EDUCATION

CHANGING YOUR JEWELRY: BODY PIERCINGS

Body and facial piercings can be a whole new opportunity to express yourself. Once your piercings have healed, here’s what you need to know about changing your jewelry.

THE HEALING PROCESS

When you got pierced, you probably had a certain look in mind. But before you can make that vision a reality, you’ll have to make it through the healing process. Your piercer can let you know what to expect based on the unique positioning of your piercing, but in general:

Nostil, navel, root: 4-6 months
Lip, septum: 3-4 months

Keep in mind that even after surface pain and redness has faded, the piercing is still working on healing from the inside out, especially in areas with thicker tissue.

Everyone is different, so checking your piercing every day is a good way to ensure you’re on the right track. Your piercer will provide clear instructions for taking care of your piercing in the days and weeks directly following your piercing, including what your aftercare routine should look like.

DOES THE HEALING PROCESS HURT?

Healing shouldn’t hurt any more than getting the actual piercing itself. While there will be tenderness at first, with each day of proper care and healing that passes, the pain will subside. If the pain goes away and comes back, that may be a sign of infection, so paying attention to your pain levels is important to ensure you’re doing everything you can to support healing.

WHEN CAN I CHANGE MY BODY JEWELRY?

When you first get pierced, your original jewelry will be a hypoallergenic metal like 14K gold or titanium. While you may be eager to switch up your look, respecting the healing process is important. Here’s what to keep in mind before you change your body jewelry:

Follow advice from your piercer. When you get pierced at Banter, a follow-up appointment is included in the original cost—so take advantage!
Keep up with aftercare routine every day—even after initial tenderness has faded.
Pay attention to how it feels. Is it improving, staying the same or getting worse?
Be patient! In the meantime, check out all the body jewelry options you’ll have to choose from and think about what you want your next piece to look like.

Once you’re ready to change your jewelry for the first time, one of our piercers can show you how to take out your original jewelry, put in the new piece, and answer any questions you have.

CHOOSING JEWELRY

Body piercings are like an ongoing experiment that evolves over time as you hone your sense of style. The look you choose today might not feel right tomorrow, but luckily, once the piercing is healed, you’re free to switch up your look as often as you like.

A curved barbell for a navel, rook, or eyebrow piercing
A flat back for a lip or nose piercing
A horseshoe or hoop works almost anywhere

The piercing pros at Banter have seen it all, so if you want a second opinion, they’ll tell you like it is. Checking out how other people style their body piercings is another great way to get inspired.

FIND YOUR SIZE

One thing you’ll want to consider before you make a purchase is the size of your jewelry. Choosing the right gauge (the thickness of the barbell or post going through the piercing), length and diameter will ensure the jewelry is secure, and the piercing stays healed and healthy.

One thing you’ll want to consider before you make a purchase is the size of your jewelry. Choosing the right gauge (the thickness of the barbell or post going through the piercing), length and diameter will ensure the jewelry is secure, and the piercing stays healed and healthy. Our body jewelry guide has all the details on different jewelry sizes and choosing jewelry by body part.