What does the numbness mean?Is it permanent since it didn't come back after 2yrs? The majority of the numbness is located in the surrounding areas of 1 dog ear so it goes up to my armpit almost& a bit over the nipple. I can understand the numbness on the pec but not the area (above dog ear) being like this since it wasn't even operated on. Strangely, there is different types of pain despite having no sensation to touch.
Answer: Sensation After Top Surgery I specialize in gender-affirming top surgery and "targeted nipple reinnervation" and sensory preservation/restoration. It is common to experience numbness or altered sensation in the surrounding areas after top surgery, especially around the incisions or areas where the tissue was manipulated. The loss of sensation can extend beyond the directly operated area, such as up to the armpit or above the nipple, even if those areas were not directly operated on. This is due to nerve disruption during surgery, as nerves from the chest and back are affected when the breast tissue is removed or repositioned. While loss of sensation is normal, it usually recovers over time. However, if the numbness persists for a prolonged period—such as two years—there is a chance it may be permanent. Nerve regeneration tends to occur most significantly within the first 6-24 months post-surgery. After that, the nerves may not fully regenerate, and the sensation in those areas could remain altered or absent. Despite numbness, it's still possible to experience pain in the affected areas, as some nerves might convey pain sensations even if touch or pressure sensations are lost. If you are experiencing unusual pain, consulting your surgeon is recommended to explore potential treatment options. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York
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Answer: Sensation After Top Surgery I specialize in gender-affirming top surgery and "targeted nipple reinnervation" and sensory preservation/restoration. It is common to experience numbness or altered sensation in the surrounding areas after top surgery, especially around the incisions or areas where the tissue was manipulated. The loss of sensation can extend beyond the directly operated area, such as up to the armpit or above the nipple, even if those areas were not directly operated on. This is due to nerve disruption during surgery, as nerves from the chest and back are affected when the breast tissue is removed or repositioned. While loss of sensation is normal, it usually recovers over time. However, if the numbness persists for a prolonged period—such as two years—there is a chance it may be permanent. Nerve regeneration tends to occur most significantly within the first 6-24 months post-surgery. After that, the nerves may not fully regenerate, and the sensation in those areas could remain altered or absent. Despite numbness, it's still possible to experience pain in the affected areas, as some nerves might convey pain sensations even if touch or pressure sensations are lost. If you are experiencing unusual pain, consulting your surgeon is recommended to explore potential treatment options. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York
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January 12, 2022
Answer: FTM top surgery Any surgery of the breast can lead to reduced nipple sensation. Reduced sensation is usually temporary, but may take months to resolve. In unusual cases, some permanent loss of sensation may occur. #pain #numbness
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January 12, 2022
Answer: FTM top surgery Any surgery of the breast can lead to reduced nipple sensation. Reduced sensation is usually temporary, but may take months to resolve. In unusual cases, some permanent loss of sensation may occur. #pain #numbness
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November 28, 2018
Answer: Unlikely to change Thank you for your question. Unfortunately since it has been this long sensation is unlikely to return. Likely a nerve was accidently injured. This is a common complication in mastectomies with numbness extending to the inner arm. There are some medications that can help with any type of nerve pain, such as neuron tin, and you can discuss these with your PS. Best of luck!
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November 28, 2018
Answer: Unlikely to change Thank you for your question. Unfortunately since it has been this long sensation is unlikely to return. Likely a nerve was accidently injured. This is a common complication in mastectomies with numbness extending to the inner arm. There are some medications that can help with any type of nerve pain, such as neuron tin, and you can discuss these with your PS. Best of luck!
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September 11, 2017
Answer: Numbness after TOPS surgery Thanks for the question, and sorry to hear about your loss of sensation. Unfortunately, any surgery will involve cutting small nerve endings to the overlying tissues. As long as they are not the major nerves, these will typically grow back over time. They may not grow back to 100% normal, but usually enough to not cause a problem. However, this is not always the case, and nobody really knows why some people gain back almost perfect sensation, and some people end up with your situation. Typically, if its been 2 years, you may gradually get some more sensation, but chances are that what you have now is what you will have. I usually tell patients, and usually see from experience, that nerve regeneration will usually make its greatest leaps and bounds in the first 6-24 months. After that, the residual status is usually permanent. I will keep my fingers crossed that I am wrong and that you continue to recover. Good Luck"The above answer has been given without seeing this patient and cannot be substituted for actual in-person examination and medical advice; it is only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."
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September 11, 2017
Answer: Numbness after TOPS surgery Thanks for the question, and sorry to hear about your loss of sensation. Unfortunately, any surgery will involve cutting small nerve endings to the overlying tissues. As long as they are not the major nerves, these will typically grow back over time. They may not grow back to 100% normal, but usually enough to not cause a problem. However, this is not always the case, and nobody really knows why some people gain back almost perfect sensation, and some people end up with your situation. Typically, if its been 2 years, you may gradually get some more sensation, but chances are that what you have now is what you will have. I usually tell patients, and usually see from experience, that nerve regeneration will usually make its greatest leaps and bounds in the first 6-24 months. After that, the residual status is usually permanent. I will keep my fingers crossed that I am wrong and that you continue to recover. Good Luck"The above answer has been given without seeing this patient and cannot be substituted for actual in-person examination and medical advice; it is only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."
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September 7, 2017
Answer: Numbness after surgery Hello,At 2 years out, the numbness is likely permanent. When breast tissue is removed, this does involve some removal of breast tissue toward the axilla (arm pit area) and so that could contribute to what you are experiencing. Often, massage with vitamin E oil or other creams will help relieve odd pains and can sometimes improve sensation as well. All the best in your recovery,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX
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September 7, 2017
Answer: Numbness after surgery Hello,At 2 years out, the numbness is likely permanent. When breast tissue is removed, this does involve some removal of breast tissue toward the axilla (arm pit area) and so that could contribute to what you are experiencing. Often, massage with vitamin E oil or other creams will help relieve odd pains and can sometimes improve sensation as well. All the best in your recovery,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX
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