Question:
Do you lose sensitivity after Breast reduction?

I've laughed till I cried reading about the ordeals we've experienced with our breasts (or lack of breasts at this point!) Mine are no longer beautiful melons but could be considered fruit roll ups. I also thought the comparrison I read on here "tube socks with nipples" was very appropriate where my breasts are concerned. Anyway, I hate to be graphic but I need some info. My husband is definitely a "breast man" and I must admit that I enjoy the intimacy we share in this area. I am afraid (and he is too) that if I have my breasts lifted or reconstructed I will lose sensitivity there. Does anyone have any experience in this area? My husband is so understanding but I don't know which is worse - the thought of having no sensitivity in my breasts or the current embarrassment, during intimacy, of my husband having to search around in my armpits to find what's left of my breasts. I don't regret WLS for a second but this is one frustrating aspect!!!! What should I do? I'm down 110 pounds. 44C then - 34A now (and I only wear an A because I refuse to buy a "littlest angel" training bra!). THANKS!!    — ronascott (posted on December 28, 2001)

December 27, 2001
I had a breat reduction 16 yrs ago and yes I lost sensitivity. There are times when I don't even feel my husband touching them. I'm sure the surgery is a little different now so maybe it's not so bad. My sister had the surgery right after me and she has more sensitivity then I do. It all depends on what you want more. Maybe if you just have a little lift if won't be as drastic. Hope this helped.
   — Kelly C.

December 27, 2001
Oops....I meant "breast reconstruction" not reduction. Heck, there's nothing left to reduce. ha ha THANKS!
   — ronascott

December 28, 2001
Rona ((((Sweetie)))),<br>Very good question!!!..I have always wanted a breast reduction but was afraid to have it because like yours my dh is a boobie man....I have lost over 70 pounds and still am falling out of a size 42 DDD/E....Although they sag more because they don't have as much tummie to rest on I am afraid I will need a reduction to make me look better portioned...<br>I have a very good friend that had a reduction/lift and she has absolutely no sensation....She said that when her hubby touches her she just feels like pressure and that is all...But she and her hubby has worked around it and love her new perky breast.......The doctor removed her nipples and then re-attached them.....I have done alot of research on this and find that chances are when they do not remove the nipple and re-attach them you have a better chance of having sensation but not assured there will be....My doctor says anytime they remove the nipple or even cut into the breast the sensitive nerves can be damaged...(He told me that the nerves was the most sensitive in our breast)....I guess this is just one of them operations like the previous poster said you have to go into it accepting the fact that the sensations will probably not be there. Best of luck on whatever you decide....(My Scott doesn't want me to take the chance so I think it's a joint decission...but when I start walking on them I may have to take over that decission..LOL)....BTW can you email me and let me know which meeting we need to attend to get a copy of our pictures made at the Christmas part?....Thanks!!! (((HUGS)))
   — Cindi V.

December 28, 2001
Oh the sag-a of the breasts! I started out at a 46DDD and am now a 38 DD...still plenty of breast there...but where it winds up depends completely on what position I'm in. The stretch marks from where they grew so much when I was younger and breastfeeding are more pronounced now and my DH has to hunt around a bit to find the point(s) *dang-I'm blushing*! When I'm laying down they are off to each side and my breast bone sticks up...when I jog/run across the room without a bra (in my gown or t-shirt) they FLAP and make a noise (Dang! Big Blush now!) Even with a good bra they are kinda wrinkly and not a fleshy as before. I've considered having them done but am also skittish on the sensation issue. My DH doesn't seem to mind them the way they are and I still LIKE the way they feel...so I'm shelving that decision for a while. Best wishes whatever you decide! (p.s. With clothes and good bra on tho...people still think I'm a busty girl LOL)
   — Sharon L.

December 28, 2001
I had a reduction pre-WLS in 1993. They left my aereolas attached to the "whatever they call it" blood supply/cord thingy and simply moved it all, the blood supply/cord thingy attachments & aereola etc. up about 5 inches... and into new aereola "cut outs" they then gathered the excess fat etc. below and removed it. So I had a scar around my aereolas, a scar from my the bottom of my aereola verticle to where my breast attaches to my stomach and then half moons under the circumfrence of my breasts- starting from my armpit. I am very very pale, and my scars have faded very nicely. I dig my breasts now, I can wear almost anything! Leaving the aereolas attached, I do believe gave me much more sensitivity than if they simply removed them. Also large breasts have not even HALF the amount of sensitivity as smaller breasts do. It's all fat & ducts, and once it is gone, then you can start feeling things again! It wasn't really up to my husband - whether he was a boob man or not- it was my back that was breaking. Now that the twins are gone- we can get a LOT closer. Think about THAT! :)
   — Karen R.

December 28, 2001
I had a breast lift done on 12/3/01, and worried about the same thing. I have been quite surprised. I've ended up with larger breasts than I expected - the surgeon thought I'd end up with a medium B cup, but these puppies are a solid C. And, the nipples are extremely sensitive - to the point where the spray from the shower is almost more than I can stand. My husband finds both results terrific :0
   — kateseidel

July 18, 2002
I had a breast reduction in 1995. After the surgery I felt like I had been hit by a car. After 3 days I was up and walking. After a week I had the bandages removed and could start wearing jogging bra's. I went into the surgery thinking I wouldn't have any feeling afterwards. I was mis-lead. I had feeling in my nipples and breasts and they have actually become more sensitive. I was a 38DD and after the reduction was a 34 C. I felt "normal" after about 4 months. I felt amazing. I had gone from saddlebags to smaller, more perky breasts. I would recommend breast reduction to anyone who has large painful saggy breasts. It was the best thing I ever did!
   — Kimberly P.