Accessory breast removal surgery is a common plastic surgery procedure that aims to remove excess breast tissue and fat under the armpits or near the breasts to improve appearance and comfort. As people pay more attention to their body shape and image, the demand for accessory breast removal is gradually increasing. However, patients are generally concerned about the impact on breast sensitivity after surgery, which is not only related to physical function, but also affects psychological feelings and quality of life.
Physiological basis of breast sensitivity
Breast sensitivity is mainly determined by the skin, nipple and the nerve endings around it. A large number of sensory nerves gather in the nipple area, which transmit sensory signals through the thoracic nerves and intercostal nerves. The breast tissue itself contains nerve endings responsible for sensing touch, temperature and pain. Changes in breast sensitivity are often related to nerve damage, changes in blood supply and changes in tissue structure.
The formation and anatomical characteristics of accessory breast
Accessory breasts are mostly located in the armpits or chest area near the breasts. They are abnormal remnants of breast tissue. Accessory breast tissue includes breast tissue, fat and skin, and sometimes is accompanied by nipples or areolas. When removing accessory breasts, doctors need to be careful to remove these tissues to avoid affecting the main breast nerves. The nerve distribution in the accessory breast area is relatively complex and is connected to the main sensory nervous system of the breast, but there is a clear anatomical boundary between the two.
Effect of accessory mastectomy on breast sensitivity
The impact of accessory breast removal surgery on breast sensitivity depends on many factors, including the surgical method, the range of resection, the surgeon's experience and individual anatomical differences. Usually, accessory breast removal is mainly targeted at the accessory breast area, and the surgical process will avoid direct interference with the nipple and areola. If the surgical operation is standardized and the protection of the main breast nerve is taken seriously, the overall feeling of the breast will generally not be significantly affected .
However, in some cases, surgery may result in:
Local nerve damage : Nerves near the accessory breast area are cut or damaged, which may cause localized decreased sensation, numbness, or abnormal sensations.
Scar contracture : Scar tissue that forms after surgery may compress nerves, causing changes in sensitivity or discomfort.
Changes in blood circulation : affect the nutrition and repair of local tissues, and indirectly affect nerve function.
Postoperative swelling and inflammation : Temporarily affects nerve conduction, causing short-term paresthesias.
Research data and clinical observations
A number of clinical studies have shown that the vast majority of accessory breast removal patients do not experience significant changes in breast sensitivity after surgery. The proportion of patients who report a decrease in sensitivity is low, and it is mostly a short-term phenomenon that gradually improves with recovery. For example, a retrospective study of 50 patients who underwent accessory breast removal found that approximately 10% of patients experienced mild paresthesia after surgery, but most patients felt back to normal six months later.
Another randomized controlled trial pointed out that minimally invasive or endoscope-assisted surgery can maintain better breast sensitivity and shorten recovery time due to small incisions and less tissue trauma . On the contrary, traditional surgery with larger incisions and extensive tissue dissection may increase the risk of sensory nerve damage.
The importance of preoperative evaluation and surgical planning
In order to reduce the impact on breast sensitivity, preoperative evaluation is particularly critical. The doctor should understand the patient's anatomical structure and expectations in detail, formulate a reasonable surgical plan, focus on protecting the main breast nerve pathway, and pay attention to the following during the operation:
①. Accurately separate accessory breast tissue to avoid accidental injury to the nerves around the nipple.
②. Use minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue damage.
③. Control bleeding and maintain blood supply to local tissues.
④. Reduce traction and compression during surgery to reduce the probability of nerve damage.
Postoperative care and functional recovery
Postoperative care directly affects the recovery of nerve function and the maintenance of sensitivity. Appropriate care measures include:
①. Keep the wound clean to prevent infection.
②. Control postoperative swelling and inflammation and relieve nerve compression.
③. Follow the doctor's advice and engage in appropriate activities to promote blood circulation.
④. Regular follow-up examinations to detect and treat symptoms related to nerve damage at an early stage.
Some patients may experience temporary sensory impairment or numbness after surgery. In most cases, sensitivity gradually improves with nerve regeneration and functional recovery. For persistent sensory abnormalities, rehabilitation training and nerve repair therapy may be helpful.
Psychological factors and breast sensitivity experience
Breast sensitivity is not only a physiological phenomenon, but also affected by psychological state. The patient's anxiety and worry before surgery may amplify the perception of changes in sensitivity. Active psychological adjustment after surgery and communication support from doctors can help patients accept physical changes and improve their quality of life.
in conclusion
With reasonable surgical design and operation, the impact of accessory breast removal surgery on breast sensitivity is usually small and mostly temporary . Fine surgical techniques and scientific postoperative care are the key to ensuring good postoperative sensory function. Patients should fully understand the risks and precautions of the surgery under the guidance of professional doctors, and rationally anticipate the postoperative results.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips: Although accessory breast removal is a relatively safe operation, it is still necessary to pay attention to detailed preoperative evaluation and postoperative care, maintain a good attitude, and cooperate with the doctor's guidance to help achieve satisfactory improvement in appearance and functional recovery. If persistent discomfort or abnormal sensation occurs, seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying treatment.