How to regaining feeling in nipple after breast augmentation?

Question

I got a breast augmentation done last year (it's been 1 year and 4 months), going from totally flat to 295ccs. I am 5'4 and 120 pounds, so I'd say I went up approximately 2 cup sizes. I've regained feeling in my right nipple, but my left nipple is still numb and painful to touch. If I press just below the left implant I can feel nipple sensation, but if I pinch my nipple it just hurts. Does this mean I'll regain feeling? Or am I stuck with a numb and painful nipple?

Arif Chaudhry, MD · Answer

Dear Optimistic944916,
Since you can still feel some sensation, it may be possible for it to come back. If the nipple area hurts, sometime you can massage it to help soften the scar tissue (if any exists there) and also by massaging it, you're essentially doing some cognitive feedback to the pain receptors in the area so it can lessen the pain over time. I am assuming that the implants were place via a peri-areolar incision? Correct?
AC

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Optimistic944916,
numbness is very common. 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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation are a risk with breast augmentation although most will regain feeling within a few weeks or months.  Generally if feeling hasn't returned or improved after a year it will be permanent.  It is a good sign that you still have some sensation.  Nerve regeneration is slow which means improvement will be as well.

Jose Suarez, MD · Answer

Have a nice day! Here’s Dr. Jose Suarez hoping to answer all your doubts. Sensitivity is restored after 6 months.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

With Breast Augmentation Surgery, while one operation is performed, the Surgery itself is actually two distinct operations. There is a right-sided Breast Augmentation and a left-sided Breast Augmentation. The results and outcomes/side effects between the two sides can vary as dramatically as they do between two individual patients. It is excellent that you have regained nipple sensation on the right side. For the left side, because it has been over a year, the situation is less likely to change/improve. However, I do recommend desensitization techniques where you would continue to pinch the left nipple gently and over time this will become desensitized and less painful as your body gets used to the new sensory input.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since it has been a year since surgery, your probably going to keep what sensation you have now.  You have reached your complete healing time.  Acupuncture might be helpful.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
During the procedure of breast augmentation, incision and dissection may divide small, even microscopic nerves which supply the nipple with sensation. There is no way to preserve them. This may result in numbness (hypostheia). This at least may partially resolve over 1-2 years. Pain to the touch (hyperesthesia) may indicate a nerve or unsatisfied nerve ending trapped in scar tissue. 
Non-surgical modalities include scar desensitization, where a therapist utilizes radiofrequency or ultrasonic energy to lyse adhesions and release trapped nerves. If the pain is severe and persistent, surgical exploration of the scar may be required.
A degree of nipple numbness may be permanent and is not unusual following breast augmentation. .
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

How to regaining feeling in nipple after breast augmentation?

Answers (7)

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