Downsizing Piercing: What to Know Before Your Appointment
Getting a new piercing is only half the equation. Since the affected area swells and becomes irritated as it heals, a downsizing piercing process helps minimize the risk of complications.
What exactly is a downsize piercing and how does it work? Should you go back to the piercing parlor for a downsizing process after your first appointment? At The Fall Tattoo, we’re dedicated to providing the safest and most enjoyable piercing experience possible. We’ll teach you about how downsize piercing works and what you should expect before your appointment.
What is a Downsize Piercing?
It’s important to understand that the downsize piercing meaning refers to a process rather than a specific type of jewelry. When you first get a piercing in any body part, the skin and underlying tissue will become swollen and sensitive as it heals.
This healing process can sometimes come with complications such as excess swelling, pain, and redness. If the area gets infected, it can cause more pain and leak pus. Thanks to a downsize piercing process, you help your body acclimate with fewer complications and faster healing.
How Does the Downsizing Piercing Process Work?
Downsizing piercing is a best practice that helps the body gradually get used to a new piercing as it heals. After your piercing, your piercing professional will fit a longer, sterile piece of jewelry to keep the hole from closing and anticipate swelling.
Once the swelling goes down, your piercer will replace this piece of jewelry with a smaller (and still sterile) piece. If the original, longer piercing is left in too long, it can irritate the skin and lengthen the healing process.
Will My Piercing Need the Downsizing Process?
The downsizing process is beneficial to most piercings, especially the face, ear, and the navel. Some nostril piercings (such as those with nose twist jewelry) and surface piercings (such as along the cheek) don’t often require a downsizing process.
However, every person has different needs, so your professional piercer will decide the best course of action as well as your aftercare. If you suspect you need a downsizing process for your piercing, make sure to bring a list of any symptoms you have to your appointment. These symptoms can include:
- The pierced area gradually closing
- Swelling and tenderness
- Redness
- Scarring
- Leakage
When Should I Go Back to the Piercing Parlor?
Your piercer will tell you when your piercing is ready to be downsized. A common window to request a downsizing piercing is one month after getting your piercing, but this can still change depending on your piercing type and how your body is (or isn’t) healing.
Can I Downsize My Piercing Myself?
No, you need to leave the downsizing piercing process to a professional. An improperly managed piercing can bring a host of complications, such as:
- Migration (a term referring to a piece of jewelry moving closer to the surface or the tissue becoming narrower around the opening, affecting its longevity)
- Affecting the pierced area’s ability to stay open, closing it prematurely
- Infecting the pierced area and leading to swelling, leakage, or thick keloid scar
How Long Does Downsizing Last?
The exact length of time depends on the type of piercing, how well you maintain it according to the piercer’s recommendations, and additional health details such as having diabetes. Most downsizing processes last between six to ten weeks.
Tongue piercings usually take a little less time than cartilage and nipple piercings.
The Fall Tattoo is Dedicated to a Safe and Comfortable Piercing Process
We remain passionate about helping you enjoy your piercing process from beginning to end. We’ll answer your question, address any concerns you have, and get you closer to the piercing you’ve been dreaming about.
When you’re ready for a new piercing, book an appointment with us with our convenient online form. We look forward to meeting you!
