I need to get a piercing removed for breast reduction surgery

Question

I'm getting a breast reduction next week but I just now am seeing that when you get surgery you need to have all piercings removed. I have a cartilage ear piercing that is stuck in my ear and hurts so bad to the touch, it's been growing for like a year. If I asked the surgeon to take it out for me is there any chance he would? Whether that's quick with local anesthesia right before surgery or while I'm under general anesthesia. I would be willing to pay of course.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! I suppose it is worth asking your surgeon. There might be an option to tape it, but you would have to sign a waiver in case of a burn (I would presume). Ask your PS and start there. He may be willing to cut it out for you. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

For safety reasons, you will want to have them removed. Get in touch with your PS and anesthesiologist to determine if the nipple piercings can be removed prior to your surgery. Your PS will tell you when it is safe to reinsert the piercings after your breasts have healed.

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

A monopolar diathermy is used during surgery to reduce bleeding during the procedure. This involves transmission of a current through your body. There is a potential risk of the current heating up any body piercing and causing a burn injury and hence patients are requested to remove any metal body piercings.

In your case, your ear piercing is giving you obvious problems and needs to be removed. If you discuss this with your surgeon, he can do this for you when you are under anaesthetic, before he starts your breast reduction procedure.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you have some abnormal or keloid scarring that is growing around your piercing and is possibly infected or inflamed. A piercing should not be painful to the touch.  I’m sure if you discuss this with your surgeon, it could be treated  at the same time as your procedure. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jess533,
this is the topic you should discuss with your plastic surgeon because that is the only way you will get the answer. I don't think that there will be a problem to remove the piercing before the surgery. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I need to get a piercing removed for breast reduction surgery

Answers (5)