Removing the initial nose piercing requires care because the jewelry is designed to be secure and accommodate swelling. This process must be handled gently to avoid damaging the newly formed tissue, known as the fistula, which lines the piercing channel. Understanding the correct procedure ensures a smooth transition to a new piece of jewelry.
When Is It Safe to Remove the Initial Piercing?
The most important factor in a safe removal is ensuring the piercing is fully healed, which for a standard nostril piercing typically takes a minimum of four to six months. This period allows the internal tissue to stabilize and gain strength, minimizing the risk of tearing or irritation during jewelry removal. Removing the jewelry too early can cause trauma, introduce bacteria, or trap an existing infection, potentially leading to permanent scarring or a prolonged healing timeline.
A fully healed piercing will exhibit specific signs: the tissue around the jewelry returns to its natural skin tone, and there should be no tenderness, swelling, or heat. A healed piercing should not produce any discharge, crusting, or fluid accumulation. If you observe persistent redness, pain, yellow or green pus, or a noticeable bump (granuloma), the piercing may be irritated or infected, and removal should be postponed until a professional piercer or physician can assess the issue.
Preparation and Hygiene Protocol
Before beginning the removal process, a hygiene protocol is mandatory to prevent introducing pathogens into the piercing site. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, and consider wearing sterile disposable gloves for better grip. Necessary supplies include sterile saline wound wash or warm water, and clean non-fibrous gauze or cotton swabs.
Preparing the tissue helps soften any dried lymphatic fluid or debris adhering the jewelry to the skin. Hold a warm compress, such as gauze soaked in sterile saline solution, against the piercing for five to ten minutes. This soaking action loosens any crusting, allowing the jewelry to move more freely and reducing friction as it passes through the piercing channel. Never attempt to remove jewelry that feels stuck or dry, as this can easily tear the delicate tissue.
Step-by-Step Removal Techniques
The method for removal depends entirely on the style of your initial jewelry, as each is secured differently to prevent accidental loss during healing.
Nose Screw/Corkscrew
The nose screw has a post that curves into a partial spiral shape inside the nostril. To remove it, gently push the decorative front inward until the bent section becomes visible inside the nostril. Using a clean finger or sterile glove, carefully rotate the jewelry, following the natural curve of the corkscrew to unwind it from the piercing channel. This motion should be slow and deliberate, coaxing the spiral out without forcing it straight.
L-Bend Stud
An L-bend stud has a post bent at a ninety-degree angle, creating an L-shape that sits against the inside wall of the nostril. To remove it, stabilize the outside of the nostril with one hand and gently push the decorative top inward until the short inside leg of the ‘L’ is visible. Once the bend is exposed, carefully pull the jewelry out, angling it slightly to match the L-bend shape as it exits the piercing. You may feel a slight pinch as the corner passes through the fistula.
Flat Back Labret (Threadless/Push-Pin)
The flat back labret consists of a decorative front (pin) held into a backing post by tension. To remove it, you must first separate the front piece from the post. Stabilize the flat back disc inside the nostril with one finger. With the other hand, grip the decorative front piece and pull it straight outward. The front pin should release with a firm, straight pull, leaving the post in place to be removed by sliding it straight out of the piercing channel.
Immediate Aftercare and Jewelry Insertion
Once the initial jewelry is removed, the piercing site must be cleaned immediately with sterile saline solution to clear debris and reduce irritation. The piercing channel, or fistula, can begin to shrink or close up within minutes, so the new jewelry should be clean and ready for insertion beforehand. To facilitate a smooth insertion, apply a small amount of water-based lubricant or sterile saline solution to the tip of the new jewelry. Gently and slowly guide the new post through the piercing, avoiding forceful pushing that could cause micro-tears. If you encounter significant resistance or pain, stop immediately, as this indicates the channel may be closing or the jewelry is misaligned.
If you choose to retire the piercing permanently, continue cleaning the area twice daily with sterile saline until the hole has visibly closed. Refrain from applying makeup or harsh skincare products to the site for at least two to three weeks.