No areola sensation 3 years after breast augmentation: what is the outlook to regaining some sort of sensation back? (photo)

Question

It’s been over 3 years since my BA gummy silicone under muscle. I had zero pain during recovery and I have not since recovered sensation on Areola or nipple. They are also often cold even when the rest of my body is burning up. I did however recently found out I can feel skin on my breasts (around insicion) that before I did not. What is the outlook to regaining some sort of sensation for safety /pleasure. Any sort of procedures that may help ?

David Branch, MD · Answer

Maria10127, It is unlikely that after 3 years nipple sensation will return. Increased sensation is usually only seen for 12-18 months after augmentation. There may be anecdotal evidence that fat grafting to the area or implant removal or size decrease may improve sensation. Hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Some change in sensation is common right after surgery.  Typically this will return to normal as healing progresses and swelling resolves.  If sensation has not returned by one year it is doubtful that it will.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Maria10127,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

By now, it is doubtful that you will regain any sensation for the damaged sensory nerves did not grow back. Loss of sensation is one of the risks of surgery.  However, a few women have gained some benefits with acupuncture.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Sensation of the nipple areolar complex of the breast is provided by a plexus of extremely small nerves which cannot be identified / avoided and may be severed during breast augmentation, occurring in 15% of patients undergoing the procedure.
Following breast augmentation, bruising or injury to the nerves may cause transient sensory loss, taking up to 6-12 months to resolve. After a period of three years, the sensory loss is most likely due to nerve severance and is permanent. There is no satisfactory surgical option for correction.
Best wishes..

No areola sensation 3 years after breast augmentation: what is the outlook to regaining some sort of sensation back? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Loss of areolar sensation persisting 3 years after breast augmentation

Answer: Loss of areolar sensation persisting 3 years after breast augmentation

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No areola sensation 3 years after breast augmentation: what is the outlook to regaining some sort of sensation back? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Loss of areolar sensation persisting 3 years after breast augmentation

Answer: Loss of areolar sensation persisting 3 years after breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.