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Related Experiment Videos

Reduction mammaplasty improves breast sensibility.

C L Temple1, L N Hurst

  • 1University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, Canada.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 22, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Reduction mammaplasty surprisingly improves breast sensation, contrary to prior beliefs of numbness. Objective testing revealed significant sensory improvements post-surgery, with only a small percentage experiencing persistent nipple numbness.

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Area of Science:

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Sensory Neuroscience

Background:

  • Previous studies suggested breast hypesthesia (reduced sensation) is common after reduction mammaplasty.
  • These earlier reports lacked objective quantification of breast sensibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate changes in breast sensation following reduction mammaplasty.
  • To objectively measure breast sensibility using standardized testing methods.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-five women undergoing reduction mammaplasty were assessed.
  • Pressure threshold measurements using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were taken preoperatively and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively.
  • Sensation was tested on the nipple, areola, and surrounding breast skin.

Main Results:

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  • Breast sensation significantly improved at 2 weeks and further improved by 6 weeks post-surgery across all tested areas.
  • Nipple sensation showed statistically significant improvement from preoperative levels to 2 weeks (p<0.0004) and from 2 to 6 weeks (p<0.002).
  • Persistent nipple numbness was observed in only 2% of breasts at the 6-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Reduction mammaplasty can lead to improved, not diminished, breast sensation.
  • The improvement in sensation is hypothesized to result from the relief of chronic nerve traction injury.
  • Objective sensory testing refutes the long-held belief of expected numbness after this procedure.