I’m getting a reduction and I have nipple piercings. I’ve had them for 10 months now. Can I keep them after the reduction?

For safety reasons, because the piercings are near the surgery site, you will want to remove them. Get in touch with your PS and anesthesiologist to determine when the nipple piercings have to be removed. Your PS will tell you when it is safe to reinsert the piercings after your breasts have healed.

Thanks for your question! You really should leave them out for at least a week to reduce the risk of infection. At that point, they will likely close and re-piercing would be something you’d have to consider. Many patients opt to keep them out after surgery. Good luck!

Hi,
Thank you for the question.
Piercing the nipple can affect the blood flow to the nipple, but typically after 12 months, it should be safe to perform breast reduction surgery. It is also important to know which breast reduction technique is being used because that can affect nipple projection and ability to wear nipple piercing afterwards.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Your surgeon will probably want the piercings removed ahead of time. You can get them reprieved after the reduction is healed.

Dear bailey2328,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Your nipple piercings would need to be removed for the surgery. Once you have healed from surgery and cleared by your surgeon you can elect to have them re-pierced if you wish.

Thank you for your question. Keeping your piercings will depend on the type of breast reduction you are having; pedicled or free nipple graft. If it is pedicled, then absolutely keep your nipple piercings. I would ask that you convert them to plastic piercings during the surgery to prevent any thermal burns. I don't believe there is any evidence that piercings will increase complication rates with surgery.

Dear Bailey2328,
It is likely that you may have to remove your piercings prior to surgery and keep them out for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery. The piercings may interfere with the blood supply to the nipple as well as be a potential source of infection. It is likely that you will need them re-pierced after your reduction surgery. Good luck.

Whether you can keep your nipple piercings after a breast reduction surgery depends on several factors, including your plastic surgeon's recommendations, the specific surgical technique used, and your individual healing process. Here are some considerations:1. Consultation with Your Surgeon: Before undergoing breast reduction surgery, it's crucial to discuss your nipple piercings with your plastic surgeon during the consultation. They will assess the location of the piercings, the extent of tissue removal planned, and any potential risks associated with keeping the piercings.2. Risk of Complications: Nipple piercings may increase the risk of complications during and after breast reduction surgery, such as infection, delayed wound healing, and interference with blood flow to the nipples. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate these risks and provide guidance based on your specific situation.3. Temporary Removal: In some cases, your plastic surgeon may recommend temporarily removing your nipple piercings before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications and allow for proper healing. They may also advise against reinserting the piercings immediately after surgery to avoid disrupting the healing process.4. Impact on Nipple Sensation: Breast reduction surgery can sometimes affect nipple sensation, including temporary or permanent changes in sensitivity. Keeping nipple piercings may potentially interfere with the assessment and management of nipple sensation during the recovery period.5. Postoperative Care: If you're able to keep your nipple piercings after breast reduction surgery, it's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's postoperative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the piercings clean and avoiding any activities that could irritate or damage the healing tissues.Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove nipple piercings before or after breast reduction surgery should be made in consultation with your plastic surgeon. They will provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and help you make the best decision for your health and aesthetic goals.