take up to a year. While it is uncommon, if sensation does not return after a year it is likely permanent. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns and learn more about the procedure.

It’s not at all uncommon to have some numbness right along the incision line.
Nipple numbness is unlikely after a breast lift, but can happen after a breast reduction.
Breast implants can cause changes in nipples sensation, but rarely creates complete numbness of the nipple.
Some patients will actually have nipple hypersensitivity after a breast lift or reduction.
The major nerves giving sensation to the nipple are generally not involved in a breast lift surgery.
An implant can put tissues under slight tension, and this can cause some decrease in sensation like when your leg is numb if your legs are crossed for too long.
Numbness after a breast lift is usually not a common long-term concern.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD