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More than 4 million breast cancer survivors live in the United States today. Each one is on their own unique cancer journey. Some women, especially those with large, multiple, or return tumors, may have had breast cancer surgery to remove one or both breasts, called a mastectomy.
Recent studies report nearly 80% of women experience a change in the sense of touch after a mastectomy because nerves are severed (cut) during a traditional procedure. Some experience post-mastectomy pain syndrome, which can include tingling, burning, or zapping sensations.
Other people may lose feeling altogether. This permanent numbness makes it impossible to feel dangerous heat or sharp objects and changes the experience of intimate moments. The loss is more than physical; it’s deeply emotional for patients who can no longer feel the hug of a child or the touch of a partner.
A new breast surgery procedure called Resensation® can help. Resensation brings the breast cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon together to preserve and repair nerves after mastectomy. This technique can help patients through the profound emotions of breast cancer survivorship by restoring the ability to feel and sense touch.
MedStar Health takes a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer surgery — a plastic surgeon joins the care team when a patient chooses breast reconstruction. This means patients can typically have both a mastectomy to remove the cancer, reconstruction to rebuild the breast, and Resensation in just one operation.
How does breast Resensation work?
Breast Resensation is a type of neurotization or nerve repair.
As the breast cancer surgeon removes breast tissue during the mastectomy, she identifies the nerves that run from the muscles of the chest through and around the breast. As many nerves as possible are preserved for the plastic surgeon, who steps in after the mastectomy is complete.
Using nerves from other parts of the body or from a donor, the plastic surgeon reconnects the preserved breast nerves with two small stitches during the reconstruction portion of surgery. The nerves slowly regrow over time, eventually restoring some sensation in the breast.
If the procedure goes well, Resensation typically only adds 15 to 30 minutes to the breast cancer surgery. Not all patients are candidates for Resensation, including those with nerves that aren’t long enough, or who had mastectomy a long time ago. Your doctor can help you understand your options.
Listen to our DocTalk Podcast with Dr. Milburn below to learn more about restoring sensation after mastectomy:
How long does it take to recover from breast Resensation?
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovering from breast Resensation after a mastectomy. Stimulating the breast with ice, a cotton swab, and a small brush helps the brain remember how to communicate with regrowing nerves.
I typically see mastectomy patients one to two weeks after breast Resensation surgery to be sure they’re on a strong rehabilitation path, and again three and six months into their survivorship journey.
You may not feel exactly the same as you did before your breast cancer journey, even after recovery from breast Resensation.
Nerves usually grow at a rate of about one inch per month, so it takes some time to regain feeling in the breast. Many patients notice a significant improvement around six to 12 months after the procedure. In one study, more than 80% of patients had good sensation by the six-month mark and none reported post-mastectomy pain syndrome or neuromas, painful nerve clusters that are common with traditional mastectomies.
Related: Read: “How Early Detection and Leading Breast Cancer Treatment Save Lives.”
Talk with your cancer team about treatment options.
If you recently received a breast cancer diagnosis, remember your cancer care team are your partners along this journey. Ask questions about your treatment options, including whether breast Resensation may be a possibility if you’re thinking about a mastectomy.
This procedure helps many patients restore a sense of feeling and a sense of self, helping them enjoy a warm hug once again.
