The primary way to prevent a piercing from closing is to consistently wear jewelry in it, especially while it's still healing.
Here’s a breakdown of how to care for a piercing you want to keep from closing:
Keeping a Piercing Open
- Wear Jewelry Consistently: The most crucial step is to keep jewelry in the piercing. The body will naturally try to close the hole if it's empty.
- Consider Skin Tone Jewelry or a Glass Retainer: If you need to hide the piercing for professional or other reasons, opt for skin-toned jewelry or a glass retainer. These options are discreet while still maintaining the piercing's opening.
- Don't Remove Jewelry Prematurely: Avoid removing the jewelry entirely until the piercing is fully healed. This healing process can take weeks or even months, depending on the location of the piercing. Removing jewelry too early greatly increases the risk of closure.
What to Do if You Must Remove Jewelry
- Wear It Periodically: If you must remove jewelry for a short period, try to reinsert it as soon as possible. Even wearing it for a few hours a day can help prevent closure.
- Gradually Increase Time Without Jewelry (Once Healed): If your piercing is fully healed, you might be able to gradually increase the amount of time you leave the jewelry out without it closing. However, some piercings close faster than others, and some individuals are more prone to closure.
- Be Prepared for Difficulty Reinserting: If you've left jewelry out for a while, you might encounter some resistance when trying to reinsert it. Use a water-based lubricant to ease insertion, and if you cannot get the jewelry back in, see a professional piercer for assistance. Do not force it.
Important Considerations
- Healing Time: Remember that even seemingly healed piercings can shrink or close quickly if left without jewelry. The healing time varies from person to person and piercing to piercing.
- Professional Advice: Consult with a professional piercer for personalized advice and aftercare instructions. They can assess your specific piercing and provide the best guidance.
- Piercing Location: Some piercing locations are more prone to closure than others. For example, cartilage piercings tend to be more sensitive and might close faster if jewelry is removed.
In short, consistent wear of jewelry is essential. Don't remove it prematurely, and if you must, reinsert it regularly.
