Numbness 7 months post-op. Is this normal?

You may notice some numbness along the sides of your chest or your nipples after breast reduction surgery. This is normal and will most likely get better over the next several months. In rare cases, numbness can be permanent.

After breast reduction surgery experiencing numbness in the scar area is quite common. This numbness occurs because the surgical process involves cutting through skin and tissues, which inevitably affects the nerves in the breast area. In some cases, the numbness may be temporary as nerves can slowly regenerate over time. However, for some individuals, this numbness can be permanent due to the extent of nerve disruption during surgery. The sensation in the breast and nipple area can vary greatly from person to person, with some experiencing complete numbness, partial sensation, or even heightened sensitivity in certain areas. It's important for patients to have realistic expectations and understand that sensory changes, including numbness, are a normal part of the healing process after a breast reduction surgery. Regular follow-up with your surgeon can help monitor these changes and provide guidance for any concerns regarding sensation in the breast area.

Yes, you can have numbness since a breast reduction is actually a partial mastectomy and tissue with nerves is removed. I'm sure your surgeon discussed this with you during your consultation. However, you are still early in the healing process and this feeling may improve.