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Will sensation return in nipples after reconstruction?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Ahyay: After reconstruction surgery, is it possible I will ever get sensation back in my nipples?
Answers —Kara Nakisbendi, M.D.: Anytime you've cut nerves you feel numbness. The intensity of the numbness can diminish, but I'd say with the nipples usually the sensation doesn't return.
Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: I think especially the really strong, erotic feelings from breast caresses is lost when the nerve is cut. But there was one study that found that when women had nipple reconstruction that felt as if their sensation returned again. So the mind is an important part of your sexual side.
Kara Nakisbendi, M.D.: That's interesting, because I see so many delay the nipple reconstruction part.

On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Sex, Intimacy, and Breast Cancer. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. and Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. answered your questions about sexual side effects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment, and what you can do about them.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Kara Nakisbendi, M.D. is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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