One of the biggest questions that comes up during discussions about breast augmentation surgery is “How will implants change the feeling in my breasts and nipples?” While many people who consider implants do so because they want to feel more sexy, no one gets implants so they can actually enjoy sex less.
Here’s what you need to know about sensitivity and implants:
- You probably won’t lose sensitivity – and you may even gain some.
You should still be able to feel your breasts and nipples after a breast augmentation. Total numbness is a sign that there may be a problem that needs further investigation – and it is extremely rare. However, the majority of patients lose no breast or nipple sensitivity in the long term. Many even report that their sensitivity increases – and that being touched is more enjoyable once they have had time to heal.
- Loss of feeling is often related to pressure on the nerves in the chest.
When nipple or breast sensitivity decreases after an augmentation, it’s typically due to one of two causes. First, use of an incision around the nipple can decrease nipple sensation in some patients. If this is a concern for you, talk to your plastic surgeon about alternative sites for the incision.
Second, sensitivity may decrease if the nerves are stretched extensively. This happens most often in people who opt for a significant increase in size all at once. To decrease this risk, you can choose a smaller size or plan to increase the size of your implants in stages instead of in a single procedure. Your doctor can help you plan this transition to decrease the chances of losing sensitivity.
- What you feel immediately after surgery isn’t what you’ll feel when you’re fully healed.
In the first few weeks and months after implantation, your body is adjusting to the presence of the implants and the disruption to its everyday functioning that results from any surgery. As a result, sensations in your chest area may be entirely “out of whack.” You may feel numb some days and sensitive or even “tingly” on others. Some patients even experience an occasional shooting twinge of pain. Your sensitivity will change both as your pain and swelling decrease, and as your nerves adjust to the presence of the implants. Dr. Goldschmidt usually recommends taking A Vitamin B complex once a day to help the nerves heal faster and return to normal feeling quicker.
For a free, private consultation about your breast augmentation surgery options in Cleveland, please call our team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center at (216) 264-8100.
Read more about our Breast Augmentation & Enhancement Surgery.
About Dr. Goldschmidt
Matthew Goldschmidt, MD, FACS is one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Cleveland, Ohio, with an impressive list of academic and professional achievements. He is board certified by two surgical boards, which include the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, for body, breast, and facial surgery, as well as the Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.