I Got my Tragus Pierced a Week Ago and I'm Getting Otoplasty Surgery Next Month, Does it Need to be Taken Out?

Otoplasty surgery generally  does not involve the tragus.  However if you have a metal piercing you may be best to remove it as electrical cautery typically is used during the procedure. 

Thank you for your question. The short answer is yes. First, we are going to make the surrounding area as clean as possible. This includes getting soap and antiseptic anywhere close to where we will be draping out the ear. Second, we use electocautery in the O.R. to stop any bleeding that might occur. We do not want any electricity to arc from the electric pencil we are using to anything metal, (like a piercing). This could cause a burn. Always check with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist, (ENT) for their policy.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

The answer is Yes. The metal in the earring could conduct electricity and you could get a burn during the surgery. Usually it entails making contact with the metal of the earring but to decrease the risk I would take them out before the otoplasty.

While the otoplasty procedure does not involve the tragus on the front part of the ear, the piercing should be removed on the day of surgery. It may cause the electrocautery used during the operation to cause a skin burn around the piercing. While this is not likely, it is not worth the risk to leave it in. It may be reinserted at the end of the operation or the day after surgery.