Many women considering breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction wonder whether surgery will impact breast sensitivity. Since your breasts are full of nerve endings, it’s natural to have concerns about changes in sensation. While some women experience temporary numbness or heightened sensitivity after surgery, permanent loss of sensation is uncommon. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rudy Coscia takes a meticulous approach to preserving sensation. This blog aims to help you to understand what to expect from breast surgery.
How Breast Surgery Can Impact Sensation
The degree of sensation change depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, incision placement, and individual healing response.
- Breast augmentation: Since implants are placed under or above the chest muscle, they may stretch or compress nerves temporarily. Some patients experience increased sensitivity in the weeks following surgery, while others notice slight numbness near the incision area.
- Breast lift: A lift reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple-areola complex, which may affect nerves in the area. Sensation often returns gradually within months as the body heals.
- Breast reduction: Because this procedure removes excess breast tissue and repositions the nipple, there is a slightly higher chance of sensation changes. However, most patients retain normal feeling over time.
How Long Do Changes in Sensation Last?
Most sensation changes are temporary, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a year as nerve endings regenerate. Many patients notice gradual improvement over time as swelling subsides and healing progresses. The likelihood of permanent numbness is low, but some women may experience minor, long-term changes in certain areas of the breast or nipple.
Factors That Influence Sensation Changes
- Surgical technique: Dr. Coscia uses precise methods to minimize nerve disruption and protect sensation.
- Incision placement: Incisions made around the nipple-areola complex (such as in a breast lift) have a higher chance of affecting sensitivity than incisions under the breast.
- Individual healing response: Some patients naturally regain sensation faster than others, depending on how quickly their nerves regenerate.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Coscia
If you are considering cosmetic breast surgery and have concerns about sensation changes, Dr. Rudy Coscia can help you understand what to expect based on your procedure and anatomy. With extensive experience in breast augmentation, lift, and reduction, he prioritizes both aesthetic outcomes and patient safety. To schedule a consultation, contact our team in Granite Bay, CA at (916) 249-2863, or Sacramento, CA at (916) 3180-5826.
