Is nipple sensitivity common following a breast augmentation? Should I be worried?

I had a breast augmentation four years ago. After surgery, both breasts experienced nipple sensitivity. Six months later, my left breast returned to normal, but my right nipple continues to have sensitivity. Is this normal? Should I be worried?

Answers from doctors (13)


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on May 31, 2016

This is a normal variation; there is nothing to worry about.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

This is a normal variation; there is nothing to worry about.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Apr 17, 2016

Nipple hypersensitivity is common after breast augmentation and usually resolves in the first 3 months. It can be persistent and is usually related to nipple projection and irritation. Nipple desensitization, avoidance of trauma, and possible nipple reduction can help.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Nipple hypersensitivity is common after breast augmentation and usually resolves in the first 3 months. It can be persistent and is usually related to nipple projection and irritation. Nipple desensitization, avoidance of trauma, and possible nipple reduction can help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Apr 14, 2016

Healing is variable, but four years is a long time. Permanent hypersensivity is unusual.

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Answered by Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Healing is variable, but four years is a long time. Permanent hypersensivity is unusual.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ralph M. Rosato, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Mar 29, 2016

Nipple sensitivity is very common. Think about your surgery: The breast is stretched away from the chest, and this pulls on the nerve. The sensitivity can be reduced by massaging the nipple areola complex. If the sensitivity is getting worse, call you surgeon and let them know.

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Answered by Ralph M. Rosato, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Nipple sensitivity is very common. Think about your surgery: The breast is stretched away from the chest, and this pulls on the nerve. The sensitivity can be reduced by massaging the nipple areola complex. If the sensitivity is getting worse, call you surgeon and let them know.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles Slack M.D.

Published on Mar 23, 2016

Yes, it is fairly common the first month or two after surgery, but typically will go away as you progress through the healing process.

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Answered by Charles Slack M.D.

Yes, it is fairly common the first month or two after surgery, but typically will go away as you progress through the healing process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Mar 21, 2016

The surgery may have altered the nerves. That said, the sensitivity may still return to normal, even after this length of time.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

The surgery may have altered the nerves. That said, the sensitivity may still return to normal, even after this length of time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Mar 21, 2016

You may have sensitivity for up to one year. Make sure you openly communicate your concerns with your surgeon and follow up as instructed.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

You may have sensitivity for up to one year. Make sure you openly communicate your concerns with your surgeon and follow up as instructed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


David C. Yao MD, FACS

Published on Mar 10, 2016

Thank you for sharing. Nipple sensitivity after breast implants are not usually permanent. Most issues resolve in a few weeks to months. The size, placement, and incision location can be significant factors. Talk with your PS who knows your case best. If you see a new PS, try to obtain old records to help new local providers give you an appropriate opinion. Best wishes.

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Answered by David C. Yao MD, FACS

Thank you for sharing. Nipple sensitivity after breast implants are not usually permanent. Most issues resolve in a few weeks to months. The size, placement, and incision location can be significant factors. Talk with your PS who knows your case best. If you see a new PS, try to obtain old records to help new local providers give you an appropriate opinion. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Mar 07, 2016

No, you shouldn't worry. I presume you mean your nipple hypersensitivity? If this is still a problem after 4 years, you can still do desensitization techniques to make them more comfortable.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

No, you shouldn't worry. I presume you mean your nipple hypersensitivity? If this is still a problem after 4 years, you can still do desensitization techniques to make them more comfortable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Paul Wigoda M.D.

Published on Sep 07, 2015

While its not something that you necessarily have to be worried about, if it is still hypersensitive after four years, there is a good chance that its going to stay that way (unless you have additional surgery to try to cut the nerve). I have had some patients whose sensitivity increased after surgery. For many it was a good thing and they were happy about it. For those where it was too sensitive, it always went back to normal within 6 months, and usually within 3 months.

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Answered by Paul Wigoda M.D.

While its not something that you necessarily have to be worried about, if it is still hypersensitive after four years, there is a good chance that its going to stay that way (unless you have additional surgery to try to cut the nerve). I have had some patients whose sensitivity increased after surgery. For many it was a good thing and they were happy about it. For those where it was too sensitive, it always went back to normal within 6 months, and usually within 3 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Sep 02, 2015

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to her that you are having nipple hypersensitivity problems still. Unfortunately this sensitivity issue may continue or slowly improve overtime. I recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon to be examined to better assess your problem.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to her that you are having nipple hypersensitivity problems still. Unfortunately this sensitivity issue may continue or slowly improve overtime. I recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon to be examined to better assess your problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Christopher Pelletiere, MD

Published on Aug 31, 2015

Although rare, there are some women who have persistent hypersensitivity in one area. The best thing to do is to really massage that nipple and try and desensitize those nerves. It is usually uncomfortable at first, but my irritating those nerves they can get used to the stimulus and often times calm down. I would go for a check-up with a plastic surgeon in your area just for an examination. Always better to be checked in person.

Answered by Christopher Pelletiere, MD (View Profile)

Although rare, there are some women who have persistent hypersensitivity in one area. The best thing to do is to really massage that nipple and try and desensitize those nerves. It is usually uncomfortable at first, but my irritating those nerves they can get used to the stimulus and often times calm down. I would go for a check-up with a plastic surgeon in your area just for an examination. Always better to be checked in person.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Remus Repta M.D.

Published on Aug 31, 2015

Thank you for the question. I suspect your nipple sensitivity will remain as is since its been about four years after your breast augmentation. Massaging it might help with lessening it, however, I do not anticipate that it will get worse.

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Answered by Remus Repta M.D.

Thank you for the question. I suspect your nipple sensitivity will remain as is since its been about four years after your breast augmentation. Massaging it might help with lessening it, however, I do not anticipate that it will get worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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