What Piercing Downsizing Is, and Why You Should Do It
Tyler Martina
What Piercing Downsizing Is, and Why You Should Do It
When you get a new piercing the most important thing is piercing aftercare. Well, maybe the most important thing is how great it looks : ) And to keep it looking great, proper aftercare is key. One of the steps to proper piercing aftercare is downsizing your piercing jewelry.
Now you may be asking yourself, “What is piercing downsizing? Is it something that I should be doing with my new piercing?”. We will answer these questions and many more in this downsizing article, including:
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What downsizing piercing jewelry is
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Why downsizing is crucial for healing and comfort
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When and how to properly downsize your jewelry
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And then, we'll recap why downsizing should be an essential step in your piercing aftercare
By the time you're done with this article, you'll know everything you need to know about downsizing and why it's the ideal next step for your piercing.
What is Downsizing Piercing Jewelry?
Downsizing piercing jewelry is exactly what it sounds like; the longer piercing jewelry post that is used when you are pierced is removed. Then, it is replaced with a shorter, better fitting post after the swelling from the initial piercing has subsided.
above image: long posts for initial piercing to leave room for swelling
This is done because when you first get a piercing the piercing location will swell. Exactly how much it will swell depends on many factors, your anatomy, the piercing location, how your body heals, and much more. For this reason a very long post is used to allow for extra space. Without this extra space the swelling could cause a host of problems including, severe pain and impede healing. This is why it is crucial to use a long backing to start.
Downsizing happens after the initial swelling goes down, when having a longer post becomes an issue and it is replaced with a shorter post that fits your piercing better. This usually takes a few weeks, and is totally dependent on the piercing location and individual, that is why your piercer will schedule a free check up to see if it is a good time to downsize.
Why downsizing is crucial for healing and comfort
Downsizing offers numerous benefits that make it a must do step for a healthy and happy piercing experience. Let's dive into some of the reasons below.
Better Healing
The number one reason for downsizing your piercing post is better healing. Once the swelling goes down a post that is too long will cause excessive movement which will irritate the new piercing. This will not feel good and prolong the healing process. It can also lead to the dreaded piercing bump that I am sure you have heard about. Shortening the post to the correct size minimizes movement, which in turn promotes better healing.
Reduced Risk of Complications
Not downsizing and using unfitted jewelry can lead to a host of post piercing complications that no one wants to deal with, including:
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Catching on hair, clothing, towels, etc: This leads to painful tugs, tears, and even result in rejection of the piercing.
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Allows for bacteria buildup: The extra space can trap moisture, debris, bacteria, or anything else, this can lead to increased chance of infection.
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Cause migration or crooked angles: Constant shifting can cause the piercing channel to heal at an undesirable angle or even lead to the jewelry "migrating" from its original placement.
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Form "piercing bumps": As mentioned earlier Irritation bumps (like hypertrophic scarring) are often a direct result of excessive movement and pressure from poor fitting jewelry.
Improved Comfort
Imagine wearing shoes that are too big, or a hat, or, I mean anything! That wouldn’t be very comfortable, would it? The same idea applies to your piercing jewelry. That is why if you need to, you should downsize. An unnecessarily long post can dig into your skin, feel bulky, and just be all around uncomfortable. This is exacerbated when laying on a pillow, wearing headphones, or doing anything that makes contact with your ears. Downsizing elements most of these problems, and your piercing will be so comfortable, you might even forget it's there!
Beauty
Finally, now we get the most important reason to downsize your jewelry… Beauty. Everyone who gets a piercing gets it because it looks good. So don’t ruin that by having a way too long post sticking out. Instead downsize your jewelry so it looks as beautiful as it is supposed to be. You look great, make sure your piercing does too!
above image: fitted post after downsizing
When and How to Properly Downsize Your Jewelry
The timing for downsizing can vary based on the piercing location and your individual healing rate. Typically it’s recommended anywhere between 2-8 weeks after the initial piercing. Your piercer will schedule a check around this time to see if you are ready for downsize
above image: different post sizes for downsizing
Downsizing should only be performed by a professional piercer in a sterile piercing environment. Your piercing is still healing so it is not recommended you do it yourself. A professional piercer has the sterile tools, safe jewelry, expertise, and proper training and skills to:
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Determine if your piercing is ready for downsizing.
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Choose the correct length for the new post.
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Perform the jewelry change safely and hygienically.
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Ensure the new jewelry is inserted without causing trauma to the healing tissue.
Attempting to downsize yourself can cause damage, irritation, and set back your healing process significantly.
above image: professional piercer setting up for downsizing
Why Downsizing Should Be a Part of Everyone's Piercing Aftercare
As you can see, downsizing your piercing jewelry backing is not just a recommendation; it's a must do step for the long term health, comfort, and of the beauty of your new piercing. It improves healing, significantly reduces the risk of complications, and makes your piercing experience as whole far more enjoyable.
Are you ready to ensure your piercing heals perfectly and looks its best? Then, talk to your piercer about downsizing your jewelry at the appropriate time. Plus, downsizes means new jewelry! So check out our huge selection of body safe, high quality flat back piercing jewelry, perfect for downsizing or whenever you feel the need for new jewelry.
As always remember to follow all your piercing aftercare instructions to ensure your piercing heals the best way possible. Click here to learn more about piercing aftercare
See you soon!
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