Nipple piercing is a type of body modification practiced for centuries and is still becoming popular. It involves using jewelry, typically rings or specially designed barbells, to puncture and decorate the nipples.
Nipple piercings can be a powerful symbol of self-expression for many people; for some, it is seen as an act of rebellion against societal norms. Others may find nipple piercings aesthetically pleasing or simply something they enjoy doing. Either way, nipple piercings can bring unique art and beauty to the body.
Here is everything you need to know about the healing of nipple piercing healing signs, time, potential problems, and tips to speed up the process.
Nipple Piercing Healing Signs
Once the piercings have been done, you will want to know whether or not the piercing is healing.
Nipple piercing healing signs include reduced redness, swelling, and tenderness around the piercing site. Discharge gradually decreases and transitions from yellowish to clear. Crust formation subsides, and the jewelry moves freely without pain. The piercing channel feels smooth, and overall, the area appears healthier and more comfortable.
It is important to monitor the nipple piercing healing signs, as failure to take proper care can lead to complications. Signs of successful nipple piercing healing signs include:
- Minimal swelling and redness: This is normal and should not last more than a few days.
- Little to no discharge: Any discharge that may occur should be clear and odorless. This is normal, but if the piercing oozes greenish, brownish, or bad-smelling liquid, it may be infected.
- No pain or tenderness: Right after a piercing, you may experience intense pain. By the end of the first week (and possibly sooner), the pain should start to subside. If your piercing becomes uncomfortable or painful, this could indicate an infection or irritation.
- Heat around the site disappears. Newer piercings can feel hot, but this initial inflammation should only last around a week. If the pierced nipple still feels hot after that, it may be getting infected.
- You notice crusting on either edge of the piercing. This can happen for several months, and even some healed piercings form crusts from time to time. As your piercing heals, you should notice the amount of crusting start to decrease.
- The gradual return of sensation: You should also monitor this, as deadened sensation could indicate nerve damage.
It’s important to note that the outer edges around the jewelry usually appear completely healed before the inner part of the piercing. If you’re too eager to change your jewelry, it’s possible to re-introduce bacteria to the inner part of the piercing.
Nipple Piercing Healing Time
Depending on the size and shape of the piercings, they can take anywhere from 4 month to 6 months to heal. However, it’s not uncommon for a nipple piercing to take 1 year or even longer to completely heal.
How well you care for your piercing can also greatly affect the healing time and process. It is important to remember that everyone’s body will heal differently. Therefore, it may take some people longer than others.
Generally speaking, nipple piercings take longer to heal than many other body piercings. And it’s impossible to know exactly how long the healing process will take until you actually get a piercing.
When Can I Change My Nipple Piercing?
To avoid infections and other complications, it is really best to wait 12 months to change your nipple piercing. You’ll need to be patient: nipple piercings can take 3 to 12 months to heal completely!
Potential Problems During Healing
Although the results of nipple piercing are worthwhile, it is also important to consider any potential risks before undergoing this modification. The potential risks include allergic reactions, bleeding, swelling, and infections.
1. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild irritation to severe rashes. In order to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, choosing jewelry made out of hypoallergenic materials like implant-grade titanium or solid k gold is important. Also, alert your piercer of any metal allergies you may have.
2. Bleeding
Bleeding can occur during and after the initial piercing. However, it should stop within a few minutes. To reduce the risk of excess bleeding, ensure your piercing is done by a professional and that sterile instruments are used.
3. Swelling
Swelling and tenderness are normal after the piercing and should go away within a few days. If the swelling persists or worsens, it could be a sign of infection, and you should seek medical help immediately.
4. Pain and Discharge
Pain and discharge are also normal during the healing process and should be monitored closely. If pain persists or there is a foul odor from the piercing, it could indicate an infection, and you should take appropriate steps to address it.
How To Speed-up Nipple Piercing Healing?
Nipple piercings should only be done by trained professionals in a safe environment. And after the procedure, taking care of your piercing can speed up the process. Some aftercare practices to follow include:
1. Using Healthy Piercing Jewelry That Fits Properly
The first step is to choose healthy, hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium or solid k gold that fits properly and will not irritate the area to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Generally, nipple piercings are done with a needle size of 14 gauge (1.6mm) or 16 gauge (1.2mm), with 14 gauge being the most common. However, the nipple piercing size can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s anatomy and the chosen jewelry.
2. Cleaning Your Piercing
Avoiding any dirt, bacteria, and chemicals is essential. You can do that by washing your piercing daily with a mild antibacterial soap or a sea salt solution. Ensure not to over-clean, as this can cause irritation and slow healing.
3. Keep Soreness to a Minimum
Make sure to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that will not rub against the area and irritate it. While at it, avoid touching the jewelry or playing with it too much, as this can cause further irritation and even infection.
4. Keep the Piercing Dry
Soaking it in a bath or pool is not advised as it can introduce bacteria, leading to further complications.
5. Take Care When Getting Dressed
Fabric can catch on the piercing when getting dressed, which can rip out the jewelry. It may be painful and can aggravate the risks of having an infection.
6. Take Care of Your Body
Practicing good general health habits such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water is important.
7. Visit Your Piercer for Check-Ups
You should visit your piercer regularly to ensure no signs of infection and that the healing process is going smoothly.
7. Check for Signs of Infection
Signs of infection include excessive soreness, redness, pus, or discharge. If you feel any of these signs, seek medical help immediately, as it could be a sign of an infection.
Nipple Piercing Aftercare
If you want to make sure your piercing heals fast so you can try out new jewelry, the best way to increase the odds of that happening is to take good care of your nipple piercing. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Get a sea salt spray and apply it three times per day. Salt is a natural antiseptic that can reduce your risk of infection.
- In the first few months, soak the piercing in sea salt twice a day. You can make a sea salt solution by dissolving 1/4 tsp salt in a cup of warm water.
- Protect the piercing so it doesn’t snag on anything (women can wear a sports bra while sleeping, and men can wear a thick cotton undershirt).
- Avoid touching the piercing as much as you can. This can introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
- Avoid using lotion and soap on the area, as the chemicals may irritate the piercing.
- Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest, as that can speed up the healing process.
Even if your aftercare is perfect, you may find that your piercing takes a while to heal. Some people’s bodies just take longer when it comes to healing. Do your best to be patient, and you’ll be enjoying your new jewelry soon!
The Bottom Line
Nipple piercing is a popular choice among many body modification enthusiasts. While it can provide unique beauty and self-expression, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your piercing heals properly. If done safely and properly, nipple piercings can be a source of pride.
Read More
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