Removing a nipple piercing, whether due to preference or complications, often raises questions about the long-term appearance of the tissue. The body’s response to jewelry removal is a dynamic biological process that depends on how long the piercing was established. Understanding the stages of tissue repair provides a clear expectation of what happens when the jewelry is taken out.
The Immediate Healing Process After Removal
When jewelry is removed, the body immediately initiates surface closure through a process called epithelialization. Skin cells migrate across the opening to seal the wound. For a new or healthy piercing, the entry and exit points can visibly close within hours to a day, preventing foreign material from entering deeper tissue.
This initial closure is superficial; the skin surface seals over, but the internal channel remains open longer. This phase protects the underlying tissue from the external environment. After the surface seals, the tissue inside the former piercing site begins the slower process of remodeling.
Key Factors Determining Full Closure
Whether the piercing fully closes depends on the age and establishment of the internal tunnel, known as a fistula. A fistula is a tract of scar tissue lined with epithelial cells that forms around the jewelry. Piercings less than six to twelve months old are not fully healed and are highly likely to close completely as the body absorbs the nascent fistula.
In contrast, a piercing that has been in place for several years has a mature, stable fistula that is far less likely to disappear entirely. While the channel will shrink significantly, it may not fully revert to unpierced tissue. Secondary factors, such as the initial gauge size of the jewelry, also play a role. A larger diameter piercing creates a more substantial fistula that resists closure. The resulting tissue may feel like a small, firm cord under the skin.
Addressing Scarring and Permanent Marks
Even after the channel closes, the body’s repair process leaves a mark on the skin’s surface. This is often visible as a small indentation or a slight change in pigmentation where the jewelry exited. This minor mark is a form of dermal remodeling and is the most common aesthetic outcome.
More noticeable marks result from excessive scar tissue formation. A hypertrophic scar is a raised, red scar that stays within the boundaries of the original wound, often developing if the piercing was irritated or infected. Less commonly, some individuals may develop a keloid, a firm, raised scar that grows beyond the original piercing site. These raised scars are sometimes treated with corticosteroid injections or silicone scar sheets to help reduce their visibility.
Handling Post-Removal Complications
Removing jewelry from a healthy piercing is typically straightforward and complication-free. If the piercing is actively infected, however, removal introduces a significant risk. The fast-sealing surface layer of the skin can trap bacteria and pus within the deeper tissue.
This complication can lead to the formation of an abscess, a localized pocket of infection that is more difficult to treat than a surface infection.
Signs of a trapped infection include increasing pain, localized heat, significant redness, and a thick, discolored discharge. If an infection is suspected, consult a medical professional before removing the jewelry. The jewelry may need to remain in place to act as a drain for the infection.