After a mastectomy, it’s common to lose feeling in the breast and around the nipple.
Traditional mastectomies often result in permanent numbness. Fortunately, there is now a technique that may help preserve or even restore some sensation: nerve-sparing mastectomy.
What Is Nerve-Sparing Mastectomy?
A nerve-sparing mastectomy is a surgery that protects or reconnects breast nerves. These nerves provide feeling to the skin and nipple-areola area. During a mastectomy, nerves responsible for sensation in the breast, like the lateral intercostal nerves, are often damaged.
Our goal is to either preserve these nerves or carefully reconnect them during breast reconstruction. This process allows your body to gradually restore sensation in areas that would otherwise remain numb.
Why Nipple Sensation Matters
Rebuilding the breast’s shape is only part of the recovery process.
Many women are surprised by how different their chest feels after surgery. The loss of touch, temperature, or pressure in the breast and nipple can impact physical awareness and connection with your body.
While sensation may not return completely, women who undergo nerve-sparing and nipple neurotization often describe a noticeable improvement, including:
- The return of light touch or pressure sensation
- Warmth or temperature sensitivity
- A greater sense of connection to the reconstructed breast
How the Procedure is Done
During the mastectomy, the surgeon removes the breast tissue but keeps the skin and nipple intact. The sensory nerves, usually the 4th through 6th intercostal nerves, are identified and spared if it is safe to do so. If they need to be cut, they are connected to a nerve graft to bridge the gap.
The nerve or graft is carefully attached to the tissue beneath the nipple. This process, known as neurotization, provides your body with a pathway to reconnect and regenerate sensation over time.
The breast reconstruction is then completed using implants or natural tissue, depending on your surgical plan.
All of this is done during the same procedure, and it does not interfere with cancer treatment goals.
What to Expect During Recovery
Nerve regrowth is slow. Sensation won’t return right away. Most women begin to notice changes in sensation within 6 to 18 months.
Results also vary. Some women regain partial sensation in the nipple and skin, while others notice a more subtle improvement.
Even when sensation returns, it may feel different than before. You may notice tingling, warmth, or deep pressure, rather than the sharp or fine-touch sensation you experienced previously.
It is essential to recognize that an erogenous sensation may or may not return. While not guaranteed, some women report partial return of sensual response over time.
Should I Consider Nerve-Sparing Mastectomy?
This procedure offers the chance to regain some feeling in the breast or nipple area, something that many women deeply value after mastectomy and reconstruction. You may be a good candidate if:
- You’re having early-stage breast cancer surgery or a preventive mastectomy
- Your breast size and anatomy are suitable for nipple-sparing mastectomy
- You value the potential for improved postoperative sensation
- You’re having immediate breast reconstruction
Not everyone is a candidate, and your oncologic safety is always the top priority. We work closely with your breast surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome, tailored to your diagnosis, anatomy, and individual goals.
Schedule your free consultation to learn if a nerve-sparing mastectomy is right for you!