Nipple sensation after breast reduction, afraid of losing sensation. Advice?

Question

Hi! I want to get a breast reduction in December. I'm afraid of being unable to breastfeed after and losing sensation. Is it possible for nipples to not be able to become hard afterwards? I know it seems silly but I don't want that to happen! How common is it to be unable to breast feed? I am seeing a board certified surgeon with over 30 years of experience and great reviews.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear youdontknowmee,
numbness can occur after surgery. 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. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Experiencing a complete loss of nipple sensation after breast surgery is rare. With that said, it may take some time for the sensation to return. In rare cases due to the removal of tissues and skin, nerves can be damaged. Especially when the incision is made around the nipple, it might be more challenging to preserve the nerves. 
It's difficult to determine when the nipple sensation will return, as it varies from patient to patient. The damaged nerves need time to regenerate, therefore the sensation will increase gradually. Breast reduction has no effect on breastfeeding. Good luck with your surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Changes in nipple or breast sensation are possible breast reduction surgery risks. For the vast majority of patients, breast reduction will not cause a loss of feeling in the nipple or areola. These changes may be temporary or permanent. 
Breast reduction should not cause an inability to breast feed in most circumstances. The reduction involves skin removal and not glandular repartitioning per se. Certainly, breast duct and gland do not have to be violated. I have not found nipple areola sensitivity decreases to be an issue in my practice.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend for breast reduction is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Approximately 5% of patients who lose nipple sensation lose it in one nipple and not both. In terms of being able to breast feed, someone who never had surgery cannot breast feed, so there is no guarantee. However, this technique does not undercut the major ducts and there is no pedicle technique but I use a central mound.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The lids of sensation is one of the risks of breast reduction. It is hard to say what the risk is, maybe five percent. However, it depends on the technique used, how much breast tissue removed and how far the nipple is shifted, the larger the reduction the greater the risk,

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Loss of sensation and interfering with the ability to breastfeed are risks of breast reduction surgery.  The more tissue that is disrupted, the higher the risk.  You are doing the right things by researching surgeons and selecting an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.  This can help to minimize risk and optimize outcomes.

Patrick W. Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. What you are describing are common concerns with breast reduction. Seeing an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is right step to take. Best wishes and good luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

No one knows to begin with whether they can breast feed. Some can but some cannot for factors unrelated to the surgery. The starting size and surgical approach are elements of this as well. Nipple numbness can occur as a documented complication regardless of surgical technique or expertise. Many of these neuropraxias go on to resolve over time. Best wishes.

Nipple sensation after breast reduction, afraid of losing sensation. Advice?

Answers (8)

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