Will nipples still get stimulated and hard after breast augmentation? I'm worried they will be flat.

Nipple characteristics after the initial healing phase following breast augmentation are typically the same. A small percentage of patients have longstanding pain, numbness, or alteration in sensitivity. A small percentage of patients may lose sensation, but most of the time this is temporary. In fact, less than 5% of patients lose nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation. Some of the risk of losing sensitivity depends upon surgical technique.

Breast augmentation frequently results in some numbness for a short period after the procedure that resolves in most all patients. Nipple stimulation usually returns to normal. However, if you are having your breast tissue removed related to BRCA2 and then breast reconstruction afterward, it is unlikely you would recover nipple sensation. These are two very different procedures. You need to make sure to discuss thoroughly with your surgeon before to make sure everyone is on the same page.

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of former patients with similar measurements. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Nipple sensation after breast augmentation is almost always maintained, especially if the periaerola incision is avoided. However, with you mentioning BRCA2, I think you may be considering nipple sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Nipple sensation is almost always lost with this procedure but the procedure can be life saving. Discuss all your options with your surgeon. Good luck.

Dear Rebecca813,
numbness can occur after surgery. 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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

If you are only getting a breast augmentation and not a mastectomy, your nipples will probably still function well during sex. However, there is a small risk.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.

Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.

There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.

During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.

I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.

We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.

We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind