Post Downsizing After your Needle Piercing is the essential step in your healing journey. Learn more about why.  

 

30 days after your needle piercing, it’s time to have your post downsized.  This is an essential step in your healing journey, but you may wonder why it’s necessary.  Read on for answers to this and your most frequently asked questions:

Is swelling normal after a needle piercing?

 

In short, yes!  A piercing is a wound that must undergo the phases of wound healing.  Swelling occurs in response to the body going into overtime to heal the fresh wound.  Jewelry placed in the new piercing must have a long post to accommodate the swelling safely, meaning your jewelry won’t become embedded.

Why do I need a post downsize? What’s wrong with the earring I have right now?

 

Once the swelling has decreased, the long post is no longer needed and can cause damage if left in for too long. The extra length in the post will cause the earring to droop.  Not only does this not look right, but it can be uncomfortable and cause other issues, such as hypertrophic scars (friction bumps). If the drooping earring is left in, it can cause the piercing to heal at an odd angle, as well.

Can you give me a shorter post at the time of the piercing instead?

 

We want to provide the safest ear piercing experience possible and want you to be able to enjoy your piercing for years to come.  The risk of using a shorter post is too significant; an embedded earring will cause an infection and will likely require surgery to be removed.  For these reasons, we start every needle piercing with a longer post.

Can I downsize my piercing myself?

 

We want only the safest for you and your piercing, and although the swelling has decreased, your piercing is still far from healed and is susceptible to infection.  It’s important for any jewelry placed in this new piercing to be germ-free.  For this reason, we recommend coming in to have your post downsized by our nursing staff.  Plus, this gives you an opportunity to have your nurse make sure your piercing is healing as it should; it’s a win-win!

Does downsizing a piercing hurt?

 

Having your post downsized will feel just like switching out your earrings.  At the most, you may feel a tiny amount of discomfort, but nothing should be painful.  The best way to ensure a smooth and pain-free downsizing appointment is to carefully maintain your piercing aftercare regimen and avoid sleeping on the same side as your piercing.

Okay, I understand the importance of downsizing my earring post. How do I book an appointment?

You can book your appointment here!  We can’t wait to see you!