A nose piercing that has been removed, even for a short time, will often begin to close immediately. This natural biological process occurs because the body recognizes the piercing channel, known as a fistula, as an open wound it needs to heal. When the jewelry is missing, the surrounding tissue, especially the fast-regenerating mucous membrane inside the nostril, starts to contract the opening. For a piercing that has only been out for a few hours or days, it may be possible to gently reintroduce the jewelry at home. This guide will provide the steps for attempting to reopen a partially closed nostril piercing.
Safety First: Assessing the Closure and Identifying Red Flags
The success of reinserting jewelry depends entirely on whether the piercing is merely shrunken or fully closed. A shrunken channel still has a tunnel of tissue that can be gently stretched, while a fully closed piercing means the tissue has healed and sealed together. Trying to force a piece of jewelry through a sealed channel will only cause trauma and create a false passage, which can lead to infection or permanent scarring.
Before proceeding, assess the piercing site for red flags that indicate a professional piercer or medical attention is required. You must abandon the at-home attempt if you observe any signs of active infection, including persistent pain, swelling, redness, or a throbbing sensation.
Infection is also suggested by thick, yellow, green, or dark discharge, especially if accompanied by heat. Pushing jewelry through an infected site introduces bacteria deeper into the tissue. Stop immediately if you notice a keloid (fibrous scar tissue) or a large irritation bump.
Consider the age of the piercing and how long the jewelry has been absent. Piercings less than a year old can close quickly, sometimes within minutes, because the fistula walls are immature. If the jewelry has been out for more than a week, or if you feel significant resistance when lightly probing the opening, visit a professional piercer. They use sterile tools, like insertion tapers, to safely guide the channel open with minimal trauma.
Essential Preparation and Sterilization Steps
Proper hygiene is paramount to prevent introducing pathogens into the piercing channel. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, and then dry them with a fresh, clean paper towel. Ideally, you should wear disposable, sterile gloves throughout the entire procedure to minimize the risk of contamination.
Gather the jewelry and sterile saline solution. The jewelry should be non-reactive (like titanium or surgical steel) and have a smooth surface. Clean the jewelry by soaking or spraying it with the sterile saline solution to ensure no debris is present.
Prepare the piercing site by gently cleaning the exterior and interior of the nostril with sterile saline solution and a clean cotton swab or gauze. This removes crust, oils, or dead skin cells blocking the channel entrance. Avoid cotton balls, as their fibers can unravel and cause irritation.
Never use harsh antiseptic agents like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or antibacterial ointments on the piercing. These chemicals damage delicate healing tissue and disrupt the biological environment. The goal is to prepare a clean path for the jewelry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reinserting Jewelry
Apply sterile saline solution or a water-based lubricant to the tip of the jewelry before insertion. Lubrication helps the jewelry glide smoothly through the shrunken channel, reducing friction and the possibility of tearing the tissue. For nostril piercings, use a flat-back labret or jewelry with a slightly pointed tip to find the channel.
Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting and gently pull the skin around your nostril taut to visualize the opening. Align the tip of the jewelry with the exterior opening. Since nostril piercings are rarely perpendicular to the skin, you may need to insert the jewelry at a slight downward or side angle to match the fistula’s original path.
Begin applying light, steady pressure. If the channel is only shrunken, you should feel the jewelry begin to thread through. A gentle twisting or corkscrew motion can sometimes help the tip navigate the channel.
If the jewelry stops or meets resistance quickly, the closure is likely inside the nostril. The mucous membrane heals fast, often forming a thin layer of skin blocking the exit. Use a clean finger inside the nostril to gently feel for the jewelry tip or the inner opening.
Try to guide the jewelry from the inside with your finger while applying light pressure from the outside. If you cannot feel the tip or if the jewelry will not pass through the internal obstruction with minimal effort, you must stop immediately. Any attempt to force the jewelry will result in significant bleeding, swelling, and the creation of a painful false piercing channel.
Only proceed if the jewelry slides through the channel with little discomfort. Once fully through, secure the backing or end piece carefully. The area may feel slightly tender or warm, which is a normal reaction to mild tissue manipulation.
Post-Procedure Care and When to Seek Professional Help
After successful reinsertion, treat the piercing like a new wound for several weeks. Follow a diligent aftercare routine to prevent irritation and infection. Clean the piercing with sterile saline solution twice daily, using a gentle spray or a saturated clean cotton swab to cleanse both the exterior and interior openings.
Avoid touching, twisting, or rotating the jewelry, as this disturbs healing tissue and slows recovery. Do not submerge your face in bodies of water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or lakes for at least three to four weeks. Water often harbors bacteria that can easily be introduced into the vulnerable channel.
Expect minor localized redness, slight swelling, or a small amount of clear or pale yellow discharge for the first few days; this is the body’s normal inflammatory response. However, if pain or swelling increases after forty-eight hours, or if redness spreads, this suggests a problem. Persistent heat, a dark discharge, or a fever indicate infection and require consultation with a healthcare provider.
If your at-home attempt failed, or if the jewelry falls out shortly after reinsertion, do not try repeatedly. Consult a professional piercer instead. They can properly assess the channel and use specialized tools to reopen it, or advise on repiercing once the site is fully healed. A professional can determine if the original channel can be safely preserved.