American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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ton1michelle
4 years ago
Answered

Is there a loss of nipple sensation if you get implants?

I’m wondering if there’s a loss of nipple sensation After you get implants and does that very on the type of implant you get? Is it dangerous to have your nipples bitten after you get implants?

Procedure: Breast Augmentation
Location: buena park, CA

Replies 8

Karol Gutowski
ASPS Surgeon

In most cases, breast augmentation with any type of implant may have temporary nipple numbness that gets better in a few weeks. It is rare for the numbness to be permanent. Once things are healed, you may do what ever you like with your nipples.

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Matthew Camp
ASPS Surgeon

The risk of sensation loss depends on the approach to placing the implant. Cuts under the areola have a higher risk of numbness, incisions under the breast fold tend to not cause numbness to the same degree. Overall loss of sensation is not frequent. After you are healed, your nipples can be back to full function. I would not encourage biting to the point that the skin is broken, as this can allow bacteria to enter the blood stream and infect the implant.

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Aaron Stone
ASPS Surgeon

The incidence is around 10% and is independent of the incision used for insertion. It's dependent on the anatomy i.e. the course of the nerve. The later along the course of the sensory nerve that it becomes superficial the more likely it is to be injured during the dissection of the pocket for the implant.

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Daniel Allan

There is a correlation between implant size and loss of sensation, that is, the larger the implant the greater the possibility of loss of sensation.

I do not recommend have your nipples bitten, with or without implants.

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Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Although temporary alterations in breast skin and nipple sensation are common following an augmentation, most patients return to their baseline level once fully healed. Hope this helps.

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Ajaya Kashyap
ASPS Surgeon

The incidence of decrease in sensation after getting breast implants is very low. When done well it should be less than 1 per cent. Biting on any part of the body can cause infection and should be avoided.

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Karen Leong
ASPS Surgeon

Hello, thank you for your question. Typically, loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation is rare, especially in the USA where most surgeons place their implants under the muscle. The nerves that supply the nipple run on top of the muscle and are not affected. You may experience temporary numbness from the nerve being stretched but this goes away. If you have an incision around the nipple this of course can increase the risk of nerve damage to the nipple. - Dr. Leong

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Paul Parker
ASPS Surgeon
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Permanent loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation is unusual though temporary loss can occur. Once sensation returns to normal, you may resume all the same activities in which you engaged prior to surgery

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