Will Nipple and Breast Numbness After Breast Implants Go Away?

Question

I had breast augmentation 2 weeks ago, and my nipples and a large part of my breasts are numb. Is this normal, and will it go away? I started as a 34A, and had 375 cc's, putting me currently in the C-D range. I'm about 5'5', 120 lbs, light frame. My skin feels really tight, like it still hasn't stretched enough, and sometimes I feel like I have a tiny bit of heat rash on them. The crease scars still hurts a little, but nothing unbearable. More than anything, I want the sensation to return. Any advice?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It is very common for changes in sensation to occur, whether it be a n increase or decrease in sensitivity. Usually these changes will return to normal after a few weeks or months  after surgery.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some degree of a decrease in sensation in breasts after a breast augmentation surgery. Some people may not experience much of this and some people may experience it more than others. The amount of time needed for sensation to return also varies between people. The tightness should also improve as you continue to heal, your breast tissue will adapt to the implants and they should become softer and more relaxed.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still quite early in your recovery. Your #healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some #swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. #Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and should not alarm you and indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's instructions may help. However, #textured implants do not require breast #massage and if massage is recommended, you will be informed more about it during your post-operative visit. Further, if you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, numbness is a potential complication following any surgical procedure.  When it comes to the breasts the numbness is usually temporary but it can take several weeks to months to years to resolve.  Because you are so early on in the healing process, I would recommend being patient and remember that things will settle down and you should see improvement over the next few weeks.  Any concerns however big or small should be addressed with your operating surgeon.  Congratulations on your breast augmentation and best of luck on your recovery.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Loss of sensation in the nipple/areola is fortunately an uncommon occurrence.In my experience, permanent loss of of sensation may be due to stretching of the sensory nerves by using very large implants causing a stretch injury or pressure on the nerves, extent of dissection which can damage the nerves, and the size of implant. I find that the location of the incision is not usually the reason for loss of sensation.Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is important when considering surgery, as it will lower your chances of complications.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Although breast augmentation is a relatively safe
operative procedure, occasionally complications can occur. Loss of sensation is
a recognized complication of breast augmentation and can occur in about five
percent of patients. Loss of sensation may involve the breast skin or in more
serious cases, the actual nipple areola complex. In the vast majority of cases,
it’s a transcient phenomenon that resolves with time, but in some cases, it may
be permanent.

The problem seems to occur more frequently when larger
implants are used. This tends to stretch the nerves and compress them as well
resulting in loss of sensation. It’s important that you discuss this issue
thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. Although relatively rare, there’s no
question that loss of nipple areola sensation can potentially occur with this
procedure.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Your symptoms sound like your nerves regenerating.  Breast procedures such as the 
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
 shapely, 
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure 
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in 
sensation to the area.  The reported rate of sensation changes 
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much 
smaller for breast augmentation.  In my experience, this rate is 
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the 
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a 
slightly greater risk.  It can take up to a year for full sensation to return.  Re-educating your nerves to these areas by using different textures when showering and putting on lotion often helps.It is one risk of such a procedure, and 
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical 
procedure.  You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in 
breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various 
risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if 
such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

The sensation should return over the next few weeks, but it may take several months or more. I don't think it's anything to worry about at the moment: be patient, heal well, and things should settle down and the sensation return in a few weeks time.

Julio C. Pena Encarnacion, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to feel numbness the weeks following a surgery. The sensation should comeback progressively as the scarring is taking place and the wounds finish to heal.

William Rahal, MD · Answer

Yes, given that you are only 2 weeks out of surgery, this is common enough, so you do not have to worry. It can take several weeks to months for the numbness to completely go aw
My best advice is to be patient and to try not to worry. But, if you are truly concerned, you should contact your plastic surgeon and he can further advise you.
I hope that answers your question on numbness after surgery. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients. 
You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?
A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.
So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural. 
Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small. 
And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"
That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.
This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it. 
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Will Nipple and Breast Numbness After Breast Implants Go Away?

Answers (17)