If you’re someone who loves body piercings, then you must be aware of how dermal piercings work. A dermal piercing, also known as a microdermal piercing or single-point piercing, is a type of piercing that involves inserting an anchor into the skin and attaching it to jewelry that sits flush with the surface of the skin.
As with any piercing, dermal piercings require proper care and maintenance to ensure that they heal properly and stay healthy. Sometimes, however, you may accidentally dislodge your dermal piercing or want to change the jewelry, and you might be tempted to push it back into place. But is it safe to do so?
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about dermal piercings, including the risks and benefits of pushing them back in. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your dermal piercing.
What Is a Dermal Piercing?
A dermal piercing is a type of body piercing that involves inserting a small anchor into the skin and attaching it to a piece of jewelry. Unlike traditional piercings, which involve making a hole through the skin and inserting jewelry through it, dermal piercings involve creating a pocket in the skin where the anchor is inserted.
The anchor used in dermal piercings is typically made of either titanium or surgical stainless steel, both of which are hypoallergenic and safe for use in piercings. The anchor has a flat base that sits flush against the surface of the skin, and a small hole in the center where the jewelry is attached.
Dermal piercings can be placed almost anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, and back. They can be done individually or in groups, and the jewelry used can range from simple studs to more elaborate designs.
The Risks of Push Your Dermal Piercing Back In
While it may be tempting to push your dermal piercing back into place if it has become dislodged or if you want to change the jewelry, doing so can be risky. There are several potential risks associated with pushing your dermal piercing back in, including:
Infection:
If your dermal piercing has become dislodged, there is a risk of infection if you attempt to push it back into place without properly cleaning it first. When you push the piercing back in, you can introduce bacteria into the wound, which can lead to an infection.
Tearing:
Dermal piercings are anchored to the skin with a small piece of jewelry, and pushing the jewelry back into place can cause tearing or damage to the skin around the piercing. This can be painful and can also increase the risk of infection.
Migration:
If your dermal piercing has been dislodged, there is a risk that it has migrated or shifted slightly from its original position. If you attempt to push it back into place, you may inadvertently push it into a new position, which can cause it to migrate further or even become completely rejected by the body.
Rejection:
Dermal piercings are considered to be semi-permanent piercings, meaning that they are designed to be in place for an extended period of time. However, if the body perceives the anchor as a foreign object, it may begin to reject it. If you attempt to push a dislodged dermal piercing back into place, you may be exacerbating this rejection response, which can ultimately lead to the piercing falling out or needing to be removed.
Scarring:
If you push a dislodged dermal piercing back into place , you may cause scarring around the piercing. Scarring can occur if the skin around the piercing is torn or damaged during the process of pushing the jewelry back into place. Scarring can be unsightly and may make it more difficult to heal the piercing properly.
Overall, there are several risks associated with pushing your dermal piercing back into place, and it is generally not recommended. If you have a dislodged dermal piercing, it is best to seek the advice of a professional piercer to have it properly reinserted.
What Should You Do if Your Dermal Piercing Becomes Dislodged?
If your dermal piercing becomes dislodged, the first thing you should do is clean the area around the piercing with a saline solution. This will help to reduce the risk of infection and prepare the area for reinsertion.
Next, you should seek the advice of a professional piercer. A piercer will be able to assess the damage to the piercing and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the piercer may be able to reinsert the jewelry, but in other cases, the piercing may need to be removed and allowed to heal before it can be re-pierced.
If you decide to attempt to reinsert the jewelry yourself, be sure to use clean hands and tools, and be gentle when inserting the jewelry. Do not force the jewelry back into place if it does not easily slide into the hole. This can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.
How to Care for Your Dermal Piercing
Proper care and maintenance are essential for the health and longevity of your dermal piercing. Here are some tips for caring for your dermal piercing:
- Clean the area around the piercing twice a day with a saline solution. You can make your own saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands. If you need to touch the piercing, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly first.
- Avoid swimming or soaking in bodies of water, such as pools, hot tubs, or lakes, until your piercing has fully healed.
- Avoid sleeping on the side of your body where the piercing is located.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that can rub against the piercing and cause irritation.
- Avoid applying any creams or lotions to the area around the piercing, as these can clog the pores and prevent the piercing from healing properly.
- Avoid changing the jewelry too soon. Dermal piercings can take several months to fully heal, and changing the jewelry too soon can cause damage to the healing tissue.
Dermal Piercing Not Sitting Flat?
If you notice that your dermal piercing isn’t sitting flat, it may be a sign of rejection. However, if you’ve recently gotten the piercing, it’s more likely due to swelling. During the healing process, just like with any other piercing, the dermal may appear to not be straight or flat. But if you’ve had your dermal for a while and suddenly it’s no longer sitting flat, it’s important to visit your piercer. They will look for other signs of rejection and decide whether it’s best to remove the piercing.
How To Fix a Rejecting Dermal
Unfortunately, there’s no way to fix a rejecting dermal. Any attempts to delay or prevent the rejection will only cause more damage to your body and could result in a worse scar. The best course of action for a dermal that’s showing signs of rejecting is to visit your piercer and have it removed. Leaving in a piercing that is rejecting risks having it ripped from your body, which not only hurts but also leads to a terrible scar.
Do All Dermal Piercings Grow Out?
All dermal piercings will eventually grow out and reject. The length of time a dermal piercing takes to grow out depends on various factors such as the location of the piercing, how well you take care of it, and genetics. For example, a dermal on the hand may only last two years due to constant movement, making it more prone to snagging. In contrast, dermals on the face or upper chest may last up to 10 years as they are in a safer location. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all dermal piercings will eventually reject, and you’ll need to visit your piercer to have it removed.
Dermal Rejection Scars
The appearance of a dermal piercing rejection scar can vary from barely noticeable to a larger scab-like appearance. If you visit your piercer and have them remove the dermal, you’ll be left with a small white scar. However, if you allow the dermal to reject on its own, the scar will likely be larger. The appearance of the scar also depends on genetics and the exact position of the piercing. It’s important to remember that scars fade over time, and what may initially be a large red scar will eventually fade to a smaller white scar.
FAQs
Can I change the jewelry in my dermal piercing myself?
It is not recommended to change the jewelry in your dermal piercing yourself, especially if it is a new piercing. Changing the jewelry too soon or using improper tools can cause damage to the healing tissue and increase the risk of infection. It is best to seek the advice of a professional piercer if you want to change the jewelry in your dermal piercing.
Can I swim with a dermal piercing?
It is not recommended to swim with a dermal piercing until it has fully healed. Bodies of water such as pools, hot tubs, and lakes can contain bacteria and other harmful substances that can increase the risk of infection. It is best to avoid swimming or soaking in bodies of water until your piercing has fully healed.
How long does it take for a dermal piercing to heal?
Dermal piercings can take several months to fully heal. The healing time can vary depending on factors such as the location of the piercing, the individual’s immune system, and the aftercare routine. It is important to follow proper aftercare guidelines and be patient during the healing process.
Can I remove a dermal piercing myself?
It is not recommended to remove a dermal piercing yourself. Removing the jewelry too soon or using improper tools can cause damage to the healing tissue and increase the risk of infection. It is best to seek the advice of a professional piercer if you want to remove a dermal piercing.
Can I get a dermal piercing if I have sensitive skin?
It is possible to get a dermal piercing if you have sensitive skin, but it is important to be aware of the risks. Sensitive skin can be more prone to irritation and infection, so it is important to choose a reputable piercer and follow proper aftercare guidelines to minimize the risk of complications. It is also a good idea to discuss any concerns with your piercer before getting the piercing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pushing your dermal piercing back into place can be risky and is generally not recommended. If your piercing becomes dislodged, it is best to seek the advice of a professional piercer to have it properly reinserted.
Remember to always take proper care of your dermal piercing to ensure that it heals properly and stays healthy. With proper care and maintenance, your dermal piercing can be a beautiful and unique addition to your body art collection.
