Will piercing holes go away?

Ever wondered, "Will piercing holes go away if I stop wearing jewelry?" You're not alone! Whether you're thinking about retiring a piercing or just curious, the answer depends on a few key factors. Some piercings close up quickly, while others may stick around for years. Let’s break it down.

Do piercing holes close over time?

The truth is, piercing holes can close, but how fast (or if they close at all) depends on a few things:

How old is the piercing? Fresh piercings (less than 6 months old) can start closing within a few hours of removing the jewelry. That's because the body is still trying to heal the wound. On the other hand, older, fully healed piercings might stay open for years—or may never close completely. (lanewoodsjewelry.com)

Where is the piercing? Piercings in soft tissue (like the earlobe) tend to close faster than cartilage piercings (like the upper ear or nose). Tongue and lip piercings? Those can seal up surprisingly fast due to the high blood flow in those areas.

Your body’s healing process: Everyone's body heals differently. Some people’s skin regenerates faster, meaning their piercings may close quickly. Others might find that even after years, their piercing hole sticks around.

Can you reopen a closed piercing?

If a piercing has been closed for a while and you're thinking of reopening it, tread carefully. For partially closed holes, a professional piercer might be able to reopen it. But if it’s fully closed and there's scar tissue, forcing jewelry back in can cause injury or infection. In that case, it’s best to see a professional. 

So, will piercing holes go away? Maybe! It depends on how long you've had the piercing, its location, and how your body heals. If you're hoping to let a piercing close, just give it time and keep the area clean. And if you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult a professional piercer for advice.