Flat back earrings, often called labret studs, are a popular style of body jewelry designed for comfort and security, particularly in cartilage piercings. The flat disc rests flush against the skin, minimizing irritation and snagging. This secure design can make removal tricky for first-time wearers. Flat back jewelry uses one of two primary mechanisms: a screw-in (threaded) system or a friction-fit (threadless) system. Only attempt removal if the piercing is fully healed, unless directed otherwise by a medical professional.
Essential Preparation Before Attempting Removal
Removal must begin with meticulous hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria into the piercing channel. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, ensuring fingernails are cleaned. Dry your hands completely with a fresh paper towel, as even healed piercings are vulnerable to infection.
Gathering a few simple items can improve your grip and ease removal. Clean, thin nitrile or latex gloves provide traction, especially if the jewelry is small or slippery. Have a piece of sterile gauze or a clean tissue nearby for a better hold on the decorative front of the earring.
Before attempting removal, stabilize the flat back disc against the skin. Use your non-dominant hand to gently hold the flat plate on the back of the piercing, anchoring it firmly. Stabilizing the post prevents the jewelry from moving within the piercing tract, which reduces irritation and allows your dominant hand to focus on manipulating the front piece.
How to Remove Threaded Flat Back Earrings
Threaded flat back earrings function like a miniature screw, where the decorative top fastens directly into the post. Threads may be internal (inside the post) or external (on the outside). Regardless of the threading type, removal requires a careful unscrewing motion.
Firmly stabilize the flat back disc with your non-dominant hand, keeping it pressed against the skin. Use the index finger and thumb of your dominant hand to grasp the decorative front piece. Apply gentle, consistent pressure to maintain your grip on the small surface area.
Rotate the decorative end counter-clockwise (“lefty loosey”) to disengage the threads from the post. Because the threads are fine, the initial turn might require a small amount of force to break the seal. Continue turning the front piece until it completely unscrews.
Once the decorative top is separated, gently slide the post and the attached flat disc out of the piercing. Avoid pulling or yanking the post, as this can irritate the tissue or cause micro-tears. If the piece feels stiff, a slight wiggling motion can help the post slide out smoothly.
How to Remove Threadless Flat Back Earrings
Threadless flat back earrings, also known as push-pin style jewelry, rely on tension and friction rather than a screw mechanism. The decorative top has a thin, slightly bent pin that is pushed into the hollow post, and the resulting friction holds the two pieces together. This design is often favored for its ease of insertion.
To remove this jewelry, maintain a stable grip on both the decorative front and the flat back disc simultaneously. Anchor the flat back disc firmly against the skin with one hand to prevent the post from moving. With your other hand, hold the front end of the jewelry, ready to pull it straight out.
The removal process involves pulling the decorative top directly away from the post without any twisting motion. Apply a steady, firm force to overcome the tension securing the pin inside the post. It is common to feel a distinct pop as the pin releases.
If the piece is secure, try gently wiggling the decorative top from side to side while pulling outward to loosen the tension. This movement can help break the friction bond between the pin and the post. Since threadless jewelry is designed to be highly secure, a noticeable amount of force is usually necessary for separation.
Addressing Stuck Jewelry and When to Seek Help
Flat back earrings can become stuck due to a buildup of dead skin cells and oils around the connection point, or slight tissue swelling. If the jewelry resists removal after a few gentle attempts, stop applying excessive force immediately. Aggressively twisting or pulling can cause trauma to the piercing site, leading to pain and potential bleeding.
Improving your grip is a simple troubleshooting step; gloves or a clean paper towel can be effective. If grip is not the issue, apply a small amount of sterile saline solution or a gentle lubricant like petroleum jelly directly to the connection point. Massaging the lubricant gently can help dissolve accumulated debris and allow the components to slide apart.
Swelling is a common cause of a stuck post; applying a clean, warm compress for a few minutes can help reduce inflammation before attempting removal. If the piercing site is significantly red, hot, or painful, or if the flat back disc appears to be embedding into the skin, discontinue all attempts at home removal. These signs indicate a complication, such as infection or severe irritation.
If the jewelry is embedded, or if you cannot manage removal after using gentle troubleshooting methods, the safest course of action is to visit a professional piercer. Piercers have specialized tools, such as taper pins and forceps, designed to safely remove stubborn jewelry without damaging the piercing. Consult a medical professional immediately if there are signs of a severe infection.