Is numbness normal after breast augmentation?

         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 complexes. In the vast majority of cases, it’s a transient
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
before proceeding with breast augmentation. Although relatively rare, there’s
no question that loss of nipple areola sensation can potentially occur with
this procedure. 

Temporary sensory changes are relatively common, and usually resolve during the first 12-18 months after surgery.   Permanent loss of sensation is a troubling complication after breast augmentation, and occurs in roughly 5% of patients. It is quite rare for the sensory nerves to be cut during a breast augmentation procedure. However, the placement of an implant can stretch out the nerves and cause temporary or permanent damage.