Breast Lift & the Risk of Changes in Nipple Sensation

Do You Lose Feeling in the Nipples after Mastopexy?

When considering a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, it’s important to understand both the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure. One of the most common concerns among potential mastopexy patients is the risk of changes in nipple sensation.

Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jake Lim has many years of experience performing breast procedures, including breast lift-mastopexy.

Download Dr Lim’s Breast Lift – Mastopexy Surgery Guide

Overview of Breast Lift – Mastopexy Surgery

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As women age, factors such as gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can cause the breasts to lose their shape and firmness. A breast lift – mastopexy aims to address these concerns by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher position.

Good candidates for a breast lift – mastopexy are women who are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. It’s important to note that a breast lift – mastopexy does not significantly change the size of the breasts; rather, it focuses on altering their shape and position. Women who desire larger or smaller breasts may consider combining a breast lift – mastopexy with breast augmentation – augmentation mammoplasty or reduction surgery.

Dr Jake Lim can employs different techniques when performing breast lift -mastopexy surgery, depending on the individual patient’s needs and goals. These techniques include:

Crescent Lift: Recommended for minimal sagging, this technique involves a small incision along the upper half of the areola.
Peri-Areolar Lift (Donut Lift): This technique involves a circular incision around the areola and is suitable for mild to moderate sagging.
Vertical Lift (Lollipop Lift): This technique involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, resembling a lollipop shape. It is suitable for moderate sagging.
Inverted T Lift (Anchor Lift): This technique involves an incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease, resembling an anchor shape. It is suitable for severe sagging.

Dr Lim will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate technique for your unique situation, taking into account your desired results and the extent of your breast ptosis.

The Connection between Breast Lift and Nipple Sensation

One of the most common concerns among women considering a breast lift – mastopexy is the potential for changes in nipple sensation. To understand this connection, it’s essential to explore the anatomical factors at play and how the surgical procedure can impact nipple sensitivity.

The nipple and areola are innervated by the fourth intercostal nerve, which is responsible for providing sensation to the area. During a breast lift – mastopexy, the skin and tissue surrounding the nipple are manipulated, which can potentially affect the nerve supply and lead to changes in sensation. These changes can be temporary or permanent, depending on various factors.

Temporary changes in nipple sensation are relatively common following a breast lift – mastopexy. Patients may experience numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in the nipple and surrounding area. These sensations typically subside within a few weeks to several months as the nerves heal and regenerate. In most cases, nipple sensation returns to normal or near-normal levels once the healing process is complete.

However, in some instances, women may experience permanent changes in nipple sensation. This can include a complete loss of sensation (nipple numbness) or a significant decrease in sensitivity. The risk of permanent sensory changes is higher when more extensive surgical techniques are used, such as the inverted T lift, which involves larger incisions and more tissue manipulation.

Factors That Influence the Risk of Changes in Nipple Sensation

Different factors can influence the risk of changes in nipple sensation following a breast lift – mastopexy.

One key factor is the patient’s age and skin elasticity. As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and becomes less resilient. This can make it more challenging for the skin and underlying tissues to heal and adapt following surgery, potentially increasing the risk of sensory changes. Patients with poor skin elasticity may require more extensive surgical techniques to achieve the desired results, which can further increase the risk of nipple sensation changes.

The degree of breast sagging, or ptosis, is another important factor. Patients with more severe ptosis often require more extensive surgical intervention, such as an inverted T lift, which involves larger incisions and more tissue manipulation. This increased manipulation can potentially damage the nerves supplying the nipple and areola, leading to a higher risk of sensory changes.

The surgical technique used during the breast lift – mastopexy can also have a significant impact on the risk of changes in nipple sensation. As mentioned earlier, more extensive techniques like the inverted T lift are associated with a higher risk of sensory changes compared to less invasive techniques like the crescent lift or peri-areolar lift. Dr Jake Lim carefully considers each patient’s unique needs and goals when selecting the most appropriate surgical technique.

Breast Lift Without Implants Patient 1 — Angle View

Minimising the Risk of Changes in Nipple Sensation

For women considering a breast lift – mastopexy, minimising the risk of changes in nipple sensation is a top priority. While some factors, such as age and the degree of breast sagging, cannot be changed, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of sensory complications.

One of the most critical factors in minimising the risk of changes in nipple sensation is choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. A skilled surgeon has a thorough understanding of breast anatomy and the techniques required to preserve nipple sensitivity. He has performed numerous breast lift – mastopexy procedures and has the experience to adapt the approach to each patient’s unique needs and goals.

When researching potential surgeons, you should look for a plastic surgeon who is certified by the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery(ASAPS) and has extensive experience in performing breast lift – mastopexy surgery. Viewing before-and-after photos can also provide valuable insights into a surgeon’s skill and the quality of the results.

Preoperative planning and patient-surgeon communication are also essential for minimising the risk of changes in nipple sensation. During the initial consultation, Dr Jake Lim takes the time to listen to his patients’ concerns and goals, assess their individual anatomy, and discuss the various surgical options available. He explains the risks and benefits associated with each technique and works with his patients to develop a personalised treatment plan that prioritises safety and natural-looking results.

Postoperative care and follow-up are crucial for promoting healing and minimising the risk of complications, including changes in nipple sensation. Dr Lim provides his patients with detailed instructions on how to care for their breasts following surgery, including guidelines on wound care, activity restrictions, and when to return for follow-up appointments.

Patients should carefully follow these instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up visits to ensure that their healing is progressing as expected. If any concerns arise, such as persistent numbness or changes in nipple sensation, patients should promptly notify Dr Lim so that he can provide appropriate guidance and treatment if necessary.

FAQs about Breast Lift – Mastopexy and the Risk of Changes in Nipple Sensation

How common are changes in nipple sensation after a breast lift – mastopexy?

Changes in nipple sensation are a relatively common side effect of breast lift – mastopexy surgery. The reported incidence of temporary changes in sensation ranges from 11% to 60%, while the risk of permanent nipple numbness is much lower, with an average reported incidence of 3%. It’s important to note that these statistics vary depending on the study and the specific surgical technique used. Most patients who experience changes in nipple sensation following a breast lift – mastopexy will notice a gradual return to normal or near-normal sensitivity within a few weeks to several months after surgery. However, in rare cases, some women may experience permanent numbness or a significant decrease in nipple sensitivity.

What factors increase the risk of changes in nipple sensation?

Several factors can influence the risk of changes in nipple sensation following a breast lift – mastopexy. These include:

Age and skin elasticity: As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes less resilient, potentially increasing the risk of sensory changes.
Degree of breast sagging (ptosis): Patients with more severe ptosis often require more extensive surgical techniques, which can increase the risk of nipple sensation changes.
Surgical technique: More invasive techniques, such as the inverted T lift, are associated with a higher risk of sensory changes compared to less invasive techniques like the crescent lift or peri-areolar lift.
Surgeon’s skill and experience: Choosing a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon can help minimise the risk of complications and ensure an optimal outcome.

Other factors, such as smoking, obesity, and certain medical conditions, can also impact the healing process and potentially increase the risk of sensory changes.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift – mastopexy?

Some women who have undergone a breast lift – mastopexy are able to breastfeed successfully. However, the ability to breastfeed after a breast lift – mastopexy can depend on several factors, including the specific surgical technique used and the individual patient’s anatomy. During a breast lift, the nipple and areola are typically repositioned to a higher location on the breast. In some cases, this may involve separating the nipple and areola from the underlying breast tissue, which can potentially impact milk ducts and nerves. If a significant portion of the milk ducts is damaged or disconnected during the procedure, it may affect the ability to breastfeed. Dr Jake Lim understands the importance of preserving breastfeeding ability for many of his patients. He carefully considers each patient’s individual goals and anatomy when selecting the most appropriate surgical technique.

How can I minimise the risk of changes in nipple sensation?

There are several steps you can take to minimise the risk of changes in nipple sensation when undergoing a breast lift – mastopexy:

Choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who has a proven track record of successful breast lift – mastopexy procedures and prioritises patient safety.
Maintain open and honest communication with your surgeon, expressing any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure and its potential risks.
Follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon, including guidelines on medication, wound care, and activity restrictions.
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that your healing is progressing as expected and to address any concerns that may arise.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, which can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.

What should I do if I experience changes in nipple sensation after a breast lift – mastopexy?

If you experience changes in nipple sensation following your breast lift – mastopexy, it’s essential to communicate your concerns to your plastic surgeon. He will be able to assess your situation and provide personalised guidance on how to manage any sensory changes. In most cases, changes in nipple sensation are temporary and will resolve on their own within a few weeks to several months after surgery. During this time, it’s important to be patient and allow your body the time it needs to heal.

Breast Lift and the Risk of Changes in Nipple Sensation