What if you can take out a Dermal piercing before the general anesthesia?

Question

I am getting just a breast lift this Friday and I have piercings I can take out with no problem, But I have 3 dermal piercing ( not around my breast at all ) I cannot take them out. What will happen since I cannot take out the piercings?

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Piercings can present a problem, of course, because the metal in them can lead to negative outcomes with the equipment that is used in surgery.  Specifically, cautery devices use electrical current and the metal can be a serious issue. You should speak with your surgeon in regards to your piercings and a strategy for surgery that takes them into account. I usually schedule pre-op appointments with my patients to speak to them about what will happen during surgery,   Your safety needs to be the top priority and that can only be achieve through good communication.  Thank you for your question and best wishes for your upcoming surgery and recovery.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

The reason it is recommended to remove all metal piercings is that they can cause an arc when the surgeon uses electrocautery, resulting in a burn where the metal is. If the piercings are far from the surgical site, the risk is small, but still present. If you absolutely cannot remove them, typically the metal is covered with paper tape or other material to try to protect the area or minimize this risk.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. The concern with body jewelry is that the metal can sometimes cause an arcing of the electrocautery current through the body and cause a burn around the metal. This is unlikely if the area is far from the surgical site, but it is still possible. If you cannot remove the jewelry, then you can cover it or protect it, and hope for the best. Just accept the small possibility of a burn. Or have the metal removed.Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JasaraeMarie,every plastic surgeon has his own pretoperative 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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

With surgery only a couple of days away, I would get in touch with my plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist immediately to determine if the dermal piercings have to be removed.  Because they are not near the surgery site, you will probably be o.k. but always best to ask.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

What if you can take out a Dermal piercing before the general anesthesia?

Answers (10)

Answer: Piercing

Answer: Piercing

Answer: Unable to remove dermal piercings prior to BL

Answer: Unable to remove dermal piercings prior to BL

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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What if you can take out a Dermal piercing before the general anesthesia?

Answers (10)

Answer: Piercing

Answer: Piercing

Answer: Unable to remove dermal piercings prior to BL

Answer: Unable to remove dermal piercings prior to BL

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.