How to Re-Pierce Your Ears: A Comprehensive Guide to Successfully Reopening Pierced Ear Holes

Many people experience the unfortunate situation of having ear piercings close up, whether due to inactivity, injury, or simply deciding they no longer want the piercing. The good news is that, in many cases, it’s possible to re-pierce your ears. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions to help you successfully reopen pierced ear holes, minimizing discomfort and maximizing the chances of a successful re-piercing.

Understanding Why Piercings Close

Before delving into the process of re-piercing, it’s important to understand why ear piercings close in the first place. The human body has a natural healing mechanism that treats piercings as wounds. When a piercing is no longer maintained by wearing earrings, the body begins to close the hole. The speed at which this happens varies depending on several factors:

* **Age of the Piercing:** Newer piercings tend to close much faster than older, well-established piercings. A piercing that’s only a few months old can close within days or even hours if left unattended. Piercings that have been in place for several years may take weeks or even months to close completely.
* **Individual Healing Rate:** Everyone’s body heals at a different rate. Some people are simply more prone to piercings closing quickly.
* **Piercing Location:** Piercings in areas with less blood flow, like cartilage, may close more slowly than those in the earlobe.
* **Aftercare Practices:** Proper aftercare during the initial healing period can contribute to a stronger, more resilient piercing that’s less likely to close quickly.

Assessing Your Ears: Are You a Good Candidate for Re-Piercing?

Before attempting to re-pierce your ears, it’s crucial to assess the condition of the closed piercing holes. This assessment will help you determine whether re-piercing is a viable option and whether you can do it yourself or need professional help.

1. **Locate the Original Piercing Hole:** Carefully examine your earlobe (or cartilage, if applicable) to locate the original piercing hole. You might be able to see a faint indentation, scar tissue, or a slightly discolored area where the piercing used to be.
2. **Check for Scar Tissue:** Feel the area around the closed piercing hole. If you feel a hard, raised bump or significant scar tissue, it may indicate that the hole has completely closed and re-piercing might be more challenging. In some cases, excessive scar tissue can make it difficult to re-pierce in the exact same spot.
3. **Determine Closure Level:** Try gently pushing a thin, blunt object (like the back of an earring or a clean sewing needle – **USE EXTREME CAUTION!**) through the suspected piercing hole. If it goes through easily without resistance, the hole might not be completely closed, and you may be able to reopen it relatively easily. If you encounter resistance, the hole is likely closed, and you’ll need to proceed with more caution.
4. **Consider Professional Consultation:** If you’re unsure about the condition of your piercing holes, have a lot of scar tissue, or are attempting to re-pierce cartilage, it’s always best to consult a professional piercer. They can assess your ears and provide personalized advice on the best course of action.

Methods for Re-Piercing Ears

There are several methods you can use to re-pierce your ears, depending on the degree to which the piercing has closed. These range from simple reopening techniques to professional re-piercing.

Method 1: Reopening a Slightly Closed Piercing (The “Easing Through” Method)

This method is suitable if the piercing hole has only slightly closed and you can still feel a faint channel. It involves gently encouraging the existing channel to reopen.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* **Sterile Saline Solution:** For cleaning the area and your earrings.
* **Hypoallergenic Earrings:** Preferably surgical steel, titanium, or gold. Start with a small, lightweight stud.
* **Antibacterial Soap:** For washing your hands.
* **Clean Towel:** For drying your hands and ears.
* **Lubricant (Optional):** Water-based lubricant like K-Y Jelly can help the earring slide through more easily (use sparingly).

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

1. **Wash Your Hands:** Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water. This is crucial to prevent infection.
2. **Clean the Earring:** Clean your hypoallergenic earring with sterile saline solution or rubbing alcohol.
3. **Clean the Ear:** Gently clean the front and back of your earlobe (or cartilage) around the closed piercing hole with sterile saline solution. Remove any crust or debris.
4. **Locate the Channel:** Carefully locate the opening of the piercing channel on both sides of your ear. Look for a slight indentation or discoloration.
5. **Apply Lubricant (Optional):** If using lubricant, apply a small amount to the post of the earring.
6. **Gently Insert the Earring:** Slowly and gently insert the earring post into the front of the piercing hole. Apply steady, even pressure. Do *not* force the earring. If you encounter significant resistance, stop immediately.
7. **Wiggle and Rotate:** If the earring is meeting resistance, gently wiggle and rotate it back and forth. This can help it find the existing channel. Continue applying gentle pressure.
8. **Listen for a Pop:** You might feel a slight “pop” as the earring breaks through the closed skin. This is normal, but be gentle.
9. **Push Through:** Once the earring has passed through the hole, continue pushing it through until it’s fully inserted.
10. **Clean Again:** Clean the area around the piercing with sterile saline solution again.
11. **Repeat for the Other Ear:** Repeat the process for the other ear.

**Aftercare:**

* Clean the piercing twice a day with sterile saline solution.
* Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
* Do not remove the earring for at least 6-8 weeks to allow the piercing to heal properly.
* Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, pus). If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor.

Method 2: Using a Taper (For Slightly More Closed Piercings)

A taper is a tool designed to gradually stretch a piercing. It’s a good option if the piercing has closed a bit more, but you can still feel a faint channel.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* **Sterile Saline Solution:** For cleaning the area and the taper.
* **Taper:** Choose a taper that’s slightly smaller than your earring size. Purchase from a reputable piercing supply store and ensure it is made of implant-grade material such as surgical steel or titanium.
* **Hypoallergenic Earrings:** Preferably surgical steel, titanium, or gold. Start with a small, lightweight stud.
* **Antibacterial Soap:** For washing your hands.
* **Clean Towel:** For drying your hands and ears.
* **Lubricant (Optional):** Water-based lubricant can help the taper slide through more easily (use sparingly).

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

1. **Wash Your Hands:** Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water.
2. **Sterilize the Taper:** Clean the taper with sterile saline solution or rubbing alcohol. Make sure it’s completely sterile.
3. **Clean the Ear:** Gently clean the front and back of your earlobe (or cartilage) around the closed piercing hole with sterile saline solution.
4. **Apply Lubricant (Optional):** If using lubricant, apply a small amount to the taper.
5. **Gently Insert the Taper:** Slowly and gently insert the taper into the front of the piercing hole. Apply steady, even pressure. Do *not* force the taper. If you encounter significant resistance, stop immediately.
6. **Push Through:** Gently push the taper through the piercing hole until it comes out the other side.
7. **Insert the Earring:** Immediately after removing the taper, insert the hypoallergenic earring into the hole. The earring should follow the taper closely to prevent the hole from closing again.
8. **Clean Again:** Clean the area around the piercing with sterile saline solution again.
9. **Repeat for the Other Ear:** Repeat the process for the other ear.

**Aftercare:**

* Clean the piercing twice a day with sterile saline solution.
* Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
* Do not remove the earring for at least 6-8 weeks to allow the piercing to heal properly.
* Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, pus). If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor.

Method 3: Professional Re-Piercing

If the piercing hole has completely closed, or if you’re uncomfortable attempting to re-pierce your ears yourself, the best option is to seek professional help from a reputable piercer. A professional piercer has the experience, tools, and sterile environment to safely and effectively re-pierce your ears.

**Why Choose a Professional?**

* **Expertise:** Professional piercers have extensive knowledge of ear anatomy and piercing techniques.
* **Sterile Environment:** They use sterile equipment and follow strict hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infection.
* **Precise Placement:** They can accurately locate the original piercing site and ensure proper placement.
* **Reduced Risk of Complications:** They can identify and address potential complications, such as scar tissue or keloid formation.

**What to Expect During a Professional Re-Piercing:**

1. **Consultation:** The piercer will examine your ears and discuss your goals and concerns.
2. **Marking:** The piercer will mark the precise location for the new piercing.
3. **Sterilization:** The area will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
4. **Piercing:** The piercer will use a sterile needle to create the new piercing. They may use a numbing cream if requested.
5. **Jewelry Insertion:** The piercer will insert sterile, hypoallergenic jewelry into the new piercing.
6. **Aftercare Instructions:** The piercer will provide detailed aftercare instructions.

Important Considerations and Precautions

* **Sterility is Paramount:** Always prioritize sterility to prevent infection. Use sterile saline solution, sterile equipment, and wash your hands thoroughly.
* **Never Force It:** If you encounter significant resistance when trying to insert an earring or taper, stop immediately. Forcing it can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of infection.
* **Listen to Your Body:** Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you experience excessive pain, bleeding, or swelling, stop and consult a professional.
* **Avoid Irritants:** Avoid using harsh chemicals, perfumes, or hairsprays near the piercing.
* **Don’t Touch:** Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
* **Be Patient:** Healing takes time. Be patient and follow the aftercare instructions carefully.
* **Cartilage Piercings:** Re-piercing cartilage can be more challenging than re-piercing earlobes. It’s always best to consult a professional piercer for cartilage piercings.
* **Keloids:** If you’re prone to keloid formation (raised, thickened scar tissue), consult a dermatologist before re-piercing your ears.

Choosing the Right Jewelry

Selecting the right jewelry is crucial for a successful re-piercing and healing process. Here are some guidelines:

* **Hypoallergenic Materials:** Choose hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or 14k or 18k gold. These materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation.
* **Lightweight Design:** Start with lightweight studs to minimize stress on the newly re-pierced hole.
* **Proper Size:** Ensure the jewelry is the correct gauge (thickness) for your piercing. If you’re unsure, ask a professional piercer.
* **Avoid Dangling Earrings:** Avoid wearing dangling earrings or hoops during the initial healing period, as they can snag and irritate the piercing.

Recognizing and Treating Infections

Even with the best precautions, infections can sometimes occur. It’s important to recognize the signs of an infection and seek appropriate treatment.

**Signs of Infection:**

* **Redness:** Increased redness around the piercing site.
* **Swelling:** Significant swelling around the piercing site.
* **Pain:** Increased pain or tenderness.
* **Pus:** Yellow or green discharge from the piercing.
* **Warmth:** The area around the piercing feels warm to the touch.
* **Fever:** In severe cases, you may develop a fever.

**Treatment for Infections:**

* **Clean the Piercing:** Clean the piercing with sterile saline solution several times a day.
* **Antibacterial Soap:** Wash the area with mild antibacterial soap.
* **Warm Compress:** Apply a warm compress to the area to promote blood flow and healing.
* **Over-the-Counter Antibiotic Ointment:** Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area.
* **Consult a Doctor:** If the infection doesn’t improve within a few days, or if you develop a fever, consult a doctor. You may need prescription antibiotics.

**When to Remove the Earring:**

In general, it’s best to leave the earring in place during an infection to allow drainage. However, if the earring is causing significant pain or discomfort, or if the infection is severe, your doctor may advise you to remove it. Do not remove the earring unless instructed by a medical professional.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

Once your re-pierced ears have healed, it’s important to maintain them properly to prevent them from closing again.

* **Wear Earrings Regularly:** Wear earrings regularly, even if you don’t wear them every day. This will help keep the piercing open.
* **Clean Your Earrings:** Clean your earrings regularly with rubbing alcohol to prevent bacteria buildup.
* **Avoid Sleeping in Earrings:** Avoid sleeping in earrings, especially if they’re large or dangling. This can prevent irritation and snagging.
* **Check the Backs:** Make sure the backs of your earrings are securely fastened to prevent them from falling out.
* **Moisturize:** Keep your earlobes moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking.

Conclusion

Re-piercing your ears is often a straightforward process, but it requires patience, caution, and proper aftercare. By following these detailed steps and instructions, you can successfully reopen your pierced ear holes and enjoy wearing earrings again. Remember to prioritize sterility, listen to your body, and consult a professional if you have any concerns. With the right approach, you can confidently and safely reclaim your ear piercings. Good luck!