Nose piercings are an incredibly popular form of self-expression and personal style. They’ve been embraced by different cultures around the globe for centuries, and in recent years they’ve been gaining even more traction in Western society.
Nose piercings, embodying personal flair and cultural significance, have a firm place in modern style. However, like all body modifications, they come with their fair share of maintenance requirements. One common issue is closed piercings, which can occur if you’ve had to remove your jewelry due to work, sports, surgery, or an infection.
Having the skill to safely reopen a closed nose piercing is essential for anyone with this type of body modification. Without the right knowledge and technique, you risk causing more harm than good.
In this guide, I’ll provide the information you need to navigate this process with care.
Key Takeaways
Closed Piercings: The body naturally heals piercings, causing them to close. How long this takes depends on the age of the piercing.
Safe Reopening: Only attempt reopening if there are no signs of infection, scarring, or complications.
DIY Reopening: Reopening at home is possible if you ensure clean, sanitized conditions, and careful procedures.
Risks: Be aware of potential risks, including infection, scarring, and keloids.
Professional Help: If reopening is painful, or difficult, or the area seems infected, seek professional help immediately.
Aftercare: Ensure both short-term and long-term care for a reopened piercing. Keep it clean, handle it with clean hands, and rotate the jewelry carefully.
Professional Consultation: When in doubt, always seek professional advice.
When we say a piercing has “closed,” we essentially mean that the body has begun its natural healing process. It started to repair the puncture wound created by the piercing by producing new skin cells.
The duration it takes for a nose piercing to close can vary significantly. It largely depends on how long you’ve had the piercing. For instance, a relatively new piercing could close within hours, while a well-established one might take a week or more to fully close.
Knowing When Not To Try Reopening A Closed Nose Piercing
Understanding when it’s okay to try opening your closed nose piercing is just as important as knowing the right way to do it. Some things should make you stop and think. Like, if your piercing is swollen, hurts, or looks infected (it might be red, have pus, or feel hot), it’s clear you shouldn’t try to open it again.
If you’re not sure, always ask a professional piercer for advice. They know a lot and can help you make a safe choice, keeping you from getting hurt.
Pro Tip: Always sterilize your tools and the area around your nose before attempting to reopen a closed nose piercing to prevent infection.
Steps to Reopen A Closed Nose Piercing Safely at Home
If the piercing has only recently closed and shows no signs of infection or damage, it may be possible to safely reopen it at home. Here are the steps to follow:
Preparation:
Gather a thin piercing needle, rubbing alcohol, saline solution, a small bowl, and your nose jewelry. Make sure to sanitize everything with rubbing alcohol first. Wash your hands thoroughly as well.
Reopening:
Lubricate the needle with a bit of the saline solution. Carefully, gently, and slowly, try to insert the needle into the hole. Remember, you should never force the needle through. If you encounter resistance, stop immediately.
Post-reopening care:
After successfully reopening your piercing, wash the area with saline solution, then insert your clean jewelry. Continue cleaning the area at least twice daily with saline solution to prevent infection.
Risks and Precautions
Despite your best efforts, reopening a closed piercing can come with some risks, including infection, scarring, and even keloids. To mitigate these, always ensure your tools and hands are sanitized. Never force a piercing open, and always stop if you experience excessive pain or resistance.
When to Seek Professional Help
Not all closed piercings can or should be reopened at home. If you experience significant resistance, pain, or signs of infection, it’s time to seek professional help. Piercing specialists have the right tools and expertise to safely reopen closed piercings, reducing the risk of complications.
Care for a Reopened Nose Piercing
Short-term care:
Keep the area clean by washing with saline solution twice a day. Be sure to handle your jewelry with clean hands only.
Long-term care:
Rotate your jewelry occasionally, but be careful not to overdo it as it can cause irritation. Always keep the piercing clean, even after it’s healed.
Yes, you can re-pierce a closed nose piercing. However, it’s recommended to seek professional help to ensure it’s done safely. A professional piercer can evaluate the healed skin and choose the best course of action.
Why won’t my nose piercing go back in?
If your nose piercing won’t go back in, it’s possible that the hole has begun to close or fully closed already. This can happen if you’ve removed the jewelry for an extended period. It might also be due to a skin infection or scar tissue. If you’re struggling, it’s best to consult a professional piercer.
How do you reopen a closed piercing?
Reopening a closed piercing can be done at home if it’s partially closed and shows no sign of infection. After cleaning your hands and the area, you can try to insert the jewelry gently. If you encounter resistance or pain, stop immediately and seek professional help.
How long does it take for a nose piercing to close back up?
The time it takes for a nose piercing to close up depends on how long you’ve had the piercing. Fresh piercings can close within hours, while older ones may take a few days to weeks. Everyone’s body is different, so this varies.
Will a nose piercing close up completely?
Yes, a nose piercing can close up completely, especially if the jewelry has been removed for a considerable length of time. How quickly this happens varies from person to person and depends on the age of the piercing
Do nose piercings close up really fast?
Nose piercings, particularly newer ones, can close up quickly. It can happen within hours for a fresh piercing. Even older, well-established piercings can begin to close within a few days if the jewelry is removed.
Final Words – How To Reopen A Closed Nose Piercing
In conclusion, reopening a closed nose piercing is a delicate process that should be approached with caution. It’s important to understand the risks involved and when to seek professional assistance. Remember, your safety and health come first. Therefore, if you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to consult with a professional.
Camila Luna is a passionate jewelry enthusiast and content creator at Miami Jewelry Co. With a focus on providing high-quality, Miami-style jewelry, Camila and her team specialize in a wide range of jewelry that includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more
