Breast augmentation and nipple piercing?

There are no studies that have been conducted to test the effect of nipple piercing on augmentation.  My opinion is that this is a long-standing piercing, which is already healed over.  There is no active wound in that area.  The metal needs to be removed for the surgery, but I see no reason why a healed nipple piercing could not be replaced after surgery as it is not causing any wound in the contaminated area, and the breast implant incision, if not through the nipple, is at a distant site.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

There has never been a proven link between nipple piercing and breast implant infections, however, it makes sense to be as thorough as possible in minimizing any risk.  If the piercing is metal, it should be removed and replaced with a temporary plastic post to maintain the hole.  A meticulous skin prep and occlusive nipple/areolar shields during surgery will keep the pierced site excluded from the operative field.  A inframammary incision will further reduce and risk by placing the incision far away from the site.  The metal post can be replaced 3 weeks after surgery.  Best wishes.

Every surgeon has different rules. I like to take them out just prior to surgery and then put them back in just before you wake up from surgery. I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

To my knowledge there is no available data regarding contracture and piercings.The current thought is that contracture is the result of subacute infection/inflammation which could be the result of biofilm. Thus the concern surrounding a piercing is the introduction of bacteria. In an established and well healed piercing, this risk is negligible.The piercing needs to be removed for surgery (risk of burns), but permanent removal is probably unnecessary. Ultimately, as with any body piercing, there is a risk of infection. As long as you understand these real but small risks, a piercing can be replaced.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hi and thank you for your question about nipple piercings with breast implants.  This is not an uncommon question, but unfortunately, there is no evidence-based data to support decision-making one way or another.  All answers are anecdotal.  Metal piercings can cause burns due to the electrocautery used during surgery, and plastic spacers may be used to keep the pierced hole patent during the surgery and may be replaced afterwards under sterile conditions.  However, it is my practice to remove piercings altogether, as this is the safest way to reduce the risk of infection.  Even piercing or re-piercing nipples after undergoing breast augmentation may increase the risk of infection in the future... Hope this helps.  Please refer to my link below for further questions regarding Breast Augmentation.Enjoy your recovery in the Seaport area...Best,Mark Markarian, MD, MSPHHarvard-trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon