Piercing downsizing: what it is and when to do it
When we get a piercing, the first piece of jewellery isn’t always the size we’ll wear for the rest of our lives. In fact, it’s common for the piercer to initially fit a slightly longer bar to allow for the swelling during the first few days.
But what happens when the swelling goes down and the jewellery starts to feel too long? This is where a term comes in that you may have heard of: piercing downsizing.
What is piercing downsizing?
The downsizing consists of shorten the length of the initial jewellery once the swelling has gone down, by fitting a shorter bar that is better suited to the piercing.
It’s not simply a matter of changing the angle because we want a different design. The main aim is to ensure that the jewellery fits properly, taking into account the anatomy and the healing process of the piercing.
A piece of jewellery that is too long may move about constantly, get caught in your hair or clothing, and be more prone to knocks. For this reason, downsizing can be an important part of the healing process.
Why is a longer piece of jewellery worn at the front?
In the early stages following a piercing, it is normal for some swelling to occur. For this reason, the initial jewellery needs to be loose enough to allow the tissue to swell without being constricted.
The problem arises when that swelling subsides and the bar remains the same length.
In such circumstances, a piece of jewellery that is too long may move around excessively and cause irritation or minor injuries. In some cases, repeated movement and snagging may even contribute to problems such as the piercing migrating.
When should you downsize?
There isn’t a single exact day for all piercings.
The right time depends on the area being pierced, the individual’s anatomy, the type of jewellery and how the healing process progresses.
As a general rule, downsizing can be assessed when the initial inflammation has subsided and the jewellery is clearly too long.
Some signs that may indicate the time has come are:
- The bar sticks out too far.
- The jewel is constantly moving.
- It’s easy to attach.
- The piercing is no longer showing any signs of the initial inflammation.
- The piece of jewellery keeps bumping or grazing against that area.
- There is a feeling that the piece is a bit too loose.
However, just because the inflammation has subsided does not necessarily mean that the piercing has fully healed. A piercing may appear to be completely healed on the outside whilst the tissue inside is still recovering.
Can I do the downsizing at home?
The best thing to do is don’t do it on your own, especially if the piercing is still in the process of healing.
The piercer can check the condition of the piercing, assess the anatomy and select the appropriate length. A bar that is too short may put pressure on the tissue, whilst one that is too long will continue to cause unnecessary movement.
Furthermore, changing jewellery whilst the wound is healing requires careful handling to avoid irritation or injury.
Downsizing: an adjustment, not a cosmetic change
It is important to distinguish between downsizing and a conventional jewellery exchange.
When we change a healed piercing because we want to wear a hoop, a different shape or a different piece of jewellery, we are simply referring to a change of jewellery. The Downsizing serves a primarily functional purpose: to adapt the size of the jewellery to the piercing’s development.
That’s why a check-up with your piercer can be just as important as your daily aftercare routine.
Is your piercing bar too long?
If, after a few weeks, you notice that your jewellery moves around a lot, sticks out too much or keeps getting caught, Don’t change it yourself.
A well-fitting piece of jewellery can make your piercing more comfortable, offer better protection against knocks and ensure that the healing process continues under the best possible conditions.
Consult a professional piercer to find out whether it’s time to downsize and to choose the right length.
