I have a dermal piercing on my face and I want a BA -- will it affect my surgery? (Photo)

Question

I can’t take the piercing off because it is implanted into my skin. Is this bad?

Michael Brucker, MD · Answer

While it is true that we require jewelry to be removed before surgery, if your facial piercing is implanted and cannot be removed easily, it can remain in place since it is away from the surgery site.  Your surgeon may want to tape it.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Surgical protocol is that jewelry is removed prior to surgery due to risk of infection or complications from electro cautery devices.  My advice is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your particular circumstances.  Best of luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every surgery center and every surgeon has their own protocol.I have not had any issues with dermal piercings, specially given that they are far from the site of surgery.  At the center where I perform my surgeries, we use a special pad that the patient lays on which allows us a bit more freedom with operating with piercings.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sandravaladez94,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

T. Randall Blanchard, MD · Answer

The concern with a dermal piercing in BA surgery is the theoretical risk of implant infection in a patient with an open wound on the skin. In my practice, all BA  patients receive IV antibiotics at the time of their surgery and are sent home with a few days of oral antibiotics. I have operated on many patients with dermal  piercings and so far, haven't had any issues. I counsel my patients that they may be at a slight increased risk of implant infection which would require removal of the involved implant for at least 3 months. Some patients elect to have the piercing removed and allow the open wound to heal prior to proceding with elective cosmetic surgery. I recommend talking with your surgeon regarding your concerns prior to your surgery.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have operated on patients with facial dermal piercings with no problems. Always a good idea to check with your surgeon's protocol.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons advise removal of all jewelry, but if this is implanted and not removable, consideration may be given to using alternative cautery techniques (like bipolar cautery), which do not carry current through the whole body, or to trying to cover/tape the metal. The actual risk of infection is low with a piercing far away from the surgical site.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Recommendations are to remove all jewelry prior to surgery due to risk of infection.  This risk is relatively low.  I encourage you to discuss the situation with your surgeon, as protocols vary.  Good luck with surgery!

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question and photo.  Most usually all jewelry must be removed, however there may be exceptions that you can discuss with the operating room personnel.  You also may be able to remove the jewelry and replace after your procedure.  I would encourage you to discuss your options with your surgeon, though this should not keep your from getting your augmentation.Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACS Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgeons MemberAmerican Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons MemberAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons Real Self Top 500

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

You will be fine to leave the piercing in place. They may make you sign a form indicating that you are wearing metal and electrocautery will be used but it is remote from the site of operation and I don’t think it poses a significant risk.
 The scar from removing the piercing will be much worse then the risk of an electrical burn as you have to make a small incision to remove the piercing because of the anchor at the bottom of the piercing.

I have a dermal piercing on my face and I want a BA -- will it affect my surgery? (Photo)

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