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Sensation after Breast Augmentation surgery

Breast augmentation top surgery comes with its own risks and benefits as with any other surgical procedure. In this article, we discuss what you can expect during your recovery period, particularly the changes in nipple sensation such as numbness or loss of feeling, and sexual satisfaction. We also provide brief information on when you can safely resume physical activity after your gender affirming surgery.

Through the insertion of saline or silicone breast implants, our surgeons can enhance the size and shape of your chest.  It is important to remember that, in addition to the aesthetic changes, breast augmentation also may cause changes in sensation.

Realistic expectations are key to patient satisfaction. Prior to surgery, it’s essential that you understand the full scope of your procedure, including the associated risks and benefits. One of our surgeons will cover these topics at length during your personal consultation.

Breast Augmentation Recovery: What to Expect

Breast augmentation is a significant surgical procedure, which means that it will take time for your body to heal and recover. Most patients require at least a week of rest before resuming work and other low impact activities. Rigorous physical activities should be restricted for about six weeks, or until your surgeon tells you that you are cleared to return to physical activities. 

Bruising, swelling, and some physical discomfort are common during these initial stages of recovery, and may temporarily affect breast sensation. However, these effects will gradually dissipate over the course of a few weeks. Once the nerves have fully recovered, the sensation in most patients’ breasts should return.

Numbness or Loss of Feeling

In the weeks following breast augmentation, it’s normal to experience changes in sensation, including  numbness. For most patients, these changes are only temporary (but in some cases, may last for up to two years). However, it is possible that your nipples or breast tissue will permanently lose sensation – either partially or completely – following breast augmentation.

The risk of permanent nipple numbness is about 10-15%. It is important to carefully consider the possibility of permanent nipple numbness, in case that is an outcome you are not comfortable with. Other, non-surgical options can be considered, such as certain clothing choices, that can temporarily augment the size and shape of your breasts if the loss of nipple sensation is an unacceptable consequence for you. 

Additionally, the opposite outcome – increased nipple sensation or hypersensitivity – is also possible following breast augmentation and may be uncomfortable. This post-surgical side effect is almost always temporary and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Sexual Satisfaction Following Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can do more than just transform your physical appearance; it can increase your self-esteem and confidence in your body. Following surgery, most patients report feeling more comfortable in their own skin, and as a result, also report increased sexual satisfaction.

It is important to note that your body needs time to rest and recover following surgery. This means that sexual activity, like all physical activity, should be avoided for at least six weeks. Your surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to follow during your recovery.