Will I lose nipple sensation after breast lift?

Question

My Doctor wants to perform the breast augmentation first then breast lift later. I am scared I will lose nipple sensation, but he has assured me I will not. Can someone please explain to me how nipple it works? I don't understand how a Dr can cut off the areola and put it back on and the patient still have nipple sensation. Thank you for the answers.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.  
  
Best of luck!    
  
Dr. Schwartz 
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon 
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Nipple characteristics after the initial healing phase following breast augmentation are typically the same.  A small percentage of patients have longstanding pain, numbness, or alteration in sensitivity.  A small percentage of patients may lose sensation, but most of the time this is temporary.  In fact, less than 5% of patients lose nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation.  Some of the risk of losing sensitivity depends upon surgical technique.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Nipples respond to breast surgery in a variety of ways. Some women report increased sensitivity, others notice decreased sensitivity. With all incisions this is a risk because the major nerve to the nipple comes from the very side of the breast, and any dissection puts this nerve at risk.  Whatever your experience, know that any change will likely subside over time. But even when everything is done perfectly, some women can have a permanent change in sensitivity, and all patients must be able to accept that risk before proceeding. Hope this helps with your decision.

Edmund Ek, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming procedure! To answer your question, yes, there is a small chance you will experience decreased nipple sensitivity after surgery. But there is also a chance you will experience increased sensitivity - either way, it is a temporary issue, and your nipple sensitivity should return to normal within a few months. Good luck!

Will I lose nipple sensation after breast lift?

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Will I lose nipple sensation after breast lift?

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Answer: Will I lose nipple sensation after breast lift?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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