Can I reopen a closed piercing?

Can I reopen a closed piercing?

So here’s the deal—can you actually reopen a closed piercing? It depends. Some piercings just shrink a little, others fully close up, and your body’s healing habits play a big role. Whether that tiny tunnel is just “sleeping” or totally sealed makes all the difference. Let’s break it down and figure out when it’s safe to try—and when it’s better to start fresh.

Is the hole really gone or just being stubborn?

Partially closed: If you haven’t worn jewelry for weeks (or even years), there might still be a skinny tunnel under a thin layer of skin. A warm shower, some lubricant, and gentle pressure from the back of the hole might help—but don’t force it.

Fully closed: Fresh piercings can seal in hours, while older ones may take days or weeks. According to Cleveland Clinic, your body may regenerate tissue quickly and block the piercing completely if jewelry is removed.

Why pros are always better than DIY?

A trained piercer has sterile tools like insertion tapers—super thin rods that gently guide jewelry back in without damage. If the taper glides through, great. If not, a new piercing may be needed. Healthline explains that pros can also spot hidden scar tissue or complications that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

If you’ve dealt with keloids or irritation before, reopening alone can make things worse. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that piercing through scar-prone skin may lead to bigger issues like permanent bumps or thickened tissue.

When you shouldn’t try reopening it?

If the piercing closed due to infection, trauma, or a reaction, reopening it on your own can cause the same problems to come back. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a professional first in these cases.

 If it hurts, bleeds, or feels tight when you “test” the hole, stop. Forcing jewelry through closed tissue can rip the skin and create long-term problems. Healthline reminds us: no pain should ever be part of re-piercing.

What a pro will do

Check the site: They’ll examine the area and may use a light or taper to assess what’s left of the tunnel.

Choose a new spot if needed: If scarred or closed, they’ll mark nearby healthy tissue for a fresh start.

Use a needle—not a gun: A clean, sharp needle creates a smoother path and heals better.

New aftercare routine: Treat it like a new piercing—saline soaks, no touching, and lots of patience.

Keeping it open next time

• Give it time to heal. Mayo Clinic says piercings need at least says piercings need at least 12 months ( before going without jewelry—even briefly.

• Stick with safe metals like titanium, 14k gold, or surgical steel, as the Association of Professional Piercers recommends, to avoid allergic reactions and irritations.

• If you need to remove the jewelry temporarily (for sports, X-rays, or work), consider using a silicone or glass retainer to hold the space. Dermatology Times suggests they’re a solid option for preserving the hole without drawing attention.

You might be able to reopen a closed piercing—but only if your body is cool with it. If you feel pain or resistance, or if the piercing was closed due to a problem, leave it to the pros. Sometimes a fresh start really is the cleanest way forward.