When you have aesthetic concerns about your breasts, it makes sense to consider a breast procedure like breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift. However, you probably want to learn more about the side effects of cosmetic breast surgery before making any final decisions. Many patients considering breast procedures are curious to know whether surgery alters breast and nipple sensitivity. Below, the outstanding surgical team at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery explain what kind of changes women can anticipate — and whether changes in sensitivity are permanent.
You Can Expect Temporary Changes
Most women report changes in sensitivity immediately after their surgery. Because sensitive nerve endings are inevitably touched and stretched during plastic surgery, this can alter the way you experience these sensations. What’s more difficult to predict is the way it affects sensitivity. Some women notice heightened tenderness and sensitivity (aka hyperesthesia), while others lose a significant amount of sensation.
Eventually, however, most women find that the changes they’ve experienced come to an end and they can enjoy the same level of sensitivity they did prior to surgery. Your healing body is at work repairing the myelin (a protective layer around your nerves), which enables your nerves to return to a normal state again.
It’s Possible to Lose Sensitivity Permanently
There is a small chance that you can lose some sensation in your breasts, particularly your nipples, indefinitely. Although this is uncommon, it may be a factor you want to consider before making a final decision about surgery if the thought of losing nipple sensation is undesirable to you. Loss of nipple sensation is more likely to occur for breast lift and breast reduction patients since an incision is typically made around the areola.
Managing Your Sensitivity
If hypersensitivity in your breasts is a source of irritation or discomfort following your surgery, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help to reduce tenderness. You may also want to consider wearing nipple protectors to protect sensitive nipples from rubbing against your clothing throughout the day.
Speak to the Best Breast Surgeons in Charlotte
One of the best ways to avoid permanently changing your breast and nipple sensitivity is to choose a plastic surgeon with superior surgical skills. Dr. Garrett Harper, Dr. Robert Graper, and Dr. Evon Zoog have nuanced techniques that minimize the severing of nerves, which should help to preserve your sensitivity in the long term. To see for yourself why Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery is North Carolina’s most trusted plastic surgery team, please schedule a consultation by calling 704-375-7111.