Why is the Skin on my Breasts and my Nipples So Tender After my Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is often accompanied by pain, swelling
and nipple hypersensitivity. These are
essentially normal findings which usually resolve on their own. The burning sensation that you describe is
known as dysesthesia. It’s very similar
to what happens when your leg falls asleep.
The phenomena occurs when nerves are compressed or stretched. During and after breast augmentation surgery,
this is exactly what happens to the nerves that supply the nipple. The breast implant underneath the nipple
compresses and stretches the soft tissue and nerves that supply the nipple and
areola. In many cases, this process is
made worse by swelling.

Patients
typically describe a painful tingling, burning sensation that can be very
uncomfortable. In many cases, clothing
rubbing against the area can elicit a pins and needles sensation.

These
symptoms usually resolve in 6 to 8 weeks without intervention. In some cases, aggressive massage can
desensitize the area and minimize the pain and discomfort associated with this
condition.

Hello! Thank you for your question! Breast procedures such as the
breast augmentation and breast lift/reduction certainly result in a more
shapely,
perky, and fuller appearance of your breasts. With any breast procedure
there is a risk, albeit very small, of change in
sensation to the area. The reported rate of sensation changes
(decreased, loss, or increased) is ~7% for lift/reductions and much
smaller for breast augmentation. In my experience, this rate is
reportedly much lower, but is higher when tissue is excised or the
amount of lift that is needed, so the breast reduction procedure has a
slightly greater risk. It can take up to a year for full sensation to return.  The sensation that you describe is likely your nerves regenerating.  Try different textures when showering and putting on lotion to re-educate the nerves.  It is one risk of such a procedure, and
one that you must consider, amongst others, as with any surgical
procedure. You should consult with a plastic surgeon well-trained in
breast procedures who will examine and discuss with you the various
risks and benefits of the procedure(s) and assist you in deciding if
such a procedure will be the right decision for you.

Changes in sensation are very common following breast augmentation, and these are almost always temporary. It will most likely ease in time. Gauze is great to keep your nipples protected during this time.