Is it bad if I lost the sensitivity of one of my nipples after my Breast Augmentation?

Since small nerves are unavoidably cut during the creation of a breast pocket for implants (or during a breast lift), there is always a chance for nipple numbness. Some studies put this risk at about 5% (a few more and a few less, higher with breast lifts--about 15%). But, there is always the chance that the sensory nerve to the nipple (usually the lateral 4th intercostal nerve, possibly with  branches from the 3rd and 5th) is not severed (permanently numb) and simply stretched or injured. That is why there is always a chance that an initially-numb nipple can regain sensation.I think that there is a slightly higher risk of nipple numbness with a periareolar incision (as well as a higher risk for capsular contracture) since the ducts and nerve branches to the nipple are cut with this incision. But axillary and inframammary incison patients also have about 5% nipple numbness.Other nerves are responsible for causing erect nipples with cold or stimulation, so even if your nipple remains permanently numb, you may not lose erectility. Only time will tell about sensation, and there is nothing you or your surgeon can do to enhance the chances that it will recover. There is a chance that sensation can return for about a year after surgery, though I have heard of one or two cases where it took up to two years (but not often.)Cross your fingers! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Hi Ch,One large study showed that women who had numbness around their nipples continued to improve for up to two years. So hang in there on that one.  Some say 3% remain numb, but others feel that almost all get better in time.  The hyper sensitivity is entirely normal.  Massage the are with a terry cloth wash cloth for five minutes a day and this will settle down.  Keep your surgeon in the loop.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Breast surgery is my speciality. For first-time breast augmentations,  in
almost all instances, my patients are back exercising, working, and living
their lives in 48 hours. Generally, simple Ibuprofen suffices
to manage pain. Most patients are able to comfortably lift their arms in the
recovery area.

That said, there IS a healing
process that is not as immediate. Loss of nipple sensitivity is not uncommon, especially just three weeks after surgery. It is very early. Swelling subsides completely in 6-12 weeks. Scars fade in 9-12 months. And, there may be a period 6-12 months before full nipple sensation returns.Good luck to you as you heal. If you are otherwise pleased with your outcome, the surgery appears to be successful -- and you will be even happier over time. 

This is not uncommon following breast augmentation and you are still very early on in your recovery.  Many patients experience loss of nipple sensation following breast augmentation but it is usually temporary.  Be patient and keep your own plastic surgeon informed about your status.Best of luck,

I'm quite optimistic fit the sensibility to your nipple and areolar complex will return over the next several months. Temporary anesthesia is often seen but permanent anesthesia is quite rare.

Thank you for your post. In general, most women who have a disturbance in nipple sensation, whether it be less (hypo-sensation), or in some cases too much (hyper-sensation), the sensation goes back to normal with 3-6 months. Occasionally, it can take 1 - 2 years to be normal. Extremely rare, the sensation never goes back to normal. This is extremely rare in augmentation alone, more common in lift or reduction but less with a smaller lift like a crescent lift. Signs that sensation is coming back are needle type sensation at the nipple, itchiness at the nipple, or 'zingers' to the nipple. The number of women that lose sensation is much lower than 10%, closer to 1% in a simple augmentation. In some cases the same occurs with contraction where some women have no contraction and some women have a constant contraction of the nipples. Unfortunately there is no surgical correction for this. Massaging the area can help sensation normalize faster if it is going to normalize, but will not help if the nerve does not recover. In women with hyper-sensitive nipples, this will go away with time in most cases. Usually 3 months or so. In the interim, I have them wear nipple covers or 'pasties' to protect them from rubbing. It is unlikely that down-sizing the implant will cause regaining sensation. Down-sizing the implant may cause saggy breasts, however, and may necessitate a breast lift. Physical therapy with de-sensitivity techniques can help with this issue. The Peri-areolar incision is associated with increased risk of nipple numbness due to the fact that the nerve is in close proximity.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

It is not uncommon to lose or have hypersensitive nipples after Breast augmentation especially 3 weeks out from surgery. Nerves can become stretched from the swelling or even cut with the surgery and it takes a little time for them to regenerate. It could take 6 months to a year to completely regain sensation. Good Luck with your healing process.

This is common. I think it represents different nerve distribution from one side to the other. Our bodies are amazing things so the nerves will regenerate their function.

You are still very early in the post operative period.  Hopefully your nipple sensitivity will improve overtime.  Temporary loss of sensation is not unusual.  Permanent loss of sensation is in the 1% range.  Give it time and hopefully you will regain some or all of your sensation.  

Most patients who are numb this early go on to recovery sensation, although it can take some months. Follow closely with your surgeon. There are no specific therapies that are useful in this setting.All the best.