Dermal Piercing and Microdermal Anchor Removal by a Plastic Surgeon
What is Dermal Piercing (Microdermal Anchor)?
A dermal piercing, also called a microdermal anchor, is a type of piercing that sits under the skin instead of passing all the way through it. A small anchor is placed beneath the surface of the skin, and a decorative top is attached above it. Dermal piercings can be placed almost anywhere on the body, including the chest, back, wrist, and face.
Because the anchor sits under the skin, the body treats it as a foreign object and forms scar tissue around it. Over time, this scar tissue becomes a capsule that holds the anchor firmly in place. This capsule is also why dermal piercings should never be pulled out at home and should only be removed by a trained professional. If a piercing has stretched or torn the surrounding skin over time, a patient may also benefit from earlobe repair surgery to restore the area.
Patients with Dermal Piercing
We have been seeing more patients who are interested in having their dermal piercings (microdermal anchors) removed either due to infection or discomfort. Recently, we saw a young woman who had infected dermal piercings in her wrist.
In order to remove these dermal piercings, we perform a quick procedure using sterile conditions and a local anesthetic. The whole procedure to remove these dermal piercings takes about 20 minutes.
Once the dermal piercings have been in place for awhile (this patient had them in for several years), the body makes scar tissue around the anchors under the skin. This scar tissue, called a capsule, needs to be released in order to remove the dermal jewelry.
With the use of a local anesthetic and a tiny needle to place the anesthetic, patients feel very little discomfort during the procedure to remove the dermal piercings. While grasping the dermal post with a special instrument, the scar tissue is cut, and the dermal piercings are removed. No new skin incision has to be made in order to remove these.
Recovery and Aftercare After Removal
Recovery after dermal piercing removal is quick and simple. Most patients return to their normal activities right away. We apply antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid to the site, and the small skin hole closes on its own within a few days. While the area heals, it is important to keep it clean and dry and to avoid placing new jewelry in the same spot. Patients should watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and contact us if any of these develop. Scarring is usually minimal, but patients who are prone to scarring or notice a raised scar forming can ask us about our medical skin care options to help the area heal smoothly.
As more and more people in Seattle get dermal piercings, we imagine we’ll be removing more of these!
Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for Removal
Removing a dermal piercing involves more than lifting out a piece of jewelry. The surgeon has to carefully release the scar tissue capsule around the anchor without damaging the surrounding skin. A board-certified plastic surgeon has the training and experience to do this safely and with minimal scarring.
At Sound Plastic Surgery, dermal piercing removals are performed by our board-certified surgeons in Seattle, Dr. Joshua Cooper, and Dr. Scott Sattler. You can learn more about our surgeons and our accredited surgery center on The Practice page. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon gives patients confidence that their procedure will be handled safely and under sterile conditions.
If you are interested in having a plastic surgeon remove your dermal piercings, with minimal pain with the aid of a local anesthetic under sterile conditions, contact us today!