Say Goodbye to Lip Piercing Embedding: Proven Strategies for a Healthy Piercing

Embedding is a frequent issue that occurs with new piercings, particularly lip piercings. In some cases, it may resolve without intervention, but others may necessitate medical attention. This article provides several helpful tips on how to prevent lip piercing embedding from becoming a severe problem, ensuring a healthy and successful piercing experience.

What is Lip Piercing Embedding?

Lip piercing embedding is a condition that can occur when the piercing sinks too far into the skin and gets stuck in the surrounding tissue. This can happen when the jewelry is too short or when the piercing is not inserted correctly. In some cases, the skin can even grow over the back of the piercing, making it difficult to remove the jewelry.

While some sinking of the piercing is normal during the healing process, it becomes a problem when it becomes embedded and can lead to pain, discomfort, and potential infection. It’s important to monitor your piercing closely during the healing process and seek medical advice if you notice any signs of embedding.

Why do piercings get embedded?

Piercings can get embedded due to a combination of factors. A key reason is the incorrect insertion of jewelry, which can cause the piercing to become misaligned and eventually embed in the skin. Inadequate healing time is another contributing factor, as an unhealed piercing is more susceptible to infection and embedding.

Using inappropriate jewelry, such as pieces that are too short or made of unsuitable materials, can also lead to embedding. The body’s natural swelling and healing process may cause the jewelry to sink into the tissue. Moreover, poor aftercare practices, including insufficient cleaning or playing with the jewelry, can cause irritation and swelling, increasing the likelihood of embedding.

Allergic reactions to certain metals used in the jewelry can result in swelling and embedding as well. Additionally, excessive movement or irritation caused by constantly playing with or accidentally bumping the piercing can contribute to the problem.

To prevent piercings from embedding, it’s crucial to choose an experienced piercer, use the appropriate jewelry size and material, and follow proper aftercare procedures. Taking good care of the healing process can significantly reduce the risk of embedding and ensure a healthy, successful piercing experience.

How to Stop Lip Piercing Embedding?

To stop piercing embedding, there are several things you can do:

1. Remove the piercing jewelry: If you notice the jewelry sinking into your skin, remove it and allow the area to heal completely. You can consider getting the piercing redone after it has healed.
2. Opt for a longer bar: As piercings tend to swell after being punctured, professional piercers often use a larger piece of jewelry initially to avoid embedding. Once the piercing heals, they replace it with the appropriate size. If a small bar was used for your piercing, you should remove it and replace it with a longer one.
3. Clean your piercing regularly: Piercers typically recommend using cleaning materials like saline solution to prevent infections after a new piercing. Adhere to the instructions and clean the piercing consistently to avoid swelling, infections, or embedding.
4. Choose the right metal: Since some individuals are allergic to specific jewelry metals, ensure your piercer uses high-quality metal such as steel or titanium for your new piercing. If you experience a reaction to the current jewelry, replace it with a more suitable material.
5. Select an experienced piercer: When deciding to get a piercing, opt for a reputable piercer who will choose the correct jewelry size and insert it properly. A skilled piercer can help prevent embedding from occurring in the first place.

How to Remove an Embedded Lip Piercing?

Removing an embedded lip piercing can be tricky, and it’s usually best to seek professional help from your piercer or a medical professional. However, if you can’t get to a professional and feel comfortable attempting to remove the piercing yourself, here are some steps you can take:

1. Apply pressure: Gently press on the area opposite the embedded piercing to make it slightly protrude.
2. Grab the jewelry: Once the back of the jewelry is visibly above the lip, grab hold of the jewelry while still applying pressure.
3. Unscrew the piercing ball: Unscrew the piercing ball on the opposite side while you’re still holding the back of the piercing.
4. Pull out the piercing: Gently pull out the piercing.

If the piercing feels too tight or you experience too much pain, stop immediately and seek professional help. It’s important to take your time and be gentle to avoid further damage or injury to the piercing site.

Difference between lip piercing embedding vs nesting ?

Lip piercing embedding and nesting are two different phenomena that may occur during the healing process of a lip piercing. While nesting is a normal and natural part of the healing process for a lip piercing, embedding is a complication that can be painful and uncomfortable. It’s important to monitor your piercing closely during the healing process and seek medical advice if you notice any signs of embedding. By taking proper care of your piercing, you can prevent embedding and ensure that it heals properly.

• Lip piercing embedding

On the other hand, lip piercing embedding occurs when the jewelry sinks too deeply into the tissue surrounding the piercing, causing the skin to partially or completely cover the jewelry. Embedding can result from various factors, including improper jewelry insertion, incorrect jewelry size, swelling, infection, or allergic reactions. Embedding can lead to complications, such as infection, pain, and difficulty in removing the jewelry. It may require professional intervention to resolve the issue.

• Lip piercing nesting

Nesting, on the other hand, is a normal and expected part of the healing process for oral piercings like lip and tongue piercings. During nesting, the jewelry settles into the pierced tissue, and the tissue forms a pocket-like shape around the back of the jewelry. This helps protect the gums and teeth from getting scraped or damaged by the jewelry. Nesting typically does not cause any problems, as long as the jewelry can move freely within the pocket. In fact, some people even prefer the nested appearance and may attempt to induce it themselves.

What should you do when your lip piercing is embedding?

If you notice that your lip piercing is embedding, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Reach out to your piercer for guidance, as they may suggest removing the jewelry to allow the piercing to heal, or replacing it with a longer piece. Keep your piercing clean by using a saline solution regularly, and choose jewelry made from hypoallergenic metals to prevent allergic reactions.

If you’re unable to visit your piercer immediately, gently move the jewelry to avoid it becoming more embedded, cleanse the area with a saline solution, and consider taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to reduce swelling. Try not to touch or irritate the piercing, and always wash your hands before handling it.

If your piercing is already embedded, it’s crucial to remove it promptly to avoid infection. Although it’s best to seek assistance from your piercer, if that’s not possible, you can attempt to remove the jewelry yourself. Apply pressure on the opposite side of the embedded area to expose the back of the jewelry. Once visible, hold the back of the piercing, unscrew the opposite end, and gently remove the jewelry.

How to Keep Your Lip Piercing Clean to Avoid Embedding?

Proper aftercare is crucial in preventing embedding and ensuring a healthy healing process for your lip piercing. Follow these steps to keep your lip piercing clean and avoid embedding:

• Clean your piercing regularly: Use a saline solution or a pre-mixed piercing aftercare spray to clean the area gently. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can be too harsh and hinder the healing process.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth and use an alcohol-free mouthwash at least twice a day. This will help keep the inside of your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid touching your piercing: Touching your lip piercing with messy hands can lead to the introduction of bacteria and increase the risk of infection.If you must touch your piercing, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.
• Avoid irritating substances: Stay away from makeup, lotions, and other cosmetic products around your piercing. These can cause irritation and potentially lead to embedding.
• Be cautious with food and drinks: Avoid spicy and acidic foods, as well as alcohol, during the initial healing period. They can irritate the piercing and delay the healing process.

Can skin grow over lip piercing back?

Skin growing over a piercing is a potential occurrence, and it is not uncommon. This can happen shortly after getting a new piercing or even after an extended period.

The “skin” covering the piercing might be a variety of things, including keloids, lumps, or fluid-filled bumps. This growth could be due to the body’s efforts to heal the area, an overgrowth of fibrous tissue, an allergic reaction, or irritation around the piercing.

Regrettably, this issue can escalate over time, as it may become difficult or impossible to remove the metal if the skin fully encases it. Therefore, if you notice skin growing over your piercing, it is advisable to remove the jewelry and let the wound heal.

What Other Piercings are Prone to Embedding?

While embedding can potentially occur with any type of body piercing, certain piercings are more susceptible to this complication. Ear cartilage piercings, such as helix, tragus, and conch piercings, are prone to embedding due to the rigidity and tightness of the cartilage. Additionally, facial piercings, like eyebrow and lip piercings, are more susceptible to embedding because of the constant movement and potential for irritation. Nipple and navel piercings can also experience embedding if not cared for properly.

FAQs

What is nesting in lip piercings?

Nesting occurs when the jewelry sinks into the pierced tissue and forms a pocket-like shape around the back of the jewelry.

What is lip piercing embedding?

Lip piercing embedding is when the jewelry sinks into the pierced tissue and gets stuck, sometimes causing complications like infections or scarring.

Can skin grow over a lip piercing?

Yes, skin can grow over a piercing, which can cause problems because you won’t be able to remove the metal.

What causes lip piercing embedding?

Lip piercing embedding can be caused by using the wrong bar length, having the piercing inserted incorrectly, or when a piercing is not allowed to heal properly and becomes infected.

How can I prevent lip piercing embedding?

You can prevent lip piercing embedding by using quality metal like steel or titanium, choosing an experienced piercer, cleaning your piercing regularly with a saline solution, and using appropriately sized jewelry that can accommodate swelling.

Is it normal to have an embedded lip piercing?

It is somewhat common for lip piercings to experience a nesting phase after being freshly done. However, a fully embedded lip piercing is not considered normal and may indicate a problem. If the piercing sinks excessively into the tissue, the skin starts to cover the jewelry, or the piercing feels tightly lodged in its pocket, it is crucial to address the issue to avoid complications.