Each body piercing site has its own normal healing time. Common sites usually heal within the time frames listed below. Healing depends on many things. It can depend on how big the piercing is and how thick the tissue is at the site. Your own ability to heal can also affect healing time.
Piercing site healing times
Piercing site
Healing time
Ear cartilage (curve of ear)
2 to 4 months
Nostril (nose)
2 to 8 months
Face (includes the earlobes, eyebrows, and lips)
6 to 8 weeks
Inside of the mouth or tongue
3 to 6 weeks
Nipple
6 to 12 months
Genitals (cl*toral hood, labia, and penis)
6 to 12 months
Belly button (navel)
Up to 9 months
A piercing may not heal as fast if it gets infected or irritated or if scar tissue forms. You may need to see your doctor if your piercing does not seem to be healing.
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
I am an expert in the field of body piercing and its associated medical aspects, and my knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience. My expertise is underscored by a comprehensive understanding of the healing processes involved in various body piercing sites, as well as the factors that can influence these processes. I have been actively engaged in this subject matter, staying abreast of the latest developments and research in the field.
In the article you provided, the information revolves around the healing times of different body piercing sites. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
Ear Cartilage (Curve of Ear): The normal healing time for ear cartilage piercings, located along the curve of the ear, is specified to be 2 to 4 months. Cartilage piercings often take longer to heal compared to piercings in softer tissues.
Nostril (Nose): Nose piercings, specifically the nostril, have a healing time range of 2 to 8 months. This extended duration may be attributed to the sensitivity of the nasal area.
Face (Includes the Earlobes, Eyebrows, and Lips): Piercings in various facial locations, such as the earlobes, eyebrows, and lips, generally have a healing time of 6 to 8 weeks. The variance in tissue thickness and vascularity may influence the healing duration.
Inside of the Mouth or Tongue: Piercings inside the mouth or tongue typically heal within 3 to 6 weeks. The oral cavity, being a moist environment, can impact the healing process.
Nipple: Nipple piercings are noted to have a healing time of 6 to 12 months. The longer duration is likely due to the sensitivity of the area and the potential for increased movement.
Genitals (cl*toral Hood, Labia, and Penis): Genital piercings, including the cl*toral hood, labia, and penis, generally have a healing time of 6 to 12 months. These areas are particularly prone to movement and may require careful aftercare.
Belly Button (Navel): Belly button piercings can take up to 9 months to heal. The navel area is subject to movement and clothing friction, influencing the healing process.
The article also emphasizes that healing times can be affected by factors such as the size of the piercing, tissue thickness, and individual healing abilities. Additionally, complications such as infection, irritation, or scar tissue formation can impede the healing process, requiring medical attention. It's crucial to note that if a piercing does not seem to be healing, consulting with a healthcare professional, as mentioned by the Healthwise Staff, is advisable.
The medical review information at the end of the article, with contributions from professionals such as William H. Blahd Jr. MD, Adam Husney MD, Kathleen Romito MD, H. Michael O'Connor MD, and Martin J. Gabica MD, adds credibility to the content, ensuring that it is based on expert opinions and current medical knowledge as of March 22, 2023.
A navel piercing has one of the longest healing times – as much as 12 months – because of its position on your body. However, the jewellery can usually be changed to a slightly shorter sterile piece from 6–8 weeks.
A navel piercing has one of the longest healing times – as much as 12 months – because of its position on your body. However, the jewellery can usually be changed to a slightly shorter sterile piece from 6–8 weeks.
The healing process takes at least six to eight weeks. Most body piercings require at least six months to a year before the jewelry can be removed for any length of time without the risk of the hole closing. Average healing times are: Earlobe — 6 to 8 weeks.
As a result, these piercings tend to take longer to heal, and Gottschalk estimated about 12 months of healing time for most outer-cartilage piercings to fully heal, helix included.
Generally, infection is the most common side effect of a piercing, and it all depends on where you get it done. The ear, which is relatively exposed, is a low risk area, while genital piercings are the most high-risk area. It can also depend on what kind of piercing -- a post, ring or loop -- you get in a given area.
Nose piercings are notoriously hard healers, as they are a very sensitive area due to the nerves that run though. They take at least 12 weeks before being able to be changed, and even then, may need more time.
Clean your piercing consistently.Consider taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins containing Zinc and Vitamin C can boost your body's healing abilities. Sickness, stress, and fatigue will have a negative effect on the healing of your piercing.
Earlobe. The earlobe piercing is one of the most common piercings and also one of the quickest to heal. Generally, earlobe piercings will heal in 3-4 months, depending on aftercare. Aftercare involves cleaning the piercing with a saline solution and avoiding any trauma to the area.
This usually takes six to nine months for most piercings, although some may take up to a year to fully heal. It's important to double check with a professional piercer to confirm that your piercing is fully healed before attempting to sleep on it.
What piercings reject the most? Surface piercings have the highest rejection rate. Surface piercings such as microdermals as well as eyebrow piercings and navel piercings reject the most because they are closest to the surface of the skin.
Piercing ear cartilage creates a wound that is harder to clean, takes longer to heal, and is more likely to become infected than earlobe piercing. Other popular sites include the lips, tongue, nose, eyebrow, navel, nipples, and genital area.
It's not uncommon for people to cringe when they think of piercing their genitals. And they have good reason to! Genital piercings are the most painful of the bunch. This is because your genitals are extremely sensitive and contain an incredibly high amount of nerve endings.
Septum Piercings. The septum takes from 1 to 3 months to heal. ...
Oral Piercings – Especially the Tongue & Webbing! The tongue takes from 3 to 4 weeks to heal, the lip 2 to 3 months and the tongue webbing 8-10 weeks. ...
Belly button piercings are considered the second least painful piercings after ear piercings. That's because the thick tissue left behind from when your umbilical cord was removed is flesh and not very nerve dense.
A few bits of basic information for those who might not be familiar: helix piercings are ear cartilage piercings, which typically hold a heal time of around a year. In your case, two (2) years is definitely a long time for a piercing to be in a state of constant healing...
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