Restorative & Supportive Procedures

After mastectomy, one of the most common changes women notice is loss of sensation in the breast and chest wall. This happens because the nerves that carry feeling to the breast are cut during surgery. For many women, the numbness can feel surprising and, at times, distressing.

Sensory nerve reconstruction (sometimes called nerve repair or neurotization) is a newer surgical technique that reconnects nerves during breast reconstruction. The goal is to restore some feeling to the reconstructed breast over time.

How It Works

• During mastectomy, the nerves that previously connected to the breast are cut.

• In sensory nerve reconstruction, a surgeon reconnects these nerves to the tissue being used for reconstruction (whether it’s an implant, flap, or combination).

• If a flap is used (like a DIEP flap), tiny nerves from the donor tissue are joined to chest wall nerves using microsurgery.

• If no donor nerve is available, a nerve graft (a small piece of donor nerve tissue) may be used to bridge the gap.

• Over time, the reconnected nerves can grow and slowly bring back feeling to the breast skin.

Who May Be a Candidate

Sensory nerve reconstruction may be an option if:

• You are planning autologous (flap) reconstruction such as DIEP, TRAM, or PAP.

• You are undergoing implant-based reconstruction and your surgeon offers nerve repair.

• You are interested in trying to restore sensation, even if only partial.

• You are working with a surgeon trained in microsurgical nerve techniques.

Benefits of Sensory Nerve Reconstruction

• Restores feeling: Some women regain light touch, warmth, or pressure sensations in their reconstructed breast.

• Improves quality of life: Restoring sensation may reduce the feeling of numbness or “disconnect” from the breast.

• Enhances safety: Some sensory recovery can help women notice heat, pressure, or injury on the chest.

• Emotional benefit: Many women feel more “whole” when their reconstructed breast has some degree of sensation.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Takes time: Nerve healing is slow—sensation may return gradually over months or even years.

• Varies by person: Not everyone regains the same level of feeling. For some, sensation may be light; for others, more substantial.

• Not yet standard everywhere: Not all surgeons offer this procedure, and it may depend on your reconstructive plan.

• Insurance coverage: Coverage may vary, as this is a newer addition to reconstruction.

Emotional Considerations

Losing sensation after mastectomy can feel like a hidden loss—something not often talked about but deeply felt. Choosing sensory nerve reconstruction is about reclaiming some of what was lost. Even if sensation is partial, many women find it meaningful to feel more connected to their body again.

A Personal Choice

Sensory nerve reconstruction is about restoring not just how your breast looks, but how it feels—helping you reconnect with your body after cancer treatment. It is an exciting option that adds another layer of possibility to breast reconstruction. While results vary, the chance to restore some feeling can make a big difference for many women.