How to change your piercing?

Rédigé par : Naald Piercing | Dernière mise à jour : 14 Dec 24

You want to change your piercing for the first time and you want to do it yourself but you don't know exactly how to do it? Be careful, the ideal will still be to go see your piercer if it is your first piercing but let's suppose that for some reason X or Y, it is not possible for you to go there. So we will explain to you how to change your piercing jewelry safely.

First of all, you need to know one thing: you don't change your piercing during the first weeks of the healing phase. Unless your piercer advises otherwise, you will generally have to wait at least 2 to 3 months, depending on the piercing, before changing it. This duration is obviously indicative and may vary depending on the location, if your piercing is located on the cartilage of the ear, like a helix, your navel, your nipple or even your nose, this period may be more or less long.

We'll walk you through the piercing change process step by step. From preparation to practice to tips to minimize discomfort, you'll learn everything you need to safely perform your piercing change.

Ready to take the plunge? Hold on tight, because it's up to you to make sure everything goes well.

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Why change a piercing?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your piercing . You may want to:

  • Update your look with a new style
  • Continue healing with titanium jewelry instead of steel
  • Replacing damaged or lost jewelry
  • Try on a piece of jewelry of a different size or shape
  • Relieve irritation caused by a material you are allergic to
  • Change the fitting jewelry/prosthesis you have had for months

Before changing your piercing, it is crucial to make sure that the piercing is completely healed. Changing a piece of jewelry too early can interrupt the healing process and cause complications.

Information Do not hesitate to ask your piercer for advice before changing any jewelry if you have the slightest doubt.

When is it safe to change a piercing?

Healing time varies depending on the location of the piercing and your overall health. In general, it is recommended to wait at least 2-3 months after your piercing before changing your jewelry. However, some piercings, such as helix or ear cartilage piercings, may require up to 6 months of healing to fully heal.

How to Change a Piercing: Step by Step

Following the steps below will help you change your piercing safely and effectively.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need on hand. This includes:

  • A new piece of jewelry (Attention: Make sure you note how your piece of jewelry closes BEFORE. Is it an internal or external screw thread? Is it a clip-on hinge?)
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Sterile compresses (non-woven, preferably)
  • Saline solution or physiological serum for cleaning

It is crucial to ensure that your hands and the jewelry are clean to minimize the risk of infection.

Step 2: Removing the current jewelry

With clean hands, gently remove the current jewelry. Be gentle and patient to avoid irritating or injuring the pierced area.

Information Reminder: Screw in a clockwise direction and unscrew in the opposite direction.

Step 3: Cleaning the piercing area and the new jewelry

Thoroughly clean the pierced area and the new jewelry with a compress soaked in saline solution and/or physiological serum.

We don't rub our ears like a brute, but we dab them delicately.

Step 4: Inserting the new jewel

This is the most “critical” part, be patient and focused.

Gently insert the new jewelry into the piercing, paying attention to the angle you are taking. Your piercing should insert very easily, without any feeling of friction. If this is the case, it is probably because you are not approaching the hole of your piercing at the right angle, precisely.

Be patient and gentle to avoid irritating the skin or causing pain. Above all, do not force it at any time. If you force your new jewelry in, all you will get is a few more weeks of healing in the best case scenario. Potentially rejection or infection in the worst case scenario.

What to do in case of complications?

If you experience any complications after changing your piercing, it is important to consult your piercer. The most common complications can include:

  • Redness, swelling, or pain in the pierced area
  • Light bleeding
  • Pus discharge from piercing
  • Fever or chills

If you observe these symptoms, consult a health professional immediately.

Tips for Piercing Care

To care for your piercing and prevent infections, follow these tips:

  • Clean the piercing regularly with saline solution or physiological serum.
  • Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
  • Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.
  • Avoid swimming in non-chlorinated pools or other potentially contaminated water sources.
  • Also avoid humid areas such as SPAs and Jacuzzis.

Conclusion

Changing a piercing can be a simple and safe process if you follow the proper steps and take care of your piercing. Going without your piercer is never a good idea, but if you take the time to do things properly, you shouldn't have any major problems.

Always make sure your piercing is completely healed before changing the jewelry and consult a professional if you encounter any complications. If you have any doubts or are unsure, go see your piercer!

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