Breast Augmentation

Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Implants

Nipple sensitivity can be reduced by breast augmentation but this decrease in sensation of the nipple/areola should resolve with time. An exception is if the areolar incision was used.
When a breast implant is placed in the breast pocket, the sudden stretching of the breast tissue, breast skin and its associated nerves can cause the nerves to go into a temporary state of dysfunction. This results in a numbness over the entire breast, including the nipple and areola. Over several weeks or months, as the breast tissue and nerves accomodate to the implant, the nerves will begin to function again and sensation will return to both the breast itself and the nipple/areola. Before full sensation recovers, many patients experience a feeling of pins-and-needles in the breast skin followed by complete recovery of normal feeling and sensation. In the case of breast implants done using an areoalr incision, the surical cut itself and its associated scar tissue can impair the function of the local nerves and cause some loss of sensation to the nipple and areola that may be permanent. Toronto breast implants surgeon, Dr. Robert Backstein will explain these issues in detail during your consultation.