Do you have to take out nipple piercings for breast reduction?

Understanding Nipple Piercings and Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery, clinically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure aimed at alleviating physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts. A common concern among individuals considering this surgery is whether existing nipple piercings need to be removed prior to the procedure.
The Surgical Perspective
Medical professionals generally recommend removing nipple piercings before breast reduction surgery. The primary reason for this recommendation revolves around the healing process and the potential complications that could arise during and after the surgery.
During breast reduction, the surgeon may make incisions around the nipple and the surrounding tissue. If piercings remain in place, they could interfere with the surgical technique and lead to complications such as:
– Infection: Open piercings can create a pathway for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection during the surgical procedure.
– Tissue Damage: The jewelry may cause additional trauma to the surrounding tissue, complicating the healing process and adversely affecting the final aesthetic outcome.
– Scarring: Retained piercings may contribute to more extensive scarring or alter the natural contour of the breast post-surgery.
Timing and Removal
If you have nipple piercings, it’s advisable to discuss their removal with your surgeon during your pre-operative consultation. Most surgeons will recommend removing the piercings at least a few weeks before the surgery. This allows the piercing holes to begin healing, minimizing the risk of complications during the procedure.
Considerations Post-Surgery
After undergoing breast reduction surgery, patients will usually need to avoid any form of external pressure on the nipple area, which includes refraining from re-inserting piercings for a significant period. Surgeons typically advise waiting several months before considering re-piercing, allowing sufficient time for healing and ensuring that the surgical site has fully recovered.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while nipple piercings may not be an absolute barrier to undergoing breast reduction surgery, removing them is generally recommended to ensure a safer surgical experience and optimal healing. For anyone considering this procedure, it’s crucial to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about all aspects of the surgery, including any body modifications like piercings. This collaborative approach helps ensure a smoother process and better overall outcomes.

How fast does a nipple piercing close up?

Nipple piercings are one of the fastest piercing to close. When they’re new, they can close in minutes. Even after a few years, nipple piercings can close inside of a week without jewellery. For some, the hole can stay open for years on its own, although this is rare.

Can I keep my nipple piercings after a breast reduction?

Yes, it is safe to have your nipples pierced after you have healed from breast reduction surgery. It’s important all swelling has gone down before you have any body modification done on your breasts or chest. If you have questions about piercing your nipples after breast reduction surgery, ask your surgeon for advice.

Do I have to remove my nipple piercings for a mammogram?

Can I be screened? Most women with nipple piercings and sternal piercings can have a screening mammogram. For women with piercings overlying their breastbone, we take extra care and may need to use special techniques to obtain high-quality images.

Can I keep my nipple piercings in during surgery?

Jewelry can absolutely get in the way of a procedure. If you’re having hand surgery, it just makes sense that your rings and bracelets need to be taken off. The same is true for piercings. If you have nipple piercings, plan on removing them if you’re having surgery on your chest, particularly breast surgery.

Do they remove your nipple during breast reduction?

The nipple and the area around it usually stay attached to the breast. For very large breasts, the surgeon might need to remove them and add on a new nipple. Your surgeon will try to make your breasts look alike, but breast size and shape might vary somewhat.

What if I can’t take my piercing out for surgery?

If you have to remove your jewelry for your procedure, you can keep your piercing open by wearing a retainer. The retainer should be made of a surgery-safe material specific to your procedure.

Can you keep nipple piercings if you get a boob job?

If you are having a simple breast augmentation and you have nipple piercings, you will want to at least switch out your metal piercings for plastic ones. This is because metal can attract the heat from the machines used during the procedure and cause unwanted burns.

How quickly do nipple piercings close?

Nipple piercings are one of the fastest piercing to close. When they’re new, they can close in minutes. Even after a few years, nipple piercings can close inside of a week without jewellery. For some, the hole can stay open for years on its own, although this is rare.

Do you have to take out nipple piercings for top surgery?

The Gender Confirmation Center by Dr. Scott Mosser confirms that yes, nipple piercings need to be taken out pre-surgery, but it’s not a big deal: “If you have your nipple pierced at the time of top surgery, you will be asked to remove the jewelry (and all other facial and body jewelry) before surgery.

How fast do nipple piercings close?

Nipple piercings are one of the fastest piercing to close. When they’re new, they can close in minutes. Even after a few years, nipple piercings can close inside of a week without jewellery. For some, the hole can stay open for years on its own, although this is rare.