If you’re considering getting a piercing, it’s important to know which piercings have a high chance of migration. Piercing migration occurs when the body’s natural healing process causes the piercing to move from its original location. This can lead to discomfort, infection, and even scarring. Some piercings are more prone to migration than others, so it’s important to do your research before getting pierced.
Although all piercings have the potential to migrate, certain types of piercings have a much higher likelihood of doing so. Some piercings even have a 100% chance of rejection due to migration. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance piercing that will last indefinitely, it’s important to know which piercings to avoid.
What Is Piercing Migration?
Piercing migration occurs when your immune system pushes your jewelry out of your body toward the skin’s surface. While this can happen for various reasons, this article focuses on the pressure that jewelry puts on the skin. Unfortunately, some locations are not ideal for piercings, making it impossible to avoid or slow down the migration. For more information on piercing migration, check out this in-depth article.
Surface Piercings and Dermals
Surface piercings and dermals are often referred to as “temporary piercings” because they have a 100% chance of rejection due to migration. Since the jewelry is held in place by only a thin layer of skin, the body can easily push it out. While the duration of the piercing may vary depending on its placement, all surface piercings will ultimately be rejected.
Eyebrow and Navel Piercings
Eyebrow and navel piercings are actually types of surface piercings, despite being commonly viewed as traditional piercings. The curved barbells used for these piercings differ from those used for surface piercings, and they have designated names due to their specific placement. However, they still only penetrate a thin layer of skin and have a high chance of migration and rejection.
Unlike typical surface piercings, eyebrow, and navel piercings don’t have a 100% rejection rate. While these piercings will likely eventually be rejected due to migration, they can last for a long time with proper aftercare and attention. It’s important to keep an eye on these piercings throughout their life to ensure they remain healthy and don’t migrate.
Minimize the risk of migration.
If you want to minimize the risk of migration and rejection for your piercing, it’s crucial to choose a reputable piercer and opt for appropriate jewelry. Aftercare procedures, such as cleaning the piercing with saline solution, avoiding tight clothing, and avoiding activities that may cause the piercing to move, can also help prevent migration. Additionally, jewelry material plays a vital role in preventing migration; materials like titanium and surgical steel are less likely to cause irritation and migration than other materials.
Some piercings prone to migration include surface, dermal, and certain ear piercings, such as industrial and conch piercings. Surface piercings go through a flat skin area rather than through a piece of cartilage or flesh. These piercings are more likely to migrate because they don’t have the same support as other types of piercings. Dermal piercings, which are also called micro dermal piercings, are placed just under the skin and are held in place by a small anchor. These piercings can be prone to migration because the anchor can become dislodged over time.
Piercings Have a High Chance of Migration
Ear piercings are also prone to migration, especially industrial and conch piercings. Industrial piercing is a type of ear piercing that goes through two holes in the ear cartilage and is connected by a piece of jewelry. This type of piercing is prone to migration because it puts pressure on the cartilage, which can cause the piercing to move. The conch piercing is another type of ear piercing that is placed in the middle of the ear cartilage. This piercing is prone to migration because it is in a high-movement area of the ear.
Causes of piercing migration
The causes of piercing migration can vary, but some common causes include trauma to the piercing, improper placement, using jewelry that is too heavy or too small, and not following proper aftercare procedures. Symptoms of migrating piercings can include pain, redness, and discharge. If you suspect that your piercing is migrating, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Piercings prone to migration
You can take steps to prevent piercing migration, such as choosing a reputable piercer, opting for jewelry that is appropriate for the piercing, and following proper aftercare procedures. Aftercare for piercings prone to migration may include cleaning the piercing with saline solution, avoiding tight clothing that can pressure the piercing, and avoiding activities that may cause the piercing to move.
The type of jewelry you choose can also impact the risk of piercing migration. Jewelry that is too heavy or too small can cause the piercing to move, so it’s important to choose jewelry that is appropriate for the piercing. Some jewelry materials, such as titanium and surgical steel, are less likely to cause irritation and migration than others.
FAQs:
Q: What is piercing migration?
Ans: Piercing migration occurs when the body’s natural healing process causes the piercing to move from its original location.
Q: Which piercings are prone to migration?
Ans: Some piercings that are prone to migration include surface piercings, dermal piercings, and certain ear piercings such as industrial and conch piercings.
Q: What are the causes of piercing migration?
Ans: The causes of piercing migration can vary, but some common causes include trauma to the piercing, improper placement, using jewelry that is too heavy or too small, and not following proper aftercare procedures.
Q: How can I prevent piercing migration?
Ans: To prevent piercing migration, choose a reputable piercer, opt for appropriate jewelry, and follow proper aftercare procedures. Aftercare for piercings prone to migration may include cleaning the piercing with saline solution, avoiding tight clothing that can put pressure on the piercing, and avoiding activities that may cause the piercing to move.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my piercing is migrating?
Ans: If you suspect that your piercing is migrating, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of migrating piercings can include pain, redness, and discharge.
Q: What kind of jewelry should I use to minimize the migration risk?
Ans: Jewelry that is too heavy or too small can cause the piercing to move, so it’s important to choose appropriate jewelry. Some jewelry materials, such as titanium and surgical steel, are less likely to cause irritation and migration than others.
Q: How long does it take for a piercing to heal?
Ans: The healing time for piercings can vary depending on the type of piercing and individual healing processes. Generally, a piercing can take a few weeks to several months to fully heal.
Q: Can a migrated piercing be fixed?
Ans: In some cases, a migrated piercing may be able to be re-pierced in a different location. However, it’s important to consult with a professional piercer or medical professional before attempting to re-pierce a migrated piercing.
Q: What are crusties, and how are they related to piercing migration?
Ans: Crusties are dried lymph that can form around a healing piercing. While they are not necessarily related to piercing migration, they can be a sign of improper aftercare or irritation to the piercing, which can increase the risk of migration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re thinking about getting a piercing, it’s important to know which piercings have a high chance of migration. Surface piercings, dermal piercings, and certain ear piercings are more prone to migration than other types of piercings. Causes of piercing migration can include trauma, improper placement, and using jewelry that is not appropriate for the piercing. Symptoms of migrating piercings can include pain, redness, and discharge. To prevent piercing migration, choose a reputable piercer, opt for appropriate jewelry, and follow proper aftercare procedures. If you suspect that your piercing is migrating, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
