When can I put my piercings back in after otoplasty surgery?

Question

If I have ear piercings (cartilage) and they are completely healed (have had them for years) After surgery when can I put them back in?

Alexander Q. Ereso, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and thanks for posting your photos. If I assume correctly, you are removing cartilage earrings in anticipation of upcoming earlobe surgery. We ask piercings to be removed for surgery to allow for the use of electrocautery or if they will get in the way of the operation. However, since the piercing appears to be away from your earlobe, you should be able to replace them immediately after the earlobe surgery. And as you stated that they have been in for such a long time, they will remain open even if left out during the day of surgery. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear morgannwadee,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

The incision and cartilage sutures placed during an otoplasty do not typically cross or involve actual ear piercing sites.  The earrings can be replaced once your otoplasty head dressings are removed, which is usually one week or less.  Use care when inserting the earrings and avoid bending the ear forward.  Additionally wear a headband at night to avoid inadvertently folding the ear during sleep.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

track, you should be able to reinsert immediately after your procedure.  If your surgeon has to violate the healed piercing, ask him/her to see if  large sterile sutures could be put in the hole until you have recovered from your otoplasty.  Otherwise plan on re-piercing once you are healed.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

It depends on the method with which you were operated on. If it was with the Merck Stitch Method, you can put the piercings back in straight after the operation.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's probably best to wait at least three months before putting piercings back into the ears that you had operated upon

Nodas Kapositas, MD, PhD · Answer

You will be able to put back your ear piercing 15-20 days after stitches removal.If you had and an earlobe surgery put them back in one month.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You should be able to put your piercings back in instantly post surgery if they in no way affect the surgery site. Please confirm with your surgeon.

When can I put my piercings back in after otoplasty surgery?

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