During a mastectomy, the breast tissue is removed, severing the nerves that provide feeling to the breast and nipple. When nerves are severed, nerve signals are disrupted. This can result in numbness and permanent loss of sensation to the breast area. Women often regain little to no feeling, even if they choose to undergo breast reconstruction.
Resensation is a new technique of breast neurotization, or nerve repair, that can potentially restore feeling as part of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. Resensation uses allograft nerve tissue to reconnect and bridge the gap between the nerves in your chest and the nerves in your reconstructed breast tissue.
When sensation is restored to breasts after mastectomy and reconstruction, women have the ability to not only look, but also the potential to feel more like themselves again.
When is Resensation performed?
Reconstruction with Resensation can be done at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). Delayed reconstruction can be done months or even years after a mastectomy, after treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are complete. Resensation may also be possible as part of a revision surgery of a previous implant reconstruction.
how does resensation® work?
Resensation allows plastic surgeons to repair a nerve during a mastectomy, which, over time, may return some level of sensation. Read to find out how nerve repair happens during an implant breast reconstruction.
read moreResensation is a new method of breast neurotization, or nerve repair, that can potentially restore feeling as part of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy.
Ivica Ducic, MD
Medical Director, AxogenWhen sensation is restored to breasts after mastectomy and reconstruction, women have the ability to not only look, but also feel, more like themselves again.
Ivica Ducic, MD
Medical Director, AxogenWith Resensation, women have the potential to feel light touch, deep pressure, and temperature – all of the sensations that can be taken for granted until they’re gone.
Ivica Ducic, MD
Medical Director, AxogenReferences
- Koçan S, et al. Body image of women with breast cancer after mastectomy: a qualitative research. J Breast Health. 2016;12(4):145-150. Published 2016 Oct 1. doi:10.5152/tjbh.2016.2913
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