Breast Implants and Sensitivity

Breast implants and sensitivity is an issue which concerns many women prior to proceeding with breast enlargement surgery. The surgical procedure, as well as the implants themselves, can affect breast sensitivity and change their sensory response generally or during specific activities. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to understand the potential changes which might occur as a result of breast augmentation.

Breast Implants and Sensitivity / General

Many women remark that their implants had absolutely no effect whatsoever upon their breast sensitivity. Of course, during the healing process, breasts will be extra sensitive and even painful for a time. As the surgical wounds heal and the tissue becomes acclimated to the implant placement, the feeling will begin to normalize and any sensory changes can be noted. Some women report that their breasts or nipples become generally less sensitive. This can be due to scar tissue, nerve damage or inflammation due to the actual surgical procedure. Less commonly, this might be a result of nerve compression from one of the prosthetic breast implants. This loss of sensitivity can be temporary or might become permanent. Other women report that their breasts or nipples become more sensitive after receiving their implants. This can be due to increased pressure in the skin as it is pulled tighter to accommodate the implants or from some idiopathic neurological occurrences.

Breast Implants and Sensitivity / Sexual Response

When it comes to sexual response, experiences range a wide spectrum of possibilities. Once again, many women report no change or temporary changes resulting from the actual surgery, which resolve at the completion of the recovery process. Some women report patches of lessened sensitivity on the actual breast and others report a lack of sensation in the nipple. Nipple response may or may not be affected by this reduced sensitivity. Most sensory nipple conditions are the direct result of a periareolar incision. Other women report increased sensitivity in their breasts which might be the result of a physical or psychological process. The actual implant pressing on the tissue might make the breast and nipple more sensitive and responsive. Likewise, a woman who is more comfortable and happy with her newly enhanced figure might open herself more to the pleasures of sensual breast manipulation. Sexual response is often far more of a psycho-emotional process than it is physical. Changes in the physical body enact changes in the mind, which in turn reinterpret physical stimuli in the physical body.

The Bottom Line on Breast Implants and Sensitivity

Certain procedures can increase the chance of a sensory change in the breast or surrounding area. Periareolar incisions can affect the nipple and areola region, but most commonly, no permanent sensory changes are noted. Transumbilical breast augmentation can create nerve damage in the breast if dissection is done carelessly or with sharp implements. Creating a surgical pathway and pocket using blunt instruments is almost always advised. Transaxillary breast augmentation can produce nerve damage in the actual underarm area. This commonly affects the arm and shoulder more than the breast. Inframammary breast augmentation incisions have a greater chance of damaging nerves or changing sensitivity if the implant is placed under the muscle, although this is a rare occurrence. A good surgeon will always inform you of any potential risks and do everything in their power to minimize these occurrences. Learn the facts of how breast sensitivity might change after an enlargement procedure, then make an informed choice. After all, you might actually gain sensitivity and enjoy your breasts more than ever post-surgery.

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6/30/08