Do I remove dermal piercing before surgery ?

Question

it has to be surgically removed so I had just left it that way ..I was told to remove all piercings before my surgery which is in 3 days!!! I totally forgot untilnow...is it ok to leave it or should I try getting someone at a shop to remove before surgery ??

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

There are some risks of burns with dermal, but they are so uncommon that we do not require that the patients remove them.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

If the piercing is very close to the operative area, then it may be very necessary to remove them as they pose a burn risk.  Check with your surgeon.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

You are probably fine but I would run this by
your surgeon. It is hard to remove a dermal piercing and it would be
permanent. The only issue is cautery that is used in surgery and it
depends on where the piercing is located.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you discuss this with your plastic surgeon who should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society forAesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with and follow all of her or his instructions. Robert Singer, MD FACS La Jolla, California

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You will be best off communicating with your plastic surgeon's office directly; the advice you receive online may not be exactly what your plastic surgeon will recommend.  In other words, best to follow your plastic surgeon's preoperative/postoperative instructions specifically. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Do I remove dermal piercing before surgery ?

Answers (5)