Nipple piercings and breast lifts
I understand usually metal nipple piercings need to be taken out for most surgeries, but usually I've been able to replace them with a metal retainer. Would I be able to do the same for a breast lift? Or would they need to be removed completely? (And for how long?)
Metal nipple piercings or a metal retainer should be removed prior to any breast surgery. These items are considered contaminated and harbor bacteria which may result in an infection.
Todd B. Koch, MD, FACS
6315 Sheridan Dr, Buffalo, NY,
UNITED STATES, 14221
Thank you for your question and for doing your homework with ASAPS member surgeons. The metal piercings would need to be removed for the surgery, mostly because electrocautery is used during the procedure and the metal can conduct the electricity resulting in burns to the tissue in contact with the metal. Additionally, the nipple complex is not completely sterile and does pose some risk for infection. It is always best to clearly communicate your concerns with your surgeon and develop a treatment plan that offers the safest option.
Trent D. Douglas, MD
Plastic Surgery Specialists, 350 Bon Air Rd,
#300, Greenbrae, CA, UNITED STATES, 94904
Hi, in most of the breast lift surgeries the nipple and areola complex is manipulated and for sterile reasons you won't be able to keep the piercing or replace it .
Winston Santos Arismendy, MD
Av. 1ro de Noviembre,
303 Local 1B Edif Arenas, Punta Cana,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 23000