Will my nipple piercing make me more susceptible to nipple necrosis after breast reduction?

Question

I have been looking forward to meeting a surgeon for a while but today I felt discouraged and dissuaded from the surgery. Unless I misunderstood the surgeon, she made it sound like my left nipple will be more susceptible to necrosis due to the lack of blood supply from the piercing. Is this true? I thought nipple necrosis was rare and it seems many other surgeons have successfully performed the surgery for patients with nipple piercings. I’m really worried.

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

Hi.  I have not had issues with nipple piercings giving a problem with nipple necrosis or healing with a breast reduction or augmentation or lift.  I suppose technically that it is possible, but that small piercing typically should not affect the blood supply enough.  Other factors can affect the blood supply such as the size of the breasts preoperatively and the amount of drooping or ptosis that is present.Good luck and take care,Dr. Howell

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

The piercing should be removed for a couple weeks prior to surgery as it can be an infection risk as well, but blood supply should be okay unless it is some unusual type of piercing.   Never hurts to get a second opinion as well for your breast reduction.  Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The risk is higher and would depend on how deep the piercing has gone. I recommend that you remove it, let the area heal and then have the reduction. You cannot keep it intact during the operation.

Marcus L. Peterson, MD · Answer

Breast reductions do have some risk of skin and nipple necrosis but this is very small.  A piercing through the nipple has not been a problem in my practice.  I don't think a hole in the nipple will change the risk very much from the already very small risk of necrosis.  It is a good conversation to have with your surgeon.Best WishesDr. Peterson

Ahmed Ali-Khan, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hi thank you for your question. Under most circumstances I would not anticipate a piercing to affect the blood supply to your nipple & areola. I am assuming you do not have a particularly unusual piercing pattern?Please check your surgeon has the FRCS (Plast) qualification to ensure they have the highest UK plastic surgery training.Best wishes

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Will my nipple piercing make me more susceptible to nipple necrosis after breast reduction?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nipple piercing and necrosis

Answer: Nipple piercing and necrosis

Answer: Nipple piercings in advance of breast reduction

Answer: Nipple piercings in advance of breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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