Should I request additional appointments if I have no feeling in my breast 5 years after surgery?

Question

I had a breast aug. on my right breast 5 years ago this May, and the sensation never returned after surgery. I haven't had any contact with my surgeon since the 1 year mark and I am concerned that I won't know if something is wrong since I have almost no feeling in the breast (I can feel sharp pinches). I know that implants last quite a long time now, but I am just wondering if I should have more frequent check-ups as I near the 10 year mark or be on the lookout for anything?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
It would be a good idea to have your surgeon take at look at make sure everything is okay. 
The  5 & 10 year mark is a good time to see your surgeon. Best wishes!

George Volpe, MD · Answer

If one has diminished feeling in the breast five years following surgery, it is unlikely that sensation will completely return as a was preoperatively. It still may improve but it is unusual for it to go back to normal. There are other reasons to have your breasts examined, obviously for early cancer detection being the most important. Other reasons would be to detect implant rupture if one has silicone gel implants in particular. Saline ruptures are usually pretty obvious. Your surgeon can detail to you the FDA recommendations depending on the type of implants that you have. Self exam is also important in detection of early cancers in addition to screening imaging as recommended by your physicians. It is also important to know that if sensation does not detect heat, one must be very careful to avoid burning the skin with hot objects such as stoves or curling irons.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MMHP17,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Every breast procedure carries the risk of loosing sensation. It will not return at this point. However, it is good to be checked yearly and to have an ultrasound or mammagram at least every 3 years in the first 10 years.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Change in sensation after breast augmentation is not uncommon due to swelling and nerve manipulation.  Sensation typically returns gradually throughout the first year.  If you have had no improvement after 5 years the change is likely permanent.  It is advisable to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation if you have any concerns or would simply like a "check up' on your implants.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The breast receives its sensory from multiple small, even microscopic nerves, some of which may be inadvertently injured (often not seen) during surgery. This may result in numbness (or in some, hypersensitivity or shocking sensations to touch). In the majority of patients, nerve regeneration and collateral nerve growth will result in gradual resolution of symptoms over a period of several years. In some, however, the sensory loss may be permanent.
Yearly breast examination by a medical professional and frequent self examination is always a good practice.
Best wishes...

Should I request additional appointments if I have no feeling in my breast 5 years after surgery?

Answers (6)

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