Will rhinoplasty incisions effect where my septum piercing is? (photo)

Question

I have a healed 16gauge septum piercing. It has never given me problems & is completely healed up. It's technically not pierced in the septum, but in what piecers refer to as the "sweet spot" or the fleshy piece of skin at the front. It is a very small hole & I was curious if the incisions during an open rhinoplasty would go straight through the hole. If the incisions don't go through the hole, how long would it be until I could put the jewelry back in? I don't have a deviated septum

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The piercing probably will not get in the way of surgery.  In fact the hole will probably be closed because of where the incisions are typically placed.

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

The open rhinoplasty incision is a "V" shaped incision above your piercing sites. The piercing sites can be protected during surgery and the jewelry can be put back in place 2-3 weeks postop.
Make sure you ask your surgeon where the incision in the columella ("sweet spot") will be placed.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

There is an incision, called the "transfixion" incision, that is often but not always made during a rhinoplasty. If there is no transfixion incision, I'll bet that the pierce hole would be protected, and it wouldn' t have to be re-done.Also, it might be possible for the surgeon to put in a little keep-pierce-hole-open appliance at the time of surgery, something that you might have worn right when the pierce was made, even if the transfixion incision *is* made, saving you, again, from having to repierce.Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon, and read the essay on how to tell whether your previous surgeon should be performing your revision. Rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. Read that page very carefully. Most plastic surgeons are quite poor at this operation, and I believe my advice will go a long way toward keeping you safe. For most noses, it's better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery.Finally, I usually make computer morphs when I'm answering a RealSelf question, to show the changes that are possible for your nose with a rhinoplasty. But unfortunately the photos you submitted aren't good enough for making morphs. At the *very* bottom of the "Learn more" page is a link to instructions on taking photos that are more comprehensive and useful for online consultations like this, in case you'd like a more complete evaluation.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Your septal piercing may be affected by rhinoplasty.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. It is quite possible that an open rhinoplasty will cause your holes to close. You will most likely need to redo the piercing after you have healed from your rhinoplasty. Your piercing will definitely need to be taken out prior to the procedure. During your examination in the office, your surgeon should be able to see where the current hole is and if it will be in the incision path. If it is, it will most likely heal without issue and you will just need your piercing redone. Hope this helps! Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Will rhinoplasty incisions effect where my septum piercing is? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Septal piercing

Answer: Septal piercing

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Will rhinoplasty incisions effect where my septum piercing is? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Septal piercing

Answer: Septal piercing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.