Numbness After Breast Implant Exchange

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. 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!

Good day! For your guidance, numbness, tingling, burning or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the sensory nerves. These sensations will disappear with time and should not alarm you, but if they cause repeated pain, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about this and discuss any other additional aftercare you need for best results. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Although removal and
replacement of breast implants 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 5% 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 transient phenomena 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.

The nerves to your breast get stretched during capsulectomy and implant replacement.  They are not severed so sensibility should return with time.  It may take as long as 6 months so be patient.

Capsulectomy is a procedure wherein the entire capsule is removed from the breast.  It does not seem like you had a simple implant exchange.  Depending on the severity of your condition and whether or not the nerves where encountered during the capsule removal, it may take up to 6 months to determine whether you will regain sensation.