My nipple and an inch of skin around my nipples are numb. When will I start feeling them again?

Question

My nipple and an inch of skin around my nipples are numb when will I start feeling them again? I got my breast augmentation 5 days ago I got 350cc was b cup before then they put the implants from under the breast!

Geoffrey E. Leber, MD · Answer

Numbness of the skin on the breast under the areola is not uncommon after breast augmentation. This is usually a temporary phenominon that results from tissue swelling and induration arround the nerve that supplies this area. The lateral intercostal nerves supply sensation to the breast skin in the region that you are describing. These nerves exit the lateral chest wall to intervate overlying skin and the breast implant may place tension on the nerve. Hypersensitivity of the skin is most commonly decribed as a result of this added tension on the nerve. This is a good sign as the nerve is intact but overly stimulated. Hypersensitivity usually resolves within 6-12 weeks after surgery. Hyposensitivity or lack of sensation also may result from streching the nerve. This may cause a temporary numbness in the lower pole of the breast. The nerve function typically returns to normal over time, however this may take 6-12 months. Tingling sensation (pins and needles) may occur as the nerve recovers. This is a good sign. Very large implants have a higher chance of streching these nerves potentially leading to permanent numbness.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ajjy13,numbness is very common after BA surgery. It depends on the operation but often times sensation can return in a couple of weeks, a year, or not at all.  Nipple sensation itself is very important and can sometimes be lost with breast surgery. This is often mentioned in the risks of the consent process. I imagine your numbness is just temporary although I would have to examine you.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Numbness of the nipples/breasts for a brief period of weeks to a few months can occur in many breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction patients. For most, normal sensation (including erogenous sensation) returns in time. For some, numbness can be permanent but this is VERY early in your healing so I suspect it is just normal postop recovery. However, your surgeon can better counsel you on expectations and timeline.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Most patients regain sensitivity by 2-3 months post operatively.  It is a risk , but a low risk to have permanent numbness.  Keep up with your post op appointments with your PS and know that it is way too early at this point and is common after augmentation.

Barry M. Schwartz, MD (retired) · Answer

What you have is not unusual. Partial numbness usually resolves within a few months. Your surgeon can follow your progress Expect to get sensation back.

My nipple and an inch of skin around my nipples are numb. When will I start feeling them again?

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