What causes numbness
after mastectomy?
A breast cancer diagnosis or known hereditary risk can
bring many decisions—including mastectomy.
One sometimes overlooked aspect of mastectomy is how
it affects sensory nerves. Many people don’t expect one
surprising side effect of mastectomy: numbness.1,2 To
understand why this happens, let’s look at what occurs
during a mastectomy.
Before mastectomy: Nerves run throughout the breast
Sensory nerves run throughout your body, allowing you to feel and interact with the world around you.
Several nerves provide sensation to your breast, nipple and surrounding skin. These nerves travel from your spine to your chest wall and branch throughout your breast tissue. A dense collection of nerve endings is in your nipple and areola.3
During mastectomy: Surgeon removes breast tissue
During a mastectomy, the breast surgeon’s priority is the safe removal of all breast tissue.4 This means that the nerves within this tissue will also be removed.4
After mastectomy: Nerves no longer run throughout breast
When these nerves are cut, they can’t send sensory signals, which may lead to chest numbness.4,5
How can loss of breast sensation impact everyday life?
Research shows that without nerve repair, many people experience ongoing numbness, even after reconstruction.1 Numbness can impact your life in many ways. People have reported that it can affect:
Physical safety6
Pain and discomfort1,7
Mental and emotional health7,8
Sex and intimacy7
Christine’s story
“To know that I have this chance, [I thought], I’m going to do this…”
– Christine, patient*
*Individual results may vary based on patient factors and surgical approach.
References
- Flowers K, et al. Pain, numbness, or both? Distinguishing the longitudinal course and predictors of positive, painful neuropathic features vs numbness after breast cancer surgery. PAIN Reports. 2021;6(4):e976. doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000976
- Axogen/Nonfiction Research, national survey of 318 women post-mastectomy, March 2025.
- Djohan R, et al. A novel approach to sensory re-innervation to the nipple areolar complex after mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction: Anatomic and technical considerations. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2020;73(5):983-1007. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2020.01.013
- 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
- Coopey S, et al. Careful where you cut: strategies for successful nerve-preserving mastectomy [published correction appears in Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024 May 28;12(5):e5943. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005943]. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024;12(5):e5817. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005817
- 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
- Lindau ST, et al. Importance of Breast Sensation After Mastectomy: Evidence from Three Sources. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle). 2023;4(1):594-602. doi:10.1089/whr.2023.0106
- 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
- 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
- Avance® (acellular nerve allograft-arwx) US Prescribing Information, Alachua FL: Axogen corporation; 2026.
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.