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?

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.

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!