A nose piercing “sinking” occurs when the jewelry’s decorative end or backing disc gets absorbed into the surrounding tissue. This process is medically termed “embedding,” meaning the skin is starting to grow around the jewelry. It signals that the piercing site is under distress and requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications. Understanding the underlying cause helps in addressing the problem quickly and effectively.
Understanding Why Piercings Sink or Embed
The most frequent cause of embedding is the body’s natural inflammatory response following the initial procedure. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process where fluid rushes to the pierced area. If the post of the jewelry is not long enough to accommodate this initial swelling, the tissue expands quickly and presses against the ends, causing the jewelry to become trapped. A simple lack of length on the barbell is often the direct mechanical reason for embedding.
Embedding can also occur later in the healing cycle due to prolonged irritation or trauma. Accidental snagging on clothing, aggressive cleaning, or sleeping directly on the jewelry can re-injure the site, causing renewed swelling. This renewed inflammation can lead to jewelry, which may have been perfectly sized previously, becoming too short again. Issues with the piercing angle or jewelry material also contribute, as chronic irritation from low-quality metal or a poorly positioned piercing encourages tissue overgrowth.
Immediate Action and Recognizing Emergencies
When you notice your piercing sinking, the first step is to assess the severity of the situation. Minor sinking, often called “nesting,” means the jewelry creates a slight indentation but remains fully visible and movable. True embedding means the tissue is completely swallowing the jewelry end, making it inaccessible. If the jewelry is only slightly sunken, gently clean the area with a sterile saline solution and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If the jewelry is difficult or impossible to move, or if the skin has completely covered the decorative end, this is considered a serious emergency. Contact a professional piercer immediately so they can safely insert a longer post before the tissue fully heals over the jewelry. Attempting to forcefully remove or change the jewelry yourself can cause severe trauma and introduce bacteria into the wound.
Seek medical attention from a doctor if you observe signs of a severe infection alongside the embedding. Symptoms include a noticeable increase in pain, warmth radiating from the site, excessive spreading redness, or thick, yellowish or greenish discharge. A fever is a sign of a systemic infection, requiring a medical professional to prescribe oral antibiotics.
The Role of Jewelry in Sinking and Prevention
Preventing embedding relies on using the correct jewelry from the start. Initial piercings require a longer post, typically a straight labret stud, to provide ample space for expected swelling. This length ensures the jewelry does not press into the healing tissue, which is the primary cause of embedding.
Once initial swelling subsides, generally between four to eight weeks for a nostril piercing, it is necessary to “downsize” the jewelry. Downsizing involves replacing the long post with a shorter, custom-fitted one that sits flush against the skin. Failure to downsize allows the extra length to move excessively, causing irritation from snagging or shifting, which can trigger swelling and lead to sinking later.
The jewelry material also plays a significant preventative role. Only biocompatible materials should be used, such as implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136), niobium, or solid 14k or 18k gold. These materials resist corrosion and minimize allergic reactions, preventing chronic inflammation. Choosing a flat-back stud is also recommended for the initial healing phase.