I have one of my nipples pierced and am going in for breast augmentation next month. The first PS stated it should come out permanently due to infection risk/higher risk of CC. The second PS said it comes out for surgery but can go back in immediately after. I would like other opinions on this. I love my piercing but I definitely won't keep it if it's been proven that capsular contracture risk is higher. Thanks!
July 6, 2017
Answer: Piercings and contracture 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).
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July 6, 2017
Answer: Piercings and contracture 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).
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July 6, 2017
Answer: Nipple piercing and breast augmentation 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
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 6, 2017
Answer: Nipple piercing and breast augmentation 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
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
