Question:
Anyone experience loss of sensation in breasts after reduction?
I was approved (on appeal) for a panniculectomy. My surgeon would like to do a breast reduction as well. I could use one, but I am very nervous. I've heard that you can lose "sensitivity" in your breasts after the procedure. Anyone have any problems after reduction? Any regrets? Thanks for any feedback. Lisa — Lisa F. (posted on June 17, 2001)
June 17, 2001
I had breast reduction surgery seven years ago. They pain after surgery was
not bad. You do lose some sensitivity in your nipple area. Make sure that
they keep the nerves underneath of the nipples attached. I did not have any
problems after surgery. My scars are very light. Every doctor I have met
makes glowing remarks about my breasts. I was able to nurse my last child.
The only problem I had was last year when I lost 60 pounds my breasts
became so flat I might have to ask for some of my stuff back after WLS!!
Dana
— Dana N.
June 17, 2001
Just like any surgery, there are risks of side effects in having a breast
reduction. One of them is loss of sensation. I had a breast reduction
about 6 years ago. The dr. took over 8 pounds off my chest. My breasts had
to be totally reformed, including removing the nipples and repositioning
them in the right place. So, all the nerves had to be reattached at that
time. Personally, I had no problem and regained sensation very quickly.
My only problem was adjusting to "pointing out" instead of down
lol. My only regret was not having the surgery done sooner as it relieved
my back pain as well as pains down my arms and into my breasts that I
started to have. My best advice would be to make sure you are really
comfortable with your surgeon. Then, just like deciding about WLS, decide
if the risks are worth it to you. For me, it was. I just wonder now as I
lose weight, if I will lose my breasts too. I just had my bypass on 4-27.
Whatever happens, both surgeries were worth the risk to me. Feel free to
email me if you have any other questions about the reduction.
— cheryl R.
June 17, 2001
I had reduction surgery over 10 yrs ago. I still have almost no sensation
in my breasts. I almost lost my right nipple due to circulation problems
after surgery. I had to be put in a hyperbaric chamber & also had
leeches applied. I did not lose the nipple but have more scars to show for
it. This is an extreme case of course. My sister had the surgery b4 I did
w/the same surgeon & had no problems.HTH
— [Anonymous]
June 17, 2001
I had breast reduction surgery almost 3 years ago. I had almost 22 lbs
removed, breast tissue and fat under my arms.
I had my nipples completely removed and re-attached.
I do not have any sensation what so ever on either side.
A small price to pay for the relief of pain on my back and shoulders. I
only wish I had done back in my twentys.
I did end up having to have 5 surgeries to close an incision line that
wouldn't heal. My only regret is that the surgeon made me WAY to small. I
was an H and I am now barely an A.
Let me tell you it's quite a shock to the self esteem. I was told it would
take 6 months or so for your brain to see yourself this way. I still have
problems dealing with it. I only wish that he had left me a little more to
work with. :)
I think you will find that it's all worth it.
Best of luck.
— [Anonymous]
June 17, 2001
I had a breast reduction 3 years ago a have complete sensitivity. Find a
surgeon that does not remove the nipple from the blood supply that is the
key to not loosing sensitivity!
— Laura R.
June 18, 2001
I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and am very happy I did for comfort
as well as appearance. I did not loose any sensation. When I was in the
recovery room my doc came in and gently tweaked my nipples to check
sensation,he seemed very proud that all was well. I told him I could have
told him from the doorway that I had sensation. I have not had my wls yet
but have had GB and a hysterectomy and found the br. red to be the most
painful of the three. I think this was due in part to where I was in my
cycle. I would advise you to make sure that you are not pre menstrual or
menstruating at the time as your breasts are most sensitive then. Also
check out your plastic surgeon to make sure he is board certified etc. Make
sure that the remaining breast is in proportion to your body size. Good
luck , I hope all goes well.
— [Anonymous]
June 18, 2001
I had breast reduction surgery almost three years ago. 4 and half pounds
of breast tissue and fat were romoved from each breast. I was told the
risk of loss of sensation as a side effect and went through with it anyway.
Upon waking up in the recovery room my surgeon, tweaked my nipples and did
a 'stick test' to see if I had sensation. I did, immediately. (Actually
they are more sensitive now then they were prior to the reduction.) My
nipples were removed along with the areola and reduced in size from about 6
inches in circumference to what I suspect is normal for a C cup (about 2/5
inches). My breast are perfect! Now, while I've lost a little over 70
pounds in 4 months, I've noticed that although my breast cup has not
changed significantly, they have decreased in mass somewhat. Thinking
back, I really wish I had thought to tell him to make me a D cup. Oh well,
at least they are not hanging (pendulous as the surgeon calls it) and
pointing to the floor, lol.
In terms of pain, my gallbladdar was the THE most painful surgery I've ever
had in my entire life! Because they don't disturb the muscle wall at all
-- only fat and breast tissue, the pain is pretty neglibile. Feels like
bad premenstrual breast pain. Surgery took 5 and half hours and was done
on an outpatient basis. Choose your surgeon very carefully and make sure
that the surgeon that does your surgfery is a cosmetic surgeon licensed and
board certified in cosmetic procedures. The surgeon doing your WLS SHOULD
NOT be the one that does it (your breast reduction/panni). A general
surgeons goal is not aethestics + functionality as it would be with a
plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon will tell you the same thing. Plastic
surgeon are mindful of how the body will 'look' after the procedure. For
instance, when I had my panni, my doctor also did liposuction to enhance
the curvature of my waist. During my breast reduction, (who was a
different surgeon) he performed liposuction under my arm pits and right
below my breast bone where there were remnants of fat and breast tissue.
During my surgery I was sat up on the operating table to ensure symmetry in
my breast , as well as ensuring that my nipples were in the right place. I
also saw presurgery the 'cutouts' of my areola which were used as a
template to form my own. These extra steps are what every really good
plastic surgeon does. I certainly hope this helps you ad anyone else who's
interested in getting the reconstructive procedures.
— corpdiva2006
August 6, 2002
I had a breast reduction in 1993, prior to my RNY. I did lose feeling
below my nipple, however, I now have feeling in my nipples, which I did not
before. The Dr. said it was from the weight pulling so harshly on the
nerves. So I will take that trade off any day!!!
— Tammy S.
August 22, 2002
I had a breast reduction in 2001 & I have SO MUCH MORE sensation now. I
went from an E to a D. My only regret is that I didn't get them smaller.
I'm getting RNY on 9/9/02 & wonder if I'll have to get another. Who
knows.
— LionGirl2k
February 2, 2003
Hi Lisa.
Loss of nipple sensation is certainly a concern after any breast surgery,
although careful technique can preserve the nerves to a large degree. Some
women are so large that they have little sensation before surgery, and
after a lift/reduction have increased sensation. Others may have a
temporary (weeks-months) loss that gradually returns. If the scars and
possibly decreased sensation are worth the improved, "perkier"
shape and size, then breast lift may be a good choice for you. JL
— DrL
Click Here to Return