Will your nipples be desensitized after having breast surgery?

It is unusual for patients to lose nipple sensation permanently following breast augmentation.  There will be some variation depending upon the technique that a surgeon uses and the individual experience of each surgeon.  There can be temporary changes but these usually resolve quickly.

Thank you for your question.  Although uncommon, there is the possibility of experiencing a reduction or loss of nipple sensation because of cosmetic breast surgery.  Please be sure that if you are considering surgery, you choose a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and is an expert in the specific procedure you are looking to have done.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Loss of nipple sensibility after breast augmentation is almost unheard of. It is fairly uncommon with breast reduction. The specific risks would be explained you by your plastic surgeon.

Thank you very much for this interesting question.Nipples sensitivity after Breast surgery may be temporarily affected (increased or decreased) due to surgical manipulation of the mammary tissue and breast swelling.This is transient and usually after a few days the sensitivity returns to normal.In my practice, I try to be as delicate as possible and perform the less aggressive surgical techniques, preserving the integrity of the mammary tissue. Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Statistically, there is a 2-10% chance of alteration of nipple sensitivity following breast augmentation surgery.  Of those, 85% will regain sensation within a two year period.  The chance of a permanent loss of sensation is extremely rare.  My dad started our practice in 1961.  Between us, we have done thousands of breast augmentations and I can think of only one patient who ever had a permanent loss of sensation on one side.  The risk to the nerve supplying sensation to the nipple goes up with breast lifts and breast reductions as there is more trauma to the breast tissue and a greater chance of damaging that nerve.

There is a minimal risk of this occurring with any breast surgery.  Augmentations alone carry the least risk of this.  Lifts carry more of a risk and reductions in which a large amount of tissue is removed carries the highest risk of nipple sensory loss. 

This is a very frequent asked question by the mayority of the patients who have breast surgeries done. According to literature there is a 5% chance of change of the sensibility in the nipples. However years of practice show that not even 1% of the patients have this problem. 

Hi.. thank you for the question... Due to the surgery, the swollen and pressure, some patient have some loos of sensation, but generally this is recovered after 8-12 weeks. 

Thank you for your excellent question.  With a breast augmentation the nerves in the skin can become stretched, which can result in altered sensations to the nipple.  Some women find that they become more sensitive, others less sensitive. The majority of patients, however, do not feel a change.  If your nipples do become desensitized, it is usually temporary and resolves with 6-8 weeks.  Hope that this helps. 

There is a small but real possibility of altered nipple sensation. Patients can have temporary hypersensitivity, or temporary numbness as well. Very large implants, lifts and reductions may increase your risk for loss of sensation. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can inform you of these and other risks associated with breast surgery and other cosmetic procedures.