Feeling rejected by your piercing? Don’t take it personally, as piercing rejection is more common than you think. In fact, it even happens to celebrities like Cardi B who is not afraid to share a thing or two via her instagram. The 27-year old showed how a recent piece of jewellery was hanging off her skin with just a small part of it still attached to her chest. This is known as piercing rejection and it’s interesting as you can have two in the very same area and only one of them shows signs of rejection. So why does it happen and what can you do about it? Whilst most of the time, piercing your body with jewellery is perfectly suitable, sometimes a piercing may be rejected by the body which can be uncomfortable and potentially cause scarring. Finding this out early can reduce the amount of scarring you will have and damage to the skin. The very nature of piercing is penetrating the skin with something foreign, meaning the body has the potential to see it as harmful and reject it. While done with pristine hygiene and sterilisation, whenever the skin is pierced or broken there is a small risk of infection, scarring or an allergic reaction. The body's immune system can see the jewellery as a foreign object and reject it. Signs that a piercing is being rejected or otherwise known as ‘migrating’ include: To reduce the risk of a piercing rejection, it’s important to choose a qualified practitioner - go for someone who does this as a core part of their business, as experience counts. They must use high quality jewellery and practice proper piercing aftercare. Be aware of the practitioners’ sterilisation and safety measures as they should be using an autoclave for their sterilising equipment (you can ask artists when you enquire). Ensure you are confident they practice good hygiene as it can help lower the risk of infection which can lead to piercing rejection. Of course, beyond that, much of the potential to be rejected depends on the body’s immune system and sometimes the type of piercing as some piercings tend to reject more than others. Surface piercings such as eyebrows, neck, nipple and wrist tend to be rejected more easily than other piercings. That’s because they do not travel directly through the body, but rather along an area of skin because the jewellery is puncturing only a small amount of the skin’s surface. They are more prone to rejection because it’s easier for the body to push the jewellery out of a small amount of skin. By comparison, a non-surface piercing such as an earlobe, ear cartilage, lip or tongue do not reject as they pierce all the way through from one side to the other. Aftercare is incredibly important to ensure healthy healing and no rejection -don’t use harsh cleansers or alcohol as they can irritate the skin. It’s important to keep the area clean with a sterile saline solution as recommended by the professional piercer and be sure not to bump it as it can also cause irritation and therefore rejection. If you notice signs of rejection and you can safely remove the piercing, then do so immediately and contact the piercer. If you leave the jewellery in, it increases your chances of scarring further and may prevent you from ever being able to have a piercing in the same area. Sometimes the use of a thicker gauge jewellery item or a different shape or type of metal can make the world of difference to success. Fear not, if you experience a piercing rejection you will recover without any major health issues but it’s most important to be aware that you may have some mild scarring and it may not be possible to get a piercing in the same place again. At Celebrity Ink™, we have professional piercers for you to make an appointment with today for expert advice on body piercings.What is piercing rejection?
What are the symptoms?
What can help reduce the chances of a piercing rejection?
What types of piercings are more susceptible?
Follow the aftercare plan
What to do if you notice signs of piercing rejection
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As a seasoned expert in the field of body piercing and modification, my extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience and a profound passion for the subject. I've not only kept abreast of the latest trends and techniques but have actively participated in the piercing community, collaborating with renowned practitioners and staying engaged in ongoing discussions and advancements in the field. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in practical application and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in body piercing.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article on piercing rejection:
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Piercing Rejection and Its Commonality:
- Piercing rejection is a prevalent occurrence, even among celebrities like Cardi B, as showcased on her Instagram. This highlights the universality of the issue, irrespective of one's status.
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Definition of Piercing Rejection:
- Piercing rejection is when the body perceives the inserted jewelry as a foreign object, leading to discomfort, potential scarring, and, in some cases, the jewelry literally hanging off the skin.
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Causes of Piercing Rejection:
- The act of piercing itself involves penetrating the skin with a foreign object, making the body susceptible to viewing it as harmful. Factors like infection, scarring, and allergic reactions increase the risk of rejection.
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Symptoms of Piercing Rejection:
- Early signs include soreness, redness, irritation, dryness in the first few days. Observable changes in the jewelry's position, appearance, and the piercing hole itself getting larger indicate potential rejection.
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Reducing the Risk of Piercing Rejection:
- Choosing a qualified practitioner who uses high-quality jewelry and practices proper aftercare is crucial. Hygiene, sterilization measures (preferably using an autoclave), and the body's immune system play roles in minimizing rejection risks.
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Piercing Types and Susceptibility:
- Surface piercings (eyebrows, neck, nipple, wrist) are more prone to rejection than non-surface piercings (earlobe, ear cartilage, lip, tongue) because they traverse only a small amount of skin.
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Aftercare Importance:
- Following a proper aftercare plan, which includes using sterile saline solutions and avoiding harsh cleansers or alcohol, is vital for healthy healing and minimizing the risk of rejection.
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Response to Signs of Rejection:
- If signs of rejection emerge, removing the jewelry immediately and consulting the piercer is advised. Leaving the jewelry in increases scarring risks.
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Recovery and Future Piercings:
- Recovery from piercing rejection typically involves mild scarring, and it may not be possible to repierce the same area. The use of different jewelry types or shapes may influence success.
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Professional Guidance:
- Seeking advice from professional piercers, such as those at Celebrity Ink™, is emphasized for expert insights on body piercings.
In conclusion, the information provided not only addresses the occurrence and causes of piercing rejection but also offers practical advice on minimizing risks and seeking professional guidance for a successful and enjoyable piercing experience.