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

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, turtl3lady.
A lot of women who have nipple piercings still get successful breast reduction surgery results. After all, piercings shouldn’t be a hindrance to push through with surgery.
The likelihood of tissue necrosis is on a case-by-case basis, but as far as I know, nipple piercings don’t predispose you to nipple necrosis. Smokers are even more susceptible, to be honest.
If you have doubts with your initial plastic surgeon, don’t hesitate to schedule consultations with other reputable and board-certified plastic surgeons so you can also ask their opinions.
Good luck!

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Turtl3lady,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  No, I do not think that a nipple piercing should make you more susceptible to nipple necrosis. You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast reduction technique. There are a number of no-vertical scar breast lift techniques, but my preferred technique is the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

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

Answers (7)

More Breast Reduction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (7)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Can you get Lymphedema from a breast reduction surgery?

Is this sharp pain on left side nerve related at 18 days post-op?

What is the reasoning behind sleeping on your back after a breast reduction?

What should I do about minor pus around my areola stitching 5 weeks post op breast lift and reduction?

Will Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield cover a breast reduction?

I had blisters from the tape that's delaying healing of areola incisions. How often should I change dressings? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS