Life happens—your 8-year-old just had her ears pierced and decided to change her new earrings while you were busy, and now neither of you can put the earrings back because her piercings have already healed closed. We get it (and we’ve been there ourselves)!  If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation and are wondering if re-piercing is a safe option, we’ve got all the details you’ll need to know. 

Medical Ear Piercing Repairs

A re-piercing refers to piercing an area that was previously pierced but has since closed.  There are many reasons why someone may need to have their ears re-pierced, such as:

The human body sometimes reacts unexpectedly to piercings. Infections, allergic reactions, or physical trauma to the piercing site can create the need to remove jewelry in a new piercing. Medical ear piercing repairs involve a professional approach to re-piercing, ensuring that the process is safe, sterile, and suits your individual healing needs.

In some cases, a piercing may require additional surgical intervention to heal.  To find out more information about ear lobe repair, check out our blog!  

Is it Safe to Re-Pierce an Ear That Had a Previous Issue?

It all comes down to scar tissue left behind.  In most cases, there will only be a small amount of scar tissue, which can easily and safely be pierced.  Your nurse piercer will thoroughly examine your ear and determine whether it’s safe to pierce through or near your previous piercing location.  

How Long Should You Wait Before Re-Piercing an Ear?

Everybody heals differently, but on average it can take 2-4 weeks for a piercing to heal enough that a re-pierce can be safely performed.  

If you have any concerns about your piercing healing, please contact your healthcare provider for evaluation. 

Tips for a Successful Re-Piercing Experience

Communicate with your piercer early.  Let them know what happened last time, what the healing process was like, and any concerns you may have.  This will enable you and your piercer to work together to find a piercing placement that you love, and that is safe for your individual concerns.  

Wait long enough for the original piercing to heal closed before returning for a re-pierce. You want to be sure that your ear has completely healed for the best outcome.  

Aftercare, Aftercare, Aftercare!  Strict adherence to your aftercare instructions will be your best defense against poor healing outcomes, and we’ve got you covered!  Everything from our hypochlorous aftercare spray to Rowan’s ear piercing pillow and hypoallergenic earrings will help you heal comfortably.  

Re-piercing your ears can be a safe and successful experience when done with care and under the guidance of a medical professional. Whether it's due to mishaps like infections, improper placement, or simply leaving an earring out for too long, re-piercing is often necessary and can be done in a safe and celebratory manner.