Quick blog, and yes, I will be using the word nipple a lot.
Nipple sensation after breast surgery varies a ton. Some people are numb for a while, some get sensation right away. The areola may look flat and smooth for a while (which makes it look bigger) or it may be crinkly. When the sensation returns, it is like a rollercoaster. It gets more and more sensitive- the frequency and amount increases- and then it settles out.
All of this is normal.
When nerves wake up after surgery they can feel a lot of fun and exciting things:
- zings
- sharp pains
- itching
- burning
- soreness
- high beams all the time
- hypersensitivity, where if anything touches it you want to scream
You get the idea. So what to do?
First, know THIS IS NORMAL. Most people end up with about the same sensation they had before surgery. It just takes time to settle, and this time can be days, weeks, or months.
Second, DON’T IRRITATE THE NIPPLE. When your skin is sensitive, anything that irritates it is going to make the nerves madder. Irritated nerves = pain. You irritate it by being swollen, rubbing against bras or clothing, etc.
So what can you do? Cover the nipples.
Third, WHAT CAN I COVER THE NIPPLES WITH? I have seen everything from paper tape, to Spiderman Band-Aids. Today a patient came in wearing sparkly blue pasties stickers. There are silicone shields, petal shaped stickers. It really doesn’t matter what you use. Anything which keeps stuff from rubbing on the nipple will prevent the nerves from getting irritated. For a sample of what these covers can look like, here is a link to Amazon (not endorsing Amazon, but they have an easy to view collection). COVERINGS
Don’t worry. The sensation issues get better with time. And have fun with it!