Sensation Preserving Solutions
Why Do Women Undergo Sensation Preserving Solutions?
For many women, breast surgery is not only about removing cancer but also about what’s lost in the process. Mastectomy almost certainly leads to numbness across the chest wall and upper underarm. This happens as nerve branches are removed along with the breast tissue in oncological surgery. Sensory loss is an underappreciated sequelae of breast resection, leaving patients unaware of the extent of what they may or may not feel after surgery.
A sensation preserving mastectomy takes a different approach. It focuses on sparing key intercostal nerves and, when paired with neurotisation techniques, aims to restore sensation to the breast and nipple-areolar complex.
Beyond the physical absence of sensation, some women develop chronic pain or phantom sensations such as itching which may last for months. Others face accidental injuries due to reduced protective sensation. These issues are not rare and can deeply affect recovery and daily life.
Preserves intercostal nerve branches where safely possible
Reduces risk of post-mastectomy pain and phantom sensations
Restores breast and nipple sensation through surgical nerve connections
What Happens During A Sensory Preservation Treatment
The sensation preserving mastectomy aims to restore feeling in the breast and nipple area after a mastectomy by nerve preservation and reconstruction, to avoid complications associated with sensory compromise and improve post-surgery quality of life.
During a sensation preserving mastectomy, the surgeon carefully identifies and preserves intercostal nerve branches. These nerves are then reconnected to the skin or nipple using advanced neurotisation techniques. This is done in harmony with your chosen reconstruction method to provide the best outcome possible.
While nerve anatomy can differ from person to person, these procedures offer the greatest chance of regaining sensation in the breast area. For many women, the return of feeling — even if gradual or partial — is meaningful. It brings back a sense of normalcy and can have a lasting impact on self-confidence and recovery.
How We Make A Difference
At Breast Surgery Care Partners, we take a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to breast care. We understand that healing goes beyond what can be seen, and that sensory preservation is an important part of healing for women to feel whole again.
We view sensation preserving surgery as a vital option in breast cancer treatment, one that helps restore not just the body, but a sense of normal life. Our dedicated team offers the right expertise in nerve-sparing techniques and works closely with you to create a plan that considers both your medical needs and your personal journey.
In expert hands, minimally invasive breast surgery (MIBS) can be compatible with sensory preservation.
Meet Our Breast Surgeon
Dr Sabrina Ngaserin
Senior Consultant
Oncoplastic and Minimally Invasive Breast Surgeon
Breast surgeon subspecialising in surgical oncology.
One of the few breasts surgeons in the world formally trained in both
oncoplastic breast surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic breast
surgery.Pioneer of Minimally Invasive ‘Keyhole’ Breast Surgery in Singapore.
Former Head of Breast Surgery and Senior Consultant at Sengkang General Hospital and SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre.
Visiting Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital (NUH)
Singapore.Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Post-graduate Medical School and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Ministry of Health of Singapore and Singapore Medical Council certified
specialist.Fellowship accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and
Academy of Medicine Singapore.
Dr Sabrina Ngaserin is a Ministry of Health of Singapore and Singapore Medical Council certified specialist and one of the few breast surgeons in Singapore, and the world, with dual subspecialty expertise in oncoplastic and minimally invasive breast surgery – advanced breast surgery techniques that eradicate disease while remaining sensitive to our patients’ desires for aesthetic surgical solutions.
A strong believer in overall health and both physical and emotional restoration, she maintains clear focus on patient-centred care and surgical precision, while respecting the importance of continued innovation. She has demonstrated minimally invasive breast surgery (MIBS) compatible sensation preservation techniques in live surgery, in collaboration with highly specialised plastics and reconstructive microsurgeons, and serves as proctor for like-minded MIBS advocates. The concept of sensory preservation has philosophical roots embedded in the medical ethos of “do no harm,” and exemplifies technological and artistic advancements shaping modern breast practice amidst an era of oncoplastic principles.
Dr Ngaserin is passionate about cutting edge breast cancer surgical techniques that considers her patients’ oncological safety alongside their need for aesthetic, quality of life, sensory and function preserving solutions. She believes in meticulous diagnostic and therapeutic discussions, followed by the creation and tailoring of a personalised oncoplastic approach involving multidisciplinary services, to guide each patient and their loved ones through their treatment journey and survivorship.
Meet our Breast Surgeon
Dr Sabrina Ngaserin Ng Hui Na
Senior Consultant
Oncoplastic and Minimally Invasive Breast Surgeon
Breast surgeon subspecialising in surgical oncology.
One of the few breasts surgeons in the world formally trained in both
oncoplastic breast surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic breast
surgery.Pioneer of Minimally Invasive ‘Keyhole’ Breast Surgery in Singapore.
Former Head of Breast Surgery and Senior Consultant at Sengkang General
Hospital and SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast CentreVisiting Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital (NUH)
SingaporeAdjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Post-graduate Medical School and
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
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Ministry of Health of Singapore and Singapore Medical Council certified specialist.
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Fellowship accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Academy of Medicine Singapore.
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