A nose piercing that appears to be “sinking” or “swallowing” the jewelry is known as embedding or nesting. This occurs when the skin tissue begins to grow over the end of the jewelry, making the decorative top or back piece disappear partially or completely into the piercing site. While this can cause discomfort, it is a physical reaction that is usually manageable. Understanding the reasons why this happens is the first step toward resolving the problem and preventing its recurrence.
Understanding Why Jewelry Sinks or Embeds
The primary reason a nose piercing embeds is a mismatch between the jewelry length and the body’s natural healing response, particularly swelling. A fresh piercing is essentially an open wound, and the body reacts to this trauma by initiating an inflammatory response. This response includes localized swelling around the piercing channel. The initial jewelry must be long enough to accommodate this expected swelling, allowing space between the jewelry end and the tissue surface.
If the jewelry post is too short, the swollen tissue presses against the flat back or decorative end, pushing the jewelry deeper into the skin. This pressure creates a small indentation. If the swelling persists, the tissue can completely grow over the jewelry’s end as the body attempts to heal over the foreign object.
Beyond the initial healing phase, irritation from external factors can cause secondary swelling that leads to embedding. Physical trauma, such as snagging the jewelry on clothing or sleeping on the piercing, can re-introduce swelling. This constant friction creates chronic irritation, which the body mitigates by producing more tissue, sometimes leading to hypertrophic scarring that pushes the jewelry inward.
The gauge, or thickness, of the jewelry can also be a factor, though less significant than length. Jewelry that is too thin allows the piercing hole to contract excessively, making it easier for the skin to close over a small decorative end. Using low-quality materials that cause an allergic reaction can also trigger inflammation, exacerbating swelling and leading to embedding.
Immediate Steps When Embedding Occurs
When you notice your jewelry sinking, first assess the severity of the embedding. If the jewelry is only partially sunken, creating a small dent but still movable and visible, the situation is less severe. If the jewelry is completely covered by the skin, or if the area is hot, severely painful, or discharging thick, colored fluid, it is a medical concern.
Never attempt to forcefully pull or yank out jewelry that is fully embedded. Forcing the jewelry out can cause significant tearing of the tissue and severe trauma to the piercing channel. This increases the risk of infection and scarring, turning a manageable issue into a serious injury requiring medical attention.
For a partially sunken piercing, attempt to reduce the inflammation by applying a cold compress for a few minutes. Also perform a sterile saline soak or spray using a solution of purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride. Reducing the swelling can sometimes release the pressure on the jewelry, allowing it to move forward slightly.
If the jewelry is completely swallowed by the skin, or if at-home swelling reduction fails, professional intervention is necessary. Contact a professional piercer immediately, as they are trained to safely and sterilely remove and replace jewelry. A piercer can use specialized tools to gently release the embedded end and insert a significantly longer post to accommodate the swelling.
If the jewelry is deeply embedded, or if you suspect a serious infection characterized by fever or spreading redness, seek medical attention from a doctor. In severe cases, the skin may have completely closed over the jewelry head, requiring a minor surgical procedure for safe removal. A doctor can also prescribe antibiotics if an infection is present, which is beyond the scope of a piercing professional.
Long-Term Prevention and Proper Jewelry Selection
Preventing embedding begins with the initial jewelry selection, prioritizing proper sizing over aesthetics. A professional piercer uses a longer post, typically a flat-back labret stud, to provide ample space for the initial swelling phase, which can last for several weeks. This extra length ensures that the tissue never presses against the jewelry ends, even at the peak of the inflammatory response.
Once the initial swelling has subsided, generally four to eight weeks after the piercing, the jewelry must be downsized by a piercer. Downsizing involves replacing the long post with a shorter, snug-fitting piece. Leaving the initial long jewelry in place for too long leads to irritation from excessive movement and snagging, causing new swelling and a renewed risk of embedding.
The material of the jewelry plays a significant role in minimizing irritation. Implant-grade materials, such as titanium, niobium, or solid 14k or 18k gold, are recommended because they are inert and less likely to cause a reaction. These materials minimize the body’s inflammatory response, reducing the likelihood of prolonged swelling that causes the skin to grow over the jewelry.
Long-term aftercare requires minimizing physical trauma to the piercing site. This includes being mindful of how you sleep, avoiding contact with makeup or harsh chemicals, and using a clean paper product to gently pat the area dry after cleaning. Recognizing early warning signs, such as a persistent indentation around the jewelry end, allows you to consult a piercer for an immediate jewelry change before full embedding occurs.