Can the numbness in my breasts be resolved by explantation?

Question

I had breast implants in July 2016 and have since had a lot of numb patches and hardly feel any sensation besides pain which I have just accepted and try not to think about as it is upsetting. One is worse than the other but it no longer feels nice to have them touched. Is there a chance sensation may one day return if I have an explant? Does the numbness mean my surgeon wasn’t careful. I went from around a C cup to DD/E I think 325cc silicone was used

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Change in sensation can occur with breast augmentation, but it typically returns to normal within a year.  As you have had your implants for almost 5 years it may be that the change is unfortunately permanent.  There is no way to guarantee that removal of the implants will restore normal sensation, or even improve your current sensation.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your persistent pain and patches of numbness. Unfortunately any breast surgery can cause temporary or permanent alterations in sensation and removal of your implants will not guarantee resolution.  There are certainly some patients who regain sensation, and avoid discomfort with removal, however.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Phenomenal604002,
it is hard to predict will your numbness resolve once you remove implants. If the nerves are stretched by implants, then there is a chance that numbness will improve. However, if there was a nerve injury it is unlikely that it will improve 4-5 years after surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Loss of sensation is one of the risks to implant surgery, but is not due to your surgeon's error. Removing the implants may not improve your sensation since the damage to the sensory nerves has ben done.

Can the numbness in my breasts be resolved by explantation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Numbness

Answer: Numbness

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Can the numbness in my breasts be resolved by explantation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Numbness

Answer: Numbness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.