Yes u have to remove them but as soon as survey is over you can put them back in. I had a few body piercings and I had to remove all of them and if you don't then that can cause problems in surgery. Something about the electric with the piercing metal and the instruments they use. If you think they may close up then go to a piercing shop & see of they have a plastic piece to use while ur in surgery. HOPE this helps. ????