How common is loss of sensation with a breast reduction and can it be avoided?

Question

So far no dr has assured me that loss of nipple sensation can be avoided even though some were more optimistic than others. Is a dr's optimism a good sign? Is there a way to avoid loss of nipple sensation and how common it is? Especially complete loss of all sensation. Really scared

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.
 There are several different techniques utilized to perform breast reduction surgery;  the potential for change or loss nipple/areola complex sensation will vary from one technique to another. Generally speaking, a loss of nipple/areola sensation rate of 5 to 15% with breast reduction surgery is probably accurate. Careful/skillful execution of the procedure can help avoid the complication (but no one can guarantee outcome, regardless of the level of "optimism").

I hope this helps.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question.  While there is always a risk of loss of sensation of the nipples, it is rare with most of the techniques used today.  The one situation in which you will definitely have a loss of sensation is if the nipples need to be taken off and then re-grafted onto the breast.  This is only done in extremely large reductions.  Most patients notice a small loss of sensation during their period of swelling following surgery, and the sensation typically returns after the swelling has resolved.  Some patients even state that their breasts become more sensitive after surgery.  Every patient is different, so it's important just be aware of the small but possible risk.

Karen Quigley, MD · Answer

This is a definite risk with a breast reduction and although a medial pedicle has a higher risk, it can happen with any surgery no matter how many reductions the surgeon has done or how well the procedure goes. With a free nipple graft technique, sensation is lost 100% of the time. What I tell patients who are really concerned about this is that you may want to reconsider how much you want to have a reduction because there is some element of trade in all surgeries. Here it is the possibility of nipple numbness and scars on your breasts for smaller, lifted breasts. Hope this helps.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Loss of nipple sensation is a possible outcome after a breast reduction. If it happens, it is usually NOT permanent. Many of the risks of nipple sensation loss are associated with the amount of breast tissue removed. If you require the majority of your breast tissue to be removed, your chances for sensation changes are greater than if only a small amount is removed. You will need an in-person consultation to evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
 
 Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

How common is loss of sensation with a breast reduction and can it be avoided?

Answers (4)

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