I lost nipple sensitivity after Breast Augmentation. ​Would a revision (downsize) increase likelihood of fixing this? (photos)

Hello! Thank you for your question! Your symptoms sound like your
nerves regenerating. Breast procedures such as the
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
shapely,
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in
sensation to the area. The reported rate of sensation changes
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much
smaller for breast augmentation. In my experience, this rate is
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a
slightly greater risk. It can take up to a year for full sensation to
return. Re-educating your nerves to these areas by using different
textures when showering and putting on lotion often helps.  It may help as the pressure would be decreased from beneath the nipple.  It is one risk of such a procedure, and
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical
procedure. You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in
breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various
risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if
such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

Thank you for your pictures.  Since you have had decreased sensation since Aug 2013 it is unlikely that you will get much return in sensation.  There no guarantee that downsizing the implants will help the sensation return in fact the additional operation may knock out the little sensation that you do have.Good LuckEarl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Thank you for your question and photos.Loss of nipple sensation or a decrease in sensation can occur after any type of breast surgery.  It is very uncommon to have a completely numb nipple after breast augmentation, but it can occur. Nerves do re-grow, but it can take up to 12 months.  After that, it is unlikely much additional sensation will return.  Downsizing you implants will likely not improve nipple sensitivity.  Best of luck to you.  

Dear RC,Thank you for your post. In general, most women who have a disturbance in nipple sensation, whether it be less (hypo-sensation), or in some cases too much (hyper-sensation), the sensation goes back to normal with 3-6 months. Occasionally, it can take 1 - 2 years to be normal. Extremely rare, the sensation never goes back to normal. This is extremely rare in augmentation alone, more common in lift or reduction. Signs that sensation is coming back are needle type sensation at the nipple, itchiness at the nipple, or 'zingers' to the nipple. The number of women that lose sensation is much lower than 10%, closer to 1% in a simple augmentation. Unfortunately there is no surgical correction for this. Massaging the area can help sensation normalize faster if it is going to normalize, but will not help if the nerve does not recover. In women with hyper-sensitive nipples, this will go away with time. usually 3 months or so. In the interim, I have them wear nipple covers or 'pasties' to protect them from rubbing. It is unlikely that down-sizing the implant will cause regaining sensation. Down-sizing the implant may cause saggy breasts, however, and may necessitate a breast lift.  In your case, it looks like you are already not very perky and downsizing will cause this to become less perky.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Loss of sensation in the nipple areolar area after breast augmentation occurs in approximately 7 to 15% of patients. If you're augmentation was done in August of 2013 is unlikely that you will have significant return. Replacement of your implants with a smaller size is unlikely to improve your sensation

Thank you for the question and pictures. Sorry to hear about the loss of sensation you experienced after revisionary breast surgery. Unfortunately, given that your operation was about 9 months ago, it is becoming less likely that full sensation will return. Unfortunately, it is also unlikely that additional surgery will improve your situation, when it comes to improvement of sensory loss. Keep in mind, if you do decide to downsize breast implants, that adjustment of the breast implant capsules (capsulorraphy) may be necessary in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasant outcome.  I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to revisionary breast surgery concerns)  helps.

Loss of sensation can occur with breast augmentation.  If it persists more than a year, the likelihood or improved sensation would not be very likely. I am sorry that that has occurred. Changing to smaller implants would not improve the sensation, but may result in more drooping of your breast.  With smaller implants you may need a comolete mastopexy (breast lift).