Will breastfeeding be an issue if the nerve damage to my nipple doesn't heal properly and becomes permanent after my breast aug?

Question

I had a breast aug on 7/3/15. I'm 6 months post-op. The bottom half of my right breast + nipple have been numb ever since surgery. It's actually uncomfortable when anything brushes against it. There is no tingling or pain indicating the nerves are trying to "heal". Besides the loss of sensation, which sucks, I'm afraid if I ever want to breastfeed again, it won't be possible. Will breastfeeding be an issue if this nerve damage doesn't heal properly and It becomes permanent?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Don't loose hope. Your nipple sensation could still return. In terms of breast feeding, your breast will still produce milk so all should be fine. Best, Dr. Nazarian

R. Louis Adams, MD · Answer

Your breast will still produce milk and the milk ducts are still intact. You should still be able to nurse. I agree with other surgeons. Your sensation could improve with more time.

Neumon T. Goshorn, MD · Answer

Loss of sensation is an issue when trying to breast feed. Your nerve to the nipple will trigger a response to your brain allowing your brain to send back a signal to allow your breast to release milk. So in my years of breast surgery ,if you don't have sensation you will have an issue. The great news is your opposite breast has normal sensation. I would visit your OB doctor and let them explain the full process of breast feeding and sensation. All the best and your post op healing. Dr. Goshorn

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for the question.  Breastfeeding is not an issue after breast augmentation even without sensation.  There are procedures that can be done about the loss of sensation.  Visit a board-certified plastic surgeon and
have a full evaluation.  Best of luck.
Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your loss of sensation, but I've seen sensory losses return even up to 2 years after surgery. Even if it does not recover completely, this should not affect your ability to breastfeed, beyond it being a bit uncomfortable. Hang in there. Unfortunately, there's not a lot that can really be done to change it after surgery. Best wishes.

Will breastfeeding be an issue if the nerve damage to my nipple doesn't heal properly and becomes permanent after my breast aug?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breastfeeding

Answer: Breastfeeding

Answer: Breast feeding after BA

Answer: Breast feeding after BA

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Will breastfeeding be an issue if the nerve damage to my nipple doesn't heal properly and becomes permanent after my breast aug?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breastfeeding

Answer: Breastfeeding

Answer: Breast feeding after BA

Answer: Breast feeding after BA

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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