Aftercare: Downsizing Your Piercing

Downsizing

Downsizing is where we (professional piercers) remove the original post/flatback/barbell you were pierced with and replace it with a sterilized, shorter one. The same top, design, gem, etc. can be placed onto the new, shorter post.

Above are two pictures to better explain how downsizing works. You would typically benefit from a downsize when there is an excess length of jewelry showing in your piercings. This excess length should be noticeable without pushing or poking your jewelry out.

The basis of downsizing

By replacing the original post/flatback/barbell (portion going through your piercing) with one that fits better, your piercing may:

Heal better, faster, etc. A “fit” post/flatback/barbell will immobilize the jewelry which can allow the piercing to heal “in place” versus rotating, pushing and/or pulling throughout the day.
Avoid/prevent snags. Initially- a post/flatback/barbell that has a little bit of excess length will be used. This is normal as initial piercings tend to swell/inflame as they go through the first phase of healing; even if your piercing(s) did not/have not swelled it is crucial to allow a little excess length as this can happen on/off again during the first days/weeks.
Avoid/prevent tooth and gum damage (for oral piercings such as lip and tongue). Jewelry that is too long in an oral piercing runs the risk of wearing at the piercees teeth and gums; this can cause damage, wear away at enamel, etc.
Function as a nice “check up”. During a downsize appointment we are solely focused on how your piercing is doing/looks.

Any piercing could potentially benefit from being downsized but the following piercings often benefit substantially from being downsized: lip, tongue, and any type of cartilage piercing done with a stud.