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Loss of Sensation After Breast Augmentation?
Sensation to the nipple is usually preserved with breast augmentation. The key word here is usually. Any surgery can cause loss of sensation. There has been a significant amount of research into nipple sensation. The cutaneous innervation of the female breast is derived medially from the anterior cutaneous branches of the Ist-VIth intercostal nerves and laterally from the lateral cutaneous branches of the IInd-VIIth intercostal nerves. The nipple-areola complex is consistently supplied by the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the IVth intercostal nerve, with additional innervation by cutaneous branches of the IIIrd and Vth intercostal nerves. This means that the threats to nipple sensation include the following: 1. Where is the incision for the augmentation placed? 2. What nerves have been injured during pocket dissection? 3. Does the size of the implant stretch the nerve? Sometimes injuries to the nerve (especially from the third reason) will resolve over time (typically 6 months to a year) but in rare cases sensation loss can be permanent. Be sure to discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon!
Clinical Context
Nipple sensation depends on small nerve branches that run through breast tissue, so any surgery in that area carries some risk of change. Research findings on which factors matter most are mixed, but incision location, how much the pocket is dissected near the nerve pathways, and implant size are the main variables surgeons consider. Most sensation changes are temporary and improve over months, though permanent loss can occur. Discuss your anatomy and implant choice with your surgeon beforehand.
