Discovering that jewelry no longer slides easily into place is a common frustration for those with body piercings. A piercing does not typically close completely in a short time. Instead, the internal channel, known as the fistula, begins to shrink without the physical presence of jewelry to keep it open. This natural shrinkage makes reinsertion difficult, especially for newer piercings. Safely reopening a shrunken piercing requires careful assessment and a gentle, methodical approach to avoid causing trauma.
Assessing If the Piercing Can Be Reopened
Before attempting reinsertion, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the piercing site is necessary to ensure safety. Success is most likely if the jewelry has been out for a relatively short time, such as a few days to a few weeks. Look closely for a visible dimple or small opening on both the front and back of the earlobe or cartilage, suggesting the fistula is still present but constricted.
Do not proceed if the area exhibits signs of an active infection, including marked redness, significant swelling, intense pain, or the discharge of thick, yellowish-green pus. If you feel a hard, dense lump of tissue, this may indicate substantial scar tissue or a fully sealed fistula, which is not manageable at home. Only if the piercing site looks generally healthy, with no excessive tenderness or drainage, should you consider a gentle reinsertion attempt.
Step-by-Step Guide for Reinserting Jewelry
Preparation and Lubrication
The process begins with meticulous preparation to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria. Always wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching the piercing or jewelry. Clean the ear and the jewelry using a sterile saline solution or a mild, pH-neutral soap, ensuring all residues are rinsed away.
To make the reinsertion attempt smoother, soften the tissue first. Taking a warm shower or applying a warm compress for a few minutes can increase tissue pliability. Apply a small amount of sterile, water-based lubricant or a piercing-safe oil to the piercing site and the tip of the jewelry to reduce friction.
Insertion Technique
Selecting the correct jewelry is crucial, as a piece with a small gauge and a smooth, tapered end is best suited for navigating a shrunken opening. Slowly begin to insert the jewelry, applying only gentle, consistent pressure while searching for the correct angle through the piercing channel. You may need to slightly wiggle the post or change the angle multiple times to find the path of the original fistula. A mild, brief discomfort is sometimes expected, but any sharp pain, immediate bleeding, or significant resistance indicates you should stop immediately.
Recognizing When Professional Assistance is Necessary
A self-attempt at re-opening a piercing must be abandoned if gentle attempts result in bleeding, noticeable swelling, or if the jewelry will not pass through with minimal force. Continuing to push will only cause trauma and potential infection. Forcing an earring can create a false passage or tear the existing fistula, which significantly increases healing complications.
If you are unable to reinsert the jewelry, consult a professional piercer, not a medical doctor. A piercer can examine the site and often use a specialized tool called an insertion taper. This blunt tool gradually increases in diameter, allowing the piercer to gently re-stretch the existing fistula to the jewelry’s size without tearing the tissue. If the piercing is completely sealed with scar tissue, the piercer will advise on re-piercing the area once the site is fully healed. Conversely, if you suspect an infection due to pain, heat, or pus, a medical doctor is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. Once successfully re-opened, treat the piercing like a new one for several weeks, keeping the jewelry in place and maintaining a cleaning regimen with sterile saline solution.