Planning on having facelift/neck lift/blepharoplasty. Does this pin need to come out first? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.

The main aspect is related to your mobility and the risk of deep vein thrombosis, in particular if you have a general anaesthetic. If your planned surgical intervention is under twilight anaesthesia the combination of risk factors would be diminished.

For a lengthier general anaesthetic, it is preferable to have normal mobility as it would be associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis if your mobility is poor.

When the risk of deep vein thrombosis is increased blood thinner medication can be used but it does increase the risk of bleeding from the surgery.

All in all, because facial and neck surgery are elective interventions, it is preferable to work towards the minimum level of risk that you can achieve.

Since monopolar cautery will be used during the surgery, the pin must be removed before the surgery.BestErman Ak MD

Modern electrocautery surgical devices are very safe. You do not have to have the pin removed. Inform your Surgeon and most likely the toe will be wrapped in tape at the time of surgery. We encounter this situation from time to time when piercings can't be removed at the time of surgery.