After a nipple-sparing mastectomy, it's normal to experience some changes as your body heals. Common post-operative symptoms include numbness in the breast and nipples, with studies showing that about 57% of patients report numb nipples after surgery. You may also experience reduced sensation in areas where lymph nodes were Show Full Answer
After a nipple-sparing mastectomy, it's normal to experience some changes as your body heals. Common post-operative symptoms include numbness in the breast and nipples, with studies showing that about 57% of patients report numb nipples after surgery. You may also experience reduced sensation in areas where lymph nodes were removed.
Another common occurrence is itching sensations, which can be intense but typically improve with time. This can happen even in the reconstructed breast tissue or chest wall. You may notice scabbing and color changes in your nipples after surgery. This is usually normal and happens because the blood supply to the nipples is reduced during surgery when breast tissue is removed. While it might look concerning - even appearing dark purple with scabs - this is often part of the normal healing process.
If you're worried about any changes, especially ones that seem unusual or concerning, it's important to communicate with your surgical team. They can help determine whether your symptoms are part of the normal healing process or require additional attention.
March 21, 2025
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