What is the Resensation
surgical technique using
Avance® (acellular nerve
allograft–arwx)?

You may not have to settle for numbness after
mastectomy. Discover how the Resensation technique
is intended to repair nerves in your breast.1,2


Why can mastectomy cause chest numbness?

Nerves may not be the first thing on your mind if you’re considering mastectomy and breast reconstruction. However, after mastectomy, many people find that one side effect—numbness in the chest—doesn’t go away.2,3

Chest numbness can affect your everyday life, from risk of burns to struggles with mental health and intimacy.4,5

What is the Resensation technique?

You might not have to live with a permanently numb chest after mastectomy. The Resensation technique allows plastic surgeons to reconnect a nerve as part of certain breast reconstructions using Avance.1,2 This gives the nerve a chance to regrow.1,2

Learn why numbness happens

The Resensation technique journey

  1. Mastectomy

    A breast surgeon performs the mastectomy, cutting nerves that run through breast tissue. Because of this, many people lose sensation to the chest area.6 These cut nerves are unlikely to recover on their own, but a breast surgeon may be able to identify nerves suitable for the plastic surgeon to perform the 
Resensation technique.2,6

  2. Reconstruction or revision

    A specially trained plastic surgeon performs reconstruction with the Resensation technique. Some people may have an immediate reconstruction at the time of mastectomy.2 Others may undergo reconstruction later.2

  3. Resensation surgical technique

    During the reconstruction, the plastic surgeon connects Avance to the cut nerve on the chest wall and bridges it to a nerve in the breast or nipple area.2

  4. Nerve recovery

    Avance provides the structure and environment your nerve needs to regrow.2

Could I be eligible for the Resensation technique?

The Resensation technique can be performed as part of a mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedure.
It has been performed in immediate and delayed reconstructions, as well as in some revision surgeries.
It may be available after a breast cancer diagnosis or if you are undergoing a risk-reducing mastectomy.2

Diagram showing breast reconstruction using silicone implants

Implant-based breast
reconstruction

The Resensation technique may be possible in an immediate, delayed, or revision implant breast reconstruction.2

Diagram showing a breast reconstruction using tissue from elsewhere in the body

Autologous flap
reconstruction

The Resensation technique may be possible in an autologous flap reconstruction procedure.2,7

Diagram showing an aesthetic flat closure procedure after mastectomy

Aesthetic flat
closure

The Resensation technique may be available in an aesthetic flat closure procedure.

Choosing your care team

It’s important to choose a care team that fits your needs and understands your post-treatment goals.

Breast surgeon

If you haven’t yet had a mastectomy, a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon may be able to work together on your mastectomy and breast reconstruction with the Resensation technique.2 A breast surgeon performs the mastectomy and identifies nerves for repair by the plastic surgeon.2 Then, a plastic surgeon performs reconstruction with the Resensation technique.2

Plastic surgeon

If you already had a mastectomy, you likely only need a plastic surgeon to work on your breast reconstruction or revision with the Resensation technique.

Not all plastic surgeons perform the Resensation technique. Don’t be afraid to ask about this option when choosing your surgeon.

Find a surgeon

Explore our surgeon locator to find a plastic surgeon trained in the Resensation technique, along with breast surgeons who partner with them.

Find a surgeon
Leanna, a patient who underwent the Resensation technique, shares her mastectomy story

“I really want others to know that they have this option.”

– Leanna, patient*



*Individual results may vary based on patient factors and surgical approach. Leanna is an employee of Axogen Corporation. However, the views expressed are her own.

Read story

References

  1. Avance® (acellular nerve allograft-arwx) US Prescribing Information, Alachua FL: Axogen corporation; 2026.
  2. Peled AW, et al. Sensory reinnervation after mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction. Annals of Breast Surgery. 2022;6(27). doi:10.21037/abs-21-9
  3. Coopey S, et al. Careful where you cut: strategies for successful nerve-preserving mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024;12(5):e5817. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005817
  4. Hammond JB, et al. Long-term breast and nipple sensation after nipple-sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction: Relevance to physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2022;75(9):2914-2919. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2022.06.034
  5. Faulkner HR, et al. Thermal injury to reconstructed breasts from commonly used warming devices: a risk for reconstructive failure. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4(10):e1033. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001033
  6. O’Neill RC, et al. Modern approaches to breast neurotization. Clin Plast Surg. 2023;50(2):347-355. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2022.10.003
  7. Djohan R, et al. Sensory restoration in abdominally based free flaps for breast reconstruction using nerve allograft. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;151(1):25-33. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000009773

Important Safety Information

What is AVANCE® (acellular nerve allograft-arwx)?

AVANCE is a sterile nerve graft prepared from donated human tissue. AVANCE is implanted in patients with cut nerves to help restore sensory function.

Important Safety Information

AVANCE has risks related to surgery and the use of donated human tissue that you should understand before treatment.

Surgical and Procedure-Related Risks

As with any nerve repair surgery, complications can occur. Risks related to the surgical procedure and use of AVANCE may include pain, increased sensitivity at the implant site, swelling, bleeding, and infection. Other risks may include scarring (including thick or raised scars), delayed wound healing, scar tissue, and formation of a painful nerve growth. Some patients may experience loss, decrease, or change in sensation or movement in the area being treated. A serious problem involving wound healing has also been reported.

Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission

Because AVANCE is made from donated human tissue, it can pass on infectious diseases. Donors are carefully screened and tested for viruses and other infectious agents. However, these measures do not completely eliminate the risk of disease transmission. All infections thought to be transmitted by AVANCE should be reported to Axogen Corporation at 1-888-296-4361.

What to Watch for After Surgery

After your procedure, your doctor will monitor your healing and nerve recovery. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following:

  • Redness, swelling, warmth, or increasing pain at the surgical site
  • Drainage or signs of infection
  • New or worsening numbness, tingling, or pain
  • Changes in movement or weakness
  • Any other symptoms that concern you

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions during recovery and rehabilitation.

Are you a Healthcare Professional registered to practice in the U.S.?

You are leaving resensation.com.

Axogen Corporation is not responsible for content or policies on linked sites.