Vaginal piercing and day of surgery - What should I do?

Hello,A plastic or silicone spacer is usually acceptable. Your Plastic Surgeon will likely advise you to remove all metal piercings prior to surgery for your safety. Let them know of your concerns.All the best

If you cannot remove piercings for surgery, I would place a plastic retainer.  You may want to check with the hospital prior to surgery to get their policy.Best,

No worries! Plastic retainer would be okay. Many plastic surgeons feel comfortable removing and replacing for you while you are asleep in the OR. Best of luck!

It is always advisable to remove all metal piercings prior to performing surgery, based on the chances of sustaining a burn because of the use of electrocautery.  A plastic spacer certainly would be reasonable, although most piercings will not close up over the duration of the surgical procedure. Best wishes.

Dear SlightlyEnhancedBeauty,

Any metal piercings along the body are
removed before surgery because the cautery device could be conducted and burn
that area. You can either replace it with a nonconductive plastic spacer or a spacer
can be inserted after you are asleep at surgery. It would be preferable if you
did it before surgery in case there was some issue getting it unclasped while
you are asleep.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Great question!  I find it best to remove your metal piercing after you are asleep and simply slip in an IV plastic catheter as a temporary stent.  Then immediately post op simply replace your devise.  Best wishes

Thank you for your question. Please exchange the metal jewelry for a plastic retainer to avoid burns from the cautery device used during surgery. 

Hi LlightlyThe concern with metal piercings is that during surgery, the use of an electrocautery unit (to seal bleeders) could cause an electrical arc and burn injury.There is some variability in terms of what each hospital will allow.  It is best to either remove it or use a non-conducting space holder.  For sure, tell the doctor and hospital staff so that they can ensure that you have a safe experience.All the best.Se

I would suggest exchanging your metal ring for plastic, and you should be fine. There is a very low risk of damage if you keep the metal ring in during surgery.

All body piercings and metallic "body art" need to be removed before surgery. Most procedures involve electrocautery to coagulate blood vessels.  So, the patient's body is placed in an electrical circuit, any metal to metal contact can cause a significant burn at the site of piercing, plastic jewelry is fine.  Also, most body piercings carry significant bacteria and are at risk for increasing post operative infection.Body piercing punctures (holes) do not close up after the jewelry is removed, so they can be removed before surgery and replaced after the procedure safely.  A plastic replacement is also acceptable.  If a wedding band or ear ring cannot be removed or replaced than it should be completely covered with tape or gauze to prevent it contacting with metal during the procedure.  If the body piercing is in the operative field, then it MUST be removed.