5 Easy Steps To Reopen Your Closed Nose Piercing

If you’ve had a nose piercing that’s closed up and want to bring it back to life, you’re in the right place. Our guide will walk you through the process of reopening your closed nose piercing, ensuring you have all the information you need for a safe, successful, and pain-free experience. 

We’ll cover everything from understanding the reasons behind closure to choosing the right professional and aftercare tips. Read on to learn how to regain your favorite facial accessory!

How to Reopen a Closed Nose Piercing (at home)

Understand the Closure

Before attempting to reopen your nose piercing, it’s essential to know why it closed in the first place. The most common reasons for closure include:

1. Infection: If an infection occurs during the healing process, the body may close the piercing to protect itself (1).
2. Allergic reaction: Some people are allergic to certain metals, which can cause the body to reject the piercing and close the hole (2).
3. Improper aftercare: Failure to clean and care for your piercing properly can result in closure.
4. Prolonged absence of jewelry: If you’ve removed your jewelry for an extended period, the piercing may close.

Evaluate the Condition of the Closed Piercing

Assess the state of the closed piercing to determine if reopening is possible. If the piercing hole is only partially closed, it may be easier to reopen. However, if the hole is entirely closed or if there’s significant scar tissue, you may need to consult a professional piercer for advice.

Choose the Right Professional

Reopening a closed nose piercing can be a delicate procedure, and it’s crucial to choose an experienced, reputable professional to guide you through the process. Look for a piercer who:

1. Has proper certification and training.
2. Follow’s strict hygiene protocols.
3. Has a portfolio of successfully reopened piercings.
4. Offers consultations and personalized advice.

How to Reopen a Closed Nose Piercing even if you are at home: The Step-by-Step Guide

Reopening a closed nose piercing can be a delicate process. It’s essential to approach it with care and follow these steps to ensure a smooth and safe reinsertion.

Step 1: Washing Your Hands

• Materials Needed: Anti-bacterial soap and clean water.
• Process: Thoroughly wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap and warm water to prevent any potential infection.

Step 2: Sanitizing the Piercing and Jewelry

• Materials Needed: Saline solution or piercing aftercare spray, cotton ball or swab.
• Process: Gently clean both the piercing area and the jewelry with the saline solution or aftercare spray. Use a cotton ball or swab for a precise application. Ensure all residual makeup, oil, or dirt is removed.

Step 3: Lubricating the Jewelry

• Materials Needed: Lubricant (medical-grade or a small amount of saline solution).
• Process: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the jewelry. This step will ease the reinsertion process and reduce any potential discomfort.

Step 4: Gently Reinserting the Jewelry into Your Nose

• Materials Needed: The sanitized jewelry and a mirror.
• Process: Position yourself in front of a mirror. With steady hands, gently guide the jewelry back into the piercing hole. If resistance is felt, do not force it. If you’re unable to reinsert the jewelry, seek professional assistance from a licensed piercer.
• Note: It is crucial not to force the jewelry into the piercing, as this may cause injury or an infection.

Step 5: Aftercare

• Materials Needed: Aftercare spray or saline solution, cotton ball or swab.
• Process: After reinserting the jewelry, continue to follow your regular aftercare routine to keep the piercing clean and promote healing. This may include cleaning the area with a saline solution at least once a day.

Caution: If the piercing seems entirely closed or if you experience any pain or discomfort, it may be best to consult with a professional piercer rather than attempting to reopen the piercing yourself.

By following these careful, step-by-step instructions, you can help ensure that reopening your closed nose piercing is a smooth and safe process.

Use a Professional

If your nose piercing has closed, it may still be possible to reopen it with professional help. The process typically involves the following techniques:

Tapering: This is the initial step where your piercer uses a taper, an insertion pin, to delicately guide the jewelry back into the piercing. This gradually stretches the tissue to accommodate the jewelry without causing damage.

Needle Method: In cases where tapering isn’t viable, your piercer may use a needle to create a new channel for the jewelry. Though this might be more painful compared to tapering, it becomes necessary if the piercing hole is fully closed or if substantial scar tissue is present.

Scalpel Method: Occasionally, your piercer may need to use a scalpel to eliminate scar tissue before the reopening process. This requires a high level of expertise and may require additional healing time.

Remember, never attempt to force jewelry into a closed piercing on your own, as it can lead to injury or infection. Always seek the assistance of a professional piercer to safely and effectively reopen your nose piercing.

Aftercare for Reopened Piercings

Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring the success of your reopened piercing. Follow these guidelines:

1. Keep the area clean and dry, using a saline solution to gently cleanse the piercing twice a day (3).
2. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
3. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can be too harsh and delay healing.
4. Be patient, as reopened piercings may take longer to heal than new ones.

Potential Problems and Considerations

Reopening a closed nose piercing isn’t without risks, and it’s essential to be aware of potential problems:

1. Infection: As with any piercing, there’s a risk of infection. Follow proper aftercare guidelines and consult your piercer if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
2. Scarring: Reopened piercings may be more prone to scarring, particularly if the previous closure resulted from an infection or allergic reaction.
3. Rejection: In some cases, the body may reject the reopened piercing, leading to closure once again. Choosing hypoallergenic jewelry and following aftercare instructions can help minimize this risk.
4. Pain: Reopening a closed piercing can be more painful than the initial piercing, depending on the method used and the individual’s pain tolerance.
5. Healing time: Reopened piercings may take longer to heal than new ones, so be prepared for an extended healing period.

Important Considerations

Before reopening your closed nose piercing, keep these considerations in mind:

1. Be honest with your piercer about the reasons for the initial closure, as this can help them tailor their approach to your specific needs.
2. Understand that reopening a closed piercing may not always be possible, particularly if there’s significant scar tissue or other complications.
3. Be prepared for a potentially longer healing process and follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions to the letter.
4. Know that there may be some discomfort involved, but trust that your piercer will do their best to minimise pain and ensure a successful reopening.

Summary How to Reopen Nose Piercing

If you have previously had a nose piercing but it closed up and you are wondering how to reopen it.

1. Clean the area thoroughly with a saline solution to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Gently try to insert a sterilized nose piercing stud into the closed hole (or a relatively blunt needle). If it doesn’t go through easily, do not force it as this can cause further damage. Instead, leave the stud in warm saline solution for a few minutes to soften the skin, then try again with gentle pressure.

3. Once the stud is in, make sure to keep the area clean and avoid touching it with dirty hands.

4. Apply an aftercare solution to the piercing twice a day and avoid any irritants like makeup or excessive touching.

It’s important to be patient during the healing process, as it can take several weeks for the piercing to fully reopen. If you experience any pain, redness, or swelling, it’s best to consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider.

FAQs:

How long does it take for a nose piercing to close up?

The time it takes for a nose piercing to close up varies depending on factors such as the individual’s healing ability, the age of the piercing, and the type of jewelry used. Generally, a nose piercing can begin to close within a few hours to a day after removing the jewelry, especially if it’s still healing. However, a well-established piercing may take several days or longer to close completely.

Can a closed nose piercing be reopened at home?

If you’re wondering how to re-open a closed nose piercing at home, it’s crucial to understand that this is not generally advised. The process of reopening a closed piercing demands professional expertise and sterilized equipment to reduce the likelihood of infection, scarring, or other complications. As such, instead of attempting this process at home, it’s recommended to always consult a professional piercer. They can guide you appropriately and safely through the reopening procedures, ensuring that the risk of any negative outcomes is minimized.

How to reopen a closed nose piercing at home!

Reopen your nose piercing at home with these careful steps:

1. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap to avoid introducing bacteria.
2. Sterilize both the piercing area and your chosen nose jewelry using a professional-grade piercing cleanser.
3. Soften the skin around the piercing by gently massaging it with warm water. This helps in easier reinsertion.
4. Lubricate your sterilized jewelry with a skin-safe lubricant to aid smooth insertion.
5. Use a mirror for accuracy and gently guide the jewelry back into the nose piercing. If any resistance is felt, stop immediately to prevent potential injury.

Is there a difference in pain levels between the initial nose piercing and reopening a closed one?

The pain levels experienced when reopening a closed nose piercing can vary depending on the individual’s pain tolerance and the method used. Some people may find the reopening process less painful than the initial piercing, while others may experience more discomfort due to scar tissue or the need for a new piercing channel. Ultimately, the pain level will be subjective and differ from person to person.

How long does it take for a reopened nose piercing to heal?

The healing time for a reopened nose piercing can be longer than that of a new piercing, typically ranging from 2 to 4 months. Factors such as the individual’s healing ability, the presence of scar tissue, and the reopening method used can all influence the healing process. Following proper aftercare guidelines and consulting with your piercer will help ensure a smooth healing journey.

Can I change the jewelry style when reopening a closed nose piercing?

Yes, you can change the jewelry style when reopening a closed nose piercing, provided that the new jewelry is appropriate for your piercing and made of hypoallergenic materials. Consult with your piercer to determine the best jewelry options for your specific situation and ensure a comfortable fit and successful reopening.

Interesting info:

1. When a nose piercing is closing, it’s possible that a viable channel remains beneath the skin’s surface. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may be able to have the piercing reopened without undergoing a complete re-piercing. This can often be achieved with the aid of a professional piercer who can use a tool called a taper to delicately reopen the piercing. However, it’s crucial to never force the jewelry back in yourself, as this can lead to injury or infection. It’s advisable to seek professional help. If a warm shower doesn’t help to relax and stretch the skin around the piercing for an easy reinsertion, a professional piercer should be your next step to safely and effectively reopen your nose piercing.
2. In certain situations, a piercer may recommend repiercing in a slightly different location instead of reopening the original hole. This can be due to significant scar tissue or other complications that make reopening the original piercing less desirable.
3. The type of jewelry you wore in your initial nose piercing can affect the reopening process. Wearing jewelry made from low-quality materials or improper sizing can cause complications, making it more challenging to reopen the piercing later.

References:

1. APP (Association of Professional Piercers). (n.d.). Troubleshooting. https://www.safepiercing.org/aftercare
2. APP (Association of Professional Piercers). (n.d.). Jewellery for Initial Piercings. https://www.safepiercing.org
3. Mayo Clinic. (2019). Piercings: How to prevent complications. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/piercings/art-20047317