While most patients do not experience significant changes in nipple sensation, some women may experience increased or decreased nipple sensation following breast reduction. Numbness, shooting pain, and burning are common sensations during the healing process and may last several weeks before they gradually disappear. Some patients initially may find their nipples to be hypersensitive to touch or temperature. If the nipples are sensitive, they may be desensitized with gentle touching. If the nipples have less sensation, you can expect this to improve over time.