Changing your nipple jewelry is an exciting step that should only be attempted once the piercing is completely healed. This process typically takes a minimum of six months, though it is strongly recommended to wait nine to twelve months to ensure the fistula, the healed tissue lining the piercing channel, is fully mature. Attempting to change the jewelry prematurely risks severe irritation, tissue damage, and infection, significantly setting back the healing timeline. This guide provides the necessary steps to safely replace your jewelry only if your piercing is stable, pain-free, and showing no signs of discharge or swelling.
Essential Preparation and Timing
The prerequisite for a safe jewelry change is confirming the piercing has reached full maturity, which provides a resilient channel for the new jewelry. Before beginning, thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, then dry them completely with a clean paper towel. This prevents the transfer of microorganisms to the piercing site.
Next, prepare the new jewelry and any tools. New jewelry should be sterilized by soaking it in saline solution or gently washing it with mild, unscented soap and rinsing it with distilled water. When selecting new jewelry, choose implant-grade materials such as ASTM F136 titanium or surgical stainless steel, as these are highly biocompatible for long-term wear.
How to Remove Existing Jewelry
The technique for removal depends entirely on the type of jewelry currently in place. For threaded barbells, firmly grasp the barbell post with one hand to stabilize it and prevent rotation within the fistula. With your other hand, unscrew one of the ball ends using a counter-clockwise motion, applying gentle pressure. If the ball is stuck, clean rubber gloves can provide the necessary grip and friction.
If the barbell is externally threaded, be cautious when sliding the jewelry out to avoid scraping the tissue with the exposed threading. Internally threaded jewelry is preferred because the threads are contained within the post, presenting a smooth surface to the piercing channel upon removal. Captive bead rings (CBRs) require a different approach, where the small bead holding the ring closed is removed first. You can remove the bead by applying outward pressure on the ring while gripping the bead, or by using sterilized ring-opening pliers.
Inserting New Nipple Jewelry
Before attempting insertion, apply a small amount of water-based lubricant or a sterile saline solution to the tip of the new jewelry to reduce friction. This lubrication allows the jewelry to glide smoothly through the fistula, minimizing the risk of causing micro-tears. Gently align the new jewelry with the opening of the piercing channel and begin to guide it through with slow, deliberate movements.
For barbells, once the tip is through, use one hand to push the post while the other guides the emerging end. If you are struggling to find the exit hole, a specialized insertion taper—a smooth, tapered tool—can be threaded onto the new jewelry and used to lead it through the channel. Once the barbell is fully seated, secure the decorative end or ball by screwing it clockwise onto the post until it is snug. Threadless jewelry is secured by inserting the bent pin into the post and pressing it firmly until the tension holds it in place.
Immediate Aftercare and Safety Checks
After successfully inserting the new jewelry, clean the area immediately with a final gentle rinse of sterile saline solution to clear away any lubricant or minor debris. This helps to soothe the tissue and prevent immediate post-change irritation. For the next few days, treat the piercing as you would a fully healed one, but pay close attention to its reaction.
Monitoring for potential complications is important. You should check the area for excessive redness, increased swelling, throbbing pain, or any discharge that is thick, discolored, or foul-smelling, as these are signs of irritation or a possible infection. If the area becomes significantly irritated or if you are unable to secure the new jewelry, consult a professional piercer immediately. If signs of a serious infection develop, seeking medical attention is necessary.