What are the chances in percentages that I will lose nipple sensation post procedure?

‘Complete loss’ of nipple sensation after breast reduction is surgical technique dependent and is rare if the procedure is done by an experienced, fully qualified plastic surgeon. Sensation can however be ‘decreased’ in about 10% of cases. This is generally temporary and most of the sensation returns to normal in about 3 months. Sometimes it can take about 12 to 18 months to fully recover, but at the end of this period there will be no further recovery of sensation. Even more rarely, the nipples can sometimes end up being hypersensitive. At the end of the day, percentage of risk is irrelevant even if it is as low as 0.1%, as if you end up being in the 0.1%, then as far as you are concerned the risk has been 100% for you…!

In your case, it is important that you have a healthy BMI and stop smoking. There are significant risks of wound breakdown following surgery with both of these. Also, I note that you are only 18yrs of age. Although it must be difficult for you to manage with such heavy breasts, you do need to be aware that your breasts may continue to grow in size after the procedure. Ideally, your breasts should have stopped growing for about an year or so before you consider having surgery on them.

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

The chances of nipple necrosis and loss of nipple sensation are small but are increased by the amount of reduction and the amount of lift and other factors such as smoking. Make sure you have consulted with a PS who can show you pre and postop images of patients similar to yourself. This is a difficult decision as you are only 18 and you need to be taken through the pros and cons carefully. 

Thank you for the question.Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform for patients with symptomatic breast hypertrophy. Of course, like with any operation, patients and surgeons must weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks/ complications associated with the procedure.A loss of nipple/areola sensation rate of 5 to 15% with  breastreduction surgery is probably accurate.I hope this helps.