Will my nipple sensation ever return to normal? 1 year and a half since my breast lift, can this be nerve damage?

Question

I had a breast lift with implant a year and a half ago and the sensation in one of my nipples has still not returned to normal. The nipple gets hard from time to time at a random but even when erect I don’t have any erotic sensation all I feel is pain and numbness when I touch it. I read online that pain can be a sign of nerve damage. Is this true? Has my nerve been permanently damaged? I thought that after a year I’d have my old sensation back but that is just not the case. Please help. Thanks!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is a loss of sensation after almost any breast surgery, even augmentation only. Innervation of the nipple comes from 3-5 separate nerves and their branches, so injury of the major nerve is not very likely cause of the loss of sensation. In the process of breast lift and tissue rearrangement numerous small nerve buds are severed. Reinnervation, a process that is manifested with a growth of new nerve buds into areas where sensation is lost, may take 1-2,5 years and may never provide complete sensation. Pain may be part of that process but should diminish and disappear in time. Frequent touching and stimulation, although unpleasant, may help this recovery. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cool314206,
numbness is very common. It depends on the operation but often times sensation can return in a couple of weeks, a year, or not at all. Nipple sensation itself is very important and can sometimes be lost with breast surgery. This is often mentioned in the risks of the consent process. I imagine your numbness is just temporary although I would have to examine you.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Nerve regeneration takes about a full year to happen. Speak to your Plastic surgeon to see where you are in your progress. Typically after breast lift sensation improves but may not be the case for everyone.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

After a breast lift surgery, changes in nipple sensation can indeed occur. Nerve damage is one of the potential causes of altered sensation in the nipple and surrounding areas. Nerves can be stretched, compressed, or even severed during surgery, leading to temporary or permanent changes in sensation.
In some cases, it's possible for nerve regeneration to occur over time, leading to an improvement in sensation. However, nerve healing is a slow process and can take several months or even years. It's also important to note that not all cases of altered nipple sensation after breast lift surgery are due to nerve damage. Swelling, scarring, and other factors can contribute to these changes.
If you're concerned about your nipple sensation not returning to normal even a year and a half after your surgery, it's best to consult with a medical professional. They can examine you, possibly conduct nerve tests, and provide personalized advice based on your situation. They will be able to give you a better understanding of whether your sensation might improve over time or if there are any potential treatments or interventions that could help.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

At a year and half, your sensation will not return to normal. Unfortunately, this is one of the risks of an augmentation and lift.  With time, it may become less sensitive. If you have concerns, please contact your surgeon.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

Unfortunately I do not think you will regain sensation to your affected nipple.  Changes or even complete loss of sensation to the nipples is a known risk of any breast surgery and even more so when there are peri-areolar incisions.  I do not think there is much to do in your case.  Good luck

Will my nipple sensation ever return to normal? 1 year and a half since my breast lift, can this be nerve damage?

Answers (6)

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