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Can Nipple Surgery Affect Feeling or Sensitivity?
It is possible for a patient to lose sensation from any kind of breast surgery, including breast augmentation. The incidence of this numbness is rare and the incidence of permanent numbness is even more unusual. It is also possible for your nipples to become more sensitive after the procedure. Like numbness, permanent changes are unusual. Nipple reduction surgery involves greater risk of post-op sensation change. In our Tri-Valley practice in Dublin we've never had permanent sensation changes after an aug or nipple reduction. Previous surgery to the area increases the risk somewhat. Find a board-certified surgeon and discuss the issue in detail.
Clinical Context
Sensation change after nipple surgery depends on the type of procedure. In breast augmentation, numbness often comes from stretching of the nerves that supply the nipple-areola area as the implant is placed, and it usually improves as swelling resolves. Nipple reduction involves surgery closer to the ducts and nerve fibers beneath the areola, so changes there are more likely to be lasting. This is different from sensation changes linked to hormones, breastfeeding, or weight change, which aren't related to surgery. Ask your surgeon how your specific anatomy affects this risk.
