Super sensitive nipples are making me want to cry. What can I do?

I am so sorry that your nipples are so sensitive. It's because the nerves are stretched. Speak with your surgeon but anti-inflammatories, cold compresses and silicone sheeting can all help. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Because of inflammation of the nerves the nipples may be hypersensitive for some time after breast augmentation. Treatment is symptomatic, generally with an anti-inflammatory, or cold compresses. The areola may be covered with silicone sheeting to prevent the bra from rubbing an aggravating the situation.

Hypersensitive nipples can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. The good news is that you have not lost any nipple sensation. The bad news is that the nipples are "waking up" after surgery and firing causing hypersensitivity. Believe it or not, you do not want to avoid touching them as many people do. This will only cause more sensitivity If you avoid touching them. The goal is to desensitize them so they stop "firing." The way to do this is to rub them more firmly than lightly to calm down the waking nerves. Time will help as well. You should see improvement soon. 

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery!  I am sorry to hear of your nipple sensitivity after augmentation.  The nerves of the skin are stretched as a result of swelling and the increased volume of the implants causing irritation and a number of different nipple and breast skin sensations including increased/decreased sensitivity or a burning/electrical feeling. These normally resolve spontaneously given enough time. You may wish to apply a tight covering over your nipples that prevents rubbing or some cool compresses.  Hang in there, you should see steady improvement daily.

Thank you for the question.  What you are describing is not uncommon and this is generally due to the stretching of you nerves.  You are still fresh from surgery so this should get better in time but it would be best to follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon and follow his/her recommendations to handle your discomfort.  Best of luck, Dr. Michael Omidi.

The nerves to your nipples are stretched out due to the breast enlargement.  They react with hypersensitivity.This diminishes with time but it may take weeks or months.Gel nipple guards can be purchases at Victorias Secret or medelabreastfeedings.There are also creams that nursing mothers use to sooth the area.Other patients cut holes in gauze to build up an area and keep bra pressure off the nipple if you choose to wear a bra.Best wishes.

Dear melissaxoham,

Thank you for your clinical
post. Unfortunately, this is not
uncommon with breast augmentation. The
implants stretch the sensory nerves and they start to fire spontaneously and
create a hyperesthesia or hypersensitivity to light touch. Usually this is self limiting, but can be quite
uncomfortable in the meantime. I would
suggest that you visit your plastic surgeon to see what their advice might be,
but I advise my patients for light desensitization exercises up to eight times
a day for two minutes rubbing with a gentle wash cloth to desensitize the
region. I’d prescribe Gabapentin for
this type of neuritic pain and non-narcotic Ketorolac or Toradol. Generally, over 3-6 months this will
completely disappear and if you follow-up the regime outlined it will disappear
quicker.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Stretch to the nerve that travels to the nipple is common. I agree that silicone sheeting can add a layer of protection temporarily, but massage of the implant gently can be of great help. Touching the nipple to desensitize the nerve helps also. Follow up with your surgeon.

Thank you for your question. nipple hypersensitivity is common after breast implants and usually resolves over 3-6 weeks and gets better day buy day. The good thing is that nerves to the nipple are intact.Try placing or taping cotton balls to the nipples and go without a bra until sensitivity decreases. Of course consult your surgeon.