Piercing rejection occurs when the body treats the jewelry as a foreign object, gradually expulsing the jewelry from the tissue. This process can result in discomfort, scarring, and the eventual loss of the piercing.
This guide covers everything you need to know about piercing rejection, including how to recognize the signs, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent future rejection.
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If you have questions or need a professional piercing in Mississauga, call (905) 897-3503.
What to do if Your Body Rejects a Piercing
If your body rejects a piercing, follow these steps:
Step 1: Assess the Severity
If the piercing has moved significantly or the skin is very thin, removal is the best option.
If rejection is mild and caught early, you can save the piercing with proper care.
Step 2: Remove the Jewelry (If Necessary)
Do not force removal if the jewelry is embedded or stuck—visit a professional piercer or doctor instead.
Clean your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
Use sterile saline or warm water to soften the skin before removing the jewelry.
Step 3: Care for the Wound After Removal
Once the jewelry is removed, follow these aftercare steps:
Clean the area with a saline solution (avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they delay healing).
Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin if recommended by a doctor.
Avoid touching or picking at the healing skin to prevent scarring.
Keep the area dry and exposed to air to aid in healing.
Step 4: Monitor for Infection
If you experience increased swelling, pus, fever, or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Avoid re-piercing the area until it is fully healed.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention if Necessary
If you experience:
Severe redness, swelling, or pain
Pus-like discharge (yellow/green)
Fever or chills (signs of infection)
Consult a healthcare provider immediately.
How to Tell If Your Body is Rejecting a Piercing
To tell if your body is rejecting a piercing, watch out for these symptoms:
Jewelry Migration
The piercing shifts from its original position.
The holes appear wider or more elongated.
Thinning of the Skin
The tissue holding the jewelry shrinks, making the metal more visible.
The skin may become shiny or stretched.
Increased Redness & Irritation
Mild redness is normal for a new piercing, but persistent redness, itching, or discomfort can signal rejection.
Jewelry Becomes More Visible
If you can see more of the metal than before, your body may be pushing it out.
Crusting or Discharge
Clear fluid discharge (not pus) is common in rejection.
If you notice yellow or green pus, it could be an infection instead.
Piercing Feels Looser or Moves Easily
If the jewelry sits loosely on the skin or moves with little resistance, rejection may be occurring.
Why Your Body is Rejecting a Piercing
Rejection happens because the body’s immune system identifies the jewelry as foreign and reacts by gradually pushing it out of the skin. The main causes include:
Jewelry Material: Low-quality metals like nickel or brass increase the chances of rejection due to allergic reactions. Biocompatible metals like titanium, surgical stainless steel, or niobium are less likely to cause problems.
Jewelry Size & Shape: A barbell or ring that’s too thin or too small increases stress on the skin, making rejection more likely.
Piercing Depth & Placement: If a piercing is placed too close to the skin’s surface, there’s a higher chance of rejection.
Body’s Natural Healing Response: Some people’s immune systems are more aggressive in expelling foreign objects.
Friction & Pressure: Constant irritation from clothing, sleeping positions, or frequent touching can slow healing and trigger rejection.
Infections & Poor Aftercare: While rejection differs from infection, an unhealthy piercing site is more likely to be rejected.
How to Prevent Piercing Rejection
If you plan to get re-pierced in the same area, wait until the skin is fully healed (this can take several months). Follow these best practices to reduce the risk of rejection:
1. Choose the Right Jewelry
Opt for implant-grade titanium, niobium, or surgical stainless steel.
Avoid cheap metals like nickel or brass, as they can trigger allergic reactions.
2. Get Pierced by a Professional
Choose a reputable piercer who uses sterile equipment and understands proper placement techniques.
Discuss your body type with the piercer to find the best location for long-term success.
3. Use the Right Jewelry Size & Shape
A larger gauge (thicker jewelry) is less likely to migrate.
Avoid tight-fitting jewelry, as it may put extra pressure on the skin.
4. Follow Strict Aftercare
Clean the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution.
Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with the jewelry.
Keep the area dry and avoid prolonged water exposure (e.g., swimming pools, hot tubs).
Sleep on your back or on the opposite side to avoid pressure.
5. Reduce Irritation & Friction
Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the piercing.
Be careful when changing clothes, brushing hair, or sleeping to prevent accidental pulling.
Use silicone discs or barrier pads for surface piercings to reduce friction.
Can You Save A Piercing That’s Being Rejected?
You can save a piercing showing early signs of rejection, but it depends on how far the rejection has progressed and how well your body responds to corrective actions.
If caught early, adjustments to jewelry, aftercare, and lifestyle habits can sometimes stop the rejection process. However, if the skin becomes too thin, remove the jewelry to prevent scarring and complications.
How to Determine If You Can Save Your Piercing
Ask yourself these three key questions to assess whether you can save your piercing:
Has the Piercing Moved Significantly?
If your jewelry has shifted over a few millimeters, the rejection process is advanced, and the piercing is unlikely to be saved.
If movement is minimal and redness is mild, you can stop rejection with proper care.
Is the Skin Around the Piercing Very Thin?
If the tissue holding the jewelry becomes too thin (less than 1/4 inch or 6mm thick), your body is actively pushing out the jewelry.
At this point, saving the piercing is unlikely, and removal is the best option to prevent tearing or scarring.
Is There Significant Redness, Irritation, or Discomfort?
Mild redness and sensitivity can sometimes be reversed, but chronic inflammation, swelling, or pain suggests ongoing rejection.
If the piercing is migrating, the skin is too thin, or the irritation is persistent, it’s best to remove the jewelry before the rejection worsens.
Steps to Try and Save a Piercing from Rejection
If your piercing hasn’t moved significantly and the skin is still relatively healthy, follow these steps to try and stop rejection:
1. Switch to High-Quality, Hypoallergenic Jewelry
The wrong metal can trigger rejection, so upgrading to implant-grade titanium, niobium, or surgical stainless steel may help.
Avoid nickel, brass, or gold-plated jewelry, which can cause allergic reactions.
2. Change the Jewelry Shape or Size
If your jewelry is too thin, too small, or has excessive weight, it can increase the risk of rejection.
Consider switching to a longer barbell or a circular ring with a larger diameter to reduce pressure.
3. Improve Your Aftercare Routine
Use a sterile saline solution (not alcohol or hydrogen peroxide) to clean the piercing twice daily.
Avoid touching or rotating the jewelry, as this can further irritate the tissue.
If your skin is very dry, consider applying a small amount of vitamin E oil or chamomile compresses to promote healing.
4. Avoid External Irritants
Reduce friction from tight clothing, hair, or pillows.
Sleep on the opposite side of the piercing to minimize pressure.
Stay away from pools, saunas, or hot tubs, as bacteria can worsen irritation.
5. Monitor for Signs of Worsening Rejection
If the piercing continues to migrate, remove the jewelry before it tears the skin.
If there are signs of infection (pus, fever, or severe swelling), seek medical attention immediately.
Can You Re-Pierce After Rejection?
Yes, you can get a rejected piercing re-done, but you need to:
Wait at least 3-6 months for complete healing.
Choose a different placement slightly away from the previous spot.
Use a high-quality, biocompatible metal like titanium.
Ensure a professional piercer uses the correct needle gauge and depth.
Get Professional Piercing at Xtremities Tattoo & Piercing Studio in Mississauga to Minimize Rejection
At Xtremities Tattoo & Piercing Studio, we specialize in professional, high-quality piercings that minimize rejection risks. Located at 37 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON, our experienced piercers, including Valeria, Gwen, and Takayla, use surgical steel jewelry to ensure safety and biocompatibility.
With over two decades in the industry, we are Mississauga’s longest-running tattoo and piercing studio, offering expert guidance on placement, aftercare, and jewelry selection. Open seven days a week, we welcome walk-ins and provide a painless, professional experience.
Call (905) 897-3503 or visit us today!
FAQs
Should I remove my piercing if it's rejected?
You should remove a rejected piercing if the skin has become very thin, the jewelry has migrated significantly, or irritation persists despite aftercare. Removing it early prevents scarring and complications.
Can I save a rejecting piercing?
You may save a rejected piercing if caught early by switching to high-quality jewelry, improving aftercare, and reducing irritation. However, removal is the best option if the piercing continues to migrate.
What can I put on a rejected piercing?
Use sterile saline solution to clean the area and compresses to soothe irritation. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments that can trap bacteria.
Can I put Neosporin on a rejected piercing?
No, Neosporin is not recommended for a rejected piercing. It can trap bacteria and slow healing. Instead, use a sterile saline solution to cleanse the area.
Can you redo a rejected piercing?
You can redo a rejected piercing, but you should wait 3-6 months for complete healing. Choose a different placement, use high-quality jewelry, and get pierced by a professional to reduce the risk of another rejection.
What piercing rejects the most?
Surface piercings, eyebrow piercings, and navel piercings are the most prone to rejection due to their shallow placement and constant movement.
How late can a piercing be rejected?
A piercing can be rejected months or even years after healing if irritation, trauma, or an allergic reaction occurs. Rejection is not limited to new piercings.
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