The Impact of Reduction Mammaplasty on Breast Sensation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The loss of sensation is one of the most fearsome complications of breast reduction surgery. Although several techniques have been proposed to maximize sensitivity preservation, the scientific literature still conveys contradictory findings. This systematic review aims to assess whether breast reduction mammaplasty is associated with measurable changes in breast sensation. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed (National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD), Scopus (Elsevier; Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Web of Science (Clarivate; Philadelphia, PA) databases were queried in search of clinical studies investigating breast sensation after breast reduction mammaplasty. The initial search identified 1523 studies of which 22 articles met our specific inclusion criteria. Most of the included studies are consistent in describing only transient sensation decrease or even sensation improvement after surgery compared to the pre-surgery condition with any approach, except those investigating outcomes after superior or superolateral pedicle reduction mammaplasty. Nevertheless, the overall quality of evidence is low or very low due to the limited availability of randomized controlled trials or controlled studies and the high risk of bias.

Reduction mammoplasty, self-esteem, and sexual desire: A pre-post intervention study

“…This is consistent with our findings since no correlation was found between satisfaction with the nipple area and sexual desire, despite overall high ratings. Cerovac et al (2005) further mentioned that sensitivity can be restored two years after surgery and, according to Torresetti et al (2023) , can potentially even improve beyond pre-surgery levels. Therefore, it would be necessary to re-evaluate these variables after that time to see if there are any changes.…”