Is numbness normal after breast augmentation?

Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure
performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1
year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation
returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return
from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical
procedure.  There is small rate of sensation change in breast augmentation - moreso for breast lift and reduction, where the nipple is cut and moved.  If this was not done during your breast augmentation, sensation should return over the next several weeks to months.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then
occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience,
and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased
sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is
also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The
last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has
developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during
the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Changes in nipple sensation immediately after breast augmentation is extremely common. However, for the majority of people it typically returns to normal by 12 months post-op. Therefore, given that you're now close to two years post-op, unfortunately your state of nipple sensation should be considered permanent, and nothing can be done to improve it.To understand why its happened a basic concept needs to be understood. In order to place an implant a "pocket" needs to be created to accommodate the chosen implant. The very act of creating that pocket means that the many nerves are "disturbed", and this is completely unavoidable. The nipples are an important erogenous zone so the prospect of altering sensation is always clearly explained to my patients. I inform all my patients that several things can happen to breast nipple sensation after augmentation surgery:Nipple sensation can remain unchanged to that of the pre-operative stateOr, the nipple sensation can increase to the point of being too sensitive and sometimes painfulOr, the nipple sensation can decrease to the point of being numb.If the nipple sensation does change after surgery, within 12 months most women have returned to there preoperative state. However, up to 10% remain with permanently altered nipple sensation - either too much or not enough.In addition to the nipple, other parts of the breast can have altered sensation. For example, sensation between the scar within the lower breast fold and the lower edge of your areolar is often reduced. There is a good chance this will not return to normal.

         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.

Numbness of the nipple is very uncommon after breast augmentation.  You might continue to get sensibility back in the nipple after a year and a half but I'd be betting against it.  Nothing to do but wait and hope.

AS all of my colleagues have stated, at this point in time 20 months after breast augementation surgery, it is most likely that your loss of nipple sensation is permanent.
Loss of sensation is most likely due to mechanical disruption and less likely to a stretching injury. It is far more common to effect one side rather than both sides. It more commonly occurs with larger implants.

Thanks for your question -
Nipple numbness after breast augmentation is a rare but reported complication. Unfortunately after about a year it is unlikely that you will have additional recovery.
Numbness can occur when the incision or dissection to place the implant injures the nerve. Numbness can also be caused by stretch or pressure placed on the nerve by the implant.
I hope this helps.

Statistically, there is always a chance of loosing sensation on part/or all of the nipple after any type of breast augmentation. some doctors feel that there is an increased risk with incision around the areola, but I have not experienced any difference. The chance for this is about 5% for total loss and 15% for partial reduction in sensation.

Hi-
If you have not had much recovery of sensation a year after surgery, it is unlikely that much more will occur, although it is possible. It really depends on where the sensory nerves to the nipple were affected by the surgery (nerves grow very slowly- 1mm per day).
Unfortunately, changes in sensation are a bit more common with the peri-areolar approach.

Permanent numbness is a rare risk of surgery and this may be what you're experiencing unfortunately. During surgery or with the presence of your implants, nerves may have been damaged and they've been unable to regenerate.