Understanding Lobe Piercings and Their Healing Process
Introduction
Earning a new lobe piercing can be exciting, but it's also important to understand the healing process to ensure it's successful and does not get infected. This article explores how long it takes for a lobe piercing, particularly one that has been infected, to heal and the factors that influence this timeline.
How Long Does It Take for a Lobe Piercing to Heal?
The healing time for a lobe piercing can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, a lobe piercing can start to close fairly quickly if the jewelry is removed, but the exact timing depends on individual factors such as overall health, body chemistry, and proper aftercare.
Initial Stages of Healing
Within the first few hours to a few days after removing the jewelry, the hole may start to shrink or partially close. During this period, it's crucial to keep the piercing clean and avoid touching it to prevent infection.
After a Week or More
After around a week, the piercing may close entirely or become very tight, making it difficult to reinsert the jewelry without re-piercing. To avoid this, it is best to keep the jewelry in or reinsert it soon after removal.
Preventing Closure
If you wish to maintain the piercing, you could try a thin placeholder earring. This helps to keep the hole open and promotes healing.
Personal Experience: A Lobe Piercing Gone Wrong
One memorable experience of mine involved accidentally leaving a huggie out of my ear for a few hours. Changing the earring back was a piece of cake, but it served as a reminder of the importance of ongoing aftercare and monitoring the piercing.
Differences in Piercings and Healing Capacities
While some people may see their piercings close within a couple of minutes, this is very rare. Most piercings, especially those involving the lobe, can take several weeks to fully heal. Individuals with different bodies and healing capacities may experience varying times.
Factors Influencing Healing Time
The healing time for a lobe piercing can be influenced by several factors, including the initial piercing technique, the size and type of jewelry used, and personal health conditions. Piercings performed using a gun can result in more scarring and slower healing, whereas piercings performed using a needle tend to heal with less scarring and faster results.
Silver Earrings and First Piercings
For first piercings, silver earrings are often recommended as they are less likely to cause allergic reactions and promote faster healing. Using appropriate jewelry can significantly reduce the risk of infection and complications.
Professional Piercings and Healing Records
Professional piercing shops can provide valuable insights into the healing process. For example, the highest healing record I’ve heard of is 3 weeks for a cartilage piercing. In my own case, the healing process took 6 months to be half completed due to the use of a piercing gun and the length of the initial bar.
Identifying a Fully Healed Piercing
To determine if your lobe piercing has fully healed, consider the following criteria: If the piercing doesn't hurt when inserting a new piece of jewelry, it's likely healed. No bleeding should occur when removing and cleaning the jewelry. A clear, smooth hole should be present, free of visible indicators suggest that the healing process has been successful and the piercing is ready to stay open for good.
Conclusion
Understanding the healing process of a lobe piercing is essential for maintaining its longevity and overall health. Proper aftercare, suitable jewelry, and patient monitoring all play crucial roles in ensuring a smooth recovery. Remember that every piercing is unique, and individual healing times can vary. For questions or concerns, consulting a professional piercer is always a wise choice.