What is piercing rejection (migration)? Symptoms and what to do
Migration and rejection
Migration is the jewellery shifting position in the tissue; rejection is the body pushing the jewellery out completely like a foreign object. In both, the piercing gradually moves closer to the surface.
Symptoms
- Thinning and shininess of the skin under the jewellery
- The position of the piercing changing or moving closer to the surface
- The jewellery being more visible than before
- Redness and constant irritation
Causes
Shallow placement, unsuitable jewellery shape or material, constant pressure, a spot unsuited to the anatomy and frequent trauma.
What should you do?
Consult your piercer. Usually the safest method is to remove the jewellery and wait for the mark to heal. Forcing it leaves a wider scar.
Re-piercing
After the mark has healed, an experienced piercer can suggest a new placement and jewellery suited to your anatomy.
Migration and rejection
The body sometimes perceives jewellery as a foreign object and pushes it towards the surface. This process is called migration, and the jewellery being pushed out completely is called rejection. The risk increases if the skin is thin and the jewellery is under pressure.
Symptoms
The skin under the jewellery thins and becomes shiny; the distance between the holes shortens; the jewellery becomes visible closer to the surface. Redness, flaking and a change in the direction of the jewellery may also be seen.
What should you do?
When you notice the signs, see your piercer. Often the safest thing is to remove the jewellery and wait for the piercing to heal; it is then possible to re-pierce in a different spot or with different jewellery. Delaying the process without expert advice can increase scarring.
The difference between migration and rejection
Migration is the jewellery slowly moving towards the surface of the skin. Rejection is the body pushing the jewellery out as a foreign object. The two are similar but have different root causes. Migration is often due to incorrect placement, thin tissue or unsuitable jewellery; rejection comes from material or anatomical incompatibility.
First signs
The skin between the piercing and the jewellery thins, becomes translucent and looks shiny. The jewellery looks as if it has shifted, and the distance between the two ends of the piercing shortens. Sometimes there is redness, crusting and constant irritation. When you see these signs, go to your piercer without waiting; early intervention increases the chance of removing it without a scar.
What is done?
The piercer may recommend removing the jewellery and waiting for the piercing to close. The decision should be made quickly as a scar may remain. To re-pierce the same spot, tissue healing must be complete, which usually means waiting a few months. Before trying again, the material and placement are assessed for suitability.
Risk factors
Thin tissue, placement close to the surface, heavy or unsuitable jewellery, constant pressure and trauma increase the risk of migration. Navel, eyebrow and surface piercings are more prone. Material that causes an allergic reaction can also contribute to the body pushing out the jewellery. That is why the right spot, suitable anatomy and quality jewellery are the most important precautions.
What can you do to prevent it?
Have your piercing done by an experienced piercer; choose a spot suited to your anatomy. The first jewellery should be long enough, straight and light. Avoid pressure, pulling and knocks. If you notice the skin over the piercing thinning, get advice without waiting. Early intervention often makes it possible to remove the jewellery with less scarring.
Getting re-pierced
After rejection or migration, wait for the tissue to heal before re-piercing the same spot. If it has left a scar, a different nearby spot can be chosen. Because the same material and the same placement can lead to the same result, it is important to analyse the cause together.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the symptoms
- Tightening the jewellery or wearing thicker jewellery
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
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FAQ
Is rejection inevitable?
It doesn't happen with every piercing; placement, jewellery and aftercare affect the risk.
Can migration be stopped once it has started?
At an early stage, changing the jewellery may help; the piercer should assess it.
Can the same spot be pierced again?
It can be considered after the scar has healed and with suitable placement.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.