Can nipple piercings cause one to develop capsular contracture?

Question

Is there actually a correlation between wearing nipple piercings and the likelyhood of developing Capular Contracture after breast implants? Can I wear my nipple piercings after my surgery? And if so, when?

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Typically the piercing is removed before surgery and can be replaced after with no increase risk of infection or CC. I would refrain from a new nipple piercing at least 1 month after a recent breast augmentation. Hope this helps.

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

See attached reference.  Nipple piercings increase breast infections.  Breast bacteria is usually bad for breast implants.  Remote infections have been shown to increase the incidence of capsular contracture.  Let the buyer beware.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well;..based in your question its  much better if you get your pircing on your nipples again 6 month counting day after surgery.its recommended to get a consultation in personal with a plastic surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is an incompletely understood entity in which many theories have been postulated but none have been substantiated.Capsular contracture can occur in even the most careful surgeon's practice, and we do not know everything that is responsible for the occurrence of capsular contracture.  The most important thing in this consideration is to find a PS who does hundreds of breast augmentations and revisions who is very sophisticated in the approach to treating capsular contracture should it occur.  The nipple piercings can be removed prior to surgery and replaced later. Replacement should be coordinated with the PS who performs you breast augmentation.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  If the piercings were done long ago then there is no issue with having an augmentation and an increased risk of capsular contracture.  If looking to obtain them after surgery, then I would wait at least 3 months from the time of your augmentation to have new ones placed.  Hope this helps

Leland Webb, MD · Answer

There is no solid evidence to support that nipple piercings would increase your risk of capsular contracture. I have had several patients who have either had these piercings, or use these piercings after surgery without difficulty. While we have theories as to what causes capsular contracture to include blood in the space, subclinical infection, bio films, and natural underlying genetic uniqueness, it is difficult to fully predict who will get a capsular contracture. However, I don’t think you should be worried about a piercing. If this is something you would like to have before or after your breast augmentation. Have a goal directed conversation with your board-certified plastic surgeon and we are happy to help you in any way we can.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. There are many (sometimes overlapping) theories about what causes capsular contracture. As a result, every plastic surgeon has his/her own postoperative protocol and recommendations for post-operative care. (So answers here will vary.) It is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure the best results. For that reason, you should speak with your plastic surgeon. 
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Brian Peterson, MD · Answer

I have not seen any correlation between nipple piercings and capsular contracture after breast augmentation surgery.  However in patients with nipple piercings, I take them out for surgery, and as part of the sterile prep, irrigate the tract with a small cannula and sterile betadine solution.  I often will put the piercings in at the end of the case.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! Nipple piercings themselves don't correlate to capsular contracture - the potential infection resulting from piercings are what can drive a contracture if it transfers to your blood stream (unlikely, and you'd be having more pressing health concerns!). However, given the risk most surgeons will ask that you don't get new piercings around the time of your surgery.As noted below, if already pierced you can wear them post-op. Note that some people can become hypersensitive after surgery and wearing piercings while healing can be uncomfortable. Obviously if excessive irritation develops, stop wearing them and check in with your surgeon and potentially your piercer.Best of luck!

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

If you have had the piercing for a long period of time before the breast augmentation there should not be any issues. We recommend that you wait at least 3 months after breast augmentation before you pierce the nipples.

Can nipple piercings cause one to develop capsular contracture?

Answers (12)

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