Breast and Nipple Resensation
What Is Resensation?
Resensation is a reconstructive technique that potentially restores sensation to the breasts and nipples following a mastectomy or double mastectomy.
During a mastectomy, the nerves that provide feeling to the breasts and nipples are severed when breast tissue is removed. This can cause numbness or a permanent loss of feeling in the breasts and nipples. Though a mastectomy is often a necessary procedure for patients with breast cancer, you don't have to live your life without breasts or without sensation.
Restore Sensation to Your Chest Request a Consultation Today
Losing one or both of your breasts can have a negative impact on your self-image and leave you feeling numb. Though a breast reconstruction with our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon can restore the size, shape, and symmetry of your breasts, you may still be missing the sensation. Resensation is an innovative technique that can be performed during or after your breast reconstruction to make your breasts feel like they used to.
If you're interested in restoring sensation to your breasts, we invite you to reach out to our Metairie office serving New Orleans and beyond. Fill out our contact form or call:
(504) 455-1000
"I am incredibly happy with my results."
Brodie Foster
2021
I found Dr. Tandon to have such a comforting sense of quiet confidence and I immediately trusted him. Throughout consultations, pre op, surgery, and post op he was always the perfect mix of reassuring and casual which really helped my medical anxiety. His demeanor and professionalism always set me at ease... I am incredibly happy with my results and the quality of care from him and his staff. I would recommend him highly to anyone in the area looking for a plastic surgeon.
View on GoogleKristy mascaro
2021
[My mom's] oncology surgeon Dr. Colfry recommended Dr. Tandon and assured us he was “who he would send his own mom to.” Meeting Dr. Tandon immediately became my mom’s safe place. His demeanor and gentle spirit was exactly what she needed. He has a calm confidence about him that lets you relax and trust, and that’s not easy these days. My mom smiled and lit up whenever she saw him and always called him her “favorite.”... Dr. Tandon, with all the uncertainty, panic, and fear that we’ve faced on this long road, thank you for being a safe place for us.
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How Breast and Nipple
Resensation Works
Resensation uses allograft nerve tissue to act as a bridge between the nerves in the patient's chest and the nerves in their reconstructed breast tissue. Over time, the nerves can regenerate and become part of the patient's body, potentially restoring sensation to the breasts and nipples. Patients may continue to develop sensation for up to two years after Resensation.
After breast reconstruction, many patients report that they have regained little to no feeling in their breasts and nipples. Though there will always be some numbness after a mastectomy, it is possible to restore some of the sensation with neurotization.
The Resensation Timeline
Resensation occurs during another breast surgery, such as reconstruction or revision. Your Resensation timeline may involve several steps:
After Resensation, patients can look and feel like themselves again.
Resensation and Implants
Resensation is usually performed with patients undergoing natural breast reconstruction. In select cases it can be performed with implant reconstruction.
Restore Lost Sensation
Contact Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Ravi Tandon is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who can perform your Resensation. His focus is on keeping his patients educated and providing them with an environment in which they feel welcome to make decisions regarding their health and wellbeing. Together, you can decide if Resensation is right for you.
If you miss the way your breasts felt before your mastectomy, Dr. Tandon can determine if you're a candidate for Resensation. We invite you to request a consultation at our Metairie office serving New Orleans.
Call Us: (504) 455-1000
Why Choose Dr. Ravi Tandon For Your Breast and Nipple Resensation?
Patient-Centered Care
Our doctor and his staff members understand the difficulties patients face after their mastectomies, and we're here to guide them through the reconstructive process. Our doctor is proud to offer a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where patients understand all of their options and feel empowered to explore them. From planning to recovery, we can help make your reconstructive journey easier.
Board-Certified
When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your breast reconstruction, you should choose someone who has gone above and beyond to prove that they can safely deliver desirable results. Dr. Ravi Tandon in the New Orleans area is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been trained in the Resensation technique.
Affiliations
Resensation requires advanced microsurgery techniques. Dr. Tandon is affiliated with the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. Membership with the ASRM requires that the individual be involved with reconstructive and/or microneurovascular surgery through teaching, research, or patient care. He has the skills necessary to perform the advanced microsurgery techniques used in Resensation.
"Resensation can help you reclaim some of the sensations that make you feel alive."
A Mastectomy Can Cause Emotional Pain Fortunately, You Have Solutions
Choosing to have a mastectomy may have been the most difficult decision you've ever made. Though a mastectomy can significantly improve your chances of surviving breast cancer, a part of you has been removed and you may now feel like a stranger in your own body. This emotional and mental weight can be hard to move on from.
Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon can help restore your body to its former appearance. Reconstructive techniques can restore fullness to your breasts, allowing you to look like yourself again, and Resensation can allow you to experience the world as you had before your mastectomy.
Understanding Breast and Nipple Reconstruction
If you've had a mastectomy and you're considering your reconstructive options, Tandon Plastic Surgery serving the Greater New Orleans area can help you understand Resensation and how it can be performed with our procedures. We offer a variety of reconstructive options that can be tailored to your needs, including:
Breast Reconstruction
This surgical procedure uses implants or tissue from another area of the body to restore the shape and appearance of your breasts after your mastectomy. If you want the best chances of feeling sensation in your breasts, we recommend undergoing flap reconstruction and talking to our New Orleans-area surgeon about Resensation.
Nipple Reconstruction
If you weren't able to receive a nipple-sparing mastectomy that can help preserve some sensation, a nipple reconstruction can provide you with the emotional and cosmetic benefits of having a nipple. Though your reconstructed nipples won't respond to temperature or touch, they may regain some sensation after Resensation.
Paying for Reconstruction
Due to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, group health plans are required to cover the cost of breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy, but coverage for Resensation may be determined on a case-by-case basis by your insurer. If you have out-of-pocket expenses, we can help you explore financing options.
"Patient, compassionate, knowledgeable."
Mona Escobar
2020
I came to Dr Tandon after chemo for a bilateral breast reconstruction. Afraid of what my future held, Dr Tandon and his staff addressed all my needs with confidence, compassion, and understanding. Cancer effects you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. A year later, Dr Tandon and Staff gave me back my dignity, self esteem, and self love. To say THANK YOU, is not enough. He turned ugliness into beauty. I am FOREVER grateful
View on GoogleMichele Eichhorn
2019
When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a lot of decisions to make. Lumpectomy? Mastectomy? Reconstruction? Immediate or delayed? Implants? Silicone or Saline? Using my own tissue? It can be very overwhelming! Dr. Tandon is patient, compassionate, knowledgeable and most importantly, extremely skilled in performing a variety of reconstruction procedures.
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