Why am I getting numbness of breast after augmentation?

Breast numbness after breast augmentation after an year and a half post breast augmentation is probably permanent.

Numbness of the nipple is very uncommon after breast augmentation.

You might continue to get sensibility back in the nipple after a year and a half but I’d be betting against it.

Nothing to do but wait and hope. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)

After 20 months following surgery the sensation is not likely to return

The Breast numbness after breast augmentation

Unfortunately, after some 20 months following your augmentation if the sensation has not recovered it is not likely to do so.

Loss of sensitivity is a recognized complication from this surgery and is basically the result of the effort it takes to create the space for the implant. Studies have shown that the bigger the implant that is inserted the more chance there is to lose sensitiviy. (David A. Ross, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Numbness after breast augmentation

Breast numbness after breast augmentation surgery

Although uncommon, numbness for changes in sensitivity is a known complication after a breast augmentation. This can occur if one of the nerves to the breast or areola is stretched or injured during the surgery. If the nerve is stretched, the nerve will heal itself but this may take many months.

If the nerve is injured or severed, the sensation may not return. In some cases, nearby nerves may grow into this area so that over time patients will experience a smaller and smaller area of numbness. To learn more about breast augmentation, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below. (Pat Pazmino, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

Numbness after breast implants

Breast numbness after breast augmentation photos

Usually, 85% of women have normal sensation after having breast implants, provided that they had normal sensation to begin with. About 15 % have a change in sensation. After 1 1/2 years, it is unlikely that your sensation will improve. It is difficutl to say why it happens in some and not in others. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Breast Numbness After breast Implants

The likelihood of breast numbness after augmentation is around 15%. In other words, 1.5 women out of ten having a breast augmentation may end up with permanent numbness. This cannot be prevented. The reasons may be many but have to do with the place of emergence of the terminal branch of the 5th intercostal (under the rib) nerve which leaves its under the rib location along the side of the breast and moves through the side wall of the breast to supply the nipple. Any traction on the nerve by the implant or implant may cause numbness.  (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)

Numbnesss and loss of nipple sensation following breast augmentation

Breast numbness after breast augmentation images

AS all of my colleagues have stated, at this point in time 20 months after breast augementation surgery, it is most likely that your loss of nipple sensation is permanent. Loss of sensation is most likely due to mechanical disruption and less likely to a stretching injury. It is far more common to effect one side rather than both sides. It more commonly occurs with larger implants. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

I am afraid you can assume the numbness is permanent. This is a terrible complication and I am really sorry. There is no way to find out exactly why this happened, but I assure you it does not mean your surgeon did anything wrong. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Breast numbness after breast augmentation gallery

Although sensory loss is uncommon following breast implant surgery, it usually returns in a few months to a year. After a year, it is likely permanent. This probably had something to do with your anatomy and something to do with the technique used to place the implants. (John P. Di Saia, MD, Orange Plastic Surgeon)

Partial lose of feeling of the Nipples/ Breasts are expected

Statistically, there is always a chance of loosing sensation on part/or all of the nipple after any type of breast augmentation. some doctors feel that there is an increased risk with incision around the areola, but I have not experienced any difference.

The chance for this is about 5% for total loss and 15% for partial reduction in sensation. (S. Sean Younai, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

You might be seeing the final sensory recovery you will have but until you get to 2-3 years out, there is still some hope of improvement but normal feeling will not likely return unfortunately. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)