Will I Lose Sensitivity In My Nipples After Breast Augmentation?

Do you worry about losing nipple sensation after breast augmentation? Retaining nipple sensitivity is a big priority to many of our breast augmentation patients. They want breasts that both look and feel amazing. Here’s everything you need to know about breast augmentation and nipple sensitivity. Still have questions? Schedule a consultation with us and we’ll happily answer any other questions you may have about nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation.

Sensitivity Changes Are Common, But They Usually Don’t Last

Many women experience some change to their nipple sensitivity after breast surgery. You may experience more sensitivity or less sensitivity, sometimes within the same day. These changes are very common and are due to swelling. Normal nipple sensation usually returns to normal in just a few weeks or months following breast surgery. Lasting changes are less common, but they do occasionally occur, typically in fewer than 5% of patients.

What Can I Do to Ease Discomfort Due to Nipple Sensitivity?

Some women experience an increase in nipple sensitivity after breast implants. The projection of the implant stretches the nerve that gives sensation to the nipple. This stretching can irritate the nerve and cause changes in sensation. For some women, this increase can be uncomfortable, even painful. One of the best ways to reduce sensitivity is to use pads or bandages over the nipples to keep clothing from rubbing on the nipple. Also, although it sounds counterintuitive, rubbing and massaging the nipples can decrease the hypersensitivity. Nipple sensation changes are very common and almost always go away, usually in just a few weeks or months. If you’re concerned or have additional questions, get in touch.

Loss of Sensitivity After Breast Augmentation- How Common Is It?

Completely loss of sensitivity to the nipples after breast augmentation is very uncommon. It can take time for sensitivity to return and normalize, but most of the time, you won’t experience any lasting problems. Some incision types are more likely to experience sensation loss. We’ll talk with you about the odds and help you weigh your options during your consultation.

Will breast augmentation cause a loss of nipple sensitivity? Most of the time, no. Schedule your consultation for personalized breast augmentation information and advice.

Factors that Could Affect Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Augmentation

There are several factors that could potentially affect the feeling and sensitivity of your nipples after your breast augmentation, which are important to keep in mind and discuss with your surgery. These factors include:

Breast implant size: If you choose a larger implant size for your breast augmentation, this could potentially temporarily stretch the nerves in the nipples affecting their sensitivity.

Incision location: Most incisions created to place breast implants are created in the crease underneath the breasts, around the area, or something underneath the arm. Incisions around the areola are the most inconspicuous and allow for precision placement of the implant; however, they can cause changes in nipple sensitivity.

Breast implant placement: There are two ways your surgeon can place your implants: in front or behind your pectoral muscles. If you decide to have your implants placed behind your pectoral muscles, the likelihood of your breast augmentation affecting your nipple sensitivity is lowered as there is more protection and less stress placed on the nerves.

How Long Does It Take for Nipple Sensitivity to Return After Breast Augmentation?

As previously mentioned, changes in nipple sensitivity following breast augmentation are almost always temporary. Nipple sensation generally returns as swelling continues to resolve and the breast tissue adapts to its new shape and size. In most cases, sensitivity in the nipples should return to normal within two to three months, although depending on the size of the breast implants, it can sometimes take up to six months or a little longer.

Your entire nervous system is surprisingly resilient, so even if there is some minor nerve damage, nerves will continue to regenerate with time, restoring sensitivity.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Nipple Sensitivity Loss After Breast Augmentation

While it’s impossible to tell if you will lose sensitivity in your nipple after a breast augmentation, there are certain methods to reduce the risk. One important choice you can make when deciding to undergo this procedure is to choose an implant size that is smaller in diameter than your breast. Breast augmentation should not be about choosing the largest size, but rather you should choose an implant size that complements your body. The larger the implant size, the more significant stretching of your breast tissue, which can result in restricted blood flow to the nerves, causing nipple sensitivity loss.

After your breast augmentation, you can help increase the likelihood and return of nipple sensitivity by regularly massaging the nipples and breast tissue. By gently stimulating the area, you create a renewed connection between the area and the brain, helping to reform pathways for sensation.

Choosing a reputable, experienced, and knowledgeable surgeon is the most important and essential way that you can reduce the risk of nipple sensitivity loss. Your surgeon should not only create incredible breast augmentation results, but they should also have a deep understanding of the complex anatomy and function of each intricate area of the breasts. With this knowledge, they’ll be able to preserve the nerves in your nipples, make realistic recommendations that lead to your desired outcome, and protect your long-term happiness and aesthetic goals.

Learn more about nipple sensation loss after breast augmentation

Still have questions? Schedule a consultation with us and we’ll happily answer any other questions you may have.