I have a tongue web piercing, will I need to remove it before rhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

I have tried to remove this just incase but I am finding this difficult. Will this need to be removed definitely?

Matthew Brace, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, all metal jewelry is removed from a patient's body prior to surgery due to concerns with burns at the site when using cautery. In your mouth there would be concern for dislodging the jewelry and causing you to aspirate on it. I would think the safest approach is to remove it. Talk to your surgeon.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Your piercing may be difficult to remove, but if it should accidentally come loose during your rhinoplasty, it could get into your airway. It may also cause difficulty for anesthesia during intubation. Your surgeon can remove it in the office during your preoperative visit. We've been there! Good luck. Dr Joseph

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgery centers require that metal piercings be removed before surgery to keep you safe and avoid any possibility of electrical burns during surgery.  Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon before the day of surgery.

Geoffrey W. Tobias, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question. We do our surgeries as an outpatient care at a Hospital Medical Center, and they request for all metal piercings be removed. However you should check with your surgeon and the facility where you will have your surgery as to what their policy is.

I have a tongue web piercing, will I need to remove it before rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (4)

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