Can I leave my nipple rings in during surgery adominoplastys & arm lift?

Question

Can i leave my nipple rings in during surgery if i get the biodegradable plastic clear rings instead of the surgical steel rings? Im having abdominoplasty torsoplasty and arm lift

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

You have the right idea, you can use plastic but not metal. The problem with metal is that the cautery can arc and give you a burn where a piece of metal may serve as a ground and attract the electricity we use to minimize your bleeding.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The electrocautery that is used during these procedures sends current through the tip of the tool to the grounding pad, which is the path of least resistance.  If you have metal piercings and for some reason the current goes through them instead of to the grounding pad, you will get horrible burns at the piercing sites that will not be apparent to the surgeon until the drapes are removed.  All metal piercings should be removed. Plastic piercings do not pose this hazard and can be left in place, depending on how high the surgeon is going to prep your skin.  This question must be asked of the surgeon.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Generally speaking, piercings should be removed for surgery but you should discuss your individual case with your plastic surgeon.

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

Most surgeons will require that piercings be removed before a surgery - especially if in the field.  There is concern about burns.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

You cannot leave in metal jewelry during surgery. I allow my patients to place clear plastic or rubber spacers as long as the piercing site is not in the operative field. Ask your plastic surgeon. Good luck with your surgery!

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.I have all my patients remove all jewelry, particularly metal objects. We as surgeons use electrocautery which can cause a burn to the skin if a metal object is touching it. I would definitely remove them. Good luck.

Amira Sanki, MBBS Hons, FRACS, PhD · Answer

I think it is always a good idea to remove any foreign bodies from your skin prior to surgery. While the risk of a conductive burn from diathermy is lessened with the plastic rings, there is still a chance that equipment or drapes could accidentally catch on your rings and tug them causing trauma to your nipples- ouch! If you intend to keep them on, I would advise also covering your nipples with tegaderms or micropore tape to avoid this from happening.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You will be best off communicating with your plastic surgeon's office directly; the advice you receive online may not be exactly what your plastic surgeon will recommend.  In other words, best to follow your plastic surgeon's preoperative/postoperative instructions specifically. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

In general, metal rings anywhere near the operative field are not a good idea because of potential burns. Changing to plastic jewlelry for the surgery is what we ask our patients to do. Check with your surgeon to see what policies he/she has. Best wishes. Below is  fully healed tummy tuck.

Can I leave my nipple rings in during surgery adominoplastys & arm lift?

Answers (9)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

How long befor tummy tuck scar changes color?

Can I take phentermine 4 weeks after TT and lipo?

What's causing the fluttering feelings 6 days post TT?

Can I get lipo and a tummy tuck is my blood type is RH negative?

Tummy Tuck, Lipo to flanks, hernia repair; compression garment or belly binder? (photos)

Is it possible to make the circumference of my belly button smaller? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS