Can I Get Rhinoplasty if I Have a Nose Piercing?

Question

I have my nose pierced, and Ill be getting revision rhinoplasty next year (not a big one, just a tiny bit getting shaved down on the side on my bridge and the tip lifted a little) My nose piercing is healed, so I can take it out for surgery. Will having the nose piercing in general cause problems for my revision?

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

The best option is to remove the piercing and let it heal for a few months before surgery. The most common area is really un-affected by surgery, meaning that it isn't through nasal cartilage. If it is through cartilage, discuss very carefully with your rhinoplasty surgeon. I have had some patients just take out the stud right before surgery if they have a well healed piercing and as I said above, below the cartilage. They usually find that they don't put it back since they now like their nose better.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

While in general, it should not be a problem to have a piercing of the nose and then have a rhinoplasty, it may depend on exactly where your piercing is placed. I would just mention it to your surgeon, but I would think it could most likely still be done.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is certainly acceptable to have nasal piercing, however the piercing must be left out 2-3 months after the surgical procedure so as not to interfere with the healing process.

Jose Luis Acosta Collado, MD · Answer

the piercing itself is not a problem for a rhinoplasty, the piercing could produce some previous anatomical alterations  to consider during surgery  depending on its  location and the scar tissue  provoked by it.

	The piercing must be retired before surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A nasal piercing will have to be removed before rhinoplasty.  Depending upon where it is will determine the issues that potentially could develop.

Can I Get Rhinoplasty if I Have a Nose Piercing?

Answers (5)