Piercing jewellery embedded or won't come out: what to do?
Why does it happen?
When swelling is larger than the initial jewellery or a bar that is too short has been chosen, it squeezes the tissue and the end can sink into it. Long bars inserted the wrong way round also cause pressure.
First step
Don't panic. Don't tug at the jewellery or try to unscrew it. Gently clean around the piercing with sterile saline and contact your piercer immediately.
What does the piercer do?
The piercer removes the jewellery with the right tools and hygiene and replaces it with a longer bar if necessary. If there are signs of pain, bleeding or infection, they refer you to a doctor.
Prevention
Choose a sufficient length for your first jewellery. Come for a check-up for downsizing after the swelling has gone down. You can find information on the right size in our size guide.
Seeing a doctor
If the jewellery is completely embedded, if pain and swelling are increasing or if there is a fever, go to a health facility urgently.
Why does jewellery embed?
When jewellery embeds in the skin, it is usually because the first jewellery was too short after swelling or the end has sunk into the soft tissue. The body can grow around the jewellery like a foreign object. Jewellery that is too short or excessive swelling are the most common causes.
Don't try to remove it yourself
Trying to remove the jewellery with pliers, tweezers or a needle tears the tissue, carries a risk of infection and makes the situation worse. Leave the jewellery in place and get help from a piercer or doctor immediately.
What does a specialist do?
An experienced piercer can insert longer jewellery or reposition the jewellery under sterile conditions. If embedding has progressed, a minor procedure may be needed. In that case a doctor's assessment is required. To prevent it, it is important to choose initial jewellery long enough to allow for swelling.
Why does jewellery embed?
Embedding occurs when the jewellery is too short for the swelling of the tissue or has been under pressure for a long time. Typical signs are a gem end sinking into the skin, the bar no longer being visible and redness around it. This is a situation that may require medical intervention; trying to remove it yourself can tear the tissue.
What should and shouldn't you do?
Don't try to remove the jewellery yourself. Don't fiddle with the area. See your piercer immediately and show a photo if possible. If there is severe pain, fever, spreading redness or pus, an urgent doctor's assessment is needed. The piercer can remove the jewellery with the right tools and replace it with longer jewellery, or refer you to a doctor.
The right length to prevent it
The first jewellery should be long enough to leave room for swelling. Even a slight sizing error can start embedding. Once the swelling goes down, you need to downsize to reach the true length. That is why choosing jewellery that is too short at the start just because it looks “neater” is a risky choice.
Doctor and piercer working together
Embedded jewellery sometimes cannot be removed by a piercer alone. If the tissue has grown around the jewellery, a doctor can remove it with local anaesthetic and a small incision. In this case the risk of infection is high; antibiotics may be needed. Pay attention to wound care after the procedure and discuss the possibility of scarring with your doctor.
Habits that prevent embedding
If you see the jewellery sitting very close to the surface during the swelling period, go to your piercer without waiting. Don't try to twist or tighten the jewellery. If the underside of a gem end is not curved, choose flatback models. In the first weeks of healing, trust the long initial jewellery rather than wanting to keep it short.
Common mistakes
- Trying to remove the jewellery with tweezers
- Waiting and making things worse
When should you get help?
If the jewellery is not visible or there is excessive pain and swelling, don't waste time.
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
If the jewellery has embedded, can I remove it myself?
No; you could damage the tissue. Get professional help.
How long does swelling last?
It can last a few weeks; a long bar leaves room for swelling.
How do I prevent embedding?
Choose a sufficient length for the first jewellery and go to your check-up appointments.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.