Nipple piercings and breast lifts

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.

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.