Is there any proven way of preventing loss of feeling from breast augmentation?

During the surgery we try to be extra cautious in certain areas the nerves typically travel but depending on implant size and anatomy this can vary. Most studies suggest permanent sensation loss is between 2-4%. Nerves can heal for up to 2 years and altered sensation for 6-8 weeks is fairly common.

Hi,

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent loss of feeling from breast augmentation, several factors can influence the risk. The incision location matters: using a peri-areolar incision (around the nipple) increases the likelihood of permanent sensation loss. Utilizing the inframammary fold (crease under the breast) is safer. Placing the implant under the muscle, rather than over it (subglandular approach), also helps preserve nerves. A surgeon's technique and experience are crucial, as a less traumatic approach minimizes damage to surrounding tissues. However, the 4th intercostal nerve, responsible for nipple sensation, has a highly variable path. Even with meticulous care, microscopic nerve endings can be cut during surgery, potentially leading to loss of feeling. Additionally, the tension or stretch from the implant itself can cause nerve dysfunction, resulting in temporary or permanent sensation loss in the nipple-areola complex.

My comments and recommendations are solely based on your text and are subject to change. I always recommend a face-to-face consultation with a specialist to plan the treatment.

Best wishes, Dr. Surmeli.

Dear Yeliz2024,meticulous surgical technique is the most important factor for prevention of sensation loss. I tend to prefer the periareolar incision because its the most well hidden. There is a natural border between the areola and the rest of the breast skin the hides the incision extremely well. You have to be completely naked to see it vs other incisions like transaxillary and inframammary are visible in clothing such as sleeveless shirts and bikini tops when extending your arms up. I've also noticed increased rates of bottoming out with inframmary incisions that is not reported. Transaxillary implants are always wide in appearance because the surgeon is not able to dissect medially enough to provide better cleavage. Ultimately, I can perform any of the incisions but I recommend the periareolar. There is no difference in sensation because the nerves that control nipple sensation come in laterally from the back and injury to them occurs when surgeons dissect to far laterally which is why transaxillary incisions have the highest nipple sensation disruption. There is no difference in breast feeding ability. One study did show a slight increase in capsular contracture with use of periareolar but that study was small and did not incorporate modern techniques such as below muscle placement, keller funnel usage and triple antibiotic irrigation.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery