A smiley piercing is an oral body modification placed in the frenulum, the thin band of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum line. This location, situated on a mucous membrane inside the mouth, benefits from the body’s accelerated wound-healing response present in the oral cavity. Consequently, the closure process for a smiley piercing is exceptionally fast, distinguishing it from almost all other common piercings.
The Immediate Reality of Closure
The most urgent concern for anyone removing their smiley piercing jewelry is the speed at which the opening begins to shrink, which happens nearly instantaneously. The fistula—the tube of tissue that forms around the jewelry—is constructed from delicate oral mucosa. This mucous membrane is characterized by high vascularity and rapid cellular turnover, enabling wounds in the mouth to heal much faster than on the rest of the body.
The moment the jewelry is removed, the body’s natural healing cascade is initiated, and the thin tissue of the frenulum begins contracting. For a newly established piercing, the hole can shrink so rapidly that reinsertion becomes impossible within a matter of hours. Instances are commonly reported where the opening has significantly tightened within just thirty minutes to an hour of the jewelry being out. If jewelry is lost or removed accidentally, attempt reinsertion immediately, as waiting even a few hours can necessitate a trip to a professional. If reinsertion is difficult, seek the assistance of a professional piercer within the first 12 hours. Beyond this initial window, forcing the jewelry back in risks tearing the fragile tissue, which can cause significant damage.
Factors Determining Final Closure Time
While the initial shrinkage is rapid, the time it takes for the piercing site to completely heal over is variable. The most significant factor influencing final closure time is the age of the piercing, which determines the maturity of the fistula. A piercing that is still in the initial healing phase, perhaps only a few months old, will likely close entirely within a few days or weeks once the jewelry is removed.
A piercing established for several years has a mature fistula, which is essentially a permanent tract lined with dense scar tissue. This scar tissue slows the final closure process considerably. Though the opening shrinks quickly, the mature fistula tract may take several months to fully flatten and disappear, leaving behind a small, nearly unnoticeable spot of scar tissue.
General health and meticulous oral hygiene also play a role in the ultimate closure timeline. A healthy individual with a robust immune response will experience a faster and more complete closure than someone whose healing is compromised. Consistent oral care helps keep the site clean, preventing irritation or infection that could prolong the presence of the open channel.
The Closed Piercing and Future Options
Once the frenulum tissue has fully healed over the piercing site, the area is considered completely closed. The final result is usually an inconspicuous mark or a small, flat patch of scar tissue, especially in the thin frenulum. Complete closure means the tissue is structurally sound and no longer presents an open channel.
Should a person wish to have the piercing done again after it has fully closed, re-piercing is often possible. A professional piercer must first assess the remaining scar tissue. Piercing directly through dense scar tissue can be more painful and may compromise the success of the new piercing. If the scar tissue is minimal, the piercer may opt to go through the original site.
In some cases, the piercer may choose to place the new piercing slightly offset from the original channel to ensure the needle passes through fresh, healthy tissue. This approach minimizes the risk of migration and promotes a smoother healing process. The decision to re-pierce is always made on a case-by-case basis after a thorough examination of the healed frenulum.