Nipple erection/ inverted nipples - how common is it to lose all nipple sensation?

Question

I am having a breast lift in October. In my consultation, I told my surgeon that I am scared of nipple numbness and he said that it is possible with a breast lift, but he didn’t clarify how common it is. At the time of the consultation I didn’t know that you could also lose the ability to react to temperature. I don’t know if the right word is nipple erection or how you would explain that. I have researched and seen people say that the likelihood of losing sensation forever is low but then I’ve turned around and found it said that only 10% of women get their feeling back And of course that’s a big difference. I know that you can’t give me an exact answer on whether or not my body will regain sensation, but my question is how common is it really to lose it all? I do not want flat nipples forever. How common is it to lose all sensation and ability to get nipple erections? I also am getting implants taken out during this and none put back.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no surgery that is completely without risk, but the risk of permanently losing all nipple sensation or the ability for the nipples to react to temperature or tactile stimulation is uncommon.  Some patients do experience temporary numbness immediately after surgery due to swelling and stretched nerves, but most regain this sensation within the first few months and it's rare to not regain it by a year.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The loss of nipple sensitivity following a breast lift is directly related to the surgical technique used, with central pedicle-based techniques having the lowest risk of sensitivity loss. From your description, it sounds like you're planning an explantation mastopexy procedure. In such cases, to preserve breast volume and nipple sensation, it's essential to choose a lift technique that doesn't involve tissue reduction. The Push-up Lift breast technique stands out as the most suitable option for you. With this method, nipple blood supply, sensation, and breast volume are preserved to the highest possible degree, while also effectively reshaping the breast.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

There are a variety of techniques for breast lifts.  One of the most common techniques is the lollipop, which often results in nipple numbness.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

a permanent decrease or loss of nipple feeling with breast lift surgery. And, equally rare to affect nipple ability to react to temperature with nipple "erection". Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

You are correct that it is impossible to give an exact prediction as to how any individual patient will respond to surgery. However, total loss of sensation of the nipple and loss of the nipple erection after a breast lift is rare. A breast lift usually only involves removal of some skin and repositioning the breast to a higher level. The sensory nerves for the nipple and areolar are deep in the breast, and therefore should not be affected by a simple breast lift. The fact that you’re having an implant removal may slightly affect this, but only up to a  very small degree.

Nipple erection/ inverted nipples - how common is it to lose all nipple sensation?

Answers (6)

Answer: It is rare to have....

Answer: It is rare to have....

Answer: Total loss of sensation and nipple erection is rare.

Answer: Total loss of sensation and nipple erection is rare.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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

Nipple erection/ inverted nipples - how common is it to lose all nipple sensation?

Answers (6)

Answer: It is rare to have....

Answer: It is rare to have....

Answer: Total loss of sensation and nipple erection is rare.

Answer: Total loss of sensation and nipple erection is rare.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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