Long-term breast and nipple sensation after nipple-sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction: Relevance to physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being

Jacob B. Hammond, Lyndsay A. Kandi, Valerie L. Armstrong, Heidi E. Kosiorek, Alanna M. Rebecca, William J. Casey, Erwin A. Kruger, Patricia A. Cronin, Barbara A. Pockaj, Chad M. Teven

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The effect of postoperative sensation on quality-of-life (QoL) following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with implant-based reconstruction is not well described. We evaluated the impact of breast and nipple sensation on patient QoL by using BREAST-Q. Methods: Patients undergoing NSM with implant reconstruction from 2008 to 2020 were mailed a survey to characterize their postoperative breast and nipple sensation. BREAST-Q metrics were compared between totally numb patients and those with sensation. Results: A total of 349 patients were included. Overall, 131 (38%) responded; response rates regarding breast and nipple sensation were 36% (N = 124/349) and 34% (N = 117/349). Median time from surgery to survey completion was 6 years. The majority had bilateral procedures (101, 77%), including direct-to-implant (99, 76%) and tissue expander (32, 24%) reconstruction. Regarding breast sensation, the majority of patients reported their reconstructed breasts as totally numb (47, 38%) or much less sensation than before surgery (59, 48%). Regarding nipple sensation, the majority of patients reported their nipples were totally numb (67, 57%) or had much less sensation than before surgery (37, 32%). Total numbness of reconstructed breasts resulted in a significantly lower chest physical well-being (mean score: 73.5 vs. 81.2, respectively, P = 0.048). Total numbness of postoperative nipple(s) resulted in significantly lower chest physical (mean score: 74.8 vs. 85.2, respectively, P = 0.007), psychosocial (mean score 77.4 vs. 84.4, respectively, P = 0.041), and sexual well-being (mean score: 55.7 vs. 68.3, respectively, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Long-term breast and nipple sensation are significantly diminished after NSM with implant reconstruction. Patients with preserved sensation experience better physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2914-2919
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Volume75
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2022

Keywords

  • Breast reconstruction
  • Nipple-sparing Mastectomy
  • Quality-of-life
  • Sensation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long-term breast and nipple sensation after nipple-sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction: Relevance to physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this