Numbness after
mastectomy for breast
cancer patients and
previvors
Mastectomy can impact your body image, mental health and
experience of intimacy.1 But many people are surprised by
another effect: numbness.2 Learn about how chest numbness
might affect you—and explore your options.
Nearly 80% of women experience pain, numbness or both after breast cancer surgery3*
*Derived from a study of 259 patients, 21% had no pain or numbness within 12 months of surgery.
Numbness is common after breast cancer surgery3*
The impact of mastectomy on sensory nerves can surprise people.2 Even after reconstruction, many report pain and/or numbness up to a year after surgery.3* Without intervention, most people report significant ongoing numbness in their reconstructed breasts.4
Learn what causes chest numbness after mastectomyHow can loss of breast sensation impact everyday life?
Physical safety
Without sensation, there’s a risk of burns from the sun, heating pads or other household items.5
Pain & discomfort
Some people report pain or discomfort after mastectomy.3* People have also reported issues with everyday life such as carrying objects under the arm or not noticing shirts being open.6
Mental & emotional health
Losing breast sensation can affect body image, psychological health, and quality of life.6,7
Intimacy
People with reduced breast sensation have reported difficulty enjoying sex or other touch such as a hug.6
Jane’s story
“Part of telling my story is to really encourage other women in my situation to be proactive.”
– Jane, patient*
*Individual results may vary based on patient factors and surgical approach.
Discover the Resensation technique
Using FDA-approved Avance® (acellular nerve allograft–arwx), a specialized surgeon may be able to repair the nerves in your breast after mastectomy.4,8 Learn whether the Resensation technique may be an option for your reconstruction or revision.
References
- Rosenberg, et al. Association of breast cancer surgery with quality of life and psychosocial well-being in young breast cancer survivors. JAMA Surg. 2020;155(11):1035-1042. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2020.3325
- Axogen/Nonfiction Research, national survey of 318 women post-mastectomy, March 2025.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.