Nipple pain or sensitivity after breast augmentation is called dysesthesia or hyperesthesia. Occasionally, after breast augmentation a women can have nipples that feel tender, sore and sometimes have a burning sensation. The condition is often caused by stretching of the nerves, either at the time of surgery or due to the size and location of the breast implant(s). A stretched or bruised nipple will often give off erratic nerve impulses which often feel like pins and needles, a deep ache or a burning type of sensation. Sometimes clients describe the pain as coming from under the implant. Often there will be a numbness or tingling feeling which also comes from disturbed nerves or nerves that are growing back after surgery.
Often clothing or bra can rub against the area (even lightly) causing this discomfort. On rare occasions there can even be disruptions in sleeping. The treatment for this type of sensitivity is usually massage therapy. Massage of the affected area with a moisturizing cream can help to desensitize the area. Some clients have found that a few units of BOTOX in this area can relieve the pain. Most of the time this hypersensitivity goes away after the nerve calms down and stops being inflamed by the disruption causes by the implant.
Nerves often will cause pain as they are healing and “waking up.” You know how painful and hypersensitive your leg is when it “falls asleep” and then wakes up? You know that pins and needles type of feeling? Well, that’s kind of what’s going on in your breasts after having a breast augmentation. When the implant stretches and rests on the nerves in your breast and nipple tissue, the nerves become inflamed and often cause pain, tingling and burning. Generally these symptoms are present the first 1 to 3 weeks and then get much better.
Many of our clients in Hilo and other areas of the islands see the sensitivity dissipate after the first month and have no complaints after month two. Everyone is a little different but do not be alarmed if you are experiencing some discomfort around your nipples after breast augmentation. It is a common and expected occurrence. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any concerns. We are here to help all of our clients in Hilo and elsewhere in whatever way we can.