You finally have that nose piercing that you always wanted, but you are now wondering how you can tell when it has healed. What follows are signs that tell you the piercing has completely matured through the healing process.
How To Tell if Your Nose Piercing Is Healed?
1. There is No Redness
Image: Saturdays.
Redness is a sign that your body’s immune system is actively fighting the damage caused by the piercing needle. You will notice it within the first day of piercing and it can last for days or months.
The redness will shift from a darker red to a lighter pink during the healing process. Once that pink is gone, your nose piercing is likely healed.
2. The Swelling is Gone
Swelling begins within minutes or hours of getting your nose pierced. It is a natural part of the inflammation process. It usually peaks within two days of the piercing and can last for three weeks.
Under normal circumstances, the swelling will shrink daily. Some swelling may continue as new tissue and blood vessels regenerate.
Once the swelling is completely gone, your nose should be near maturation.
3. Pain is Gone
Nose piercings can be sensitive to the touch for weeks after the piercing session. Most people experience peak pain in the first couple of days, but the piercing hole can remain sensitive to the touch for some time afterward.
Your nose piercing will not be fully healed until you touch it or move your jewelry without discomfort.
4. There is No Discharge
Your nose can bleed for up to 24 hours as the wound clots. Part of the natural healing process includes the discharge of clear liquids that crust up around the piercing site. A healed nose piercing will lack any type of discharge from the site.
5. There is No Bump
Image: Ngflrs
Typically, a raised red bump around the nose piercing is a sign of infection. Make sure to use treatments to control the bump — if it worsens, you could develop a severe systemic infection.
And as a side note, with bumps or other signs of infection, don’t remove the piercing! That can cause the hole to close, sealing in the infection.
HOW LONG DOES A NOSE PIERCING TAKE TO HEAL?
The healing time for a nose piercing varies widely. On the shorter end, nostril piercings can heal in around two months. More complex piercings like the nasallang can take nine months or even longer to heal.
WHEN CAN I CHANGE MY NOSE PIERCING?
You should wait till your piercing is completely healed. This can vary depending on the piercing type. On average, you can replace your piercing jewelry in 4-6 months.
SAFE METALS FOR NOSE PIERCING JEWELRY
If you want to speed up the nose piercing healing process, make sure to choose a high-quality material to avoid infections or adverse reactions. Here are some good materials to choose from:
1. IMPLANT-GRADE TITANIUM
Ashley Piercing Jewelry Titanium curved barbells $18.9, SHOP NOW.
Implant-grade titanium nose piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. It is lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.
2. PRECIOUS METALS LIKE 14K GOLD
Ashley Piercing Jewelry 14K white gold nose stud with moissanite $76.9, SHOP NOW.
Platinum and 14-karat gold jewelry can offer an elevated look. However, they may be more pricey and could tarnish over time. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.
3. SURGICAL STAINLESS STEEL
If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable.
However, it does contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.
4. NIOBIUM
Niobium is another material that could be useful for making jewelry as it is non-reactive, polymeric, and has a wide range of colors.
Enjoying Your Piercing
It can be simple to know when your nose piercing has healed once you know what to look for. A healed piercing looks spectacular and will not detract from the jewelry pieces you use. It can also withstand the rigors of jewelry exchange without complications.
Read More
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