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

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

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

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