We’ve all been there – you wake up one morning, only to find the jewelry from your new piercing lying on your pillow. Or perhaps too much friction or accidental touching causes it to fall out during the day. Don’t panic! While we always recommend leaving jewelry in until your piercing has completely healed, sometimes life happens. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if your new piercing falls out and provide you with some helpful tips.
What to Do When Jewelry Falls Out of an Unhealed Piercing
In an ideal situation, you can put the jewelry back in. However, there are a few factors to consider before doing so: cleanliness, infection, and the ability to fit the jewelry back in.
Cleanliness
The most crucial factor when putting jewelry back into an unhealed piercing is cleanliness. It’s essential to ensure that the jewelry and the piercing area are clean to avoid any risk of infection. Here’s what you should do:
Use a sterile saline wipe or spray to clean the piercing. If these options aren’t available, you can gently clean the area with water and a mild soap.
Clean the jewelry itself using a second wipe or spray. If these options aren’t available, you can dip the jewelry in rubbing alcohol. Just make sure to allow the jewelry to dry completely before reinserting it to prevent alcohol from entering the piercing.
By following these steps, you can safely put the jewelry back in without risking infection.
Is the Piercing Infected?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually best to put the jewelry back in an infected piercing as soon as possible. If an infected piercing heals over, it can trap pus and bacteria inside, making the infection more difficult to treat. Reinserting the jewelry can prevent this from happening. Afterward, follow proper piercing infection treatment to heal the infection effectively.
Can You Fit the Jewelry Back In?
The longer the jewelry is out of the piercing, especially with fresh piercings, the harder it will be to reinsert it. During the initial healing period, the piercing can close up quickly. So if you can get the jewelry back in, do it sooner rather than later. If the piercing has completely closed, you will need to have it pierced again. If you’re unable to reinsert the jewelry yourself, visit your piercing artist. If the hole is still intact, they can use a taper to reopen the piercing and insert the jewelry. Don’t delay in seeking professional assistance, as a completely closed hole will result in losing the piercing.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Re-pierce?
If your piercing has closed completely, you will need to pierce it again. However, make sure to allow enough time for the piercing to fully heal before re-piercing. Generally, one month of healing is sufficient to prevent scarring risks. But before that, check if the piercing is completely closed or if a thin layer of skin covers the entrance and exit holes. If there is only a thin layer of skin, you can attempt to pop the jewelry back in. Taking a shower or massaging the piercing with jojoba oil can help make it easier to reinsert the jewelry. You can also try gently pulling the skin around the piercing to widen the hole. However, if you experience pain or significant resistance, stop and consult your piercer. It is always best to rely on professionals for your safety.
What to Do If You Lose the Jewelry for a Piercing
Losing jewelry for a piercing can happen, whether it goes down the drain or simply gets misplaced. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry. Here’s what you can do:
Temporarily replace the lost jewelry with another piece of jewelry of the same gauge size or smaller.
Visit your piercer as soon as possible. They can provide you with appropriate replacement jewelry based on safe materials and help you insert it properly. Titanium ASTM F-136 or solid gold are excellent options for temporary jewelry as they carry low risks of allergic reactions and are safe for unhealed piercings.
Remember, the style of the temporary jewelry is not important here. Once you have the temporary jewelry in place, your piercer can guide you further on replacing it with the desired style and gauge size, if necessary. They can also offer care tips to ensure proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of putting jewelry back into an infected piercing?
It is generally safe to put jewelry back into an infected piercing. In fact, it helps prevent trapped pus and bacteria, making the infection easier to treat.
How long does it take for a piercing to heal completely?
The healing time for a piercing varies depending on the type and location. However, it typically takes several weeks to several months for a piercing to fully heal.
Can I try to reinsert the jewelry myself if the piercing has closed completely?
If the piercing has completely closed, it is best to seek professional assistance. A piercer can use a taper to reopen the piercing and ensure proper reinsertion of the jewelry.
Conclusion
If your new piercing falls out, remember to stay calm and follow the steps outlined in this article. Ensure cleanliness, consider infection risks, and try to reinsert the jewelry as soon as possible. If you encounter any difficulties or the piercing has closed, seek help from a professional piercer. They can assist you in safely reinserting the jewelry or repiercing, if necessary. By taking proper care of your piercing, you can enjoy the beautiful results for years to come.
For high-quality piercing jewelry and accessories, visit the TKTX Numbing Cream Store. Our experts are ready to assist you with all your piercing needs.
