Can nipple piercings cause one to develop capsular contracture?

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

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