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

Choosing a reputable surgeon and following your surgeon’s pre and post-operative instructions can help, however there is no way to 100% eliminate the possibility of this risk from occurring.

Hello,

Thank you for the question.

Breast augmentation surgery is a relatively safe procedure with very low risk of complications including changes or loss of nipple sensation.

Some of the possible complications include but are not limited to risk of infection, bleeding, unfavorable scarring, implant malposition, capsular contracture (about 10% at 10 years after surgery), asymmetry, seroma, changes of nipple sensation, need for implant replacement (typically in 10-15 years), implant loss, etc.

I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.

I hope this helps.

Best, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 833 0309

The nerves that gives sensation to your breast and nipple areolar complex are the third, fourth and fifth lateral and medial intercostal nerves. They entered the breast from the medial and lateral sides of your breasts. Factors which help to minimize the risk of loss of sensation on your breasts after breast augmentation are: 1). choosing a smaller implant so there is less dissection to create the implant pocket and there is less stretch on your tissues, 2). Placing your implant through an inframammary incision, as opposed to a periareolar incision, 3). Placing your implant in a sub pectoral position as opposed to a sub glandular position. While many patients can experience a temporary loss of sensation on their breast after the breast augmentation the vast majority of them have that sensation return over 6 to 9 months. Only approximately 2% of patients end up with a permanent loss of sensation. I hope you found this helpful. Best wishes.

Regardless of implant placement or incision, there is always a possibility of some sensation loss. Usually the sensation loss, if any, is not permanent and will return with in a few weeks/months after the surgery. However, this in not something that can be foreseen and avoided.
All the best,
Dr. Joe

Temporary sensitivity loss can occur after breast augmentation, but it is usually short-term, and sensitivity often returns over time. There is no guaranteed way to prevent it, as it depends on factors like surgical technique, implant placement, and individual recovery.It's important to discuss your concerns with a certified plastic surgeon to understand the risks and expectations of your procedure.

The loss of sensation after a breast augmentation is low and may occur in different areas of the breast. some women have no loss, and some only in one breast. if it occurs. Placing the incision under the breast gives a is less chance of losing sensation at the nipple area. Women can lose sensation even with breast feeding.

Unfortunately no, but the risk of having a loss of feeling is low. Sometimes a sensory alteration occur, and most of the times is transitory. Fortunately the risk of a total loss of feeling is very low during a breast augmentation.