Will my breast reduction compromise my nipple piercings?

Question

when i get the procedure i understand im going to have to take the titanium jewelry out. how long will i have to leave them out? can i plug them with a rubber or plastic/ non metal retainer or is it just safe to say the holes are likely to close up

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I perform breast reduction on many patients that have nipple piercings. We typically remove the piercings in place of plastic spacers during the recovery phase. At some point in the recovery process, I advise the patient to replace their piercings. When you choose your surgeon you may have to ask him or her their protocol concerning this matter.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

PSs will have different protocols regarding removal and replacement of nipple piercings.  I generally have the patient remove them prior to surgery and I replace them at the end of surgery. The holes should not close up during the surgery.

Oliver Pope Simmons, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually have the patients remove them during the procedure and if everything is clean, I will replace them prior to the patient waking up in the OR.  Every surgeon has their preference

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I usually have my patients remove the piercings in the preoperative area. I soak them in alcohol and then replace them prior to you waking up.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

I would recommend that if you are worried about the piercing closing up, you should take it out right before the surgery and make sure you replace it shortly thereafter. You can always ask your surgeon to put it back in for you right after surgery, as you will likely be wrapped up for some time after your procedure, and there is a risk the hole will close up if the piercing is left out for a few days.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Assuming that the piercings have been in place for a while now, the "holes" should not close during the time of surgery. Your plastic surgery may be willing to use a sterile "spacer" at the end of the procedure. Best wishes.

Will my breast reduction compromise my nipple piercings?

Answers (6)

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