Can I wear a glass or plastic retainer/nose ring during a septoplasty?

Question

I got my nose pierced three months ago so it is obviously not healed, but I need to get a septoplasty and possibly a turbanant reduction. Could I wear a plastic or glass nose ring? I really don’t want to get it repierced being as I have dealt with a lot of keloids and irritation so I can only imagine piercing over the scar tissue.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear adriamarie,most plastic surgeons would require you to remove the piercing before the surgery. But it would be the best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Ideally, jewelry of the nose should be removed prior to surgery.  The piercing can be placed at conclusion of case if necessary.  If grafting to the nose is being performed, the nose can be repierced about 8 weeks after surgery.  Best Anil Shah

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for this question. Most doctors will ask their patients to remove any jewelry prior to surgery. This is for the safety of the patient. Jewelry in the operative area may obstruct or negatively impact the surgeon’s ability to successfully perform the procedure. Further, should the jewelry come loose during surgery and while the patient is under anesthesia, even more serious problems could result. While you may find it inconvenient to re-pierce your septum, the risks associated with leaving the jewelry in place could have much more serious consequences. Consult with your board-certified facial plastic surgeon prior to your surgery. They may allow you to re-insert the nose ring immediately post-surgery, mitigating your concerns. I wish you a problem-free surgery and recovery!- Elbert T. Cheng, MD

William Portuese, MD · Answer

No, it's best to remove all jewelry from the nose so as not to cause an obstruction to performing the surgery itself, And an infection in the nasal tissues. It's also important to remove this  in case it should get dislodged during the general anesthesia for the surgical procedure.

Jordan P. Sand, MD · Answer

Hi adriamarie and thank you for your question.
Most of the time jewelry needs to be removed prior to surgery. I would recommend contacting your surgeon's office to ask for their preference during your upcoming septoplasty.
Good luck!

Gina Chu, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, regarding your nose piercing before nasal surgery. I would recommend taking out the piercing right before the surgery to make sure there are no issues with using equipment (i.e.bovie cautery). However immediately after the surgery you should be able to replace the piercing. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon during your consultation and express your concerns. I hope this helps!

Can I wear a glass or plastic retainer/nose ring during a septoplasty?

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