Should I remove my cartilage piercing before having a BA? (photo)

Question

I’ve heard that piercings have been linked to capsular contracture. I’ve had a cartilage piercing for one year. It tends to get irritated (leak clear fluid) when I sleep on that side. Would it be smart to remove the piercing and let it heal over before having a BA? I would like to have a BA in approx. two months. Thank you!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  All piercings should be removed before surgery in regards to cauterizing during surgery.  If the piercing is not able to come out then speak with your surgeon and they will let you know what the options are. Best of luck to you.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Piercings in and of themselves do not create a significant risk of capsule contracture. I do recommend that patients remove nipple piercings before surgery to reduce the risk of infection. What may contribute to bacteria around the implant, or a biofilm, which is associated with contracture, is any thing that causes some bacteria to get into the bloodstream. Dental cleanings, colonoscopies, and a number of other procedures can cause  this. Piercings which have a low level of infection can also cause this. Cleaning them regularly and applying antibiotic ointment can prevent them from being a problem.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jessiebov,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. But most plastic surgeons will suggest you to remove piercings prior to surgery. 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

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. its recommended take before surgery, and after put again.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

I don't know who told you that body piercings could be related to capsular contractures.  I have never come across that before.  We usually have our patients remove body piercings pre-operatively because of the electric cautery that we use during the surgery.  Metal piercings can produce burns to the skin when the cautery is used.  You can replace your piercing after the surgery is completed.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  In anticipation of surgery I would have your piercings removed, not so much for capsular contracture, but to avoid any complications from the instruments used during surgery.  Hope this helps.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

It would be advisable to remove such a piercing with issues (you will need to remove all of them during surgery anyway) and let it heal before undergoing a breast augmentation surgery. There is the possibility of piercing increasing the risk for infection. Remote infections in the body can pose a threat to part of the body that is operated on.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Since you are having trouble with your ear piercing because of irritation and fluid leakage, then I would recommend removing it before your breast augmentation in 2 months.  Usually, I have patients remove their piercing the day of surgery due to potential problems with the piercings and the cautery used in surgery.  In your case, you may have a low grade infection in your ear piercing and I would recommend you remove it and have your doctor examine it now before surgery.   Best wishes.

J. Michael Morrissey, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, remove your piercings the morning of your surgery. It is not particularly for risk of capsular contracture, but the metal can be conductive of the electricity used in the cautery and can potentially cause problems with burns.  You can replace the ear piercings after the surgery with no untoward effect.To my knowledge there is no connection between ear piercings, or other piercings and the development of capsular contracture.Best wishes,Dr. Morrissey

Should I remove my cartilage piercing before having a BA? (photo)

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