How long post BA does it take for nipple sensation to return? 1 year post-op.

Dear guapisima,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

guapisima.     Sorry you’re having this issue. While temporary sensation issues are fairly common after breast augmentation, normal sensation usually returns after 6 to 12 months. Since you are just one year post surgery, sensation may still return.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Some changes in sensation are not uncommon after breast augmentation. These changes are usually temporary and improve as swelling resolves and tissues settle. If a patient has not had improvement after a year the change is considered permanent. However if you are noticing improvement, even a little, then even at a year it may continue to slowly get better.

Nerves in the breast which provide nipple/areola sensation can go through a healing process if bruised which can take 3 months or so. they can also sometimes regenerate if cut, but by a year out- sensation generally "is what it is".

A large majority of women who have numbness or reduced sensation involving their breasts or nipples after augmentation experience improvement or a return to baseline within a year.  While it is still possible for you to recover further sensation, it is less likely that it will change at this point.  Sorry.

Great question. Some patients do report reduced sensation after surgery, but it usually returns within a few weeks or months. If the sensation has not returned within a year, it is unlikely to return.

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service. Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

If you haven't gotten sensation back within a year of surgery, it is highly doubtful that it will return.

Most sensation returns in the first post op year so this may be a permanent situation although additional feeling may return. Discuss with your plastic surgeon who may be able to offer a specific explanation.

Your sensation can get better for a few years, but a small percentage of women have permanent numbness or diminished sensation.  Most of the improvement usually happens in the first year but every case is individual and sometime sensation does get better later on.