I have a dermal piercing in the middle of my chest. Will I have to get it removed for a breast augmentation?

Thank you for your question.  Yes, piercings must be removed prior to surgery for safety reasons.  Jewelry could pose a risk for infection or burns.  Best of luck.

The simple answer is yes. Because elctrocautery is used to control bleeding during the operation, anything that is metal will also conduct elctricity and therefore you run the risk that it may burn you. Good luckDr. PG

The text book answer is to remove your piercing. This is to help prevent infection and to avoid a burn since the electrocautery used to stop bleeding in surgery could arc to the metal in your piercing. That said, I have had some patients who can't remove their jewelry, and I have never had anyone get an infection or burn. Your piercing could be covered with a sterile dressing during surgery to minimize the risks. I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon and do what feels right for you. 

Hello,Usually body piercings in this area pose an infection risk or could lead to burns related to the electrocautery equipment. You will need to ask your surgeon what they advise for you.All the best 

I advise my patients to remove chest dermal piercings. I am concerned that the electric current from a cautery unit (a device to stop small amounts of bleeding) might get transmitted to the piercing and burn the skin. Hope this information is helpful.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Probably. Unless there is some sort of temporary plastic spacer but I don't know if this is possible with dermal piercings Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Dear yanairis,yes, you will most likely need to remove your piercing before the surgery. 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

Yes all piercings should be removed before surgery to prevent any infection, consult with your PS for any concerns,best of luck!

Patients that are having surgery on the breast should remove all piercings, especially in the surgical area.  When you meet with your Plastic surgeon for a consultation, ask this specific question for advice.  Good luck.

Thank you for your question and photos. Having a dermal piercing between your breasts should not affect the breast augmentation procedure itself. There is a risk, however, of getting a burn if the Bovie cautery system malfunctions. Please discuss this further with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, examine you (email photos if out of town), and show you before/after pictures of patients to give you an idea of what type of result you can expect to get. Good luck!