How to Handle a Lip Piercing Sinking into Skin: Tips for Reassuring Recovery
When your lip piercing starts to sink into your skin, it can be a worrisome experience. However, this issue can usually be managed with proper care and professional consultation. In this article, we will guide you through simple steps to handle your sinking lip piercing effectively and reassure a smoother recovery.
Understanding the Issue
A lip piercing sinking into the skin can be a sign of irritation, infection, or an improperly fitted jewelry. Here are some key points to consider: Do not immediately remove or change the jewelry, as this can cause the hole to close and trap infection. Clean the piercing area gently using saline solution to avoid further irritation from alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Look for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. Consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider if you suspect an infection.
Immediate Steps to Take
When addressing a sinking lip piercing, take these immediate actions:
Avoid Changing the Jewelry
Do not remove or change the jewelry right away, as this can cause the hole to close and potentially trap infection. If the jewelry is loose or irritating, consult a professional piercer to get advice on adjusting or replacing the piece of jewelry.
Keep the Area Clean
Gently clean the piercing with saline solution or a saline wound wash. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
Check for Infection
Look for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider.
Professional Consultation
Seek professional advice from a piercer or healthcare provider to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They might recommend changing to jewelry with a different size or material to alleviate pressure and promote healing.
Monitor Healing
Keep a close eye on the piercing over the next few days. If the piercing continues to sink or shows signs of worsening, seek professional advice again.
Remember, if you experience significant pain or other concerning symptoms, it is best to see a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
Personal Experience and Tips
Based on personal experience, here are some additional tips:
If you have sinking lip piercings like lowbret piercings, which tend to cut small wholes into the inner lip, you might be concerned. However, these usually heal normally. Check daily by gently pulling the lip down (or up for top lip) and pushing on the jewelry from the outside. If the plate comes freely out of the divet, you should be fine. However, if it does not, seek professional help as soon as possible. It doesn't need to be the same place you got the piercing done, and the sooner you address the issue, the better.
Remember, proper care and timely consultation with a professional can help manage and prevent complications. Stay vigilant and ensure that your piercing heals correctly.