Is It Absolutely Necessary to Remove Piercings Before Rhinoplasty?

Any piercings in the nose should be removed prior to rhinoplasty for several reasons. The first is that it can become infected while undergoing the rhinoplasty. The second reason is if any type of cautery is used you can get a burn in that location. The third reason is it may obscure the anatomy during the surgical procedure making it difficult to perform the procedure in a symmetrical fashion. Depending on the extent of the rhinoplasty, it may be possible to repierce that same area two weeks after the procedure and the scar from the original piercing should be present and can be repierced in the same location. I hope this information helps.

Hi Lauren,
Not only should you remove your nasal cartilage piercing, but remove any other piercings that you might have on your body.
During surgery, if your surgeon uses electricaly cautery to control bleeding, you can be severely burned at the site of your piercings if they are in contact with your skin.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

The piercing absolutely needs to be removed. Its presence causes a multitude of problems at the time of the procedure: chronic inflammation, non-sterility, wound contamination, interference with the dissection and restructuring of skin and cartilage, interference with the tape and cast, etc., etc., etc.
Rhinoplasty is tricky enough as it is. Don't compromise the results with a piercing.
Hope this helps,
--DCP